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Free to good homes. It is also a strong and powerful breed, making it ideal for a variety of roles, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and service dog. I have 3 male and 5 female puppies. We have 5 puppies available for any information feel free to contact me thank you. German shepherd puppies. German shepherd puppies for sale. German shepherd husky mix puppies. Feel free to call or message me for a time or day if needed to meet them. Have 2 7 month old german shepherd puppies we can no longer keep due to relocating into an apartment where no pets allowed. They will be large dogs so they will need a fenced in yard or land to run. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Will meet within reasonable distance. The first site you should consider using when looking for free German Shepherd puppies on Craigslist is Petfinder. Using this website, you can find puppies from as far away as Texas and Missouri. Our other pup is not getting along well with him so we have to let him go! He is. Using this website, you can find. Look like German shepherd. Do not want to relinquish dogs to a. For rehoming fee and more information feel free to call, text,or email. Telp : WA : Email : admin daarulhikmah. This website offers dog listings by breed, age, sex, and location. Two-year-old male German shepherd great temperament great family dog. Would come with free outside houses as well as indoor crates if you would like them. Shopping Plaza in Sukadiri, Banten. Free to a good home. Jual Anjing Herder German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is an excellent companion for those looking for a loyal and intelligent pet. They're vaccines are up to date. They will have had all biweekly. Hello we are having to rehome our 13 week German Shepherd puppy. He is absolutely adorable and very active!! Feel free to message with any questions. Golden Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Must go! I can't afford to feed them. Find Puppies for Sale at Puppies. German Shepard male fixed 2. German shepherd Free to good home. Very sweet and lovable puppies. German Shepherd Dog. German shepherd husky puppy. We have 1 male, black long hair looking for a forever home. SF bay area pets "german shepherd". German shepherd Husky. Also have 2 collars and leashes. Both parents full German Shepherd. Mom German shepherd long hair. Mom is German shepherd long hair. Puppies will not be registered. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. There is a rehoming fee! The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. Finding your puppy is completely free, easy, and it only takes a few minutes to sign up. In contrast, buying German Shepherd Dogs from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. They will have had all biweekly deworming 2 check ups, a starter kit with food, harness and leash, collar, toy, and puppy pads. Silakan datang atau hubungi operator Desa untuk mendapatkan kode PIN anda. A National Breed Club Parent Club is a national organization that is dedicated to the preservation, protection and advancement of a dog breed. History of the German Shepherd Dog. He has shots, deworming, and AKC papers. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in the late 19th century. German Shepherd Puppies Orange Park. German Shepherd puppies to rehome. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale near me. Free German Shepherd Puppies. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold.

These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. Contact Us for litters and reservations for litters. The success of Vom Banach K9 dogs out in the world, and the happiness of Vom Banach K9 owners, is due in part to the effort we make to ensure that you have the absolute right puppy for your situation, whatever it is. We literally spend hundreds of hours with our puppies from the moment they are born in our home until the time they are ready to leave for their new home with you. Whether you seek a devoted family pet, or a prospect for SAR, detection, Shutzhund, Police K9, competitive obedience and agility, or nose work, we will help select the right puppy for you. An important part of the process is speaking to you to learn about you and the dog that will best meet your needs and expectations. In advance of that conversation, please fill out the form below and click on Submit when completed. Thanks very much. Vom Banach K9 German Shepherd puppies are happy, healthy, well-socialized and confident. Our German Shepherd puppies are known for their loyalty, affection, eagerness to please, work ethic, and rich dark black sable, sable, and solid black coats. Shipping by air is fast, safe, convenient, and cost-effective. We use only airlines that have demonstrated a solemn commitment to animal travel over the last 26 years. Vom Banach K9 uses only certified airline-approved crates. For information on our current litters please Contact Us. Your browser does not support the video tag. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. Still, all color variants of the German Shepherd are still the same breed. They have similar personalities, intelligence, and other traits that generally define the German Shepherd breed. Sable German Shepherds are mostly used as security or police dogs, this is due to the somewhat fierce look the coat color gives off. If you are thinking of adopting or adding a German Shepherd of sable coat color into the family and you have no idea which breeders in America offer the sable German Shepherd or where to start, then you certainly are on the right page. One key way to start your search then is to search for a decent or reputable sable German Shepherd breeder, and this might be quite hard considering the sable German Shepherd is a little rare. With that being said, this article provides you with a list of some very good German Shepherd breeders in the United States that breed the sable-colored German Shepherd. These are responsible breeders that have displayed good breeding practices with their program. We have also included their various contact details to help make it easier to get in touch with any of the breeders. It is important that you only view this list as a guide to help you with locating the best breeder for you. With that being said, please do ensure that you read this article till the very end, as it promises to be useful. They are a well-experienced professional German Shepherd breeder that produces well-bred dogs that make great family dogs, military dogs, police dogs, and border control dogs. Their dogs are given the necessary training to make them suitable work dogs. The breeding facility is located in Oakland, California. Kreative Kennels uses some of the finest possible sires and dams from impressive bloodlines. They are true working dogs that are carefully selected from Czech and West German bloodlines. They are titled dogs with impeccable pedigrees. They have German Shepherds of different coat colors but they have a strong liking for the rich coat of the sable German Shepherd dog. Their dogs all have their genetic health tested and they each have good working orthopedic parts. Every German Shepherd puppy they produce is raised in a large kennel in Oakland California. Michael Osmundson is the owner and head breeder, he has a well-equipped well experienced team that helps with properly socializing and training the puppies. They provide all the needed love, care, and attention. They operate a state-of-the-art kennel facility that helps each puppy get all the training they need to become great police dogs, service dogs, and a lot more.

Boxer Dog Snoring Overview If your Boxer puppy or dog snores, you may find this endearing, insomnia inducing or worrisome, depending on how loud it is and how often it occurs. It's interesting to note that while canines can breathe through both the nose and mouth like us , and do alternate between the two while awake, when a dog is sleeping, even if his mouth is hanging open, the majority of the time he will be breathing through his nose. This is due to canine instinct to pick up the scent of possible threats even when sleeping and if one of interest is detected, this will often be enough to wake up the dog. It is not uncommon for Boxer dogs to snore, though super heavy snoring may point to certain health issues or the need for correction of one of several anatomy issues that this breed is prone to. In this section, we are going to cover: What causes snoring noises with the Boxer breed How much snoring is normal for this breed What you need to know about snoring and sleep apnea Ways to help stop a Boxer from loud, chronic snoring Possible health issues related to snoring Tyson, 3 months old Photo courtesy of Sairaj What Causes a Boxer Dog to Snore Anatomy- When a dog breathes normally and is not snoring, he draws air into the nose and it gently passes by the soft palate the back of the roof of the mouth and is inhaled into the lungs. The reason why so many Boxers snore is because of the facial structure of this breed. Being a Brachycephalic breed somewhat flat, compressed face as opposed to dogs that have longer snouts , it is common for a Boxer to have: Stenotic nares narrow nostrils Elongated soft palate We will dive into medical issues ahead, however some Boxers will also have: Hypoplastic trachea - The trachea is surrounded by rings of cartilage; with this there is abnormal growth of these rings, which causes the trachea to be too narrow. Other signs beside snoring are coughing and labored breathing while awake. Everted Laryngeal Saccules - Tissue that is located very close to the vocal cords is pulled into the windpipe, causing an obstruction. Of these 4 elements, it is often the elongated soft palate that is the culprit with chronic, heavy snoring that occurs without any other concerns such as trouble breathing, coughing, etc. The palate also referred to as the velum or muscular palate is soft tissue that is located in the back of the mouth. This somewhat innocent piece of flesh actually plays quite a few important roles. There are 5 muscles located within it: 1. The tensor veli palatine muscle, which helps a dog swallow 2. The palatoglossus muscle, which also aides in swallowing 3. The levator veli palatine muscle, which is the 3rd one that helps a dog swallow food 4. The palatopharyngeus muscle, which aids in breathing 5. The musculus uvulae muscle, this works to move the uvula the piece of flesh you can see hanging down at the top of a dog's throat behind the soft palate and this plays a role for such things as not allowing food to enter the nasal cavity, is involved with the gag reflex and with vocalizations. So, while the soft palate is a necessary part of a dog's anatomy, with Boxers and other brachycephalic breeds, this tissue can be much longer in relation to the size of the mouth than with dogs that have long snouts. With snoring, as air passes by the extra flesh, it causes it to vibrate against the back of the throat and that is the noise that you hear. These may be contact, seasonal pollen, etc. Dental issues - If a dog has an infected tooth, the infection can travel up into the nasal cavities causing inflammation that leads to snoring. If this suspected, you will want to rule this out since an untreated tooth infection can eventually spread to vital organs including the brain and heart. All Boxers should have their teeth brushed at home, be given quality dental treats and have yearly oral examinations by a reputable veterinarian. Aspergillosis - While this fungal disease is rare, it should not be ruled out, especially for those that live in an area where a Boxer puppy or dog may have access to hay piles, mounds of grass clippings, dead leaves, compost piles and the like where this particular mold can grow. Foreign Body - We all know how Boxers are capable of swallowing things that they shouldn't which can lead to internal blockage in some cases and it is also always possible that a pebble or other object has become lodged in the nose. With this, there will be sudden onset snoring with a dog that previously did not have a snoring problem. The Boxer may also paw at his nostril. While you may be able to see the culprit by looking up the dog's nose with a flashlight, some Boxers will snort super deep and the object will be sucked up the nose, too far for you to see it. In most cases, a vet can detect it and remove it rather quickly. Being overweight - It is not uncommon for senior Boxers to have some weight gain and not have that super sleek, muscled look that they did when younger. Excess fat, especially around the neck and chest, can cause bulky throat tissue which exasperates any current issue with the soft palate common with this breed. Since canine obesity is linked to diabetes, can cause orthopedic issues, puts a strain on the heart and is generally known to shorten a dog's life span by 6 to 12 months, you'll want to stay on top of this. If your Boxer is too heavy and has a snoring problem, you'll want to speak to your vet regarding a gradual decrease of calories while keeping quantity the same; accomplished by switching out high calorie ingredients for low calorie foods such as vegetables and slowly increasing daily exercise. How Much Snoring is Normal While there is no official percentage, more Boxer dogs snore than those that do not. This will vary from light, random snoring that is barely noticeable unless your Boxer's head is right near you while he's sleeping… to rather loud snoring that can be quite intense especially in an otherwise quiet home. The sound of snoring with many Boxers can be summed up by the phrase 'sawing logs' though with some Boxers it can be a wet, gurgling sound or a rather raspy snorting noise. It can sometimes be difficult for owners to know how much snoring is normal for Boxer dogs… And some things to look at are: Does it interfere with his sleeping? More ahead on related consequences of snoring Bella Fiora Is the Boxer making other noises when awake, such as gasping or choking sounds? Does the Boxer have trouble breathing when exercising? If these concerns are present, this often points to an issue much larger than just snoring that may need to be corrected via surgery. Snoring and Sleep Apnea with Boxer Dogs If you think that snoring is harmless, you are not alone however this is not entirely accurate. Recent studies have linked canine snoring to sleep apnea which is a rather serious condition that can affect a dog's health and even his mood. This is not to say that every Boxer dog that snores is going to have this issue… however it is a good idea to take note of the signs and see if any of this rings true for your Boxer: Sleep apnea is a disruption of breathing during sleep. A dog may have times throughout the night when his breathing becomes very shallow or there can be periods lasting from 10 to 20 seconds when breathing stops altogether. Snoring is the main symptom of sleep apnea. And if a Boxer does have this, it can lead to being excessively sleepy during the daytime hypersomnia , having dry mouth problems or a sore throat, suffering from headaches and causing the dog to be irritable. If you believe that your Boxer may have this, it is important to bring this to the attention of the vet. Continued below Health Issues Related to Snoring with Boxer Dogs As we touched on above, it is very common for Boxer dogs to have the issues that are typically seen with Brachycephalic breeds. Most Boxers will have elongate soft palate to at least a minor degree and a good percentage of them will also have stenotic nares narrowed nostrils to a small degree… this is expected of the breed due to the facial structure. However, the key to keep in mind is that some Boxers will have moderate to severe issues with these that will need to be corrected with a relatively simple reconstructive procedure. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome - This is the medical term given if a dog has both elongate soft palate and stenotic nares, along with Hypoplastic trachea narrowed trachea or Everted Laryngeal Saccules tissue is pulled into the windpipe. Even with having the combination of all of these issues, a Boxer may only have the symptom of snoring, if they are mildly affected. Bruno's first week—7 weeks old, 12 pounds, 10 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. We adopted Bruno when he was 7 weeks old. We had to wait until he was ready to leave the breeder before we could pick him up and bring him home. The breeder's policy was not to let the pups go until they are 8 weeks old, however Bruno's mother had died at birth and therefore he was not going to get that extra week with her and because of a schedule conflict on our end she made an exception. We decided to crate train our new puppy. Most puppies will cry all night in the beginning days because they miss their mother and their littermates. I placed Bruno's crate in the kitchen since it has a floor that can easily be cleaned in case of an accident. Dreading the sound of a crying puppy all night, and knowing this was the first night away from his litter I told two of my children to set up camp on the kitchen floor next to the crate. I did not want to bring the pup into our bed since we do not plan on allowing him on the beds when he is older. It worked, Bruno slept in his crate and didn't yip all night because he was not alone. Allie, our adult Boxer and two of our children were next to his crate. This allowed Bruno to learn what the crate was for, yet not be left alone. Bruno was exhausted from his three-hour car ride home and all of the attention he was receiving. Amazingly enough, he slept until a. I jumped out of bed and ran down to take him out to pee. It was then time for breakfast, another trip outside and playtime. I was up for the day because when he woke up, he needed to be taken right outside to pee and poop. Then he was hungry. After he ate he needed to be taken immediately outside once again to go to the bathroom. After a puppy eats, it stimulates them and the vast majority of time, they need to eliminate, it's a rule of thumb with a puppy. Then he wanted to play. After all, he just woke up! No time like the present to get hyper and want to play. He had three accidents in the last two days, which is very good for a brand new puppy. If Bruno is out of his crate, he needs to be watched constantly. I don't mean watched from across the room, I mean watched as in "hovering over him watched" to ensure he does not pee, poop or chew anything he is not supposed to inside the house. During the day we try not to crate him. He's either being held, hovered over or outside. We are lucky enough to have a very large fenced yard for him. If we did not, he'd have to be walked on a leash to go to the bathroom, which would be much more time-consuming. We have to teach Bruno not to bite our hands and feet. Yes, it is cute now and kind of funny, but when he is pounds it will not be so cute anymore. Rule of thumb with a puppy: if you do not want him doing it when he is full grown, do not allow him to do it when he is a puppy. This includes sitting with him on the furniture. Another thing we must break him from is chasing our cats. Again, it's cute and funny now, but this tiny little Boxer puppy will not be tiny for long and our cats would not appreciate an adult dog chasing them around. Cats are smart, if we allow this to go on they may even decide to take up residence elsewhere. Allie the Boxer meets her new brother. Adult dogs usually do not attack puppies and Allie rather liked the little guy. She did have to put him in his place a few times, which is normal dog behavior. An adult dog will often growl at a puppy to let it know its behavior is not acceptable. For example, when Bruno wanted to play and Allie did not, she let out a small growl and stomped at the pup to tell him enough was enough. Bruno took the hint and backed off his play and started chewing on Allie's collar and dog tags instead. Allie didn't seem to mind getting her tags chewed. She realizes Bruno is just a baby. I am lucky enough to be home with the puppy. If I had to leave for work things would be much more complicated. Bruno is young and he can only hold his pee and poop for a certain amount of time. The point of crate training a dog is you put the dog in a small enough crate so there is only room to comfortably sleep. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. However, if you leave a young puppy in a crate for too long, they cannot physically hold it in and they must go, even on their bedding. If you allow this to happen, you are going backwards in your housebreaking. If you are going to be gone for many hours a day, longer than the puppy can physically hold it, it is better to pen the dog in an area such as the kitchen where the floors are easy to clean up and place some pee pads down. It is not fair to crate a puppy or dog longer then they can comfortably hold in their waste. It is much harder to housebreak a dog if you are not home. This can really give the puppy a bad start in life and will be no fault of its own when they do not understand the concept of housebreaking. Keep in mind, you cannot yell at a dog for something after the fact, you must catch it in the act. If you do not catch it in the act, your yelling is pointless and confusing to the dog. I am writing this at a. However, he will be up bright and early wanting to eliminate, eat and play.It's now a. Bruno had to go to the bathroom. I walked him outside to the spot where I prefer him to do his business. He peed and I decided to give him some time to see if he had to poop as well; he is still outside and I must go and check on my adorable bundle of a puppy.Bruno is back in his crate. Bruno is yipping. I instinctively go and see him. Goodnight, Bruno, you have a lot to learn my young puppy. Sshhhh, lets only hope he does not keep me up all night because I will have to put up with his yipping in order to teach him what nighttime means. As I type this he is yipping from his crate. I am off to shower and go to bed. I decide to let Bruno get a drink and put him outside with Allie one last time before I go to bed to ensure he does not have to go when I ignore his plea to come out of his crate. When I turned off the shower water I could hear Bruno yipping up a storm. It woke my 9 year old who was almost sleepwalking when she opened his crate to put him outside to pee. I did her the favor of taking the pup out and told her to go back to bed. I put Bruno outside. He stayed out for a few minutes then wanted back in. It is only his third night away from his littermates and he's a tiny pup. After getting the usual puppy kisses all over my neck yeah, nice after my shower, huh? I will give him a few minutes to get good and sleepy then place him back in his crate and hope for the best. Even with all of this work, I look at him like I did my newborn babies; I just love this little puppy! The next morning: 7 weeks and 3 days old a. Bruno's up, hungry and ready to play! Bruno is tired and ready to go back to sleep. But first, his head smells like pee; he must have rolled in it. Time to clean him up and then put him back to sleep. He's taken outside to go to the bathroom and to play. He is now awake for the day but will take numerous naps as puppies need a lot of sleep. We will try not to allow his naps to last for hours on end, as those long sleep periods should be adjusted to the middle of the night hours. This size crate is the perfect size for this puppy. There needs to be room to sleep, stretch out and stand, but not enough room for him to pee in one section and still have a dry place to sleep. It's Bruno's fourth day with us and he has already picked up on the concept that his crate is the place to sleep without being disturbed. We are not being extra quiet as it is the middle of the day and he must get used to noises. Also most of his quiet sleep should be adjusted for the middle of the night. He'll soon wake to eat his lunch, go to the bathroom and play. He'll be awake for a few hours and then need another nap. This crate may be perfect for now, but very soon he'll outgrow it and we'll have to get him a larger one. I let Bruno sleep for two hours and decided it was time to wake him. As soon as he turns his hours around and is sleeping through the night I will no longer worry about the length of his daytime naps. I know he can sleep through the night; he did it the first two nights, but not the third. Bruno's 4th night: 7weeks and 4days old Bruno woke up at a. I came downstairs and put him outside. He peed and pooped. I carried him back to his crate and closed it. He laid down, then a few minutes later he started crying again. I walked back to the kitchen and was about to tell him to be quiet and give him a bone to chew when some motherly instinct inside me opened the crate door. Bruno walked out of his crate and over to my feet then sat down, leaning on my leg. I picked up the little fellow, he put his head on my shoulder and started to go back to sleep. My typical advice would be to put the puppy back in the crate if you are sure he no longer has to go to the bathroom, however I walked over to the rocking chair and rocked him back to sleep. I then put him back in his crate and he woke back up in the process, but this time he went to sleep and stayed asleep until a. He is just like a newborn baby and he's sweet as can be. Bruno's 5th night: 7 weeks and 5 days old Bruno woke up at a. I came down and took him outside and he went to the bathroom. I held him for just a bit until he calmed back down, then put him back in his crate and he fell back to sleep by a. Bruno woke up again. He was ready to play and eat his breakfast. I was beat, so at a. I tried putting him back in his crate to see if he would go back to sleep. It seemed like it just might work. I headed back to bed. At he started yipping just as I lay down. I went back to his crate and held a bone up to him to chew on and talked quietly to him. His eyes started drooping as he half chewed his bone still inside his crate. I waited there for just a bit until his eyes stayed closed for a minute or two, then I went back to bed for an hour. Housebreaking Bruno is now 7 weeks and 5 days old. He seemed to be doing so well with housebreaking. He was either inside being watched, in his crate or outside. As soon as he woke we put him outside to pee. He is not in his crate unless he's sleeping. Bruno was falling asleep so I decided to put him in his crate for a nap. As I leaned down to put him in his crate I smelled something. I felt his blankets and sure enough they were damp. Bruno had been peeing in his crate and sleeping in it! I changed his bedding and he seemed quite pleased. Now I have to figure out how to stop him when he's not doing it in front of me. The crate is not too large, which would have been my first advice to someone, to check the crate size. He is only 7 weeks. Maybe I am not always hearing him wake up in the middle of the night. At this age, puppies can only physically hold it for so long before they have to go, no matter what. Baby monitor??? Bruno smells like pee from sleeping in his crate. Time for a bath. Bruno's 6th night: 7 weeks and 6 days old Bruno was up at a. I let him out to pee. He went back to sleep shortly after and re-awoke at a. Bruno peed in his crate again, in the very back corner. I had to throw his bedding in the wash again and replace it with new bedding. His crate is not too large. I believe I need to watch how much he drinks right before bedtime. Puppies at this age have small bladders and cannot physically hold it in for too long. Bruno asked to come back inside the house and wanted to curl up in my lap, which means he's ready to go back to sleep. I put him back in his crate with the fresh bedding. Allie and Bruno sharing the dog bed. Yes, I do believe they like one another. Why Bruno.Bruno peed on his dog bed, the bed we keep on the porch for him. I had to hose his bed off and prop it up to dry. This is him asking mommy why she got his bed all wet with the hose. Actually, it is him discovering some new and interesting smells the moisture is bringing out from the bed!

If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Due to their high food drive, many Golden Retrievers become overweight or obese. Keeping a Golden Retrieve at an ideal weight is critical to their health and well-being. Fortunately, there are signs that Golden Retrieve owners can use to know if their dogs are becoming overweight or too fat. In addition, it will be difficult to feel the ribs, and the waist will lack an obvious taper and may protrude. One of the best things you can do to keep your Golden Retriever healthy is to keep it at an ideal weight. A Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese is at much higher risk for joint issues and other health issues. If you believe your Golden Retriever is too fat, then work with your veterinarian to put your Golden on a healthy, calorie-reduced diet to get it back into the ideal range. Knowing precisely if your Golden Retriever is too fat is discussed in detail in the following section. To determine if your Golden Retriever is becoming overweight or, worst yet, obese, there are a few guidelines you can use. To know if your Golden Retriever is overweight, look at it from above and from the side, and feel the ribs. The waist taper will look barely visible or absent, and there may be abdominal distention and visible fat at the base of the tail. The heavier the fat deposits on the ribs, the more difficult they will be to feel. While the breed standard can be helpful to understand the range a typical Golden Retriever may fall within, it is far more critical to know the average for YOUR dog. Hold up. I wrote an article on how to know if your Golden Retriever is too skinny. While it is much more common for a Golden Retriever to be overweight than underweight, it does happen. Signs to Look For. Keep in mind that breed standards are used for registered and papered dogs and those used in dog shows or competitions. In addition, it provides a judging criterion. So, you might get a Golden Retriever that is heavier than the breed standard and still at a healthy weight. In a similar vein, be careful of the ideal weight ranges given for a dog breed found on various websites and searches. Again, those can be useful in a general sense to determine where a vast majority of a particular breed falls. Still, the ranges do not consider individual differences. Dogs are unique, just like us. He is purebred, not papered or registered, and at just over a year old, is almost 90 lbs. His father was within the breed standard, as was his mother. So, we assumed he would be too. He is not. If your Golden Retriever begins to add a few pounds over its ideal weight, it is most likely time to take action. However, weighing your dog is not the easiest of things. So, the following suggestions rely on sight and feel and can be reliable gauges to know when your Golden Retriever is becoming too fat. When looking at your Golden Retriever from above, it should have a noticeable waist and a nice taper from the ribs to the back legs. Almost like the shape of a wasp. From the side, the abdomen should NOT protrude. Suppose your Golden Retriever is too fat or becoming overweight. In that case, the waist from above will not be obvious with little to no taper, or the waist may look round or rotund. The abdomen will be distended or sagging down from the side, and there is NO abdominal tuck. Instead, the abdomen should curve upward from the end of the chest toward the hindquarters. As a guide, the graphic below is a handy downloadable reference guide. Now, I understand that it can be hard to visualize how to do these things. In North America, canine obesity is prevalent. Not only is obesity preventable, but the risk for health consequences for an overweight Golden Retriever rises substantially with its weight. In general, overweight or obese Golden Retrievers are at an increased risk for diabetes, joint issues, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease, heatstroke, and many types of cancer. The health consequences for overweight in Golden Retrievers are sobering. Moreover, obesity is preventable with daily exercise and watching how much your Golden Retriever eats. If the health consequences are not enough for pet owners to keep their Golden Retrievers at a healthy weight, then consider the cost. I wrote an article on the health consequences of Golden Retrievers and the associated cost. Spoiler alert: it can be expensive. The study looked at 50, dogs spanning 12 breeds, including the Golden Retriever. The study noted that a normal-weight male Golden Retriever lives for .In contrast, an overweight male Golden Retriever lives only .The corresponding data for female Golden Retrievers are similar at .The message is clear. Of course, in rare instances, obesity may result from some health issues. Your Golden Retriever may be too fat because it eats more calories than it expends. Calorie excess can be due to lack of exercise, eating too frequently or too much, or ingesting too many snacks. Weight gain can also result from underlying health issues, so check with your vet to rule out any medical cause. If medical problems are ruled out, then sadly, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the pet owner. Golden Retrievers, in particular, are a very active breed that requires a lot of daily activity. Upwards of 60 minutes or more. Limiting snacks and monitoring feeding amounts and frequency are the other pieces of the weight loss puzzle discussed in the next section. Before putting your Golden Retriever on a weight loss program, it is essential to have your vet perform a complete physical examination and provide guidance on how best to proceed. Work with your vet to develop a healthy weight loss plan for your dog that includes safe amounts of food and exercise. It is essential to ensure that your Golden Retriever receives dog food lower in calories while maintaining an optimum balance of nutrients. Unfortunately, calorie reduction often comes at the expense of fewer nutrients, so your veterinarian is the best source for recommending a good dog food for your Golden Retriever. Next, make sure your Golden Retriever receives the appropriate portions and is fed at designated feeding intervals throughout the day. Vegetables and fruits make healthy snacks that are typically calorie sparse and nutrient-dense. If you need to know which vegetables and fruits are best, check out these articles I wrote. I also list which ones to avoid since some can cause stomach issues or even be deadly. Can Golden Retrievers Eat Fruit? Good Fruit Options Versus Bad Exercise, the last piece of the weight loss puzzle, is a bit more tricky. Walking is one of the best exercises and has low impact. However, it is best to start any exercise program slowly and begin with shorter sessions. Swimming is also a great exercise, it is joint-friendly, and Golden Retrievers love to swim. Once your Golden Retriever has reached a healthy weight, running is an excellent activity for keeping the dog fit and lean. If you are curious if Golden Retrievers make good running companions, consider taking a few minutes to read this article next: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever Some precautions to be aware of when exercising your Golden Retriever are noted below, with recommended readings if you need more detail on those potential issues. If exercising your Golden Retriever in the heat, be very careful of heatstroke. To ensure you know what temperatures are safe and how to recognize signs of heatstroke and what to do if it occurs , then read my article on that very topic: Golden Retrievers In Hot Weather: Keeping Them Cool. Frigid cold temperatures are the other end of the spectrum. And frostbite and hyperthermia are the risks. Overweight dogs are at risk for lung disorders, osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, lameness and oral disease, among others. And older dogs are at the greatest risk as they tend to have less active lives. So how can you tell if your dog is overweight? Stand above your dog and look down on her. Is there a waist between that rib cage and hips? It should make an hourglass figure. Now run your hands lightly over their frame. Can you feel the back bone and ribs? Can you feel the pelvic bone? When you look at them from the side, can you see a visible waist? Is their tummy tucked in? If so, then you are probably feeding your dog a healthy diet. But if not, perhaps a little weight loss program is in order. Where to start? Bring the subject up with your vet. Ask him to help you determine a healthy weight for your dog. Then work out a plan that includes a high quality dog food. Remember that our pets need considerably less volume than humans. For a 50 lb. Feed your golden twice a day and do not permit grazing — once they finish their meal, remove the food bowl. Most adult dogs require 1 cup of kibble twice a day. Supplement their food with vegetables and fruits such as carrots, green beans, cucumber sticks, zucchini, apples seeds, stems and leaves removed oranges, bananas or watermelon. Note: Grapes and raisins are toxic to your pet! As much as we love to spoil our pets that steak bone with the fat left on it may be tasty — but it is as harmful to your pet as it is to you. Next, get that couch potato moving! Increase activity with walks and playtime. Rather than allowing your golden to roam the back yard, hook up that leash and wiggle down the sidewalk with your best buddy. Find time for a quick game of fetch before you leave for work in the morning or pair up with a neighbor to walk dogs together. Above all, enjoy the friendship of your golden for years to come by keeping them healthy and fit. Losing a pound or two a month is a good target to start with. You and your pet will be healthier and have more years together. The above information is not meant to replace professional advice from a licensed veterinarian. Woof Trax! How about using the time you walk your dog to assist us?? At the end of the week donations are paid out to the rescues proportionally to the total distance walked. Weight loss diet vs exercise? For the gorgeous Golden Retriever , the data is even more distressing. The friendly and devoted Golden is instantly recognizable for their kind eyes; floppy ears; and long, lustrous coat of golden fur that gives them their name. Bred as a Scottish gundog in the early s, the energetic breed was built to retrieve waterfowl. This muscular dog bears a wolflike physique and moves with a graceful, athletic bearing. Swimming, fetching, running and jumping come naturally for this active dog. So why is the Golden Retriever getting fat in such alarming numbers? It might seem as though your Golden Retriever is always hungry. Biologically, dogs are descended from wolves and have an innate drive to constantly scavenge for food. For domestic dogs, this means begging and mooching. Snacks can cause weight gain and make exercise more difficult, which leads to gaining even more weight. However, there may be other reasons why the Golden Retriever seems to have a problem with weight gain. A study done at the University of Cambridge found a deletion in the canine POMC gene is associated with weight and appetite in Labrador Retrievers and flat-coated Retrievers. Is My Golden Retriever Fat? A full-grown male Golden Retriever should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. A female should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. However, these are guidelines and there are ranges that fall within the parameters of normal weight based on genetics, shape and size. The best way to tell if your Golden Retriever is fat is by looking at him from different angles and feeling for his ribs. Look at your dog from the side. His tummy should tuck up from the chest between the ribs and hind legs. There should be an upward curve from the chest to the hind legs. Stand above your dog and look down at him. You should see an inward curve at the waist. Another way to tell is by feeling for his ribs. Put your hands on either side of his rib cage. Using gentle pressure, you should be able to feel each of his ribs. Start at the chest, and run your hands along his body. Are Fat Golden Retrievers Unhealthy? You may be wondering whether it matters if your Golden is packing some extra pounds. Increased Health Risks for Fat Golden Retrievers Carrying extra weight creates numerous health problems and can make existing ones even worse for the Golden Retriever. Being overweight can also be hard on joints and bones. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. This serious condition can cause pain, lameness and arthritis of the joints. Being overweight can increase the negative effects of hip and elbow dysplasia. Studies show that obesity leads to the development of numerous other diseases in dogs, including diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Respiratory, renal function and health can also be adversely affected. Cancer is a big problem for the Golden Retriever. Obesity has not been linked to the development of cancer in dogs. This includes table scraps, bits of food your kids sneak him, nibbles he finds on the floor and anything else he eats between meals. For some dogs, eliminating treats might be enough to get him down to an acceptable weight. Natural foods are better snack choices than prepackaged treats. Raw vegetables and fruit are low in calories and have the benefit of adding nutrition to his diet. The first thing to do is to reduce each portion by around a third. After four days if they are not beginning to lose weight you can drop by another third, and continue in this manner until you start to see visible changes in your dog. Once their weight reaches a healthy level you can slightly up their ratio size to stabilise them. Exercising a Fat Golden Retriever Exercise will help with weight loss, but it is rarely a good solution by itself. If your dog is very overweight you will need to up their step count slowly so as not to cause further medical issues. A dog the size of a Golden Retriever carrying too much weight will often form sores and calluses on its hocks and elbows due to the extra pressure put on these areas when laying down. And an overweight Golden lays down a lot! Finally, and most importantly, the average lifespan of an overweight dog is decreased by up to 2 years, and they have a lower quality of life and maybe even unnecessary suffering during the years they do have. Scary stuff indeed! Additionally, there will always be outliers with some Goldens being short and particularly small, others particularly tall and large. A female Golden Retriever should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. If you have a Golden whose ideal weight is 70 pounds and they actually weigh 85, this is .I weigh about 11 stone or pounds. If I was .This is the equivalent of me carrying a 3-year-old child around with me all day, every day. To me this is astonishing. But for many people seeing an pound Golden, they rarely give it a second thought or think it at all abnormal. In fact, most people when they see an ideal weight Golden Retriever actually comment that the dog looks thin and underweight! Is Your Golden Retriever Overweight? How Does your Golden Look? Not as pronounced as a whippet or greyhound, but visible nonetheless. Furthermore, if you stand over your Golden looking down from above you should see the classic hourglass figure. There should be curves where their body tucks in between the ribs and hind legs. How Do your Goldens Ribs Feel? Putting your hand on either side of your Goldens chest, with just very gentle pressure almost lightly touching you should be able to feel every rib. Also, if you start with your hands on your Goldens chest and run them down their body toward the back-end, you should be able to feel a definite waist. Obviously, if they start to look drastically overweight and quite visibly so, then you should take some action. But this is something you will very rarely see. They will reach full height at some point between 12 and 18 months old, but still be filling out and building muscle after this time. So a puppy should rarely be put on a diet, particularly because malnutrition may then become a problem. But make sure to ask your vet about their weight during each visit so you can have an informed second opinion. How To Help Your Overweight Golden Retriever Lose Weight The very first thing you have to do before tackling the problem of an overweight Golden, would be to take them to the vet for a check-up and to get some professional advice. Sometimes excess weight is caused by medical problems , for instance, due to low thyroid function or fluid retention, and this must be ruled out before any diet or exercise is given. Secondly, there are many problems that a diet or exercise might make worse. For instance, if your dog is arthritic or has dysplasia and you start an increased exercise regimen, you could make these problems worse and cause discomfort and pain. But once given the all clear medically, there are a few things you can do to help your Golden Retriever lose weight. Keep An Eye On Treats Treats when training, scraps from the table, a biscuit from your children, and snacks found and eaten when out and about, all add up and sometimes to a surprisingly high amount of calories. And if your children, spouse, other family members or visitors ever give your Golden little treats, these simply must be stopped. Inform everybody and tell them why. And table scraps should be stopped completely. And please note if you do feed human food snacks, always be mindful of what you feed because although many foods are safe, some are toxic and a good number fit only somewhere in the middle as explained very well in this article: Can dogs eat bananas? Exercise A simple fact is if the calories in are greater than the calories used, then a dog will gain weight. If calories in are less than the calories used then a dog will lose weight. So you should aim to increase the overall activity levels of your Golden. This will have a dramatic effect on their weight but not only this, it will also improve their overall health in many ways as well as enrich their lives. A word of caution though. You should introduce exercise slowly and gently before building up the intensity. You cannot ask an overweight dog to suddenly start chasing tennis balls and jumping logs and streams. This can cause many problems and particularly damage to their joints. Start slowly with 20 minutes of power walking on flat ground. Then over the course of days introduce slopes and hills. Once their fitness increases and the weight starts to drop off, introduce gentle jogging and playing fetch. And of course, swimming is always a great form of exercise for any Golden Retriever. If you have an overweight Golden and this is how you feed them, you need to make a change. Maintaining weight works best when fed on a fixed schedule. Secondly, you should feed your dog twice each day and not just once. Feed them first thing in the morning and once in the early evening. Food absorption becomes highly efficient, and the body tries to hang on to as much fat and energy as possible due to few opportunities to refuel. This promotes weight gain so we want to avoid this. Choice Of Food There are many, many different brands and types of dog food on the market. Some of these foods are high in fat, high in fillers, high in cheap low quality foodstuffs, and more besides. Find a high-quality and nutritious dog food that your Golden enjoys and stick with it. Just feed quality food in the correct amount and exercise your golden. Measure The Food You Give Your Golden Almost all dog foods come with guidance on the packet stating how much to feed your Golden Retriever but you have to remember that these are just guidelines. They simply cannot be right for all dogs whose size and exercise levels vary greatly. It also has to be said that many owners fail to measure the amount of food they give their dogs at all. The weight should start to fall off. And of course, going forward, all other things like treats and exercise remaining constant, you can control their weight by carefully measuring what they eat, adjusting up and down depending on their current look and feel. Conclusion Most dogs, and especially Golden Retrievers, will eat themselves to death if given the chance. Obesity and being overweight directly lead to many health problems and for those unfortunate dogs who have existing medical conditions, carrying excess weight can make things worse. Shaving off any extra pounds will give them more mobility and ease their pain and suffering, directly leading to a higher quality of life. If your dog is overweight, now is the time to act. A fit and healthy dog is a happy dog, with a higher quality of life to enjoy for a longer amount of time. Related articles:.

Lifespan Sociability The price of this pup will vary widely depending on the breeder as well as the cost of the parents. The litter size can also affect the price. If the breeder runs tests on the puppy to check for genetic health concerns, it can also increase the cost while providing you with a healthier dog. These dogs are clever and watchful. They will fit in with your family if you have kids and you will be most happy. The Boxer parent gets its name for the way it fights. Often swinging its paws like a boxer. The Boxer lineage can be traced back to Assyrian Empire war dogs. The parents of Golden Boxer. They love playing with and entertaining children, and they get along well with other pets. This breed is a little shy around strangers, so they are fantastic guard dogs, but they are not aggressive and quickly make friends. Too much isolation can cause depression or destructive behavior, which can include continuous barking. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It only barks a lot when upset and keeps a close eye on the house while you sleep. Regardless, the Golden Boxer makes friends quickly and likes to engage in play with cats as well as other dogs. It will even play with animals that enter the yard on many occasions. Avoid foods that use meat byproduct or other non-meat as its first ingredient. Following the instructions on the package serve the food in two to four smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. You will need to commit to a minimum of two hours of engaging activity per day, which will require you to walk more than 11 miles per week at a minimum. Positive reinforcement training using rewards for good behavior is the best method to achieve results. Positive reinforcement means to give your pet plenty encouraging cheers and pets along with tasty treats when they complete a task. Another thing to remember when training is not to drag the session out or try too many tricks at once. Either way, it will require daily brushing to help remove shedding hair as well as keep the coat looking nice. The longer double coat may also require frequent trimming and detangling. Its floppy ears will need regular cleaning, and you will need to make sure they stay dry to lessen the chance of an ear infection. Minor Conditions. However, for a better understanding of the history and character traits of the Golden Boxer, a look into its parent breed would be most ideal. The Golden Retriever, which is a much more gentle dog than the boxer has its origin traced down to the 19th Century. It was first bred in Scotland in the midth Century for the purpose of hunting and retrieving during waterfowl hunting. The breeding goal back then was to breed a perfect hunting companion that would be unmatched in the field while still having the calm and gentle nature to be a family and indoor dog. The Golden Retriever became a well-recognized dog breed in Britain by the 20th century and in the year , it became registered and recognized by the American Kennel Club. The high energetic, playful Boxer was first developed in Germany in an earlier period than the Golden Retriever, the 16th Century. It belongs to the Mastiffs Tibetan Line. The boxer is an excellent guard dog and was originally used as a war dog by the United States just the bulldog and German Shepard. This fearless, loyal canine won a total of 17 battles in its time and it quickly became one of the most decorated dogs of the early s. The Boxer got its name from its fighting style, when it attacks, it uses its paws in a way that resembles the fighting style of a boxer. The Boxer breed became widely recognized in the year when it became a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club. When it comes to friendliness, the Golden Boxer is a bit, unlike its Golden Retriever parent. It might bark at new faces to alert its owners of their presence. This particular character trait makes the Golden Boxer a great watchdog. When left alone, the Golden Boxer is a rather quiet dog and could spend a huge part of its day in silence. With proper socialization, the Golden Boxer could make a perfect companion for kids as well as other house pets. Its large size could make the designer breed quite harmful to babies and toddlers, so, do be careful and ensure that they avoid roughhousing and basically any form of teasing. As we have already established, Early socialization is key for the Golden Boxer. A well-socialized Golden Boxer would have no problem living with a fun-loving family with kids and other pets. This could lead to a few destructive habits building up like chewing on furniture or other things in the house and barking continuously. Golden Retriever Boxer Mix As we have already established, the Golden Boxer cross breed is a cross between A Golden Retriever and a Boxer, and hence, it could be like either parent, what matters is the level of appearance dominance of each parent on the hybrid. If your Golden Boxer looks more like its Golden Retriever parent, it would have a round-shaped head with an elongated muzzle. However, if the Golden Boxer looks more like its Boxer parent, do expect a square-headed shape and a short muzzle. When it comes to its ear features, the Golden Boxer looks more like its Golden Retriever parent having doggy ears that lay down. The ears also look perky and this gives the Golden Boxer its inquisitive look. The eyes of the Golden Boxer are oval in shape, hazel or brown in color and its feet are medium-sized, round, and compact. Food Requirements of the Golden Boxer Both parent breeds of the Golden Boxer are very energetic and active breeds and for that reason require a lot of rich, highly nutritious food. For the Golden Boxer child, there really is no exception. The Golden Boxer breed requires food that is rich in protein. Feeding your Golden Boxer lean meats of high quality like chicken, lamb, fish, and beef are ideal. You can space out the meals, meals a day would be perfect, just ensure that they drink a lot of water after meals. Also, ensure that you feed your Golden Boxer at least an hour or two before you exercise them. If you are going to feed your Golden Boxer, processed food gotten from a store, do ensure you follow the guide written on the package for serving correctly. And avoid feeding your beloved dog food that uses non-meat or meat by-products as their main ingredients. Another important thing to note is, never overfeed your Golden Boxer, it has a tendency to become overweight and this is totally unhealthy for any dog breed as it could lead to terrible joint issues in the future. On average, 3 cups of dog food is okay for a day. Again, the high level of activeness and energy that the Golden Boxer inherits from both its Golden Retriever and Boxer parents means that the hybrid would require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and less destructive. Boredom for the Golden Boxer is a terrible thing, so exercise them daily. Setting an hour or two aside for long walks a day is a great start for the designer breed. Also, the appearance of the Golden Boxer has an effect on the level of exercise that would be required for the designer dog breed. If the Golden Boxer looks more like its Boxer parent, it would require much more intense hours of exercise than it would require if it looked more like its Golden Retriever parent. Regardless, the Golden Boxer requires a lot of exercise to stay less destructive. The best dog owner for the Golden Boxer would be an athletic or sporty person. Someone who loves to go on regular jogs, hiking, and other physically challenging activities. Taking your Golden Boxer companion on such activities would help them do away with all that excess energy that comes naturally to them. If you live in a property with a yard, then the Golden Boxer is perfect for you, however, if you stay in an apartment, it is still acceptable, as the Golden Boxer can adapt, you just have to ensure that you meet its exercise requirements daily and you both would be just fine. Plan your walks and other exercise activities with your dog properly. You could visit the dog parks for example, just ensure you keep your Golden Boxer on a leash when you do since it is a large dog. Socialization of the Golden Boxer is very important and the dog park is an excellent place to keep them socialized. By introducing your Golden Boxer pup to new faces, textures, and sounds and enrolling them in a training class for puppies, you help your Golden Boxer pup get more comfortable in new environments as well as easily adjust to them. A well-adjusted and comfortable Golden Boxer would easily get rid of aggressive behaviors and traits such as continuous barking, biting, and so on. Training your Golden Boxer should be an almost easy affair. This is because the Golden Boxer naturally loves to please its owner, and that habit or trait is why it would learn new commands with ease and high speed without you needing to repeat them. Try using positive reinforcement during your training of the Golden Boxer. Praise them when they have done well with gentle taps, nods and of course, treats. Be confident and firm when training them, but try as much as possible to avoid shouting or yelling at them when you train them. Your quick temper or show of anger could slow the process of learning for your dog. Keep each training session to a maximum of 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. Although, because the Golden Boxer is a people please it might want to stick out the full hour with you. Training the Golden Boxer yourself is a great way to establish a connection or bond with each other, so do not be quick to hire a dog trainer or a professional to train your Golden Boxer. Its great personality makes it an easy-to-train dog. If your Golden Boxer looks more like its Golden Retriever parent, it would inherit a thick double coat. However, if the Golden Boxer looks more like the Boxer parent breed, it would inherit a short but straight coat. Since both parent dog breeds are moderate shedders , then the Golden Boxer would also be a moderate shedder. You would be required to brush the coat of your Golden Boxer once a day with a sleek brush. This helps to keep the rich coat free from tangling, remove dead cells keep it healthy, and also keep any loose dog hair away from the car or home. For a Golden Boxer with a double coat that is long, it would require that you trim its coat frequently. During the shedding season, it is important to know that a Golden Boxer with a double coat tends to shed a lot more than normal, so the level of grooming that would be required would be much. Bathing your Golden Boxer should not be an everyday affair. In fact, you should only bathe it when it is necessary and do ensure that you make use of a good quality dog shampoo, to keep its fur protected. Also, the floppy ears of the Golden Boxer could easily get infected, so do ensure you keep it clean and dry always. Use a cotton ball or a damp cloth to clean its ears, do ensure it is thoroughly to avoid leaving debris. If your Golden Boxer drools more often than normal, it might be a sign of gum disease, so regular brushing helps you monitor the oral health of your Golden Boxer dog. You should also trim its nails often. Potential Health Issues of Golden Boxer A major reason for cross-breeding any dog species would be to create a strong breed or hybrid that is free from the health defects of its parent breed. In that regard, we can say that the Golden Boxer is a healthier breed when compared with its Golden Retriever and Boxer parent Selective breeding is usually done by most breeders to help eliminate certain health defects that are associated with its parent breed. This is why we always recommend that you do your proper research when getting any dog breed from any breeder no matter how reputable they claim to be. Demand for medical records, clearances, and certifications just to be extra sure, before taking the pup home. Here are some of the health conditions both minor and severe , that could most likely affect the Golden Boxer hybrid. Serious Health Conditions Severe health conditions like these could be fatal and threaten the life of your Golden Boxer, they should be taken with all seriousness. Cancer Cancer is a terrible health defect that could be passed down to the Golden Boxer from the Golden Retriever, as it is more prevalent in that parent breed. One in every five Golden Retriever breeds is affected by cancer, and the breed is susceptible to different cancer types, the most deadly and most common of which is hemangiosarcoma. It is therefore recommended that you take your beautiful Golden Boxer companion to the vet regularly for health checks and exams. Bloating Bloating is a terrible condition that is known to mostly affect dogs with a deep chest like the Boxer. If you notice that your Golden Boxer dog is constantly gasping for air, it might be suffering from bloat. The stomach lining could also get severely damaged. Ensure you keep your Golden Boxer on a high protein diet, and try to avoid fillers, in the form of excess dog treats. Bloating can be life-threatening to the Golden Boxer so do ensure you see a vet immediately if you notice anything weird. Minor Health Conditions Minor conditions could also be quite severe, but when spotted early, they can be treated. Some of these conditions are; 1. Joint Dysplasia This is a really painful health defect that is prone to most if not all dog species. It happens when the joints are incorrectly or improperly formed. This could cause the joints to rub and not move smoothly thereby wearing out the joints. It is quite painful and can lead to a dog being unable to bear its weight. Eye Defects Eye conditions such as cataracts are also quite common to the Golden Boxer. If you notice any irregularities or changes with the Golden Boxer pup ensure you call a vet to keep its eyes protected. Hypothyroidism When the thyroid gland of the Golden Boxer shrinks or gets inflamed, it could lead to Hypothyroidism. Other health conditions like cancer and hair loss and itchy skin can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition could lead to your Golden Boxer getting drooping ears or painful ears. However this is just the average cost, depending on each breeder, they could sell for a lot more, and with their increasing popularity, that might happen soon. Another factor to consider might be the expenses incurred in raising these little angels. The cost of neutering a Golden Boxer or genetically testing it could have an effect on the price that is set by the breeder. Also, you might need to factor in some other costs attributed to raising the pup such as purchasing a crate, a leash, microchipping the dog, purchasing a dog collar, visits to the vet, and other necessary expenses. And as your Golden Boxer gets older, It would require food, training, pet insurance, and vaccinations, so do ensure you consider the cost of all these before getting a Golden Boxer. Yes, the Golden Boxer hybrid is a great family dog, an awesome companion for you, and a best friend for children. Their playful nature makes them great for kids. However, this is only true if your Golden Boxer is socialized early and properly trained. They are clingy dogs that enjoy the company of their family, that is why they easily feel down and bored when left alone. When it comes to kids, the Golden Boxer makes a great friend and although they mean well, it is advised that you keep them away from toddlers and babies. This is because their large size might end up being harmful to them. Although, its large size could intimate smaller pets causing them to run which in turn would cause the Golden Boxer to chase after them. A socialized Golden Boxer would have no problem with this, their high intelligence and eagerness to please should help them in behaving well. Well, that is for you to decide. What really matters when it comes to the Golden Boxer is attention, Can you give the Golden Boxer the attention and care it requires? Answering that question with all honesty is how you know if the Golden Boxer is the right dog for you. The Golden Retriever Boxer mix is an excellent dog for a family home. Its playful, loving and affectionate personality could help bring the family closer together. But be careful tho, though this beautiful breed does get clingy so be sure to give it all your time. Ensure you keep your Golden Boxer on a rich protein diet while avoiding fillers, groom it regularly to maintain its rich luxurious coat, visit the local vet often for checks and exercise your dog regularly to keep them healthy and strong. Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. It will probably have a wedge-shaped head, with the forward-facing floppy ears of the Boxer, as well as circular eyes. Its most prominent Retriever characteristic will be its coat colors. While Boxers tend to have brown coats, your Golden Boxer will likely have a golden coat. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. However, mixing dog breeds became very popular in the United States in the s and early s. We can glean from this that the Golden Boxer was only created recently — sometime in the last 20 years — likely due to intentional breeding. This makes it all the more important to examine the history of the parent breeds. We will take you through some of that history by exploring where the Boxer and Golden Retriever come from — and how their histories could help shape your Golden Boxer dog. Developed from crossing mastiffs, Great Danes, and possibly a Terrier, the Boxer was initially bred as a bull-baiting dog — a horrible sport that involves running a bull ragged around a field till it collapsed or till the Boxer is killed. They were then exported to England, where they took on similar roles and were eventually imported to the United States following the conclusion of the First World War. Given their late arrival in the U. According to the American Kennel Club rankings , they ranked as the 14th most popular dog in the United States in .Long before they were a mixed breed of dogs, Boxers were used in military and police functions and remain one of the most popular breeds for those functions today. The Boxer is a medium-sized energetic breed that loves to participate in family activities. It does best with an active, fun-loving family that can give it all the necessary exercise of an active dog breed. How Did Boxers Come About? Boxers later became stalwarts of American policing and the military following their importation from Europe at the end of World War One. Although crossbreeding in the United States did gain significant popularity in the s and early s, the Boxer was likely crossbred to create a designer breed. The History of the Golden Retriever In significant contrast to the violent and bloody history of the Boxer, Golden Retrievers have quite a different origin story. This intentional breeding led to creation of a golden-colored dog with high activity levels. Today, Golden Retrievers are affectionate, loving, intelligent, family-centric dogs with beautiful temperaments. Golden Retrievers have been used throughout American history as guide dogs for the blind, show dogs, and faithful companion pets. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs for just about anyone, except for the elderly, due to their activity levels and exercise requirements. Golden Retrievers will love you and your family until they can love no more. Their gentle nature befits that of a family with children. Golden Retrievers can also sometimes suffer from separation anxiety, so consider this when you consider how your living and working situation stacks up against adopting a Golden. Golden Retrievers were initially created by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, a Scottish kennel owner, businessman and politician. Mainly for its temperament, frequently as a balancing act with another dog of a slightly less even character. Goldens are very popular crossbreeds with other types of medium and larger dogs. However, they tend not to be crossed with much smaller breeds due to the physiological differences that make natural breeding impossible. The Golden Boxer is one of the instances where crossbreeding naturally is possible and is more likely to produce an even-tempered, standard-looking mixed breed dog. One of the most important things you can do before you adopt any dog is to conduct thorough research on its temperament, health issues, and more. Active family dogs tend to do better with busy families. A failure to adequately research your new pet could lead them to need re-homing, which can be incredibly traumatic for the dog, you and your family. Make sure you research your mixed-breed dog well! Fortunately for most owners, the Golden Boxer is exceptionally likely to have a balanced temperament. The Golden Boxer borrows both dispositions from its parent breeds, resulting in a friendly, loving, energetic dog. The Golden Boxer may exhibit separation anxiety symptoms early on in the ownership timeline, although this can be corrected with training. The Golden Boxer will inherit plenty of its intelligent, clever nature from both parents and may surprise you with some of its early antics. The Boxer and Golden Retriever dogs are usually very friendly, so you can expect Golden Boxers to be equally friendly. The ease with which they fit into family units makes them excellent family pets. You can expect that your Golden Boxer may exhibit substantial energy levels to start with. This can make training somewhat tricky. The average weight of a Boxer Golden Retriever mix is between 50 and 60 pounds. The height of Golden Boxers is typically between 22 and 25 inches tall. While the Golden Boxer will typically inherit the short hair of the Boxer, your Golden Boxer may inherit longer hair, similar to the wavy-coated Retriever. Either way, the Boxer Golden Retriever mix is a moderate shedder that will require brushing once per week. When you combine Golden Retrievers and Boxers, you combine two dogs that are exceptionally energetic and are used to high activity levels. You should expect to walk your Golden Boxer for at least minutes each day as an adult, slightly less with mixed-breed pups. The average lifespan of a Boxer Golden Retriever mix is between 10 and 14 years, barring any significant health concerns. If you ever wondered what you could expect from a golden retriever boxer mix, the answer is dynamite! The golden boxer is a dog who is full of energy, incredibly loyal, eager to please, rather large, and often boisterous. In the same litter, you can have a pale golden puppy with wavy hair and a brindle puppy with short hair. Read on to find out if the golden boxer is the dog for you… Parentage Of The Golden Boxer As mentioned, predicting the physical characteristics of your golden boxer can be difficult as the parents are two very different-looking dogs. However, learning about the parent breeds is still very helpful because it provides you with an idea of how your golden boxer will behave. The Golden Retriever The golden retriever , as we know it today, originated in Scotland in the mid to late s and early s. There were many retrievers in the UK at the time. Their jobs were to chase down the birds, hares, or rabbits their human companion had shot down and retrieve it bring it back. In addition to their soft mouth, the golden retriever was bred to have a double coat to keep them warm and long legs to help them climb over and through dense brush. The area in which they had to do the retrieving was often marshy, so the dogs were bred to be excellent swimmers as well. For a more detailed look at how the golden retriever came to be, check out our dedicated article on their history. Golden retrievers are dedicated dogs who are highly loyal and easily trainable, which makes them excellent service animals. This means they are reliable dogs if trained and socialized appropriately. It is important to remember the golden retriever is a very high energy dog, which requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They definitely pass this trait on to their offspring. The Boxer The boxer is descended from an ancient lineage of dogs that traces its heritage back to the Assyrian empire in 2, BCE. The boxer, as we know it today, was bred in the late s in Germany. The breeders took the formidable Bullenbeisser and bred it with smaller mastiff dogs to create the boxer. The Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog used to tackle large animals such as bears, wild boar, and bison. Breeding with the smaller mastiffs gave the boxer a slimmer build and more temperate nature. This temperament and build has allowed the boxer to do many jobs over its lifetime such as war dog, police dog, guide dog, protection dog, and athlete. The boxer gets its name from the way the dog plays or defends itself. The Golden Boxer The golden boxer is not a mix you would expect, however they are the best of both of their parents. The golden boxer is a large dog measuring at 22 to 25 inches in height and weighing 60 to 75 pounds on average. There is no guarantee of how your golden boxer will look, especially if it is a first or second generation puppy, because the two parent breeds are so different. Your golden boxer can be a variety of colors, from black or brown to fawn or gold and have a short or long coat. Whereas their appearance may differ significantly, their temperament is pretty predictable. The golden boxer loves being part of the family, they are intelligent and protective, and they are always full of energy. The golden retriever and boxer have fairly similar personalities even though they come in vastly different packages; this means the golden boxer will have a similar personality. Love The golden boxer is a sensitive dog who thrives on affection and attention. They need to be loved on and cuddled every day to avoid feelings of abandonment. Even though they are large dogs, they cannot be locked out of the house and left in a yard their entire lives. Fun The golden boxer has a boisterous nature and loves to bounce around playing games. It is essential their energy is directed into fun and games where you actively play with them. If their energy is not positively directed, they can become very destructive and neurotic. Family The golden boxer loves being around family furry or non-furry , especially if the golden retriever side of their heritage is particularly strong. Golden boxers are an excellent choice if you have children, particularly children who can run around and play with them. Golden boxers will happily engage with other pets too! Make sure they are properly socialized and trained from the time they are a puppy in order to restrain their strength around smaller pets such as cats. Protection Owing to the nature of the golden retriever and the boxer, the golden boxer is very protective of who they feel is its family. Both parent dogs are used as working dogs and guide dogs, which means they have a fierce sense of loyalty. The golden boxer shares this loyalty for family and will guard your home and family fiercely against perceived intruders. Trainability The level of trainability of golden boxers is good to moderate depending on a number of variables. The golden retriever is a dog who is easily trained, while the boxer can be a bit more stubborn and resist training. However, if you are committed and consistent with their training and socialization, then training your golden boxer, no matter how stubborn they are, is possible. An untrained pug is much easier to pick up and put in a separate room than an untrained golden boxer. Large, untrained dogs with protective natures like the golden boxer can also pose a risk to strangers in the home as your dog will become overwhelmed. And if they are undisciplined, then they do not have the safety net of training to prevent snapping at an unwanted hand. Health Concerns Mixed breeds enjoy better health than either of their parent breeds because they have more genetic diversity and any breed-specific issues are diluted by having been bred with another type of dog. This means the golden boxer should enjoy better overall health than either the golden retriever or the boxer. The golden boxer seems like the ideal companion: loyal, loving, healthy, and the perfect cuddler. Golden boxers are full of energy. They need a minimum of two hours of exercise a day. This is a lot to expect from any owner so you need to make sure you are ready to commit a large amount of your energy to your dog. The two hours of exercise is best split up into smaller sessions throughout the day. They are large dogs and need to be physically exercised regularly to maintain their muscles and healthy joints. Daily walks, hikes, or runs that are at least half an hour long are ideal. They can be physically exercised by playing games like fetch, chase, or working through an obstacle course. Going to a dog park is also an excellent idea, provided your golden boxer is trained and has a strong recall command. Mental exercise is essential. Golden boxers are intelligent dogs and become bored fairly easily. Using puzzles and games to tire them out mentally is an excellent way to enhance their exercise needs. Slow feeders , lick mats , snuffle blankets , puzzle toys , and daily training are all excellent ideas to give them adequate mental exercise. As said previously, golden boxers can be stubborn if their boxer heritage is particularly strong. This means it will take you longer than average to train your golden boxer properly. You will need to devote time every day to training. Using a puppy training service is advisable with golden boxers; however, the hard work is done at home as you will need to carry through their training and be consistent to see positive results. However, with proper training, exercise, and discipline, you can reduce the amount of destruction your golden boxer is able to do. Houses with yards and families with children Temperament: Happy, clever, intelligent, protective, alert, watchful, and eager to please. It has increasingly become popular in the last years, with breeders developing more diverse species. The parent breed, the Golden Retriever, was developed in Scotland in the mids by Lord Tweedmouth. This dog was created as a solution for hunters who needed a dog adept at retrieving downed waterfowl. On the other hand, the Boxer originated in Germany back in the s. Bred as a guard dog, this dog was put in an exhibition in in Munich and later arrived in the U. S and Europe in the s. They were used as messenger dogs, attack dogs, and pack carriers during World War 1. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Golden Boxer Puppies A post shared by Russell russellthegb Golden Boxer puppies are cute, cuddly, and full of energy, and this tends to stay the same even as they grow. They are very happy and love to spend time with their families. These dogs are unlikely to be found in rescue shelters and often come from breeders so we recommend you do your homework and ask all of the right questions before you begin to work with any breeder. Apart from paying for your new dog, you need to ensure you factor in other initial costs associated with bringing a puppy home, such as a leash, crate, dog collar, microchip, and medical costs if your dog is not neutered. These expenses are a necessity, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. Your dog will thank you for them all. They are intelligent and clever; therefore, they can learn quickly and love to please their owners. They are affectionate, loyal, and outgoing breeds that also love playing with and entertaining children. Golden Boxers tend to be very shy and reserved around strangers, but this is advantageous because it makes them fantastic watchdogs. However, they are not aggressive to strangers but will alert you about the presence of a new face. Golden Boxers are ideal for an active, fun-loving family. These dog breeds are also very patient and willing. Despite been very polite, this dog can be high-spirited sometimes like the parent breed, the Boxer. As a family dog, too much isolation can lead to depression or destructive behavior such as continuous barking and chewing items in the house. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, they still need early socialization and training to bring out these qualities further. These breeds tend to bond very closely with the family. If you are always at work without a sitter or family member around, this may not be the best dog species for your family. They are great pets to have around children because they like playing with them a lot. They should avoid habits such as tail pulling, rough play, and teasing. They also bark a lot when they are upset but make good guard dogs for the house when the family is sleeping. The Golden Boxer adapts well to sharing space with cats and other dogs. However, when small cats run away due to intimidation, the prey drive might kick in, and your Golden Boxer might chase the cat. When socialized at an early age, this dog breed will co-exist with other dogs peacefully. It makes friends very quickly; therefore, it will engage with other animals or pets that walk stray into your compound. This breed needs lots of attention from the family; therefore, you need to provide all the necessities. Like any other dog breed, you need to know the diet requirements, training and exercise needs, grooming, and any health and medical conditions. You can include quality lean meats such as lamb, beef, and chicken. When planning the feeding schedule, the diet should be according to the size, age, and activity level. These breeds are highly prone to bloating; therefore, they should not be fed all the food at once. The meals should be spread out to 2—3 meals throughout the day together with water. In addition, you should feed the dog an hour or two before an exercise session. When feeding your Golden Boxer, avoid foods that use meat by-products or other non-meat as their first ingredient. Once you buy food from the stores, follow the instructions on the package to ensure that the meals are served correctly. This dog tends to become obese and develop joint issues. Apart from food, the treats should also be kept to a minimum. To avoid this, you should schedule one long daily walk or two hours of engaging activity. Because of their high energy needs, the ideal owner for this dog breed is an active person who can bring the dogs along for a jog, hike, or walks. This dog can adapt well to living in an apartment, but with enough exercise outside. This dog species is perfect if you have a yard. You can plan for activities such as walks in the dog park. These walks in the park are also suitable for his socialization process. It helps bring out the best qualities in your pet and makes things easier for you. Exposure to new people, places, and situations and puppy training classes will encourage your dog and make it comfortable. It will also discourage some aggressive behaviors because the dog is more comfortable. Because of this, it will also listen to commands much faster without requiring a lot of repetition. During the training, you should be firm and confident. Also, use positive reinforcement such as praises to encourage your dog to pick up commands much easier. Incorporate some treats to keep your puppy happy during the training session. You should also avoid shouting or yelling at your dog during training. The sessions should also not be very long. Shorten them to an hour or less each day to help with concentration. Because Golden Boxers are devout people-pleasers, they use these moments to show you how well they respond. In addition, this may also be a perfect time to strengthen the bond between you and the dog. These dogs are moderate shedders; hence will need regular brushing, ideally once a day. Brushing daily is good because it helps to keep the coat tangle-free and keeps loose hair away from your home or car. The breeds with a long double coat require frequent trimming. You can either do this at home or hire a professional groomer. You should bathe your dog only when necessary and ensure that you use dog shampoo to protect the fur coat. This dog breed also has floppy ears; hence, they should always be kept clean to avoid infection. It would be best if you also kept them dry at all times. You can also do this by wiping with a damp cloth or cotton ball. In addition, you should trim the nails and brush the teeth at least three times a week. Breeders always try to improve their health conditions by carrying out selective breeding. However, even with this precaution, some conditions might be passed down to the offspring. Therefore, you should always research the potential medical conditions your pup may be prone to, as well as ask the breeder for medical records before taking your dog home. Minor Conditions. The puppies are called — adorably — Golden Boxer puppies! But before you are overcome with cuteness and rush out to find a litter of Golden Retriever Boxer puppies, it is wise to learn more about what your puppy might be like as an adult dog. In this article, we take a close look at the Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog so you can decide if this is the right companion for you! On one side, purebred dog breeders feel the breed lines should be kept pure. Any cross between two purebred dog breeds basically results in a mixed breed dog , or mutt. Conversely, canine biologists feel cross-breeding two purebred dog breeds together can have benefits to overall canine health. Since it is not possible to predict in advance which traits a puppy may inherit from either parent dog, the best way to try to imagine what your new pup might be like is to learn more about both the Golden Retriever and the Boxer. Origins of the Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is currently the third most popular companion canine in the country. This gorgeous dog is of Scottish descent, with a long and honorable lineage as a working dog. This dog is just so friendly and sociable! Goldens make terrible guard dogs but wonderful best friends. The Golden Retriever, not surprisingly, takes its name from its long, lush golden coat. Origins of the Boxer The Boxer is currently the tenth most popular companion canine in the country. This dog, with its short coat and upturned ears, can easily turn heads. The Boxer is a truly ancient dog breed that can trace its lineage back to the time of the ancient Assyrians 2, BC. However, the modern Boxer arose in the s in Germany and soon migrated to the UK, where it became a favored working and pet dog. The Boxer gets its name from how it fights or boxes with its front paws — just like a prize fighter. What is the Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog like? The ability to predict what a Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog will be like has everything to do with the generation of puppies. The earliest litter, or F1 generation, will vary the most in size, weight, height, temperament, coat and other factors. These puppies are born from a pure cross of a Golden Retriever with a Boxer dog. The next litter, or F1b generation, will be more predictable in all attributes. These puppies are born from a cross between one purebred parent either a Golden Retriever or a Boxer with a Golden Retriever Box mix parent. Subsequent litters, or F2, F3, F4, and so on, will become more uniform over time. With longevity of breeding programs, what was once a hybrid dog breed may even become standardized as a new purebred dog breed! Males tend to be taller and heavier than females. Females tend to be about 15 pounds lighter and 1. From this, you can guesstimate your Golden Retriever Boxer Mix puppy will likely fall within the weight range of 60 to 75 pounds and stand .The Boxer, on the other hand, sheds very little and normally needs only a weekly brushing to keep coat and skin in tip-top condition. From this you can imagine how diverse the possible coat types in a litter of Golden Boxer dog puppies might be! You may find two pups with completely different coat types even within the same litter, especially if the litter is an F1 or F1b generation. Personality and Temperament of a Golden Retriever Boxer mix Even most non-dog-lovers know that Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly. If they were people, they would be the ones planning the happy hours and pool parties. Boxers are bright, loyal, affectionate and loving. They are very patient and have natural protective tendencies that can necessitate extra efforts to socialize them in puppyhood. Both breeds tend to be exuberant and playful while young and can be stubborn at times because they are very smart. But both are natural people-pleasers and will take well to positive training methods. With two such positive, outgoing and people-pleasing parent dogs, you are quite likely to find that your Golden Retriever Boxer mix puppy has a lovely personality and temperament overall! Health Issues of Golden Retriever Boxer Mix dogs Both Golden Retrievers and Boxers, like so many purebred dogs today, can have certain genetic heritable health issues you will want to be aware of. Golden Boxer dog breeders who are serious about breeding healthy puppies will have their breeding stock parent dogs pre-screened and tested for all known breed-specific health conditions to avoid passing any preventable conditions on to the puppies. Commonalities in Health Concerns It is important to know that both Golden Retrievers and Boxers are prone to developing certain types of cancers. The ongoing Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was set up to better understand one of the most pervasive types of cancer in Goldens, hemangiosarcoma, as well as risk factors for other types of cancer and serious health conditions. The average life expectancy for Golden Retrievers is 10 to 12 years. The average life expectancy for Boxers is also 10 to 12 years. Socialization and training needs for Golden Retriever Boxer mix dogs Both Golden Retrievers and Boxers are bright, energetic, sociable and come from a long lineage of working dogs. This makes training both a necessity and, usually, a joy, since you will be working with a dog that really wants to learn, interact and please you! However, it is worth saying that smart dogs like Golden Retrievers and Boxers will only do well when trained using positive reinforcement methods. Is a Golden Retriever Boxer Mix a good family dog? Based on a study of the overall temperament and personality traits of the Golden retriever and the Boxer, respectively, the Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog is quite likely to make a great family dog. This is true even for families with young children. How to Pick Golden Retriever Boxer mix puppies Choosing a Golden Boxer breeder that is reputable, responsible and serious about breeding healthy Boxer Retriever mix puppies will be critical. This is a question that is very personal, of course, but for the right family or individual, a Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog can make a great canine companion! If you already have some experience with a mix dog like this, let us know in the comments!

What we think of this misunderstood crossbreed 1. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is as dangerous as it looks. These dogs get a bad rap mostly because of their appearance, which can be intimidating. With the Pitbull Bulldog hybrid, though, looks can be deceiving. How big does an American Bulldog Pitbull mix get? Most Bully Pits are medium-sized , with bodies that are muscular and compact. Pointed ears and a large mouth complete the face of a Pitbull Bulldog mix. Like their parent breeds, most Bully Pits have smooth coats of short, fine hair. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors, including black, brown, white, tan, cream, grey, red, and brindle. The appearance of a Bulldog Pitbull mix also depends on the specific parent used in the breeding. As long as they receive firm obedience training and socialization at an early age, Pitbull Bulldog crosses will prove themselves to be friendly dogs who love to have fun, whether with their family or with other dogs. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes make for sweet, affectionate pets that enjoy being the center of attention. Look at these adorable Bulldog-Pitbull dogs having fun in the backyard: One distinguishing trait of the Bulldog Pitbull mix is its loyalty to its pack. This crossbreed tends to be highly protective of its family members, using its deep voice to warn you about something suspicious in your home. Its natural protectiveness and loyalty, combined with its intimidating, strong physique, make the American Bulldog Pitbull mix one of the best guard dogs you can get today. Due to their energetic, playful nature, Pitbull Bulldog mixes love being around children, especially those they grow up with. A properly trained American Bulldog Pitbull mix will also be protective of the kids in its family. Bully Pits are impossible to train. The key to properly training an American Bulldog Pitbull mix is having the right attitude. The Pitbull Bulldog mix has a confident, assertive personality, so it will listen only to a person who has a similar demeanor. With the right owner, American Bulldog Pitbull mixes will prove to be intelligent dogs who can quickly follow commands and adopt positive behavior. By training your Pitbull Bulldog mix from an early age, you can help your dog understand your role as the alpha and its position in the pack hierarchy. This crossbreed benefits from early socialization and leash training, and you can start by walking your puppy around the neighborhood so it can get used to being around other people and dogs. Instead of punishing your dog, use a reward system and positive reinforcement when he follows your orders. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes need a home with plenty of space. Bully Pits will thrive in an apartment or condominium as long as they get sufficient exercise every day. The Pitbull Bulldog needs 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise daily. It will love being your running buddy or going with you on leisurely walks around the neighborhood. Mental stimulation is crucial for the American Bulldog Pitbull cross, so make sure to play brain games like hide and seek and treasure hunts with your dog. Like its Pit Bull parent, the Pitbull Bulldog mix is an accomplished jumper. Taking care of an American Bulldog and Pitbull mix is difficult. A thorough brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep their coats shiny and healthy. You can use a damp washcloth to wipe down the Pitbull and Bulldog hybrid every week or two to get rid of any debris in the coat. The proper diet for a Pitbull Bulldog mix Like its parent breeds, the American Bulldog Pitbull cross tends to gain weight easily. Make sure to divide this amount of food into 3 or 4 meals throughout the day. This dog food contains the nutrients that the crossbreed needs to build strong muscles and joints, keep its energy levels up, and maintain overall good health. Is the Bully Pit a healthy breed? You can expect to enjoy many years of companionship with this dog. However, this crossbreed is also predisposed to certain genetic conditions, especially those that affect its parent breeds. Both the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull Terrier are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so your Bulldog Pitbull mix may be prone to these joint conditions, too. This hybrid dog is also vulnerable to skin allergies and infections because of its short coat. Due to its Bulldog heritage, the Pitbull Bulldog cross may also be prone to respiratory problems. Their short, thin coats also make most American Bulldog Pitbull crosses intolerant of cold weather. Make sure to bundle up your dog if you want to go out on cold days. If you want to buy an American Bulldog Pitbull mix, your best source is a reputable breeder. Breeders of this specific hybrid may be difficult to find, though, so your next best option is to contact breeders of American Bulldogs and Pit Bull Terriers:. They are known to have an average energy level and a generally friendly disposition. They are not inherently aggressive as most dog critics suggest. If you prefer a medium-sized canine companion, this crossbreed proves to be a great choice. Your Pitbull English Bulldog mix will have a lot of diversity to draw from regarding their coat color, size, and physical appearance. Some owners say that the Pitbull Bulldog mix is not for the faint-hearted. You will need to commit effort and time to have them trained and properly socialized. Additionally, it might be challenging to raise this crossbreed given it is predisposed to a number of health conditions like heart disease and eye problems. The English Bulldog Pitbull mix likely originated in the s when breeders thought to combine the best traits of Bulldogs and Pitbulls in one. Similar to the case of most mixed breed dogs, the best we can do is familiarize ourselves with the history of both its parent breeds since there is a lack of documentation about their history. The English Bulldog was first bred in the 13th century in England. These dogs were used for bull-baiting and other brutal bloodsports. Today, the English Bully is a refined breed and known to be courageous, loyal, and affectionate. It is widely believed that all dogs classified as Pitbulls today descend from the British Bull and Terrier which were first imported into America in the s. Both parent breeds of the English Bulldog Pitbull mix have had a long history of aggressive fighting blood sports of dogfighting, bear, and baiting bulls , which fortunately has come to an end. Rest assured, your English Bulldog Pitbull mix is now a refined, well-behaved dog. Photo by itznipsey IG English Bulldog Pitbull mixes can come in medium-sized builds and various colors. One thing is for sure, though, this mix will generally appear to be muscular, stout, and medium in size. It will also have that characteristic Pitbull smile we all love and adore. Appearance-wise, this mixed breed is stout and its head is broad and extensive. They also have large jaws, much like their parent breeds. Generally, they have a short snout, but it would be longer if they took after their Pitbull parent. They also have small, semi-pricked ears. An English Bulldog Pitbull mix features an eye color ranging from a dark brown hue to a shade of light amber, just like most bully breeds. They have thick necks and muscular chests, and they appear to have more squats than a regular Pitbull. The legs are well-muscled, long, and slightly hocked like their Bulldog parent. These dogs can have a variety of markings in white or silver colors. They have short and fine coats, in colors including black, tan, red, yellow, gray, golden, cream and white. Note that these are just common observations, and your English Bulldog Pitbull mix may not exactly manifest these features. Since the Pitbull English Bulldog mix is a crossbreed, it can take after its Pitbull parent with a large head and wide jaw, and it may also look more like a Bulldog, with its signature flat and wrinkled face. On average, English Bulldog Pitbull mixes weigh 60 pounds and stand at the height of 18 inches tall. When it comes to their parent breeds, English Bulldogs are about 14 to 15 inches tall, and weighing between 45 and 70 pounds. Meanwhile, Pitbulls are around 18 to 21 inches tall with a weight of 40 to 70 pounds. Typically, male dogs will always be heavier than their female counterparts. Do not worry if your pup is not precisely within the average measurement. Remember that this is just a size estimation, and sometimes, your puppy might still need more time to grow. A vet can also guide you on the nutrients that your companion needs. English Bulldog and Pitbull mixes are known to be sociable and sweet-natured, particularly towards their family members. They can be perfect family pets if given proper training and socialization. Most can be civil and welcoming to strangers. They are careful in their presence, making them excellent family dogs in households with toddlers. As high-energy dogs, they love to play for hours on end! With Other Pets and Dogs: The English Bulldog Pitbull mixes can do well with other dogs and pets such as cats , provided they have the proper socialization and training. However, they can be aggressive towards small animals such as rats, rabbits, or rodents as they may see them as prey. Although some may find English Bulldogs and Pitbulls to be two dangerous and intimidating breeds, their offspring are affectionate and loving. The Pitbull Bulldog mix can be initially wary of new faces and presences, but you will have a lifelong friend in them once you gain their trust! Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbulls and English Bulldogs Together Nowadays, crossbreeding remains to be a controversial topic in the canine world. As an English Bulldog Pitbull mix aspiring owner, it is crucial to know the different advantages and disadvantages of breeding English Bulldogs and Pitbulls together. It adds to their appeal as crossbreed dogs. They will be devoted and easy to train. These dogs are always eager to please. They will be good with children. If there are toddlers in your household, the English Bulldog Pitbull mix may become their best friend. These dogs are gentle, patient, and loving with kids. They will have high-energy levels. Expect long hours of playtime with your Pitbull English Bulldog. This mixed breed is an excellent choice for energetic pet owners who love to go outdoors often. You may take them on long walks as well as hikes! Below are some disadvantages of breeding the English Bulldog Pitbull mix: English Bulldog Pitbull mix is banned in some countries. They will be at risk of developing major health problems. There will be quite a few health problems to expect when it comes to the Pitbull English Bulldog mix. The common ones are hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, thyroid issues, skin issues, heart disease, and eye problems. It would be best to prepare your budget beforehand in the event of any medical emergencies. They can be more expensive than purebreds. Designer dogs are considered a fad in the canine world today. They may have an unpredictable adult size and temperament. It is generally hard to predict the specific behavior or character of mixed-breed dogs. I would advise you to familiarize the personality and size of its parent breeds instead. They may be moderate energy dogs or highly energetic canines. If your dog engages in a lot of activity in a day, giving an extra amount of high-quality dog food will help sustain the energy it needs. Otherwise, only provide an exact amount of serving for your pet who participates in low to medium physical activities. Cleaning and Grooming Thanks to its short and smooth coat, the English Bulldog Pitbull mix is generally easy to clean and groom. Perhaps the only challenge you may encounter while grooming this dog is checking in between the wrinkles if there is still dirt left to clean. Meanwhile, cleaning the ears must be done weekly using cotton balls dipped in ear cleaner to avoid any dirt or ear infection. When it comes to bathing, every once a month will be ideal for preventing dry skin. If, in any case, your pet becomes dirty due to activities, a quick bath will suffice to clean them. A regular groomer appointment will also help you ensure that your dog is always looking clean and healthy. Training and Exercise It is hard for some owners to determine the exercise needs of the Pitbull English Bulldog mix. The English Bulldog often likes to lounge around, which is a striking comparison to energetic and active Pitbulls. Hence, you might want to start with moderate exercise at first. If your new pet starts to show signs of boredom like chewing and other harmful behaviors, you might need to start elevating your exercise routine to a higher level. They can be great guard dogs if you are consistent with this kind of training. However, you should also ensure that you only use positive reinforcement for all your training sessions. If you stumble across this mixed breed through local animal rescues, the cost would be far more cost-effective than what you would typically pay a breeder. It is a good idea to consider if you want to adopt this dog without breaking the bank. Lifespan Sociability As you know, Pitbulls have a bad rap. Both parent breeds are relatively healthy, with few glaring issues. They are reasonably friendly, which also helps. They are intelligent dogs, which means that you need to take an active role in providing enough exercise and diversion to prevent them from developing bad habits. They are relatively easy to care for and family-friendly. The downsides involve the size of the Bullypit, even if they can handle city life or apartment dwelling well. They make a good watchdog if just for their appearance. They actually love people, including strangers. Bullypits are easy to groom. They have a moderate tendency to be nippy but may have a higher propensity toward wanderlust, due to their history as a fighter. John D. Johnson, a returning war veteran, along with Alan Scott and several other breeders, took on the task to re-establish the breed. Their efforts resulted in several distinct bloodlines, the two best-known being the Johnson type, which had a bulkier, heavier frame and large head, and the Scott type, which was more athletic. Most modern American Bulldogs are a hybrid of these two original lines. The truth is that it is a reference to the early history of the English Bulldog, which references its history as bait for the animal in his name, bull. Their breeding reflects this unfortunate purpose. However, its early history tells a different story. He was a family dog that protected his family. They are kid-friendly, but the primary concern is their size—they can easily overwhelm a small child. They are, after all, a lot of dog! They may not realize their strength and can hurt smaller breeds seemingly unintentionally. They are more likely to injure another animal simply because of how big they are—even if there is no aggression behind the attempt. That same precaution applies to other family pets, like your cat. Instinct will drive them to run after any animal that flees them, regardless if they are part of the household. Many people view them as ferocious and dangerous animals, no matter how inappropriate the descriptor for your pet is. That can increase their risk of other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. The best way to manage it is by providing regularly scheduled meals so that you can monitor his food consumption to match his activity levels. This hybrid is prone to obesity, so it behooves a pet owner to monitor his weight and adjust his diet accordingly. Daily walks are an excellent way to maintain his socialization skills and help him burn those extra calories. However, both parent breeds are playful, which can make it an easy task. That means a playful nature. You must approach training with a firm yet positive approach. Both parent breeds are sensitive to harsh reprimands. The Bull Terrier side of your pup has a higher degree of wanderlust and prey drive that you should also handle when he is young. Walking on sidewalks will wear them down to some degree. We recommend pre-health screenings for the hips and elbows by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The correction of genetic defects is expensive and painful. We strongly recommend buying from reputable breeders who screen for the most common issues. Minor Conditions. A post shared by Camila Cristina bigbabyhaze Life Expectancy Since they are a medium-sized dog, they do have a longer life expectancy compared to a large dog. Hopefully, your mix will live a healthy life up to at least 12 years or more. As mentioned, they can be wary of new faces and strange dogs, but once trust is gained, you have a lifelong friend. They will still have a natural tendency to be protective of their tribe, but most dogs have this trait. English Pitbulls are confident and brave, which can be negative or positive in certain situations. But you will be hard-pressed to find another mix that is more affectionate and loving. If you have kids, they will be like a sibling, as these dogs love to play for hours on end. This mix is fairly easy to train since they are smart and eager to please. Just remember that they respond better to positive reinforcement rather than negative. If you are unsure of the best way to train your English Bulldog and Pitbull mix, consult a certified trainer who has dealt with this mix before to help you and your dog succeed. Generally speaking, Bulldogs have a low to moderate energy level, while Pitbulls are high-energy dogs, so you could have a dog who is in-between or just low or high. You will want to provide well-rounded nutrition, no matter the level of their activity. If you have a high-energy dog, they will need more food throughout the day. High-quality dog food that provides all the needed nutrients is the best to feed your English Bulldog Pitbull mix. Speak with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is receiving the proper nutrition to live a healthy life. Moderate exercise is best to keep your dog trim and fit, but if your dog shows signs of boredom, such as chewing or adopting other bad behaviors, you may need to up your exercise game. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Taking time to train your dog and play will make for a happier and healthier pet. They want to be part of the family and will thrive when involved with activities that include everyone. Use a soft brush on their coat a couple of times per week to keep the fur healthy. Regular grooming appointments will help ensure that you can keep your dog looking their best. Getting regular vet check-ups is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and ensuring that they have a long life. Minor Conditions. Due to its huge size, the Pitbull Bulldog is NOT well-suited for apartment life and would better suit life on a farm or, at the very least, a home with a large, fenced-in yard where the dog can roam around. The coat of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix Although the coat of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix is short, fine, and slick, this breed is not hypoallergenic and thus would not be well suited to people with allergies. The type of Pitbull, be it a blue-nosed or red-nosed, will affect the look and color of a Bullypit pup. Based on its parents, the American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppy can come in a variety of colors such as black, tan, red, yellow, grey, golden, cream, and white. American Bulldog Red Nose Pitbull mix The American Bulldog Pitbull is an extremely protective dog but will exhibit a cheerful personality if socialized and trained when still a puppy. Training a Bullypit puppy can start as early as eight weeks old. Doing so will make this fido develop good behavior. Be prepared for tricky or challenging training sessions. Due to their dominant, impatient characteristics, they will require a firm hand and a committed owner. It is ideal to have some experience when dealing with this breed because if this is your first time owning a dog, the Bullypit may notice it. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes can also be wary with strangers and other dogs. With that said, they may have a tendency towards aggression, particularly with smaller pets. Like with every good watchdog, Bullypits like to bark and will fit the job. If taught and handled correctly, you can expect an extremely sweet fur buddy from this breed. You can check out how smart an American Pitbull is in this video, where one is being trained to sit, leave, and fetch: Caring for an American Bulldog Pitbull Mix A few things to keep in mind when it comes to owning this breed — because of their thin coat, this crossbreed does not fare well in climates that are too warm or cold. Their single layer of fur does not offer much protection and even means that the Bulldog Pitbull is susceptible to sunburn and needs to use sunscreen! How much exercise does this fido need? This hybrid is fairly active, and at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. Being on the move will help this doggo stay well-behaved and entertained. That is why we recommend them to active families who enjoy spending time outdoors and taking their canine friend on runs, jogs, and hikes. Only visit the doggy park if your Bullypit is trained and socialized. It will help prevent gastric torsion, which is a common but severe condition in large breeds. This crossbreed will benefit significantly from high-quality dry dog food with low-grain content as grain can cause allergies. It should also be high in meat and Omega 3 fatty acids to develop strong bones and sustain muscle mass. If you have the time and budget to feed your canine pal raw food, that would be great, too! Just like Benzo with this hearty meal. Just make sure that the food you provide your dog is based on his age, size, activity level, and health. Easy-breezy grooming The grooming needs of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix are low to moderate. Brushing is only needed about twice a week — except in seasons of high shedding where daily brushing is required. Give him a bath only when necessary, like when he gets dirty or stinky. Wiping the Bulldog Pitbull mix with a damp washcloth will be enough to clean him and remove any loose hairs. Its teeth should be brushed two or three times a week, while nails should be clipped when they get too long or notice them clacking against the floor. Ears can also be checked and wiped clean weekly. Are Bullypits healthy? The hardy mixed breed of an American Bulldog and Pitbull results in a cross that can have a general lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Still, hybrids can inherit some of the health problems that their purebred parents are prone to. The English counterpart of the American Bulldog is known for several illnesses such as hip dysplasia, which is common in short-legged dogs. Focus on maintaining an exercise regime and supplemented diet that will help to prevent this in your Bullypit. Due to their short nose, your puppy may also develop Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome , which can cause serious respiratory complications. The one-layer coat of the Pitbull parent also makes this breed susceptible to allergies. Other common ailments that may affect the American Bulldog Pitbull mix are hypothyroidism , heart disease, eye problems, and reverse sneezing. Thanks to technology, you can find available pups online! You will also need to take into account the average annual expenses, and the usual medical bills. American Bulldog Pitbull mix breeders When looking for your perfect Bullypit puppy, a lot of thought and care should go into trying to find a good breeder. Irresponsible breeding of the American Pitbull and American Bulldog can result in an aggressive dog. You may also check social media accounts where you may find American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppies for sale. There are also marketplaces that offer Pitbull mixes and American Bully mixes. Greenfield Puppies Lancaster Puppies Rescuing a PitbullBulldog Due to the nature of this breed, you can often find the American Bulldog Pitbull mix at shelters that you can adopt or rehome. Depending on its past, the rescue of this crossbreed may need a lot of time and dedication in terms of training, resocialization, and exercise. Some rescue organizations do train dogs that stay with them, so this is something you can ask the shelter. This breed, while not the ideal pet for everyone, shows strict loyalty to its favorite people. The protective, strong, and energetic nature of the Bullypit makes them best suited for active and experienced dog owners who are willing to invest the time training, exercising, and socializing their dog. What can you say about this designer dog? Do you have an American Bulldog Pitbull mix? Share your story with us by commenting below! This hybrid could be a good choice for those looking for a smaller pet that is still protective and loving. If you want an apartment-friendly version of the Bulldog or the Pitbull, a mini Bulldog Pitbull Mix may just be the fur buddy for you! This means that a Pitbull mixed with a Bulldog can inherit any coat color and pattern from their parents. Blue Nose Pitbull mixed with Bulldog A Blue Nose Pitbull is a light-colored Pit whose nose, lips, paw pads, and eye rims are blue instead of the usual black. This unique color comes from a recessive dilution gene, which means both parents should carry it to pass it to their pups. Since the dilution gene is rare, a blue nose Pitbull mixed with Bulldog is not likely to have a blue nose. Pitbull Bulldog Mix temperament and personality Both parent breeds of a Pitbull x Bulldog Mix are known for their loyalty, courage, and protective nature. Nevertheless, there are some key differences. Bulldogs are stubborn and often challenge their owners, while Pitbulls are eager to please. Pitbulls are also more active and require more exercise, while Bulldogs are content with short walks. The temperament of a half Pit half Bulldog can vary depending on which parent they take after the most. If the Pitbull genes are more dominant, the mix will inherit many Pitbull characteristics. If it is the other way around, the pup is likely to be like a Bulldog in temperament and personality. What is the temperament of a Pitbull? Pitbulls have an unjust reputation of being the most dangerous dog breed in the world. This perception is due to their strength, size, unpredictability, and past as sports dogs. While it is true that Pitbulls can be dangerous, their aggression is never directed at humans. In fact, they would do anything to please their owner. Pitbulls form strong bonds with children , and their high pain tolerance helps them endure the mischievous antics of kids without getting bothered. What is the temperament of a Bulldog? Unlike the active and excitable Pitbull, Bulldogs are content to laze about the house. Bulldogs are courageous and loyal to their family, making them excellent watchdogs. Like Pitbulls, Bulldogs also love human children. But unlike Pitbulls, they also get along well with other animals. Bulldogs were bred to be different from their ancestors, and breeders have completely overhauled their temperament over the years. Does Pitbull Bulldog Mix get along with other pets? It may be difficult to predict the behavior of a Pitbull Bulldog Mix. If they take after their Pitbull parent, it would be dangerous to have other pets around them. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Does Pitbull Bulldog Mix make great family pets? Pitbull Bulldog Mixes are great family pets no matter which parent they take after. They are playful and energetic with kids but can also handle crowds of adults without becoming overwhelmed. Both Pitbulls and Bulldogs are known for their unique relationship with children — a quality their mix will also inherit. Pitbull Bulldog Mix working qualities While Pitbulls have excellent working qualities, Bulldogs do not. Bulldogs were bred as companions and pets, not as worker breeds. Their stout and heavy bodies and poor health are also factors. On the other hand, a Pitbull Bulldog Mix will be far healthier than its Bulldog parent, and you can train them to help you herd animals or compete in strength competitions. Their intelligence and sharp senses also help them serve as police canines. Pitbull Bulldog Mix training Bulldogs have a reputation for being hard to train, but this is not true for this mix. Their athletic body and high pain tolerance let them handle training better than most breeds. Due to their agility and tenacity, they can quickly learn complex tasks, but owners should still be patient when working with them. Pitbull Bulldog Mix exercise requirement While Pitbulls require plenty of exercises, Bulldogs only like short walks. If your pooch has the wrinkly skin of a Bulldog, you will need to clean and dry them often to prevent skin irritation. He or she will also have sensitive skin that may get irritated if you use harsh soaps so be sure to use dog-friendly shampoos only. Is a Pitbull Bulldog Mix hypoallergenic? The short hair of the Bulldog Pitbull Mix is not hypoallergenic. Pitbull Bulldog Mix food and diet Pitbulls love to eat, and the same goes for Bulldogs. A Pitbull Bulldog Mix will be happy with most food brands if they get enough protein and nutrients. However, the Pitbull Bulldog Mix is susceptible to bloat, so you should avoid feeding them large meals. Giving your dog two or three smaller meals a day will help prevent bloating and keep them healthy. Pitbull Bulldog Mix common health issues Hybrid dogs are usually healthier than their parents. The results for this at-home dog DNA test usually comes back within two weeks and it will inform you of any possible health issues your furry friends may have. This way, you are aware and can plan ahead. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. I had gotten Caine when he was only 3 weeks old. He was so tiny. Hands down, this hybrid breed has got to be one of, if not the best crossbred ever. He's so protective of me and my loved ones. His personality is undescribable. No doubt about it, he's the best friend anyone can have. He loves to wrestle, his strenghth is amazing. When we go to the lake he tries his hardest to catch the ducks. He weighs about 80 lbs. She is an American Bulldog her dad and Pitbull Terrier her mom mix. She likes to explore and she bites everything and everyone including our other dog, Maye a 2-year-old Pitbull Terrier. She's already getting the hang of going to the bathroom outside and hasn't had any accidents in 2 days. His name is Sirus. He is 6 weeks old in these pics. He is a great dog, very energetic. We are toilet training him at the moment and we have had a few accidents. In addition, it does not shed like most crossbreeds do, marking for less maintenance and grooming required. Dog owners, especially the new ones, are expected to know more than just the essential traits and appearance of the pups they are choosing. It is likewise crucial for them to consider and recognize that with all excellent characteristics come to not-so-pretty ones, and that should not be a hindrance for them in planning to get one. Purebreds, unlike their crossbreed offspring, are not as healthy, but their crossbreed pups do inherit most of their most potent diseases and medical complications. One precautionary measure duly advised to clients and customers to make sure that disease-inheritance is taken to a minimum, if not appropriately avoided, is to be vigilant and careful in choosing Bulldog Pitbull Mix puppies that are for sale. This is crucial since it ensures that the buyer is making the right and just circumstances that are presented before them. In the bigger picture, the penultimate reason for avoiding such a purchase is that often these companies and pet stores conduct large-scale breeding of dogs. It is a method that is indeed far from being animal-friendly and ethical. In this practice, the health of the parent dog is not duly considered for the offspring. In other words, they breed dogs as they so please without taking health, food, and safety much into consideration. A respectable and reputable breeder is one who is transparent about their methods. It is crucial for you to check if the breeding facility is safe and spacious enough for the animals to roam around and have fun. You can ask them for a copy of the background data of each purebred parent and genetic mapping of the crossbreed offspring for reference. Here are some online sites to get you started on your pup search: Angel Heart Kennel LLC Across the state, you can only fin local breeders and animal shelters. Most likely, in one of these shelters, one might find a Pitbull Bulldog Mix looking for a lovely new home. Try opening www. As such, it is no wonder that the smooth and shiny coat of the Pitbull combined with Bulldog does not shed profusely and does not require high maintenance. Use a soft bristle brush at least once or twice a week, but no more than four days. However, during shedding season, the fur of the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull does shed quite often. When this occurs, it is recommended to brush their hair and coat daily. Instead, one can use a damp washcloth to wipe the dog every now and then. This method can help get rid of some loose fur and keep them clean. The full bath should be given only once a month since their coat needs all the natural oils on the skin. In any case, whether patting them down or bathing, the following vital areas need focus: Foot pads and paws Tail and the region around the anus Eye region, especially the eyelids As a common practice among grooming dogs, teeth brushing is required not only for good oral hygiene but especially for the prevention of irksome dental complications. Regularly check the ears for redness, wax buildup, and nasty ear mites. Note, however, that when trimming, one must practice care and accuracy to avoid complication and infection. The English Bulldog, having a life span of years, has many health concerns than most purebreds. Other dilemmas include hip dysplasia, screw tail, cherry eye, among others. The English Pitbull Terrier is the healthier dog parent in comparison. Also facing possible hip dysplasia concerns, this purebred is known to experience allergies, mange, and skin infections. As such, in an overview of things, the Bulldog mixed with Pitbull requires much medical attention and involves a ton of payment for vet bills. Depending on the favored parent, there is no telling if the crossbreed would face many or fewer complications. Prone to allergies, the Pitbull combined with Bulldog borrows its skin complication from the Pitbull parent. Prevention of these diseases means regular washcloth wiping and avoidance of typical allergen-containing and grainy food. Hip Dysplasia. A significant focus on diet and exercise is enough to help prevent this painful joint displacement. Heart disease. Any bull breed is known to face heart complications such as congenital heart disease among others. There is no sure fire way to prevent it other than early detection and treatment. Once found, divide the meal portions into at least two meals per day with equal serving. You can also incorporate giving of treats and scheduled feedings that and intertwined with free feeding at least once per week to keep things new for the pup. This is to ensure that your dog does not grow into being obese, which raises complication for hip dysplasia. Likewise, the right mix of minerals and vitamins must be consulted with the veterinarian. Depending on their recommendation, incorporate the intake of these supplements either to the food or medicine administration intermittently. For the Bulldog combined with Pitbull, owners should focus on purchasing dog food rich in chronodotin or glucosamine. These nutrients are crucial in preventing hip dysplasia complications. Luckily, the market is filled with high-quality dog food that one can easily find. You can even ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specifications.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy About the Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever originated in Canada in the 19th century and is now a world-wide beloved dog breed. These dogs are medium-sized dogs, females have a height of .Their average weight as an adult is pounds for females and pounds for males. They have a life expectancy of years. When it comes to their temperament, Labrador retrievers are very loyal, friendly and affectionate companion dogs. They are known for being very social towards strangers and other dogs. Labrador retrievers also come in three colours : black, brown or yellow. These dogs are very active as they need plenty of walks, play time and affection. They are great with children and make a great companion dog. If you're thinking of adopting a Labrador retriever puppy, keep reading as we go through how to care for them! Learn more about the Labrador Retriever in our breed sheet. When to collect your Labrador puppy You can adopt and collect your Labrador puppy once they are 8 weeks old. This way, you make sure that they have had enough time to socialize with their family, mother and siblings. It also makes sure that they have developed good bite moderation before being adopted to their new family. Other advantages are that they have had time to drink their mother's milk and properly wean off. They will also feel more independent and will transition better to their new home after being 8 weeks old. We also encourage you to check out your local animal shelter before buying from a breeder. Where your puppy should sleep the first night When it comes to sleeping at night, your puppy will have some difficulties. This may be due to the new environment and new people. They may feel unprotected and disoriented. For this reason, it's normal to hear them cry as they may be calling their mother for guidance and company. Now that you've adopted this puppy, this is your job as their human companion. When they call out, try to be there for them as they are scared and lonely. Be understanding as your puppy learns to adapt to their new home. As a puppy is very dependent and on their first night they will feel scared and disoriented, it's best they sleep near you on their first night. Remember that puppies tend to sleep with their siblings and their mother. Being alone in a new place for the first time will be difficult for them. The best option for your new puppy is to sleep in their own bed inside your room, near you. So that if they feel scared or lost and cry, you can let them know that you are there with them. Once they feel more oriented and safe in their new home, you can move their bed to another location where they can sleep. Learn more in our article where we elaborate on how to prepare for your puppy's first night in their new home. What to feed your Labrador retriever puppy When feeding your Labrador retriever puppy, you will need to provide them with a rich and balanced diet. Keep in mind that puppies begin weaning when they are around weeks old. This means that they will slowly transition from their mother's milk to a solid food canine diet. A natural canine diet mainly consists in essential fatty acids and meat-based protein. The protein should have two or three types of protein from meat. For example: whole chicken, lamb, beef and fish. For fat sources, you can opt for chicken fat. Good fat sources can solute some of the most important vitamins a dog needs. When it comes to carbs, it should be kept in a low amount as dogs thrive on meat. If you are cooking for your dog, then we recommend to include low amounts of whole carbs, such as sweet potatoes. Lastly, you can offer some fruits and vegetables that provide good vitamins and minerals to help your dog's over-all health. Training your Labrador retriever puppy Labrador Retrievers are very active and intelligent dogs. Other than daily exercise, they will need basic dog training. Yes, even as a puppy! You can begin training your dog with paper training. Learn more about that in our article about paper training for puppies. You can then begin to teach them basic commands, such as to sit, stay, or even to play fetch. Remember to always train them for short amounts of time each day, not exceeding 15min, and always through positive reinforcement. This way, training will be enjoyable for them and will help you create a greater bond with them. To learn more, read our article about when to start training your puppy. Exercising your Labrador retriever puppy Your Labrador retriever puppy will needs plenty of exercise. Due to their small size as a puppy, this will mostly be at home. They will begin by playing with their siblings and walking or running around the house. Then, after their first round of vaccinations, usually around the age of 7 weeks old, puppies will begin to go outside. This is a very important part of their puppyhood as they will learn to go out on walks with their caregivers and will begin their socialization period. During this period, they will meet and interact with new people and other dogs. They will also explore new places. It's very important that during this period they have good interactions and don't get traumatized. When a puppy is well socialized from a young age, they will have a balanced temperament as adult dogs. Learn more in our article about socializing puppies. Hygiene care Next, we're going to talk about maintaining our puppy's hygiene. As Labrador puppies haven't grown their full coat, they won't need to be brushed regularly just yet. A bath is only necessary when they get very dirty on their outdoor walks. Dental hygiene is also important when it comes to caring for a puppy. You can opt for a dog tooth paste or a dental canine treat. Talk to your veterinarian to see which would be best for you puppy, and learn more in our article about dental hygiene for dogs. Other than that, we must make sure that their everyday environment is also clean and that we refresh their water bowl everyday. This way, our puppy will have great personal hygiene and we can help them prevent certain health issues from a young age. Health care Lastly, we're going to talk about your Labrador retriever's health. The Labrador Retriever is a relatively healthy and long-living dog, especially if they stay in shape. However, the lack of genetic diversity resulting from breeding programs makes them prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions , which are usually manifested as the dog grows old. For instance, Labradors tend to suffer from hip dysplasia. When your Lab is a puppy, you must ensure they get the necessary vaccines, and you must follow their vaccination schedule during the rest of their lives. This will prevent them from suffering very serious diseases that tend to affect dogs. If you want your dog to stay as healthy as possible, go to the vet for check-ups every 6 months. You can prevent the development of common diseases by watching your Lab for symptoms and caring for them as best as you can. Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity - they love treats, and if they don't get enough exercise they will soon become overweight, with the related muscular and joint problems. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy We hope that this article has given you great insight when it comes to caring for a Labrador Retriever puppy. Here are some other helpful articles for caregivers that are adopting puppies:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. If yes, you need to be extra careful when handling the dog. You will take a lot of time to adjust to the needs and demands of the dog and spending quality time with the dog will help in this task. Labradors are highly attention seeking dogs. They may not have a lot of demands, but they can certainly not do without attention. Ignoring them is the biggest blunder when handling them. Since, Labradors are even tempered and lovable dogs, they constantly shower their owners with a lot of love and want the same to be reciprocated. Thus, the pet owners need to be quite open with their feelings and shower love on them and show them that they are loved and cared for. They are always ready to please their owners and many times, they bank upon their intelligence so as to please their owners. Labradors also need a lot of fun and excitement in their life. Taking them to the park and indulging in a lot of energetic play can help them to build a nice and strong bond with each other. There can be a lot of intelligent interaction between the pet and the owner that will help in cementing the relationship between each other. Having a highly energetic Labrador may pose a lot of problems as far as its security and protection is concerned. Many pet owners go microchip way to ensure complete protection of their friendly pets. While taking care of your Labrador, you also need to be particular about its diet and nutritional demands. They must be given food that is rich in the nutrients and minerals necessary for their proper growth. Moreover, Labrador love to indulge in a lot of exercising; hence their diet demands are also on a slightly higher side. Daily and regular exercise can make them more energetic and active. Some variations in the exercise can help the dog to enjoy the whole routine. The dog will enjoy boundless energy as a result and some outlet for this energy will ensure a well balanced pet. About Rahul From Delhi, Rahul is an animal lover at heart. He is a writer and most of his writing revolves around making people aware of animal issues like health, training and grooming. More like this.

If you already have a Golden, how about doubling the fun by getting another one? Are Golden Retrievers better in pairs? Yes, Golden Retrievers will do better in pairs. Due to their social nature, they will have each other for constant companionship throughout the day and anytime you are away or busy. On the downside, taking care of two Golden Retriever dogs will double your chores and expenses. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! What if you can add another Golden Retriever dog to the household mix, and they could use some of their abundant energy wearing each other out instead? As you may already know, the purebred Golden Retriever was initially bred in Scotland around the s when breeders wanted a powerful hunting dog who could retrieve game from both land and water while running through the countryside all day long. Because of this, Golden Retrievers were bred to have abundant levels of energy. The rule of thumb with a Golden Retriever is you should take your pup for a minute walk at least 2 times per day more is better to keep him healthy and entertained. Between wrestling and chasing each other around the house, two Golden Retrievers will easily get their allotted exercise time each and every day. Note: While a second dog of the same breed is great, a Golden Retriever will be just as happy with a different breed of doggy companion. For the best level of exercise, however, another Golden or a breed with similar energy levels ie. Labrador Retriever would be best. This family picked out two Golden Retriever puppies right from the start! Why is this wrong? Having two dogs can be an excellent way to deal with spoiled behavior. When you go for walks, your dog will also learn to curb his urge to move around each time the other dog stops for a potty break. It Satisfies the Pack Instincts Regardless of the breed, all dogs want to live in a pack. They want to have an alpha leader to look up to, promoting their sense of overall security. It will also alleviate any separation anxiety that is common among Golden Retrievers. It Grants Your Senior Dog a New Sense of Purpose Like most large breed dogs, senior Golden Retrievers have a high risk of developing hip dysplasia, a destructive bone disease that limits their activity level. Getting a younger Golden Retriever can be the best way to rejuvenate your senior dog without demanding excessive physical activity. The older dog will teach the new member all the house rules, including where to do his business, how to react politely to visitors, how to play with kids without hurting them, and so forth. This really works! Not only did it give them a sense of purpose it seemed to make them feel more relaxed when we were away from home knowing they had a buddy in the house still. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! If they should each need veterinary treatment at the same time, it can really add up fast! If you thought one Golden could eat through a expensive 40lb bag of kibble quickly, just wait untill you see two in action! Consider grooming, for instance. Since Goldens have long, wavy coats, you should brush them at least once per week. Because Golden Retrievers have floppy ears, they may also develop nasty infections without regular ear cleaning. If you let that go for a day or two your backyard will look like poopageddon! You May Not Have Enough Space If you already have a Golden, you probably know that they can grow taller than 25 inches 63 cm and heavier than 60 pounds 27 kgs. In that case, you could still reap the benefits of getting a second dog by opting for a smaller breed, such as a Pug, Basset Hound, Boston Terrier, or even a Miniature Goldendoodle. Check out the following tips to ensure that your dogs get along well, especially when first introduced. Pick Neutral Ground For Introductions No matter how friendly your Golden Retriever is, his territorial instincts could kick in if a new dog invades his personal space all of a sudden. Encourage them to sniff and play together, but keep an eye out for the following signs of aggression so that you can intervene right away if necessary: Growling. So, is adding a second golden retriever to the family a good idea? But what are the pros and cons? If your golden has separation anxiety, another dog will really help them out. No more fighting about who is going to pet or play with them because now you have two. When your retriever has a buddy, it can make them feel more secure They will never be alone or lonely Retrievers are cheerful dogs and one of them can light up your life so can you imagine what two of them will do. If the first dog is well trained, the second dog will copy most of their actions and make training them on commands much easier The cons Cleaning up will be a pickle because now you will clean up after two which means more hair all over your place You will need to make more budget for their food and needs, there will be twice the vet bills as well. Your retriever might be the jealous type which will make adding a new retriever to the family harder. You will need more energy for exercising two energetic retrievers Training two dogs will be more difficult if the first one is not already well trained. If they are chewers then it means twice the damage control Also, two dogs mean twice the potty pickups Want to learn more about how you life changes with a second golden retriever? Read my post on why are golden retrievers better in pairs here. So here is how you should introduce your second golden retriever to both your family members and first dog. Step 1: let the dog approach the children and not the other way around because the new dog might feel threatened and will snap in self-defense. Step 2: tell your children to sit down while holding a toy to encourage the puppy to approach them. Step 5: prevent any hugs or cuddles till the dog is completely ready for them. Step 6: After the first meeting, ask your children to give the puppy some space so they can explore the new environment. Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs, and they almost always get together super well, so this will be quite easy, but you still need to do a bit of effort. Step 5: for the meeting take them both out for a walk never introduce them inside the house. Step 6: you should take your first retriever in front of you and the new retriever behind with the person who is helping you. While you are both walking, start slowly to work your way to get them closer to each other. Step 8: After a minute of sniffing, start walking again, you need to keep their first interactions short and nice. Step 9: repeat the whole walking and sniffing part several times until they are both calm. Step since they both seem calm, you can bring both dogs inside the house, let your first retriever enter first then allow him to welcome the new retriever. Step give your new retriever more space in the house so they can adjust and explore the house. If you have a backyard, you can let the dogs run around and play together but still limit their playtime and keep it short a first. Do not leave them alone together Important Tips for introducing your second golden retriever Give both of the dog love and attention equally Keep their feeding areas separated Keep them both active, for example, take them for a walk or find an activity that can be both fun and burn out all their extra energy. Watch out for any signs of stress or aggression, if you do notice any sign of stress, reduce their time together. Golden retrievers are the best family dog because they are great with both humans and animals, getting a second retriever will be great because they will be both super friendly, however, golden retrievers are rarely aggressive but if they get jealous they can display some unwelcoming signs to the new dogs. So the most important thing is to spend time with each one of them equally and love them both unconditionally. If you liked this article you can share it with your friends and family, they might be considering adding a second dog to their family and it can help them as well, also It would make me really happy and grateful. Related Questions Is it good to have two golden retrievers? Can you have 2 male golden retrievers? What is the best age to add a second dog? The best age to add a second dog is one year according to many behaviorists because it can take up to six months for any dog to adjust to their new home then they take six more months to bond in the right way with their owner and to learn your commands and house rules. Helpful Resources. Naturally, one would assume that having two of a good thing is better than one! Owning two Golden Retrievers means twice the fun, cuddles, and love! Golden Retrievers are highly social, and owning two means that they would have each other to play with, and keep each other company while you are away or busy. But, there are many downsides as well, owning two means double everything! Golden Retrievers do best when they are in the company of their family. It takes time for your Golden to adapt and accept another Golden into the household. Owning two means they will become best friends. Well, having two means twice the fun, laughs, love and cuddles! One might be very sweet and submissive, while the other may be more assertive. A common dilemma that many owners face is whether to get a male or female Golden Retriever. In fact, many fellow Golden Retriever owners enjoy having two dogs of the same sex, without experiencing any issues like dominance or aggressiveness. But, also because your older Golden Retriever will be able to teach the younger one new tricks. Your older Golden will be a role model for your younger one, making things like potty training, basic commands, and rules of the house much easier and faster to learn. Since most dogs naturally go potty where other dogs have gone, potty training can be accomplished with fewer problems. But, having two Golden Retrievers, will alleviate some of your responsibility, especially because they will do most of their playing together. Two Golden Retrievers means plenty of wrestling sessions, chasing each other, tug-of-war, and tiring each other out. Con 1: Double Everything! Cost, Work, Hair, Etc. Owning one Golden Retriever is expensive, it requires plenty of work and devotion from you, and you certainly need a lot of patience. And one Golden Retriever produces plenty of dog hair and dog poop! But, owning two Golden Retrievers means double everything! Plus the time and effort it takes to brush and bathe two Goldens. Owning two dogs means that you will need to allocate time to spend with each one on an individual basis. This means extra time spent going for walks, training, playing and grooming. Can your couch accommodate two full-size Goldens laying on it, plus yourself? Or, will you find yourself sitting on the floor while your two Goldens occupy your couch? Owning one Golden Retriever means giving up half of your couch and your bed. But, owning two means you might have to sacrifice your own comfort or invest in twice the furniture! Having two Goldens means you need plenty of space, not only in your home but also in your vehicle. This is especially true when it comes to fighting over food, toys, and your attention. Adding a second Golden Retriever to the household, suddenly means your current dog has to share your attention, love, and food. It could lead to competition and jealousy between the two dogs. It certainly is devastating for you to have to say goodbye, but, it is just as devastating for your remaining Golden to lose a best friend. Owning two Goldens means eventually the time will come when one dog outlives the other. Some will whine and cry out for their best friend, become lethargic and depressed, and many will search their home, yard and neighbourhood for their best friend. The more bonded your two Goldens are, the more difficult it will be when you lose one. Many owners find that adding another Golden to the household helps the other dog heal, as well as themselves. Con 6: Bad Habits Can Form If your current Golden Retriever has some bad habits, you can guarantee that those bad habits will be taught to the younger one. Make sure your current Golden is fully trained and obedient, before introducing a second Golden to the mix. This, however, can be reversed as well. For instance, a younger Golden can teach your older one some new bad habits as well. Training sessions and spending equal amounts of time with each dog individually can help to curb some of the bad habits. Their current Golden is amazing, and they just want a second one. They feel their current Golden could use a companion. Here are some important things you need to consider beforehand: Your Financial Situation Can you afford to properly care for two Golden Retrievers? Adding a second Golden Retriever to your family will certainly pull on the purse strings! The cost of food and treats, toys, grooming, vet bills, pet insurance, training, and other expenses quickly add up. You need to be sure that you are financially capable of caring for two Golden Retrievers. Consider how your current Golden will feel about sharing his home, toys, and your love and attention with another dog. Very few Golden Retrievers accept a new dog into their household right away, usually, there is a lengthy adjustment period lasting a few weeks to a few months. There are also a few instances where adding a second Golden has not worked out. This usually results in having to rehome the new dog. Before making the commitment, be sure to evaluate your current Golden Retriever, and if they enjoy being around other dogs, their energy level, play style, and health. Sure, the two of them will keep each other company and play together, but, they will both want your attention as well. Your new Golden Retriever will require plenty of your time and commitment to train and bond with, and your current Golden will require your attention equally to prevent feeling neglected. Space Having enough space for two full-size Golden Retrievers is an important factor to consider. When fully grown, these dogs range in height from 51 to 61 centimetres and weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds or more. Goldens can easily adapt to smaller homes, as well as apartment living. That is as long as they get plenty of daily activity in the form of exercise and mental stimulation. Some, however, enjoy being motherly toward them and taking them under their wing. Age is an important factor to consider. If you currently have a senior, a puppy might bring out the playfulness in him, but it could also wear him out and affect his health and mobility. Typically, the most compatible arrangement is having two Goldens of similar ages, at least 2 years apart, so that they will have the same energy level. It just means you might have to step in and ensure the puppy is not too rambunctious for your older one. Gender Most dog experts agree that dogs of the opposite sex get along better than dogs of the same sex. Plus, for many Golden Retriever owners, having both a male and a female allows them to enjoy both genders. While gender is an important factor to consider, it is more important to consider compatibilities, such as temperament and personality. Two alpha males and two alpha females are likely to have jealousy and aggressive tendencies. This is easier if you are bringing home a puppy, but can also be accomplished when bringing home an adult. You can rub a blanket, towel, toy, sock, or any other item on the puppy, and bring the item home with you for your current Golden to sniff. This way neither dog will feel like their territory is being invaded. Let both Goldens sniff each other, and become familiar with each other. Once both dogs are comfortable around each other, you can return the items. Many Golden Retrievers become territorial over food, and an incident can occur. Supervise Play For the first little while, and especially if you have a puppy and an older dog, you will want to supervise their playtime. A young puppy can be too exuberant for a senior dog, as well as a bigger dog can hurt a puppy by accident. I have heard of too many close calls, from dogs almost being strangled because their collar got caught. But, realistically, you should expect there to be an adjustment period. It could take days, weeks, or even months for the two of them to accept each other. This short video demonstrates the adjustment period of Sterling and Colin, the same two Golden Retrievers we watched in the video above. However, there are certainly many factors to take into consideration such as your financial situation, and how your current Golden feels about sharing his home and you with another companion. Are you thinking of adding a second Golden Retriever to your family? Do you currently own two Golden Retrievers? Share your thoughts, experience, and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Golden Retrievers: 0. First, you might choose to bring home two puppies at once, usually littermates. Or, you might opt to get one Golden Retriever and then later on add a puppy or another adult Golden. Perhaps the idea of separating your puppy from their family makes you sad and you think that bringing home two will make it easier for them. Maybe the breeder suggested that you take two puppies. Or you think the idea of having two puppies at once seems like double the cuteness and fun, and that you can just get the puppy stage done with both dogs all at once. Are any of these ideas true? What is Littermate Syndrome? Littermate syndrome is when two puppies from the same litter , or two puppies from different litters but similar ages, are raised together and develop problematic behavior issues. There are several main categories of undesirable behavior that are associated with littermate syndrome: aggression, separation distress, fear of novelty, and lack of human-dog bond. Aggression In some cases, you might see that two Golden Retrievers display aggressive behavior towards each other, or toward others, both dog and human. Often the aggression arises around the time of adolescence or social maturity 6 months to 18 months. The two dogs might start having more conflict, whereas before they got along without issue. One dog might start becoming a bully towards the other. Perhaps intense conflicts break out over toys or bones. Maybe fights come out of nowhere without any apparent provocation. This can be extremely distressing to witness as an owner, and obviously frightening for the recipient. Two dogs snarling, barking and lunging at another dog or a person is probably not what you signed up for when you brought home a pair of fluffy Golden puppies. Separation Distress Another common result of littermate syndrome is intense separation distress. This can start much earlier than the aggression discussed above, and even puppies three months or four months old can show distress when separated from their littermate. Puppies or dogs might start screaming or thrashing around if separated even a short time or distance. You can imagine how hard this can make life for both you and the dogs. If one dog needs to go to the vet or have surgery, the other dog will be panicked. Crating or otherwise confining them separately might be impossible. Even trying to train them separately could be met with extreme anxiety from your pair of pups. Fear of Novelty This one sounds a little odd, but another way littermate syndrome can manifest is through the dogs showing fear of novelty, also known as neophobia. This can start when the littermates are young, and can worsen as they get older. They might show strong fear of new people or dogs, as well as new locations, environments or objects. Lack of Human-Dog Bond Because the two littermates spend so much time together, they may bond more closely with each other than with their human family. This hyper-attachment with each other can result in two dogs that care way more about each other than you, or what you have to say. Getting their attention might be a real struggle. They might blow you off when you call in favor of continuing to wrestle and play. Littermates may be so preoccupied with each other that they never really develop a social bond with you or your family. Your two Golden Retrievers may struggle to learn house rules and boundaries, and it can be harder for them to understand how to regulate themselves emotionally. Training can also be a challenge, as mentally, they are more focused on their sibling. Ask any experienced dog trainer, behavior consultant, or veterinary behaviorist, and they will tell you that littermate syndrome can happen when someone brings two pups home. And despite this breed being notoriously social, sweet and bonded with their humans, it can happen with Golden Retrievers. Bringing home two puppies does not necessarily mean they are doomed to experience littermate syndrome, but it is absolutely something to be mindful of and to proactively avoid it from happening. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to get the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! What Causes Littermate Syndrome? Again, there have not been formal studies, but there are some likely factors to which littermate syndrome can be attributed. You might know two people that have an unhealthy attachment, maybe romantic partners, a parent and child, or friends. The relationship impedes normal social, emotional, and mental development, and has a negative impact in other areas of their life. This is exactly what can happen with canine littermates too. They are missing out on some critical development due to this hyper-attachment. Behavior like aggression or separation distress may arise out of that unhealthy attachment. The thought is that they can entertain each other and tire each other out, which will make your job as the owner easier. The cost to this is that they are then spending a lot of time together, rather than getting one-on-one time with their owners, which is so crucial to properly raising a puppy. This lack of individualized attention may contribute to the dogs not closely bonding with their humans. Letting two pups spend all day every day together without enough solo time and attention could potentially lead to littermate syndrome. Lack of Training Training two Golden Retriever puppies at once is nearly impossible! It will be hectic, frustrating and confusing for both you and the puppies. In order to effectively teach anything, you will have to dedicate time to work with each puppy individually, which means double the time spent training. Some people might not have the time to train each puppy one-on-one, or may just not have the desire to put in double the effort. Training is also an excellent way to bond with your puppy, and so if training is minimal, you will miss out on a crucial opportunity to bond with each pup. Lack of Proper Socialization Socialization is critical to raising a confident, well-behaved dog. The prime time for socialization is before sixteen weeks of age. What your puppy learns and experiences during these first sixteen weeks of age can have a permanent effect on their temperament and behavior. Just like with training, socialization needs to be a one-on-one activity. Again, this means double the socialization, which is a huge time and energy investment for you. Each puppy needs to meet new people and new dogs away from the other puppy. Each puppy needs to visit new environments and have new experiences without their sibling. Each puppy will need to be walked individually. They may always need their sibling next to them in order to feel okay about the world. Lack of one-on-one socialization also leaves a gap in their relationship with you as their owner. Learning about the world with you as their guide creates a strong, positive relationship. Without that foundation, your puppy may choose to take their cues from their puppy sibling, instead of you, which can be very frustrating as they grow up. How To Avoid Littermate Syndrome As mentioned previously, littermate syndrome is not a guaranteed outcome if you do bring home two puppies. The idea that bringing home two puppies will make your job as their owner easier could not be more wrong. Properly training, socializing and raising two puppies at the same time is double the work. The obvious solution to preventing littermate syndrome is to only bring home one puppy. Life with a single Golden Retriever puppy is plenty busy and you completely avoid the risks associated with littermate syndrome. But if you are set on getting two puppies and fully understand the responsibility and risk associated with this, or you already have two, here are some ways that you can prevent littermate syndrome from happening with your pair of pups. This is absolutely crucial to building a strong relationship with your puppies. Play with each puppy one-on-one. Go on walks with each puppy individually. Romp around the yard with them separately. So to counteract any potential for hyper-attachment, commit to spending one-on-one time with each puppy. They may become very distressed if they are separated, which might include destructive behavior, barking, peeing or pooping , or even self-injury. When you work on this in addition to spending one-on-one time with each puppy, you set everyone up for success for the times where one dog needs to go to the vet and the other needs to stay home, for example. Train and Socialize Each Pup Individually While your pair of pups might be two peas in a pod, they are, in fact, two unique individuals, and should be treated as such. Each Golden Retriever puppy has their own distinct temperament, strengths, and weaknesses. Treating the puppies as a unit does them a disservice and might create issues as they mature. Perhaps one puppy can chill in their crate and practice their confinement skills while you work on training the other puppy. You will likely find that each puppy learns things at different paces, and what was easy for one puppy is harder for the other, and vice versa. Spending training time with them individually will help you learn about their unique personality so you can help them really shine. Likewise, socialization should also be done one-on-one. Socialization is a process of exposing your puppy to the world in a way that builds their confidence and teaches them how to feel and act in various environments. Introducing your Goldens to new people, other dogs, new locations, new experiences, new surfaces, new sounds, etc. For example, you take one puppy with you on an errand to a local dog-friendly gardening store. You notice that they are scared when someone else enters the store with a big dog. Your puppy cowers and bit and hides behind you. Ideally, you want each puppy learning how to confidently move through the world with you as their guide. You want them to learn that you are trustworthy and to look to you if they are unsure or scared. Double the Fun, Double the Trouble Bringing home two Golden Retriever puppies has the potential to be a highly rewarding experience, or a disaster waiting to happen. If you are dedicated to putting in the effort to help each puppy mature into a happy, confident, well-behaved dog, it can potentially have a positive outcome. You can always add another puppy to the family when they are more mature and well trained. This is generally a better way to go about it if you want to have two or more! Golden Retrievers. It allows you time to fully bond with your first dog and focus on their training and socialization before you get a second. Typically, things will go more smoothly by getting the two dogs with some time in between, but there are certainly considerations to keep in mind to set everyone up for success from the start. Now, no dog is perfect and they all have their little quirks, but if your current Golden loves to bark out the windows at every passerby, just imagine two Goldens engaging in that behavior. Dogs are social learners and they do learn from each other. You should feel overall comfortable with what your current dog might teach the newcomer. That terrible counter-surfing behavior might get way worse now that your attention is split between your dog and the new pup. You want to feel happy with where things are at with the current dog. However, it is generally a good idea to wait until two years old so that you have really formed a positive relationship with your first dog and have good habits in place. Is it possible to bring home another Golden Retriever when your first one is, say, one year old? Yes, but it might be more work for you. Every dog is different and some older dogs genuinely love interacting with puppies, while others find them to be utterly annoying. Some dogs just adore puppies while others find them repulsive. If your dog has positive, but more lowkey feelings about other dogs, then your process might move along at a quicker pace. Pick a Location First, decide on where the two dogs will meet for the first time. If your dog regularly has playdates at your house and is okay with sharing their space with other dogs, then setting up the first meeting at home might be an option. That way by the time the newcomer is in the house, your older dog is at least aware that they exist and knows their smell. Pick a Time Sometimes picking up your puppy from the breeder is an adventure in itself with road trips and flights involved. And that can mean your puppy might get home at a really odd time. Midnight may not be the ideal time to have your adult dog meet the new baby. Giving them a nice walk before they meet their new sibling can help your dog feel content and more relaxed when the meeting happens. You really need to know your dog and proactively set them up for the most possible success. You can put the puppy in the exercise pen and let them sniff and say hi through the pen at first, which can give you an idea of how both parties are feeling. Loose, wiggly, waggy body language is a positive indication. Signs that a dog is unsure or fearful include tucked tail, cowering, stiff body, hard stare, freezing in place, and growling or snapping. While this might seem sad, it can go a long way to keep everyone safe, and is a completely humane precaution to take. A basket muzzle allows dogs to pant, eat and drink, but prevents teeth from making any contact. If you feel a muzzle is necessary, you should also hire a professional trainer to help you facilitate the meeting process. Plus, getting professional help is never a bad idea. How to Integrate a New Dog with Your Dog Beyond the initial meet and greet, there is the whole process of integrating the new puppy into daily life with your current dog. Again, this requires some planning and strategy to ensure everyone is safe and happy. Management Tools It can help to let them drag light leashes around the house, at least for the first few days, so that you can easily redirect them if needed. This prevents you from having to manhandle your dog or puppy, which can sometimes make them uncomfortable and stressed. It is unrealistic to expect your dog and puppy to spend all day everyday together without issues. Your puppy will get overexcited. Your dog might be too exuberant and you will worry they will squish the baby. Use management strategies like crates , gates , leashes , and pens to give them separate spaces. Your adult Golden might not be too keen on this new punk puppy trying to lick up kibble crumbs while they are still eating dinner, so have a plan for keeping them separate during meal times to prevent any resource guarding issues. Similarly, things like toys and bones can become points of contention, depending on the dog. Or maybe they want to just sniff the toy your older dog is playing with. Keeping an eye out for these situations, and running interference when needed, can go a long way to get your two-dog household off to a good start. Play Times Always monitor play times to ensure that each dog is safe and having fun. You can call them over periodically for some treats and then give them a little down time before allowing them to go back to playing. Alone Time Any time you cannot be actively supervising the two dogs, confine them separately. Separate Spaces Provide them both with their own comfy places to relax. You might find that your puppy struggles to settle with your other dog around, or vice versa. Giving them each their own space, using a gate, crate or pen, can help them learn how to coexist peacefully without constantly erupting into play. Expect Some Bumps in the Road This can be a rocky process sometimes, and just know that is normal. You might find that your existing dog picks up a new bad habit when the puppy comes home. Remember that you have plenty of time to integrate the new pup into your home with your current dog. Do not rush the process! There is always the disappointing possibility that your current dog just cannot cope with another dog in the home. Some dogs truly do best being the only dog in the family. Getting help from a certified dog behavior consultant can help you evaluate your situation and process making a hard decision if necessary. Work on teaching the puppy new skills without your other dog, and then you can add them in as a distraction while you continue to strengthen their skills. Balance all this new attention on the puppy with some quality one-on-one time with your adult Golden Retriever. They used to be the solo light of your life, and now they are sharing you with a new puppy. While the puppy naps, perhaps you go for a walk at the park or hit up a favorite trail for a fun hike. Twice as Nice There is a lot to love about life with two Golden Retrievers. It can really help to have realistic expectations before you become a two-Golden family. Have a plan, and a plan B. The key is to be consistent with proactively avoiding negative interactions and unwanted behavior, while fostering positive interactions and behavior. Do you have two Golden Retrievers? Would you recommend it? Let us know down in the comments! And if you liked this article, check out the ultimate guide to raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related articles:. That includes Puppy and Training classes, take them to a trainer that understands the inherent difficulties of raising two puppies together. Take them on separate nights hopefully to the same trainer. They can play together but only at strict designated times and for a period of no more than 15 minutes each designated play time. This regime will not be for life as the pups will, after a period of about 12 to 14 months have formed their own personalities and temperaments; at this age they will have become confident of their own individual abilities. Not as in most cases total inter-dependence to each other when siblings are raised, trained, and fed together. Without the total reliance on their sibling for constant support they will grow and blossom into much rounder and less aggressive and fearful individuals. I cannot stress how important it is to separate the siblings until they are older. It will produce two individuals rather than an impaired two parts of the whole. It is worth stating that it is not only siblings that have these problems. If you raise two young pups from different litters or even breeds, you can have similar problems. I always recommend my clients to wait till their puppy is 14 months old before purchasing another puppy this then allows you to concentrate all your efforts on that individual and hopefully it will take on some of the good traits of the older more experienced dog. I have no respect for a breeder that uses these tactics or that sell litter mates to one owner. If they are experienced and not a first time breeder then they are well aware of the pitfalls of these actions, and that the dogs will suffer for the rest of their lives. Post Reply Preview alsdengoldies btinternet. I'm so sorry, it must have been very hard. Post Reply Preview todd. For the first few years the vet bills will be rather straight forward, just beware as the dogs age you'll probably be faced with double the expense when the dogs reach the age of eight or so, which is when the health problems this breed is known for usually start to surface. Post Reply Preview alanckaye 13 years ago Hi, I'd just like to comment as I have only recently learned of "littermate syndrome" recently. Two years ago my wife and I decided it was time to give a good home to another golden. We lost KC to cancer after 14 years a few years prior. When we went to the breeder in Ocala, Fl. The girls were bottle fed. It was their mother's third litter which to me seems excessive since she was only six when she died. We had been told it would not be good to take two puppies from the same litter - for reasons I'm guessing mentioned above but our hearts went out to the sisters and we ignored the rules taking both home. KD and Karma are close, they play together but they also fight - one will wine for attention from my wife or I but aside from that they have both bonded with us remarkably well. Karma adores me and often positions herself in our home to where she has full sight of me or I have to step over her so she knows when I'm on the move. The only thing I have noticed is when we walk them together and one is out of sight of the other they begin to search for the other. One is picky with being friendly to strangers or strange dogs. The other will be friendly to any and all people and dogs. They were raised in separate crates in the same room as puppies and I take them for their morning walk separately. I suppose I'm lucky that I did not have to return the girls because we fell in love with them at first sight and they are a very important part of our life - especially for me as a retired law enforcement officer, I spend about 16 hours a day with them. I take care of all their needs, even to the point of expressing their anal glands when I notice they have become uncomfortable with full glands. This seems to happen mostly at night when I am ready for bed and I notice a subtle change in one girl and how she seems to be feeling not up to par. I appreciate this information as it does give me some insight into why they act the way they do at times but all in all this has been a very good experience for all - the sisters are together and do love each other and they love us as much as we do them. I guess my point here is that if you do get litter mates it doesn't have to turn out to be a bad thing. The puppies in the photo are adorable - it's a shame you had to return them. Post Reply Preview gabbi 13 years ago Thanks everyone for such a great discussion and willingness to share your experience and expertise. Like everyone here I am a dog lover! I have a 7yr old husky-sheperd mix. Very sad. Took me three years to get over it enough to be able to get another dog. So cute and can live up to the name Nightmare 2. I have always wanted and loved the look of the Bernese mountain dogs. So I ended up getting a puppy from there two.His name is Armegeddon. I read about how important it was to make sure they bond with etc. So I put in a lot of hard work.Walks, separate training from the same trainer. I'm also very lucky that I can bring my dogs to work. This I think made all the difference in socializing them to be their own dogs and further reinforce me as alpha. So like other people, I am having a positive experience. They are 13 monthes now. They were getting into fights for a couple of weeks.But I made sure to assert myself right away if I saw Nightmare's body language indicating he was gonna start something. Nightmare was the one starting it, so I would confront him with my body and walk toward him. So he would back away and be focussed on me instead of picking a fight. This nipped it in the bud. They have been good. I have no idea how this is going to work out. They weren't raised together, so I'm hoping this helps. To complicate matters, Cocoa is in heat at 13 monthes old. Both boys are neutered, but Nightmare is trying to mount Cocoa. Armegeddon is not, which is good. But he is not happy with her. They had a squirmish last night, so we will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. Any suggestions are welcome or ideas of where to find similiar situations would be great! Post Reply gouldj Posted 12 years ago. Edited by gouldj member 12 years ago We purchased two Golden Retrievers over 8 years ago, they were brothers. Sadly one of our Goldens just passed away. While they were both alive we never once experienced the troubles associated with "littermate Syndrome". To the contrary, our Goldens were best of friends and they were also best of friends to my wife and me. I had actually never heard of this syndrome until very recently and was amazed at the "issues" people were having. I am not sure what we did differently from other owners so I do not have any advice to share. I will not hesitate one second to get two Golden brothers again. They are sister and brother. I never knew of same litter syndrome, I just thought the problems with the dogs was a follow on from my circumstances changing. I lived alone but then shortly after getting the dogs I meet a guy with two kids we now all live together and recently had a baby myself. But the dogs have had three huge fights were they have been pulled apart before the male killed the female, but then when it has all calmed down they dont want to be seperated, even from another room the female gets anixious. They are together all day and sleep together. They love the kids but the female is shy and doesnt always want to interact. But yet she is great with other dogs and the male attacks other dogs feeding off her insecurity. I am booked in for dog training classes tonight one dog per session. I hope that something can be done eve though they are 3. I feel so bad I have left it go but in the case I was totally ignorant! Post Reply. Many people who have a dog often ask themselves whether they should get another. I did! I often asked myself; Does my golden retriever need a companion? He is a social dog and will not have any issues adjusting especially when he spent his puppy life in a multi-dog family environment. Many fellow Golden Retriever owners say that having a pair of Goldens is a good thing. Golden Retrievers are known to be very social dogs, and always get along well with other Goldens. Before bringing a new puppy or adult Golden dog into your home, it is important to evaluate your current Golden and carefully assess if having a second golden dog will be beneficial. Here are ten things you may want to think about when asking yourself if getting a second dog is a good idea. Dog ownership cost has to be a top consideration. Food, vet bills, dog care supplies, and pet insurance can add up to a hefty amount. It is important to make sure your household budget can cater to owning a second dog. Everything works out if you plan well. How will your dog feel? It is crucial to consider how a second dog will make your first dog feel. Your first dog is used to being the only companion and might act upset or jealous and develop anxiety. So, consider a thorough assessment evaluation of your current dog before adding a second dog. Another Golden Retriever is the best companion dog for your Golden Retriever. However, Golden Retriever also gets along well with most other breeds of dogs. If you are considering a different breed, read up on their different character traits and behavior to make sure it is a good match. To further your dog breed education, consult your veterinarian and connect with other Golden Retriever owners who currently have a two-dog household. Gender Matters: Male or Female Dog? Gender plays an important role in whether your second dog will get along with your current dog. And, many experts tend to agree on this as sometimes bringing a same-sex second dog into the home can create problems: Female dogs can often display jealousy to each other, and male dogs may show aggression to each other. In our case, we did not follow this rule and decided to welcome another male dog into our household. No aggression and jealousy occurred. Is it better to get a puppy as a second dog? A puppy is always a temptation, but it may not be a good idea especially if you have an elderly or sick older dog. Do You Have the Space? Having adequate space to play and for comfortable living, eating and sleeping is another important factor. Golden Retrievers are considered big dogs but can definitely live in a small home as long as you provide adequate exercise, mental stimulation, proper training, and routine grooming. Do You Have the Time? As much as two dogs can keep each other company, they will still want a piece of you. So before you decide whether you should get another dog, make sure you can provide both dogs the energy and attention they both need; especially the new dog that will require a lot of your time. A good play routine for each dog is one way to stay on top of this requirement. Make sure you have your first dog fully-trained before introducing a second dog. Any new dog will learn from the older dog. Remember you will have to contribute a lot of your time and energy to this process also. So be honest and ask yourself — Do you have the ability to commit to all the responsibilities for another dog? Is a second dog really the right decision for your family? Having a second dog is double the joy if it is done for the right reasons. Does your family want a second dog? Make sure to include your whole family in making decisions. Owning dogs involve a huge commitment. Are you in for the long haul? When life changes occur unexpectedly, your family must be able to continue providing the best life for your dogs. No matter what, bringing a dog into your home will change your life. There are lots of responsibilities to having two dogs, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Two dogs mean double the fun, love, and will definitely keep you active. Be prepared to plan your life and your time around your dogs. Adding another dog to your life is a big decision and will definitely enrich your life. Hopefully, the above points will help you to decide if getting a second dog is a good idea. But one thing is for sure if you do it right — two dogs equal twice the fun, happiness, unconditional love, and enjoyable companionship for everyone around. Related Posts:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But if you do find yourself doing it, there are things you can do to ensure a greater level of success and happiness within your household. So, you head down to the breeder or the shelter to choose a new puppy to adopt into your family. But when you get there, you see two adorable sibling puppies together. Hello Little Golden Puppy! Plus, they will be able to play with one another, which will make everything easier. No joke this happened to me before I got my first puppy, Linus. When I went to the shelter there were two cute little Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppies. That is just not the case! There are a lot of things inherent in the way that sibling puppies respond to one another that makes it harder to integrate two of them together into the same home at the same time. But, for whatever reason, if you do find yourself getting sibling puppies, there are a few things you can do to raise them successfully. Read on as we explain why sibling puppies are such a challenge, share our top tips on how to raise sibling pups together, and walk you through how to side-step some of the problems inherent to raising two puppies from the same litter. Sadly, no. The main problem with adopting sibling puppies is that they are going to bond with one another over you. This is a problem because the bond they have with one another can diminish the bond they have with you. This can make them much more difficult to train. Add to this that they are pack animals, and in addition to bonding you can expect them to fight, as it is common to fight for dominance within the pack. The two siblings will very often gang up on the third dog, and it is not unknown for them to seriously injure, or even kill, a third dog introduced into the home. This is not only for the health and happiness of both you and the dog, but many sibling dogs soon find themselves back in a shelter because of the difficulties associated with raising them. When I went to obedience class with Linus there were sibling Husky mix dogs in the class. They literally could not be 20 feet apart. They would whine and yelp until they were back together. Before You Get Sibling Puppies Ask Yourself… So you should seriously consider whether you are prepared to raise sibling puppies before agreeing to take them home. Ask yourself: Are you going to be able to look after them financially? Twice the food, twice the toys, twice the vet trips? Do you have time to give both dogs the individual attention they require? Are they a sociable breed that is more likely to get along with other dogs, or are they a problematic breed? You can learn more about picking the right dog breed for you here. Do you have a family member who can take on responsibility for one of the pups? Also, consider the gender of the puppies you are adopting. Puppies of the same gender are much more likely to fight as a result of their pack instincts. If you get a male and a female puppy, you have the risk of them breeding unless you choose to have them spayed and neutered. Suffice it to say, there is a lot to consider before taking on this kind of responsibility. Here are the things we think are the most important: 1. Invest In Crate Training Crate training is one of the most effective training tools. While some people consider it cruel to confine a pup in this way, this is looking at it from a human rather than a dog perspective. Not only does the crate contain them, but it also gives them a secure place to call their own, where they can retreat when things get stressful. They are also less likely to get stressed out by you overreacting to any accidents or mishaps. So, in this way, the crate can make you both feel better. It also means the puppies can be near you, inside their crates, when they also have to be restricted. Crates one each are the most effective and human way to keep the puppies apart without causing them serious anxiety. We purchased this crate for our first puppy, Linus, over 15 years ago and still use the exact same crate today. It is adorable! But when you bring your litter puppy siblings home, that needs to come to an end. Sleeping together forms a deep and unbreakable bond, which is lovely but will make them impossible to control when they are together, and undermine their ability to bond with you and the other members of your household. Sibling puppies should sleep separately. You might not want to do this from day one. Being introduced to a new home can already be a challenging and scary experience, so ripping them away from their sleep buddy at the same time just seems cruel. But you should have them sleeping separately within two weeks of bringing them home. If they are sleeping in crates, as we recommend, you can start with the crates next to each other and then slowly move them further apart. Rip off the band-aid. Some puppies will bark in the crate on their first night while others do just fine from day one. We got our most recent puppy, Elsa, from a breeder and she started the process of separating her pups in crates at 5 weeks old, several weeks before puppies went to their new homes. This will only reinforce their strong and exclusive bond with one another, and make it more difficult for them to bond with you and other human family members. While you will certainly do things together, you will also want to do things alone with each of them. You should maintain this until they are at least one year of age, and probably long beyond this. This means walking them separately, playing with them separately, taking them to the vet separately. This is why sibling puppies are a huge time investment. They should also have their own possessions. They should never share leashes, bowls, or toys. You should even feed them separately, in separate parts of the home, or one at a time with the other waiting in the crate. Invest In Professional Training Training is also something that should be done separately. Not only will the professional trainer be able to guide you on a thorough training process, but the act of being in the class with other dogs will be an essential part of the socialization process. If at all possible, the sibling pups should not be part of the same class. If they are, they should be kept separate and cared for by two different family members, both during the course and when doing homework exercises. You can read other puppy training tips here. Use Their Names If you want your dogs to be able to distinguish which one of them you are calling, it is very important that you use their names from day one. Monitor Domineering Behavior You will need to monitor the bonding that is happening between your pups, as there will be a tendency for one to try to dominate the other. You can limit the likelihood of domineering behavior by ensuring that you treat the puppies equally. Socialize With Older Dogs It is not uncommon to hear people say that puppies will socialize and teach one another. But this is a case of the blind leading the blind, and usually reinforced negative behavior. So you just end up with two misbehaving pups. However, pups do learn good habits and socialization from older dogs. So, do what you can to let them spend time, separately, with older dogs. Raising two sibling puppies at home can be easier if you already have an older dog, who is likely to take on a parental role and occupy the position of leader. You can keep sibling puppies together, but it is generally not advisable. This is because the sibling puppies have a tendency to form a close bond that undermines their bond with the human members of their household. This makes it much more difficult to train and control them. Also, while having two puppies means they always have a playmate, rather than keeping one another out of trouble, they are more likely to egg one another on and get into even more trouble. It is challenging to raise two puppies together because their natural tendencies as siblings can make it more difficult for them to integrate into a broader household. While you might think that it is an economy of scale raising two together, this is not the case, as they will need everything to be separate and double: twice the food, twice the gear including everything from leads to crates , and twice the veterinary bills. Why Do Sibling Puppies Fight? Dogs are pack animals, so it is natural for them to bond—and also natural for them to fight for dominance. While sibling puppies will play-fight, they will also fight to be the dominant member of their pack of two. This is much more common when the two puppies are of the same gender. For this reason, if you are adopting sibling pups, it is advisable to get a male and a female pup, as long as they are neutered and spayed to prevent breeding. Can Littermates Eat Together? They should either eat in separate places in the home or at separate times, with the other dog waiting in the crate. This is essential for teaching the dogs the difference between their food and that of their sibling. It is probably best to maintain this practice for about the first year. After this, you may be able to place their bowls alongside one another, but you will need to monitor this for the first few weeks. Yes, puppies from the same litter need lots of individual attention. This is about them forming a bond with you. If you want the puppies to bond with you, they are going to need to do this without the distracting attention of their sibling nearby. So, it is a good idea to take dogs out for walks and play separately for at least the first year, and probably longer. Yes, it is better to have two dogs of the opposite sex. This is because dogs are pack animals and will naturally vie to be the alpha male or female of the pack. Therefore, two dogs of the same gender are much more likely to fight. However, if you get two dogs of opposite genders, you need to consider how you will prevent them from breeding unless you are planning on having at least one of them neutered or spayed. The ideal age gap between dogs is about two years. This means that the first dog has been fully trained and is settled in the home, but is still active and energetic and so will be able to keep up with the new puppy addition. My first puppy Linus stayed young and energetic and loved playing with younger puppies right up to his final days. By that age, he was done playing with energetic puppies and would rather rest on his bed. The Verdict It is generally not advisable to take home two puppies from the same litter. This is because their special bond represents a challenge that will make it more difficult for them to bond with you. This makes it harder to train them and gives them a tendency for disobedience. However, if you do decide to take home sibling puppies, there are things you can do to make a success of it. The key to this is managing their tendency to become involved with one another to the exclusion of all other things and to foster their bond with you. And the key to this is giving them individual attention, and keeping them separate at important times such as when eating and sleeping. While it is certainly challenging, it is rewarding to see two happy pups successfully integrated into your family. Have you ever raised sibling puppies? Were you successful or did they form a close bond with each other rather than with the family? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Our dogs and our puppies are our everything. We breed for health, quality and temperment. Your puppy comes to you pre-spoiled. We are sure to have our puppies vet checked. They are wormed and up to date on vaccination. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Please feel free to ask for pedigrees. We have your future puppies family tree A Furever Friend We try very hard to well socialized our puppies. We raise our yorkies with lots of love and attention. They are raised in our home and under foot. Yes they do things like chase the broom when sweeping, steal slippers and socks, but they also love to be snuggled and give kisses. We are Breeders with a heart. We love our babies and keep each one of them in our hearts. We like to keep in touch with our puppy owners and want to be there for you if you ever have any questions.I thought of you years before you even realized. I planned for and cared about your baby long before you started thinking of adding to your family. I worried about your future with that puppy before you knew there would be one. There were hours upon hours spent researching lines for the parents of your puppies. Going over breeder after breeder, choosing not only my pet but looking for a dog that will make you your pet. Worrying if you'd be happy, if I had chosen correctly and your puppy would grow up healthy and happy. Going over puppy after puppy with fellow breeders, running over my program with as many knowledgeable breeders as I can, determined to not miss anything. Tracing lines back as far as I could, learning the ins and outs not only for my knowledge but so that I was informed, prepared to go over every detail with you, to answer the questions that sometimes you don't even ask. Then there's years of watching your puppies parents grow. Loving them and enjoying them as part of my family. Taking them every where I can, training them, socializing them, watching how they fill out. Asking myself I had made the right choice in both of them. Scrutinizing their confirmation, how they move, and their temperament. There was the stress of health testing. Praying not only that my babies were healthy but that they had the genes to make your baby healthy. Finally came the time to put your puppies parents together. For the next 63 days I worried, I obsessed, I grew excited. I watched your puppies mom like a hawk. Making sure my baby was okay, monitoring her diet better than I do my own. Concerned that she was getting enough of the right nutrients and that your growing baby was getting the best start possible. I spent hours on the couch, floor, and dog bed with her watching her tummy grow and anxiously waiting. As your baby and mine grew I laid my hands on her tummy and felt the first movements of your puppy. As the time grew close I spent most nights in the nursery with her. Making sure she didn't go into labor without me knowing, in case something went wrong and one of our babies needed help. When labor started my whole life stopped. I spent every second with her. Your baby was born into my hands and I held my breath as I cleaned them up, watching for movement and breathing, cleaning them up, checking them over, and wondering if you'd love them as much as I already did. I helped your babies brother when mom got tired and he was stuck. I cried when your babies sister didn't make it. For the first 8 weeks most of my life was filled with your baby. Watching them grow and making sure I was doing everything possible to make sure they started their lives the right way. Making sure each one was getting enough to eat, enough socialization time, that they were dewormed and given their shots. I was the first person they saw when they opened their eyes. I spent my weeks playing with them and keeping them safe. I searched for you and interviewed you. As you spoke I tried to read your character. Would you love them as much as I do? Would you bring them in as part of your family? Would you care for this tiny life that I brought into this world that I am responsible for? Some of you were turned away but some of you were welcomed into our family. The day you took your baby home was harder than I'd ever let on. I was excited for you but I was also terrified. Had I chosen correctly? Were you who you seemed to be? My love and worry didn't end there. I thought about your baby regularly, saddened when I didn't get updates, ecstatic when I did. I hoped you were caring for your baby the way I care for mine. I answered your questions happily and answered them again just as happily to your babies siblings new parents. When your puppies sister ate a couch I stayed up that night she was at the vets, waiting to hear that she was okay. When their brothers parents decided he no longer fit in their life I welcomed him home, sorry that I had chosen wrong for him and promised him it wouldn't happen again. I loved your baby first and I will never stop. In , following her marriage to Hal, Lindy bought a black and tan puppy bitch from Laura Henson and convinced Hal to adopt the dog show hobby. Since then, Toybox has bred champions! Cocker Spaniels are one of the most adorable dogs. With their frilled coats and tender looks, they can melt the hardest of hearts. Fortunately, it is not just their adorable appearance which endears them to dog lovers all over the world. They are a breed with an enormous capacity for love and affection. They bond closely with their owners and, although they can get timid, they are incredibly sweet and take great enjoyment in pleasing those they love. Puppies Since newly abandoned pups are competing with each other for human heartstrings, evolution says they should be most adorable around six and 11 weeks. Occasionally we have puppies to place in pet homes, and they, too, share the genetic advantages of health, beauty and excellent disposition. All our dogs have health guarantees. Puppies born at Toybox are eligible to be boarded here, and I offer grooming services for every dog we sell. Toybox loves visitors, so please plan a visit! Things you should know before buying a Cocker Spaniel puppy. Gentle, Smart, Happy! Although our primary mission is to breed cockers to meet the standard for show and breeding purposes, our major emphasis is on the health and temperament of our cockers. Five generations of healthy, happy Toybox champions attest to our success. Do American cocker spaniels like to cuddle? He is affectionate and cuddly and loves to participate in family activites. He is playful and alert. Apartment or large home with a back yard, the Cocker is a highly trainable and adaptable addition to the family.