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Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?
Best Bernedoodle Breeder in Pennsylvania welcome to Integrity Bernedoodles You want a new puppy, but not just any puppy. And since this is a big and exciting step in your life, you don't want to settle for anything less than the best. Here at Integrity Bernedoodles, our goal is to bring to you the best of Bernedoodles! We strive to be open and honest and provide happy, healthy puppies that are well socialized. So don't hesitate to reach out to us; we would love to meet you and help you choose your new best friend! Our health guarantees and socialization are promises you can count on us to uphold. As a small, family-owned business, we operate solely out of our passion for the Bernedoodle breed and making families happy by introducing them to their new best friends. We work hard to take care of and socialize each and every one of our puppies from the day they are born - one of the most significant benefits of being a small-scale operation. This socialization and intentional care mean your puppy will be happy and fully ready to go home with you and your family when the time comes. If you are looking for a trustworthy and caring PA Bernedoodle Breeder, you have come to the right place! Contact Us Why We Chose to Become Bernedoodle Breeders After our first encounter with a Bernedoodle puppy , we almost instantly had a dream of creating the perfect family dog. We absolutely loved the affectionate, playful, and loyal disposition of a Bernedoodle, and couldn't get enough of the beautiful tri-color coat. A tri-color Bernedoodle puppy is one that has black, white, and brown coloring in the coat - similar to a standard Bernese Mountain Dog. Our goal as Bernedoodle breeders is to provide families with simultaneously beautiful and loving dogs, and we are sure you will love this breed as much as we do. More About the Bernedoodle Bernedoodle Puppies Our Bernedoodle puppies adore children and make for a fun, furry family member. All of our puppies are health tested and guaranteed, but more importantly, they are raised by the caring hands of our entire family from the day they are born. We have lots of beautiful Bernedoodle puppies for sale ready to be taken home, and look forward to introducing you to your new family member! We are 40 miles east of Harrisburg, 1 hour west of Allentown, and less than 2 hours northwest of Philadelphia. Although we are located in Pennsylvania and mainly serve local PA customers, we welcome all dog lovers from around the country and will assist with delivering puppies nationwide. You may be located on the other side of the country, but we can assure you that a puppy from a trustworthy Bernedoodle breeder is well worth any travel inconveniences! Integrity Bernedoodles. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Allentown Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!
Latest Dog Articles Games with the dog Games for the dog and its owner are not only good entertainment! It is also a great opportunity to establish a psychological contact with the pet and the most powerful tool of training. How to play with the dog rightly, so that it was not only pleasant bu A leash and a collar Collar and leash are an integral part of your dog's life from an early age, for the simple reason that they are useful in all aspects of life: during walks, education, training and in fights against bad habits of your pet. To accustom the puppy to the amm How to learn to understand the body language of dogs? Dogs are expressive. There is information sharing and expression of emotions between the members of the pack and between individuals of this species of living beings. Dogs use their body to communicate. They are able to transfer the body language of the a Yorkshire Terrier: Diseases Yorkshire terrier is breed of dogs that won the hearts of many lovers of four-legged friends. Could it be the other way? Today, in the bustling world we are looking for a small outlet. Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent creature: a small size, does not she The first pregnancy of the she-dog If you decided your favorite pet to have an offspring, be responsible in such a case. To do this, follow simple rules that will help her to get healthy offspring without problems, and do not forget to visit the vet. Estrus and mating During estrus you need Dog's training: basic rules of success Dog and owner relationship is a set of complex and fitness of their characters. You have to get in contact with your new pet and it happens in different ways with each dog. You can immediately begin to squeeze one dog and to keep distance from the other o please choose. Are you in search of affordable French Bulldog puppies? Look no further! Our main goal is to help you find the ideal and perfect French bulldog puppy for sale in your area. You can buy a healthy cheap teacup French bulldog puppy for sale today by browsing through our French Bulldogs Available for sale page History of cheap French Bulldog puppies Despite what its name may imply, the french bulldog was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. They adjust well to other animals, too, and are great with kids. This handsome Mini French Bulldog puppy is waiting for his new loving family! He is raised with children that play with him daily. This cutie is social, friendly and loads of fun. This fella will instantly make everyone fall in love with him! He is ACA registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. This is a variety that should be painstakingly reared, and really focused on, to guarantee they are solid and get the best beginning. Track down your optimal French Bulldog from Luxury Puppies, we have been working with the best French Bulldog raisers for a long time so you can appreciate complete genuine feelings of serenity that you will get the ideal doggy. The Frenchie is a fun loving and loving canine, it is sweet and totally diverting; it has an extremely amusing character, it loves to horse around. It is splendid and agreeable, inquisitive and alert. This variety coexists well with outsiders and different pets, however a few guys might be forceful. It is as far as possible a more modest rendition of the English Bulldog. French Bulldogs make great guard dogs and brilliant ally to little youngsters. In a family circumstance this little canine acts like a kid, requesting a lot of individual consideration and cooperation. This Breed needs heaps of friendship. The French Bulldog is genuinely headstrong, however can be prepared if the proprietor shows restraint. It needs delicate, predictable preparing. It might slobber and drool. This little canine is additionally a heartless tracker of mice! These puppies are gentle, loving and affectionate. They are a good family dog and do well with children. The breed is also intelligent, docile and relatively easy to train. While puppies may be very energetic, adult Frenchies are relatively calm and have moderate exercise needs. That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive.
Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. ID tag, a collar, and leash Even though it is not possible for your bulldog puppy to venture outside until they have taken all the necessary vaccinations, it is important for you to make them familiar with a soft collar and leash for when you can take them outside. There are lots of options on the market for you to choose from and you will certainly get one matching the requirements of your furry friend. Just make sure when finding a leash and collar that they are bulldog friendly. Apart from this, you also need an identification tag for the puppy which will display the name plus the contact address of the pooch in the event that it becomes lost. There are great GPS-tracking ids and collars out there in the market these days. Chew stop We all know that pups bite quite a bit. Especially when they are teething, and they might damage furniture and clothing within your residence in no time at all. Fortunately, an anti-chew spray that comes with an unpleasant smell will prevent the mischievous animal from messing with your items. Combs, brushes, and nail clippers Brushing on a regular basis will allow your pet to remain neat and clean and prevents the buildup of hair that has shed. Toothbrush and toothpaste The dental condition of the pooch will play an essential role in keeping them in sound health. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush plus toothpaste for maintaining the oral health of your bulldog and make sure to brush his teeth at least once every day. Treatment for ticks, fleas, and worms Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms can lead to serious health issues to the puppies in the long run. Make use of an effective treatment for these harmful parasites to keep your furry pet free from ailments. Dog bed While bulldog puppies are growing, they tend to sleep for many hours. Make sure to find a comfy bed for the dog to ensure a peaceful sleep. There are many types of dog beds out there, and you will not have a tough time to find one for your adorable bulldog. We in fact have an entire post dedicated to them which can be found here. Crate or kennel A top-quality kennel or crate will be imperative depending on where the pup is going to sleep. Toys When the pup enters your house for the first time, it is natural for him to feel nervous and a little scared of his new surroundings. It is your duty to make him feel safe and at ease while stepping into your abode for the first time. Since it is the natural tendency of the pups to explore the surroundings using their mouth, this might involve lots of undesirable chewing on your items and belongings. Soft chew toys will allow the naughty animals to divert their minds preventing munching on your clothing, electric cords, and shoes. Appropriate play toys are a must if you always want to keep your bulldog in top mental health. Food and water bowls Your new bulldog pup will need to drink plenty of water during the day and he will consume his favorite snacks too. For this, you will need at least two bowls, once for water and one for food. Treats A lot of training teats will be necessary for the bulldog pup given that the initial few weeks are going to involve lots of lessons. You can reward your pooch with these treats when he or she listens to your commands and for good behavior. Vet-approved dog food Vets will recommend providing your pet with food items that will supply them with all the essential minerals and vitamins that they need for their development into a healthy adult canine. They will come in handy when you start toilet training too. There are great biodegradable options out there. Walking harness A well-designed lead and harness will allow the bulldog to run in a smooth and effortless manner. Care services that need to be lined up Owning a bulldog puppy is one of the most joyous experiences on earth. However, it is not an easy job to parent a new puppy. Below, we have provided a guide which will help you to care of your new family member in the best possible way. Find a good vet The first and foremost thing you need to do is to find an experienced vet for your bulldog. If you brought the pup from any shelter, feel free to ask for their advice too. Local dog groomers and walkers can also help you a great deal in this matter. Make the most of the initial visit to the vet Ask your vet for food recommendations, how frequently you should feed, and what portion size to offer your dog. Watch out for any early sign of illness During the initial few months, bulldog pups can suffer from illnesses that can creep up suddenly if not detected early. Below, are some symptoms that if you notice, you should contact your vet right away. This article contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase an item. The main focus of a puppy supply list is always on safety. After all, when we bring our bulldog puppy home, we want to make sure that he is happy and safe and that starts with making sure we have all the essentials in place before he gets home. Once your done puppy proofing, you can grab the essentials that will keep him safe. Collar With a young puppy, I always recommend a flat collar. They are great to place his identification on and he can learn to walk on the leash. As he gets older, he can learn how to walk with a harness , which is great for most bulldog breeds. One thing I always recommend is to keep him collarless while he is alone in the house. Collars can get caught on things easily and severely injure your bulldog puppy. What I would recommend when picking the leash is that it feels comfortable in your hand and that you choose a leash that is about 6 feet in length. For training, also grab a foot lead. This should only be used for teaching come and long-distance stay, not for walking. Never use a retractable leash as they have been linked to a large number of injuries to both dogs and people and it is very difficult to control your pet on one. Identification Tag The final item in the list when it comes to collars and accessories is an identification tag. Choose one that can be personalized with all of your information. Another option is to choose a GPS tracker identification tag. That way, if your bulldog puppy escapes the yard, you can track his path on your phone. Crate Whether you will be training your bulldog puppy to lounge on the sofa while you are at work or not, you should crate train him. Crate training has a lot of benefits when it comes to house training and it keeps him safe during the day. When you are choosing a crate, you want to take a few things into consideration: Your Dog: Think about the size of your bulldog puppy and how big he will be as an adult. Choose a crate with dividers for the adult size. This is the best way to save money as your crate will grow with your puppy instead of having to purchase a new one every few months. Material: There are three types of crates, for the most part. One is a soft sided kennel made from fabric. I do not recommend these crates since they can be chewed very easily, and most bulldogs are chewers. The second is a plastic crate. These are usually used for travel as they are hard topped. First, they can be very difficult to clean if there is an accident. Second, some dogs find the plastic crates too closed and may panic. Three, I have had bulldogs chew through plastic crates within 20 minutes. Finally, metal crates with bars is the best crate for bulldogs. They may chew the plastic bottom, but that is easy to replace, and your bulldog puppy can look out, which can help him stay calm. Size: Finally, you want to consider size a bit more and look for a crate where a full-grown bulldog can stand, sit and lay down easily. They are all well made but make sure you check user reviews, so you know that your dog will be safe while you are away. Baby Gates I always recommend baby gates for several reasons. First, you can keep your bulldog puppy in a small area when they are young. As they grow more confident with their new home, you can expand it slowly by opening up the gates. Second, they are excellent for safety. You can place him in a bathroom or kitchen with a baby gate in the doorway. Your puppy will be able to see out while on a time out, which will help him feel safe. Surveillance This is not a must have but with web and security cameras out there, it can be nice to have a surveillance system, so you can check in on your bulldog puppy throughout the day. There are many pet cams that also allow you to talk to your puppy or toss them a treat. Have some fun with it and pick one up so that you can bond with your bulldog puppy whether you are home or not. Feeding supplies can be as extravagant or basic as you want. Food and Water Bowls First is the food and water bowls. With a feeding bowl, it really is up to preference. Studies have indicated that raised dishes are better to prevent bloat , however, other studies have said that raised bowls can increase the risk. With bowls, have them grow with your bulldog puppy. You want him to be able to stand comfortably and access the bowl. If he is reaching and choking on the edges, then the bowl is too large for him and you should choose a new one. Also, when you choose a bowl, use stainless steel as they are durable and very easy to keep clean. One thing with bowls that I would recommend is to choose a puzzle feeder if you find your bulldog puppy is a fast eater. This will help keep him from bloating himself Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Food Mat I recommend this simply because bulldogs have jowls, also known as flews. And boy can these flews really hold in food and water. The food mat will keep the house a bit cleaner after your bulldog puppy takes a drink or chews on his dinner. Dog Treats and Training Treats I separate dog treats and training treats for two reasons. One: dog treats are offered as a treat or a reward. They can be given to break boredom or simply to give him something to eat. Two: training treats are only brought out when your bulldog puppy is working. This means that he will be eager to listen…well…as much as a bulldog puppy will listen when you bring the training treat out. Dog treats can be anything from bone cookies to chicken feet. Training treats should be soft, easy to break into smaller pieces and should smell really good for your bulldog. Fun, Must Have, Toys for Your Bulldog Puppy When we are busy buying things for our bulldog puppies, it is important to not forget the toys for your puppies. Obviously, you will continue to purchase toys as your bulldog puppy grows but I recommend you have 3 to 5 toys waiting for your bulldog puppy when he first arrives home. There are a few different areas that you need to look at for toys, including: Chew Toys Chew toys are durable toys that your bulldog puppy can chew while he is bored. Remember that bulldogs tend to be hard chewers, which means that he will chew through them quickly and you really need to purchase some tough toys. In addition, you will find that your bulldog puppy will chew more while he is chewing so always update his chew toys as he grows. In addition, keep track of their condition. If they start to crack or break apart, throw them away to prevent any choking hazards. Some of the best chew toys for young bulldog puppies are: Nylabone Small Puppy Teethe and Tug Toy : Perfect for teething puppies, this toy soothes painful gums and is great for a game or two with your bulldog puppy. Pelay Toy Ball: Durable, strong and a puzzle ball, this chew toy can have treats thrown in to reward your chewing puppy when he chews the right things. Goughnuts MAXX 50 Ring: This toy is definitely made for hard chewers and your bulldog puppy will love chewing on it for hours. I always buy these for my pups and they love them. They present a problem and your puppy will need to solve it before he can be rewarded with a toy, treat or other reward. It is a soft puzzle toy, so they can be destroyed easily if used for a chew toy. West Paw Tux Stuffable Tough Treat Toy: Easy to clean, durable and it floats, this puzzle treat toy will stand up to hard chewers and will reward your bulldog puppy when he gets the treats out of it. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball: This is another durable puzzle ball that is great for chewing and figuring out. You place treats in the ball and your bulldog puppy will have to push, rotate and work out how to get the treat from it. Soft Toys With soft toys, I would limit the number of them and make sure they are stuffed toys made for pets. Many bulldog puppies are hard chewers and they can rip apart soft toys quickly. Uncovering the Reasons Behind Your Pet's Unusual Behavior When you give soft toys, make sure you monitor your bulldog puppy while he is using it, so you can take it away as soon as he breaks it open. Although you may think that it is better to not use soft toys, they can be quite soothing for gums while your bulldog puppy is teething, which is why I recommend keeping a few on hand. Some of the better soft toys for bulldog puppies are: ZippyPaws — Loopy Hedgehog: Looking more like a baby toy than a dog toy, it is a popular toy for most puppies. It feels great on teething gums and has crinkling sounds that can excite your bulldog puppy. Tuffy Mega Boomerang: This is a soft toy that is made with strong fabric. No Stuffing Dog Toys: These dog toys are perfect for your new chewer. While you need to be careful of the squeaker coming loose, they have no stuffing that your bulldog puppy could eat. Fetching Toys Finally, I recommend that you get a few fetching for your bulldog puppy. Instead, only pull these toys out as a reward for him and for those play periods. Some great fetching toys are: KONG Puppy Flyer: A small frisbee, this is a great toy to get a young puppy playing fetch…or chase if he decides not to bring it back. West Paw Tizzi: This toy is great as it is durable and dishwasher safe for cleaning. And it bounces around when you chuck it, so your bulldog puppy will be extra excited playing with it. After all, grooming is very important and will keep your bulldog puppy nice and healthy. Grooming is integral for several reasons, including: Bonding: Grooming your bulldog puppy allows you to bond with him. He learns to accept being touched and that your touch is positive. This builds trust and it can be quite relaxing sitting and simply grooming your puppy. When you are grooming, your bulldog puppy is having his paws, mouth, face, ears and tail being touched. He will become socialized to this handling and will be better off for it. Health: Grooming keeps your bulldog puppy healthy, but it also gives you a chance to check him over and catch health problems quickly. When grooming, always look for unusual bumps, skin rashes or lumps. Feb 7, You are getting or already own an English Bulldog, so what are the things you should have on hand to keep your bulldog looking fabulous? Here is a list of some of our favorite items, and some things you should have on hand in case you need them. Healthy Treats. Giving your bulldog great dog food can be backfired if you give bad treats. No pupperonis or Bacon snacks! Find treats that are natural, preferably grain free. Fresh and Frozen Vegetables and Fruits. Give these as an alternative to store bought treats. Frozen Green Beans are my personal favorite, almost no calories and no sugar, just vitamins! Give them a spoon of yogurt on their food as an extra treat. Yogurt aids in healthy digestion. Note that if your bulldog is overweight, you may not want to do this with every meal. Canned Pumpkin. Canned Pumpkin is considered a 'super food'. This is NOT pumpkin pie mix, but all natural pumpkin. Keep this on hand if your bulldog is not moving the bowels correctly, it is full of fiber and will help get the pooping process going. You can even freeze it into ice cubes to give as a snack every other day. Do not over use canned pumpkin, or it will give your bully the runs! Salmon Oil or Coconut Oil. Add salmon oil or Coconut Oil to their meal at least once a day to keep their skin healthy and shiny! Adding a supplement such as NuVet Plus to their diet can help build the immune system and keep them healthy! Get a shampoo that will help aid the moisturizing of the skin, and help keep the coat soft and shiney. Oatmeal based is great if there is not a bunch of added perfumes and dyes. I personally use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, and if you have a bully with allergies you can get a prescribed anti-fungal shampoo from your vet. The shampoo you use could make all the difference in the world when it comes to bulldog itchiness. Snout Soother, Aquaphor, or coconut oil. As your bulldog ages, so does their nose. In dryer climates, the nose can become crusty looking. In my experience, vaseline does not help. Snout soother is all natural and keeps bully noses moist, and you can also put it on dry paw pads as well. Baby Shampoo. Wash the top of the head and ears with baby shampoo. Just in case it gets into the eyes, it will not sting them. Cotton Balls. Put a cotton ball into each ear during bathing by stuffing it in so that the entire ear opening is covered. This will keep water from going into the bulldog ear canal, which is deep. If water gets into the ear canal, your bulldog will get an ear infection. Good Ear Cleaner. If your bully has nice healthy ears, you should clean them once a week, and especially after a bath. I recommend using vet prescribed ear cleaner, like Malacetic Otic, it has good cleaners and drying agents in it. Squeeze some into the ears and massage the ears to really get them clean. Wipe out excess moisture when finished and after bully gives you a shake of their head! Get a good pair of nail trimmers. Keeping bulldog nails trimmed is extremely important. The more often you trim the nails the better. If you let their nails grow long, the quick grows with them. Then when you try to trim them back, you will cut the quick. This is very painful for your bulldog! I use trimmers to cut off any access nail, then use a dremmel to file them down as close to the quick as possible. I love my dremmel and will never cut nails again without it! Bar Soap. Yep, keep a bar of soap handy, just in case you cut the quick during nail trimming time. Push the cut nail into the soap to clog the bleeder. It is kind of like putting a cork on a bottle. If you don't have soap handy, you can use flour or cornstarch. Acne pads like stridex but just the generic brand or Witch Hazel. This will help kill bacteria and dry out moist areas like wrinkles and creases. Diaper Rash Ointment. You can apply diaper rash ointment like Desitin in wrinkles to keep them from getting moist. Make sure the wrinkled area is completely dry prior to application, and keep away from the eyes. Do not allow them to lick it either. Every Vet will probably say they are qualified to care for your bulldog. This is not always the case! Find a vet who has many bulldog patients. Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water to ward off yeast. Epsom Salt. Soak your bully's paws in Epsom Salt if they develop interdigital cysts. Hydrogen Peroxide: Use Hydrogen Peroxide if your bulldog has a fresh open wound. You can also mix Peroxide with Cornstarch to make a paste that can be used on stubborn tear stains. Neosphorin or other anti-bacterial ointment. Keep this on hand to treat wounds that are scabbed over. Gold Bond Powder. Use a pointed tip plastic bottle such as a ketchup bottle or hair dye bottle to get the powder in the desired areas. Use Gold Bond on moist wrinkles and tail pockets, or especially if they get any diaper rash. Dental care: Don't forget those toofies! Dental brush and paste, or you can also get the finger cleaners. Chew toys also promote dental health, we do NOT recommend 'Greenies' or other dental chews due to the ingredients. Get 25mg benedryl tablets and keep them with your bully at all times. If your bulldog gets hives or an allergic reaction to something, this could save their life! The dosage is 1mg per pound, so a 50lb bulldog would get two 25mg pills. Panalog Ointment from your vet. Most vets will prescribe panalog to you to keep on hand. Other names for this are Animax or Entoderm ointment. If you bulldog gets yeast, bacteria of fungus in the nose rope, tail pocket or any other deep wrinkles, putting a bit of panalog in there will get rid of the nasty bacteria and the smell that stems from it. Depending on how bad the area is, will depend on how long you should use it for, and how long it takes to go away. Lemon Juice. If your bulldog becomes overheated or overexcited, their airway can become blocked. Squirt some lemon juice into the side of their mouth, or under the tongue. DO NOT put it down their throat, or they could aspirate it!!!! Take lemon juice with you to the park, on walks, or anywhere they can get overly excited. You just got an English Bulldog, so you must show them off! They will draw more attention than your average dog, so don't forget to deck them out in plenty of fabulous items! If you love to dress your bully, make sure they have a fabulous wardrobe with stuff that FITS bulldogs! Toys, toys and toys! Bulldogs love their toys, and love to chew! Make sure you get toys that are tough and can hold up to your bulldog. Remove smaller toys from their puppy box as they grow. Empty Water Bottles. These make a fabulous play toy, but never leave unattended! This is a must for every bulldog owner, so you can supply our members with plenty of photos and videos of your bully! A Gas Mask and Earplugs could also come in handy. They are also a great way to feed aggressive eaters since they can only get a few bites of kibble at a time. As your puppy masters them, move on to harder puzzles. Avoid rawhide products and anything with parts that could break off. Here are a few of our favorites: Natural Antlers Whole or split is fine. They are expensive, but they will last forever. Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies; wash their towels, blankets, bedding, etc. Avoid Tide at all costs, it is the worst for bulldogs and allergies. Plus, we think Persil cleans better anyways. Persil Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Baby Gates To keep your bulldog from getting into other rooms unsupervised, place baby gates around your home. You can use them to keep your dog away from stairs or dangerous places like basements or laundry rooms. We use these pressure-fitted gates, there is nothing to install, and they are easy to move around to different areas of the home. We then follow up with the FURminator. Regular use of these two brushes together dramatically reduces the shedding. A little goes a long way. Not only does it clean well, but it also soothes and relieves itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Perfect for Bulldogs! It is an anti-itch cream and, if used daily, will prevent or remove tear stains. Use weekly to keep nails nice and short, this will also help prevent interdigital cysts. We find that the cordless is easier to maneuver and works better for us, but if you already have a corded one, that will work just fine. Be sure to use a grinding wheel attachment made for nails.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have two beautiful girls still looking for their forever home. My husband and I fell in love with Golden Retrievers in .Our first daughter was five years old and after much research we decided to bring home a puppy. What we did not realize at the time was the unconditional, everlasting love and dedication we were going to experience. We had two more children and brought home another Golden puppy. I can't imagine having raised our children and grand children without our Golden Girls playing with, loving and watching over them. Our Golden Retrievers possess a calm, gentle, and very intuitive disposition. They adore children, people in general and truly live to love and be loved. We are not a kennel. Our girls and their puppies share our home with us and are held and loved from birth. We welcome new families to come visit, take pictures, and get ready for their new fur baby. Each of our Golden Girls and the Studs used for breeding are checked for genetic defects just as their grandparents, great grand parents and all previous generations. Our puppies come from extensive generations of Championship Lineage. Pedigree and Health Certifications presented and time of visit. We breed according to the standard of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We provide our puppies with a Comprehensive Health Examination, their first vaccination and de-worming before they go home with their new families at the age of 8 weeks. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies, you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Pennsylvania Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Pennsylvania? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of our golden retriever puppies for sale. How do I know which breeders to trust in Pennsylvania? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. A search for the cheapest Golden Retrievers for sale in Philadelphia will take you to some disreputable characters -- puppy mills and backyard breeders. These unqualified folks often have puppies that are predisposed to developing health and behavioral problems. Best to stick with our network of pros and their fair prices. How easy are Golden Retrievers to train? They take to training better than most breeds. With high intelligence and an inborn drive to please people, any Philadelphia Golden Retriever for sale you select can learn complex commands rather quickly. It's good to remember that they're sensitive, so best to keep the training sessions positive -- with treats aplenty! Are Golden Retriever puppies in Philadelphia available right now? Just be aware that any Philadelphia Golden Retriever puppies for sale on the site today might be gone tomorrow. Popular pooches seem to go pretty fast! We don't pressure buyers puppies tend to sell themselves! Where did Golden Retrievers originally come from? For that, we thank Lord Tweedmouth. No, that's not a Harry Potter character, it's a 19th-century Scottish aristocrat who set out to create the perfect hunting dog. A few Spaniels and Setters in the mix later -- he had a Golden Retriever! Are the Golden Retriever puppies Philadelphia breeders offer available for in-person pickups? Each of the Philadelphia Golden Retriever breeders and companies may have different transportation policies. So you can contact them to see what your options are. You can also get lots of information from them about your puppy -- everything from its lineage and health history to its current diet and the milestones it has passed. How does Uptown Puppies work? All you need to do is start scrolling through those darling doggies on the site. One will catch your eye -- perhaps one of the Golden Retrievers for sale Philadelphia breeders and businesses have listed. Contact the breeder. Get your questions answered. Talk about transportation. That's it! Soon, that pup will be yours. How do I know the Golden Retriever puppies for sale Philadelphia breeders have are healthy? Each of our network's professional Golden Retriever breeders in Philadelphia and elsewhere offers comprehensive health exams. These "nose-to-tail" check-ups examine every important physiological aspect of your potential pup. You get documented proof that the pup you're bringing home is in perfect health! What are the dietary needs of Golden Retrievers? As the top Golden Retriever breeders Philadelphia has can tell you, protein is highly important for these big and energetic pooches. And best if the protein comes from meat or fish instead of meat by-products. Are the Philadelphia Golden Retrievers for sale considered "designer dogs? Any of the Golden Retriever for sale Philadelphia breeders and companies list on the site are purebreds, descended from a long line of other Golden Retrievers. Designer dogs are mixes of two distinct purebreds. For example, if you cross a Golden Retriever with a Yorkshire Terrier you get an adorable Goldenshire. Couldn't I just get a dog from a shelter? You very well could, and we wouldn't dissuade you from checking out a reputable shelter. We're different, offering what shelters can't. For example, any Golden Retriever Philadelphia shelters have may be a mystery in terms of health and history. Whereas with Uptown you get comprehensive information about your new four-legged friend. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens. Betty and her sister, Wilma, came to All 4 Paws from a commercial kennel that was closing prior to them being bred. We are grateful they are getting a chance at the lives they deserve at such an early age! Wilma and Betty were happy to land in the same foster home. While they are not bonded, they get along great together and could go to the same forever home. Whether they go together or are separated, these girls will need another dog in the home to learn from. They both light up when they see the resident dog or visiting dogs in the home. To help their transition from kennel to couch, they will rely on a resident dog or dogs and we feel that is what they need. Betty was rocked by the change in her world - she just wanted to disappear despite how kind everyone was to her. We knew from the moment we met Betty that her rehabilitation would take longer than most. Dogs take on so many roles for their human companions. They are our best friends, training partners, sleep aids, therapists, nurses, adventure buddies.Before Betty can become those things for her person, she will need them from her person. We know deep down there is a loyal and loving companion inside of Betty - she just needs the chance to feel safe and relax enough to let it surface. Despite the big changes around her, Betty has been nothing but sweet. She loves keeping busy with stuffed bones and hanging out with her doggy pals. She will need a physically fenced in yard to keep her safe while she is outside and where she can slowly learn to be on leash. We are so excited to watch Betty transform from reserved to resilient! Take the first step and complete an adoption application: www. As a foster-based organization, we do not have a kennel facility you can visit. All adoptions must take place at our office in Malvern, PA so adopters living outside of our area should be prepared to travel. Please read our FAQs to learn more about our adoption process and organization: www.
One easy way to keep a dog out of the litter box is to put the box in a room or closet and use a baby gate to block access. If your cat can jump fairly easily, he'll be able to make it over the gate. If your cat cannot jump, set the gate up in the doorway a few inches off the floor so that your cat can crawl under. If your dog is roughly the same size as your cat and could get under the gate, try setting up the gate at floor level and leave a box, stool, or chair next to the gate so your cat can hop over. Another easy solution is to set up your cat's litter box someplace your dog cannot access. This will ensure that your dog cannot physically get to the cat's stool, but it's not a guaranteed solution. You'll need to make sure that your dog is not a strong jumper or tall enough to simply stand on his hind legs and access the box. If your cat is old or incapacitated, this plan may not work. Try putting a chair, stool, or cat tree next to the table or counter where you've elevated the litter box. That way your cat can climb up to the box with greater ease. If you can't keep your dog away from the litter box, try installing a cat door into an existing door. You can set the cat's litter box up in a spare bedroom, bathroom, or closet, and after installing the cat door you'll be able to leave the regular door shut. A door chain is similar to the cat door, except it doesn't require cutting into your door. Simply drill and install a door chain that's long enough to let your cat fit through an ajar door, yet short enough that your dog won't be able to fit his body through the crack. If the door won't stay ajar without closing, you may need to prop the door open while the chain is in use so your cat can still get in and out without being trapped. Shop All Cat Food As lovable as dogs are, let's face it: They sometimes do things that are kind of gross. One of those gross behaviors is raiding your cat's litter box and eating what they find there. Learn why your pup is prone to this behavior and how to keep dogs out of the litter box for good. Dogs are natural scavengers who tend to devour anything with a strong smell, even poop. To the highly attuned nose of a dog, cat poop smells like cat food, which, as far as your dog is concerned, is a special treat. Once your pooch discovers these tasty nuggets in the litter box, it's like they've hit the jackpot. But despite this behavior being enjoyable for your dog, it should be discouraged, and not simply because it's gross. Cat feces can carry harmful bacteria, including salmonella, which could make your dog sick. It also can carry a parasite that causes a condition called toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to humans if your dog licks your face, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cat litter can also harm your dog if consumed in large enough quantities to cause an intestinal blockage. The best method depends on the size, temperament and trainability of your dog. Your cat might also have a say in whether certain methods will work. While it might not be realistic to clean up after your kitty every time they go, cleaning the box once or twice a day will help to cut down on your dog's opportunities. A self-cleaning robot litter box can make this task easier, if your cat will tolerate it. You could also switch to an odor-neutralizing litter to discourage your pup. Train Your Dog The most permanent way to keep your pup away from the cat box is to train them to leave it alone. Before you begin, make sure your dog is getting high-quality dog food so that they're not missing any nutrients in their diet. They should also be getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation so that they aren't exploring the litter box out of boredom. Once those bases are covered, try following these steps from the AKC to teach your dog the "leave it" command: Hold a treat on the floor under one hand and allow your dog to sniff it. When your dog loses interest and gives up, say "leave it" as they're turning away. With your free hand, give them a better treat than the covered one. Gradually work up to telling them to "leave it" while they're still inspecting the treat. Reward them with a better treat when they turn away. Once they learn to associate the command with getting a better treat than the one they're investigating, practice letting them sniff the litter box and telling them to "leave it. If you have a small dog, this might be as simple as elevating the litter box out of reach, or placing it inside a bathtub. For larger dogs, a covered cat box might work if your cat will tolerate a lid. If your cat vetoes a lidded box, installing a pet gate or a cat flap to the room where the litter box is stored might be your best option. Whichever method you try, be sure to keep your kitty's preferences in mind. If you need to relocate the litter box, move it gradually, in small increments, to give your cat time to get used to the idea. Similarly, changing litter should be done gradually, mixing a little bit of the new litter with the old and increasing new litter slowly as your cat becomes used to it. She currently lives in the Ozarks with her husband and their gaggle of four-footed dependents, where she enjoys watching a wide array of wild animals in her back yard while drinking her morning coffee. That is until your doggo gets into the kitty litter. As you've probably guessed, cat litter for dogs is not healthy! If you live in a multi-pet household, you probably already know that this has its own challenges. We don't know of a dog proof litter box that exists.We also don't know of litter for dogs that's safe to snack on. Dogs raiding the kitty litter is a problem fur-parents have faced for ages and there are many reasons behind it! But, the truth is, your dog likes to sample the delights of the kitty litter box because it smells of cat food. We all know how dogs are natural scavengers and love to get their paws on an extra snack or two. However, if left unsolved, you can run the risk of opening your home to potential parasitic infections that can be harmful to your pets and yourself. Read the full story on dogs eating cat poop here. So, can you litter train a dog? In our opinion, it's always a good idea to train your puppy to stay out of the litter box from as young as you can. For ways on how to keep dog out of litter box, read on. Finding the right option for you can help ensure happy harmony for the whole household while keeping the stress levels to a minimum. No, and we don't want them in the cat's ones either. When it comes to how to keep dog out of litter box , you have a few options. Before looking up a magical spray to keep dog out of litter box or investing in dog proof litter box furniture, take a look! Install a pet gate If your cat litter is in a dedicated room that you rarely enter, using a pet gate is one way to keep the dog out of the litter box. However, it can be fairly costly and complicated to install - not to mention the hassle of figuring out how it works! A pet gate can be a great option for families who are willing to put in the work. Lastly, many people tend to forget that bigger dogs can easily jump over the gate. Luckily, there are a few pet gate alternatives available. It also does not make for a dog proof litter box. All cats are different, but many cat lovers know that confined spaces can make their kitty feel uncomfortable and possibly even stressed when trapped. Have you ever wondered why cats hate closed doors? Our fickle friends tend to prefer an easy entry and exit when it comes to their bathroom habits. As we mentioned earlier, a cover does not make for a dog proof cat litter tray! In terms of cat box solutions, this one will depend on your kitty! You can also consider an automatic litter box or self cleaning litter box in these instances. Try Dog Training Techniques Dog proofing the litter box can be as easy as teaching your dog "stop it" or "leave it". Teaching your dog these commands can be a great aid in purfecting their behavior and stopping the madness until dog proof litter boxes exist! Before you start dog training , make sure to stock up on the treats! Rewarding good behavior will help reinforce the commands and show your pooch that this is how they should act. For teaching the commands, keep an eye on your dog. As they approach the litter box, stop them in their tracks with a "stop it" or "leave it". If they hear your command and act correctly, reward this action. If not, try again but say the command louder. Soon enough, they should pick up on your intentions and start following suit. It's a lot to remember, but the good news is that we have free resources to help guide you through it. On the downside, this can take days, even weeks to get right. On top of this, it doesn't guarantee that your dog won't get into the litter box when you're not around. Any word on those dog proof litter boxes yet?! Visit the Vet Did you know that one of the main reasons why dogs eat cat poop is a nutrient deficiency? Despite the ick factor, this can be a good indicator that a trip to the vet is needed, especially seeing as cat litter for dogs is not healthy. Your vet will be able to do a full health check and help you navigate supplementing your dog's diet. With a little bit of effort and love, finding the right mix of food and potential vitamins, your dog should stop their feasting ways. Keep the Cat Boxes Clean One sure way for solving how to keep dog out of litter box is frequent cleaning! Without any tootsie rolls to snack on, your dog won't have the need to indulge. Kind of like when we're on a diet, right? Except, the hooman diet does seem more palatable than forbidden kitty Roca! When your cat has finished its business, try swooping in as soon as possible. The less time between pooping and cleaning, the better! This will reduce the chance of your pooch sniffing out the treasure. This seems like a simple enough solution unless you're not home all day! Let's be honest, watching your cat's toilet routine isn't on most of our to-do lists. That being said, make sure to schedule a few checks throughout your day. Soon enough, it will become a part of your routine. Place your Best Kitty Litter Box Out of Bounds Another simple solution to giving your cat their space and privacy is making sure the litter box is unreachable. Sometimes the best kitty litter box to keep dogs out is one your doggo can't find! If your dog has easy access to the forbidden goods, you better believe they're going to take full advantage! Most people place their cat's belongings in a separate room with the door closed. This is an effective way to make sure cat litter for dogs does not become a regular delicacy! However, what about your cat? It's no secret that cats hate closed doors. You may have heard their meows of terror a few times when they've been locked up! This will be something where you have to weigh up your pros and cons. On the one hand, the dog is kept out, but on the other, your cat is left with anxiety and stress. Not to mention the constant having to get up and let your cat in and out! Using a simple and affordable latch is a quick and convenient solution for how to keep dog out of litter box. It also provides owners with the freedom to continue throughout their day without being disturbed by frequent meows or a scuffle in the litter! Using a pet door latch gives your cat everything they need while keeping your dog out. Unlike the covered litter box, your cat has the freedom to roam in and out of rooms with the latch being adjusted to suit the right width of your puurfect pet. Gone are the days of being grossed out and dealing with frustrated cats! You can create your very own diy dog proof cat litter box. Think of how much easier your life can become without the hassle of navigating a cumbersome baby gate, or trying to master dog training commands! Door Buddy does the hard work for you. In other words, it's a must for all fur-milies with cats, dogs, and even curious toddlers who can't seem to get enough of the litter box. If you're worried about pinched fingers, we hear you. An adjustable door strap and slammed doors can be a terror on their own! However, our foam door stopper is the purfect solution. This prevents doors from slamming and keeps fingers and tails safe. Don't believe us? Just take a squiz of our 25, 5-star reviews below. Door Buddy has been a fan favorite for thousands and we hope we become a staple in your home too! If you've gotten to the end of our tips blog post on how to keep my dog out of the litter box and you're wondering how your little chihuahua or miniature poodle will do, we've got you covered. You can figure out how to keep small dog out of the litter box by reading this article here. You can even use these tips to help navigate how to keep puppy out of litter box. However, when it comes to pups, we do think it's best to nip that kitty Roca habit in the bud. You can try these puppy training tips here or try your hand training your dog to stay out of the litter box. The answer to this is yes, if you train your small dog to use the litter box properly. However, we prefer litter boxes for cats only. Who would have thought that the biggest challenge of raising cats and dogs would be arguing about how to keep dog out of litter box? Finding the right dog proofing solution for your household is the key to keeping a happy and healthy home for all! If you need to keep a baby out of the litter box , Door Buddy works for that too. For more pawsome pet information, such as our top cat training tips , keep reading our blog! Aug 21, Share For one reason or another, some dogs love messing with cat litter boxes. This can be dangerous for the dog and the cat. Plus, it can make your house a huge mess. Often, the easiest thing to do is dog-proof your litter box. Use a Baby Gate Cats often have no trouble getting around baby gates unless they are tiny. You can also install the baby gate so that it is just a few inches off the ground, which should allow the cat to squeeze underneath the bottom. This is probably the most comfortable option, but it does mean leaving a baby gate up all the time. Of course, this only works if your cat is an expert climber. You can always put a cat tree near the litter box if your feline needs a bit of extra help climbing. Image Credit: Sharaf Maksumov, Shutterstock 3. Self-cleaning litter boxes can be expensive, but they are a great option if you want something that works. Litter boxes with covers will deter larger dogs, especially since they will not fit into the litter box. Some cat litter boxes are entered through the top. You put something taller, like a cat tree, next to it so that your cat can leap in. The dog will be unable to get in, no matter its size. These boxes work best for smaller dogs, as bigger ones may be able to reach their head in. Install a Cat Door You can also install a cat door to keep your dog out. These are usually made to go on an outside door. But you can put most of them on an inside door as well. Install one going into the room where you keep the litterbox and plan on keeping that door shut. However, your cat will have no problem going through it. Image Credit: AndreasGoellner, Pixabay 6. Instead, you use a drill to install a door chain. Teaching this command is pretty simple. Hold a treat in a closed fist next to your face. Your dog should see you pick up the food and know it is in your hand. Move your hand further away from your space so that your dog has to move its eyes more to look at your face. Next, hold the treat between two fingers so that your dog can see it. Repeat the above steps, but with the open hand. Once your dog has that mastered, kneel on the ground in front of your dog and put a piece of food on the ground in front of you. Tell your dog to leave it. If your dog goes for the food, cover it with your hands. When your dog looks at your face, reward them with a different treat. After your canine has mastered that part, stand up and drop a piece of food on the ground — close to you so that you can cover it with your foot if necessary. Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock 8. Ensure Your Dog is Mentally Stimulated Many destructive behaviors stem from your canines being bored. Different dogs will need different amounts of mental stimulation, which is usually tied to their intelligence level. Smarter dogs need to stretch their mind more than other canines. There are many ways you can keep your dog mentally stimulated. One easy way is to provide daily training sessions. Training is hard for dogs, as they try to figure out what you want them to do. It also makes your dog better behaved and can result in them learning useful commands. However, not everyone has time to train their dog daily. Some dogs may need a bit more mental stimulation than a training session as well. In these cases, consider using puzzle toys to entertain your dog during the day. Puzzle toys come in all sorts of difficulties and utilize food to keep your dog interested. However, a few puzzle toys can keep a dog busy for hours. In this case, it can be challenging to convince them not to eat it, even if they are entertained otherwise. Alternatively, you can also use substances like vegetable oil or canned pumpkin. Okay, it's our product, so we may be biased — but we love it so much, we just have to share it! Use a Muzzle If none of the other methods are working, you may need to muzzle your dog when the litterbox is available to them. There are many different types of muzzles — beyond those used for aggressive dogs. Some are specifically designed to prevent dogs from eating things they are supposed to. They also make muzzles that still allow a dog to drink, which is a reliable option if you need to leave it on your dog for an extended period. Sometimes, our dogs are so persistent in breaking into the litter box that some owners may throw up their hands. However, your dog must be kept away from cat stool. Cats can have internal parasites, like hookworms, that can then be transferred over to your pet. Furthermore, clumping litter is hazardous for canines. When eaten, it will clump up in their stomach and cause all sorts of issues. In some cases, it may cause a blockage that can be life-threatening. We recommend trying a few of the things we listed in this article, as they tend to work best when used together. Related Read:. Gear By Meg Marrs 8 min read April 19, 25 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Did your dog get into the cat litter box…again? We get it — dogs like to eat poop! Good news — there are several different methods you can use to dog proof your litter box. Larger dogs may be able to still stick their nose inside, but small and medium-sized dogs can be kept out. It also has a litter-clinging steps that collect litter as your cat enters and exits, keeping your floors clean. However, fast-moving dogs still may be able to get a bite in before the cleaning can take place. Keep Cat in Gated Area. Some indoor dog gates are specifically designed to let cats slink through while keeping dogs out. Some desperate owners resort to feeding their cats certain types of food that are designed to make their waste less desirable to dogs. Covered Litter Box. Some litter boxes can be set up with a covered opening that only cats can access. Keep Your Dog Occupied. Your dog could be eating poop out of boredom — in which case distraction may be one possible solution to your poo problems. Try setting your dog up with a treat dispensing dog toy that can challenge your pooch and keep him occupied. Dog Proof Door Latch. You can also purchase a dog proof door latch that keeps the door open with enough space that is large enough for a cat to slip through, but too narrow for a dog. And apparently, cat food can be a delicacy for dogs We will learn more about this later. Before we figure out how to keep the dog out of the litter box, let us understand why dogs eat cat poop. Cat poop has a high protein content. Because of the high protein content of cat food, some dogs are attracted to cat poop. They will most likely have a lot of protein in their poop as well. Dogs are considered to be natural scavengers. The Dog is Bored and Seeks Attention Another reason your dog eats cat poop is that the dog gets bored. It is one way of seeking your attention. Certain breeds suffer from social anxiety when you do not give them enough attention. Terriers are heavily affected when you do not offer them the attention they seek. They will do everything within their power including gross things such as eating cat poop to attract your attention. They may be Sick It might be a medical condition. Maybe they are suffering from some sort of ailment and the cat poop seems like a perfect solution to them. If so, talk to your vet about this issue. Stress or Hunger They may be stressed out or simply hungry. Feeding your dog a high protein diet from time to time is good for him. If the cat has an intestinal parasite or worm problem, then the chances are high that the dogs will be affected by them too. Fecal matter from cats can contain bacteria, hookworms, and worms that can be transmitted to dogs if they eat the fecal matter. This may cause the dog to bloat. Bloat is an unpleasant condition that may lead to nausea, loss of appetite, or gas. It would take a great deal of litter for this to happen and it is not a common occurrence. If you see any signs of diarrhea, be sure to take the dog to the vet immediately. Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links Amazon Associate or other programs we take part in. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This will keep the litter box away from the dog and in a place where your cat can access it easily. Make sure there are other surfaces close to the litter box to help the cat climb such as drawers and chairs. Install a Cat Door If you want to give your cat access to the outside of the house without letting the dog out, you can consider installing a cat door. Keep the Litter Box Clean all the time When the litter stays in the box for a long time, it becomes more appealing to the dog. To get the best results, always use scoops regularly and keep the container clean. Cats dislike staying in dirty places. If you want to keep the odor away, you can buy special litter for dogs to help prevent them from sniffing at the boxes. This box has a sensor that detects when your cat has finished using the litter box. Purchase a Dog-Proof Litter Box There are several dog proof litter box options available for purchase. Some of them have small openings for cats to get through. A dog cannot fit. If you have a small dog, this may not be very effective. Find out which strategy works best for you. It may be difficult to choose from among the many dog-proof litter box options available for purchase. The design makes it easier for cats to get into and out of their litter boxes spilling no litter. It is large enough to fit any size cat and easy to clean after your cat has used it. Material: Plastic Weight: 4. The top-entrance design keeps cats from scattering their feces while making it easier for them to enter and leave the house. Although the entrance is large enough for the cat, your dog will not fit through the entrance. The box is connected to Wi-Fi and comes with a mobile application that allows simple control from wherever you may be. After your cat has left its litter box, the litter is cleaned up by a filter system. There are no odors or cat waste in this container. You will be required to change the litter tray depending on how frequently your cat uses the box - probably once a month. It may take some time for your puppy to learn everything he needs to know. Be patient with him. Once it gets distracted and gives up trying to get to the litter box, show it how happy you are. Give the dog a treat. Use the other hand while keeping the original treat inside the fist you had originally. Your cat might not like that at first, but it will be fine. Some people add monosodium glutamate MSG to their cat's food. Using MSG in small amounts poses no health risks for cats. A litter with MSG is very unpleasant to dogs and they will mostly refrain from an eating litter that contains this chemical component if they can help it. Baby Gates can Help Baby gate can keep the dogs out. Using a gate to keep the dog out litter box that the cat can easily get through the gaps between the bars of the crib. You could alternatively lift the baby gate a few feet off the floor so that the cat can climb underneath. If you have a small pet, you may place an object near the door so that your cat can jump over it and go outside. Dogs may not jump as adeptly as cats do. Baby gates come in different sizes, forms, and qualities. We have reviewed some of the best baby gates you can get from Amazon below. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. If you have a household with both dogs and cats, you know how awesome that combo can be especially when your dog and cat are doing something adorable like snuggling. Dogs getting into the litter box and eating cat poop is easily one of the top problems owners of both dogs and cats deal with. It can be a huge task trying to keep your pup out of the litter box! Believe it or not, there is a reason your dog is engaging in this behavior, and there are several ways you can keep them from doing it again. Dogs are scavengers; they will eat pretty much anything they come across. And they find cat poop to be particularly delicious treats because it smells like cat food to them. The reason it does? In a much rarer case, your pup may be chowing down on poop due to a health problem. The result is them gobbling down anything that resembles food in the slightest. Cat poop can contain a host of different bacteria and parasites that can make your pup ill. Bacteria can include salmonella , campylobacter , and clostridia , amongst others. To make matters worse, salmonella can be transmitted from dog to human. Cat poop can also pass along worms , as well as a parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis which your dog can then transfer to you via a nice sloppy doggy kiss. As far as litter goes, it can also be dangerous to your dog in large quantities. If your dog eats enough litter, it can result in a blockage in the intestines. The good news is that most dogs would need to eat a ton of litter for this to occur. If it seems like your pup is having trouble going or if their poop looks different than usual, get them to a vet. This method is one that requires your time. The quicker you get in there, the less often your dog will be able to get a treat. Click here to learn more and get yourself a bottle. Cover the Litter Box This one is an easy fix to the problem, but it depends on both your cat and dog to be successful. Depending on your cat, this may not be a good option. These litter boxes are fabulous because they will clean themselves after each use. The downsides are they might make your cat nervous, they can be pricey, and if your dog is super-fast, it might be able to get in there before the self-cleaning begins. Image Credit: Litter Robot, Unsplash 4. However, if you have limited space in higher areas and will need to use the space for other things, the idea of a litter box being there might squick you out. Putting up a pet gate will block access to the litter box for your pup, and voila, problem solved! But how will the cat get to it? You can get a pet gate that has a small pet door in it to let your cat in and out. With one of these, you can leave the door to the litter box area cracked open enough for your cat to slip through while ensuring the crack is too narrow for your dog. This is another instance where your pets being close in size will make this a poor solution. Doing this will require the most time and effort on your part. There are too many health issues that could arise from doing this some of which could be passed along to you. The simplest way to get your dog out of the litter box will be cutting off access to it, getting a different type of litter box, or cleaning the box constantly. Once this is done, you can be sure your dog will be much healthier if maybe a bit poutier! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. My husband is fourth generation on this land and we truly take pride in the beauty of where we call home. We are lovers and breeders of quality yellow, chocolate and black Labrador Retriever puppies. Genetic research and personality testing has been a must to make sure the puppies we raise will live long, healthy, and happy lives. They are an excellent companion with beauty and personality that compares to no other. They have an eagerness to please in addition to their smart nature which makes them perfect for therapy work, a hunting companion or a perfect family pet. Our puppies are home raised with the meticulous care that is needed to produce well rounded, happy and healthy puppies. We have 3 children ranging in ages from 5 to 12 who help us to socialize and raise the puppies. This ensures that they receive proper care, get a jumpstart on training and receive the socialization that they need. All puppies are closely monitored from the time they are born until they go to their new homes at 8 weeks. We monitor daily weights for the first few weeks and then weekly to ensure optimal growth is occurring. Puppies are dewormed every 2 weeks for parasite prevention. At weeks all puppies will receive a complete health check and receive first vaccinations by our veterinarian. They have been tested, and are free and clear from all genetic diseases completed on their Labrador Retriever breeders panel. Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment. We are located in Nottoway County just 45 miles west of Richmond, Virginia. We have been breeding quality English Labrador Retrievers since .Am Ch. Pointed Mtn Meadow Duck Naked Here at Piney Creek we are dedicated to producing quality Labrador Retrievers with strong bloodlines, calm disposition, sound health and great looks. All puppies produced at Piney Creek are very well socialized to people, sounds and sights. They are handled by us from the day of birth. All puppies are vet checked twice, given all required dewormings, first vaccination, dew-claws removed and are micro-chipped before being placed in their new homes. All puppies come with a hip and health guarantee. In the interest of preserving the integrity of the breed, all breeding stock is AKC registered with final OFA on hips and elbows at 2 years of age and eyes are cleared annually by CERF. Our puppies are placed on limited registration, unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon, to protect their quality of life when they leave our home. Limited registration confirms your pets lineage, it is a non-breeding registration. Any puppies produced by a dog on limited registration will not be able to obtain AKC registration. We will always take back a dog of our breeding at anytime in the dogs life if the owner for any reason can no longer care for the dog or puppy, it does not have to be the original owner. Of course the owner will not receive a replacement puppy. We are members of the National Labrador Retriever Club and support their standard and code of ethics as well as the American kennel Club. We welcome all visitors and hope you enjoy our dogs as much as we do. Feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail anytime. E-mail us at pineycreeklabradors gmail. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Richmond has been an official city since .Richmond became the confederate capital in .At this time the capital building housed both the state legislature and Confederate. The distance from Richmond to Washington DC is 98 miles. The distance to the Virginia state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!
Perfect for first time pet parents, the Black Pug is a loving and easy to train dog that is known for being very affectionate and the perfect companion. These pups are classified as a Toy breed because of their tiny size, which means they are a great canine for those with smaller spaces who still want a furry friend to cuddle! Read on below to find out more about this interesting little dog. History Of The Black Pug The Black Pug is one of the oldest purebred dogs in history and they have, therefore, been recognized for a long time by many different kennel clubs. They were originally worshiped in Egypt and bred as companion dogs for Tibetan Buddhists. Then, around two thousand years ago, the Black Pug came to China and many Emperors believe that these dogs brought good luck and began to worship them. In the s, Dutch traders brought the Black Pug from China to England and Holland and these pups became a popular dog among aristocracy and royalty. After the Civil War they made their first appearance in the US. Characteristics The Black Pug falls under the Toy breed and they are known for being extremely cute. These dogs are normally born in litters of one to nine puppies, although four to six puppies is most common. Appearance By the time your Pug dog is 8 weeks old, they will be ready to leave their mother and come home with you. They will be roughly between 2 to 4 lb. By the time your Pug is one year old they will be fully-grown and considered an adult. They can weigh up to 20 lbs, but the breed standard suggests they should weigh between 13 to 18 pounds. Because the Pug is in the Toy category, they normally stand between 10 to 14 inches. Although they are small, they are quite stocky animals and are normally short legged with a symmetrical cobby body and a large apple shaped head. The face is one of the most distinctive features of a Pug. They should also have a corkscrew tail. Coat The Pug coat is short, straight and soft. Unlike fawn colored Pugs, Black Pugs have a single coat which does mean they will shed less than their fawn siblings. That being said, Black Pug dogs are still known to shed and will lose more hair in the warmer seasons, which means they are not a good pet to have in the house if you have allergies! We go into more detail about grooming your Pug later on. Color Of course, Black Pugs should be black all over! The brindle colorway that some Pugs may have should not be confused with the black coloring. Brindle is a a striped pattern that combines black and brown and this coloring is not accepted in the breed standard. Temperament Pugs are bred to be companion puppies and will love to spend their days by your side. All they want is to be loved, and they will give plenty of this love back to you! The perfect family dog, Pugs love both adults and children. These dogs are very energetic and love playtime. They especially love to play with their family and can go on for hours! However, once they are back home they will happily curl up next to you on the couch and relax too, making them the perfect best friend. Although these dogs are very active and will want to play, they are also very relaxed dogs, which is what makes them such good first time pets. However, this does not come off as aggressive, and instead shows more of their curious nature. Lifespan The Black Pug has an average life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. This is relatively long for a dog. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, like any dog, Pugs are known to have some health issues. Within this breed, the majority of their health problems are due to their flattened face. They are known as a brachycephalic breed which means they have a shortened airway due to their flattened face. Their face can be the cause of many breathing issues, especially whilst exercising or during high temperatures. Before buying a Pug you should do your research on brachycephalic breeds and learn about the risks and issues that are associated with this breed. The Pugs eyes can also be the cause of other health issues. Their skull structure means they have shallower eye sockets which gives them bulgy eyes. This can sometimes lead to cataracts and vision loss. Daily Life Now we know all about the temperament and characteristics of the Black Pug, it is time to take a look at what daily life is like with them. Read on below to find out about their food and diet, their exercise needs and what training a Pug is like. Food And Diet It is advised that a Toy dog of the Pug size should be eating around 40 calories per pound of their body weight everyday. This should be around calories a day for an adult Pug. Until they are 6 months old they will need to be fed three times a day, then twice a day from six months to one year, and then once a day when they hit their adult age. High-quality dry dog food with added water for moisture is advised for a Pug. Always make sure that it is a nutritious diet that hits all the food groups. They are a breed that can be known to gain weight, so try to stick to their diet and refrain from feeding them scraps. The more weight they gain, the more they will struggle with their breathing and may be prone to breathing problems. This food is also made with real chicken as the number on ingredient and ensures your Pug will be getting all the nutrients they need. Even better, because the Pug can be known to gain weight, this food helps with weight management and ensures they maintain lean muscles throughout the course of their life. Exercise The Pug only has little legs which means their exercise needs are not great. You should take them for two 20 minute walks everyday. Pugs are very sociable dogs, so taking them on different routes so you can introduce them to new sounds and smells is advisable. Black Pugs, because of their dark coat, are more prone to overheating in the sun, so if you live in a hot part of the world then walking them at night or early in the morning is advised. As we have mentioned before, Pugs love to play. Between walks you should ensure you make time to play games with them and keep them stimulated. Remember, they love spending time with you, so the more you do it, the happier they will be! Family Compatibility A Black Pug is a perfect family dog. First and foremost, these dogs love to be around people — both adults and children — and will be happiest when they are by your side, making them a true companion dog. Because they are a little dog, the Black Pug does not have great exercise needs which means they are great for those who live in small apartments or those who do not have a yard for them to run around in. That being said, they do love to play, so you should make sure you have time to put aside for bonding with your Pug. Training your Pug is simple too, and they get on well with other humans and animals. This includes other household pets such as cats and rabbits, and they will seek out humans for extra attention. Pugs also do not have high grooming needs — all you need to do is give them some love! Training and Socializing Pugs are a very intelligent dog, which makes training them easy. You should always use positive reinforcement and rewards in the form or verbal praise and treats to show them that they are doing a good job. They can be a little stubborn, but as long as you are consistent with them, then your Pug will learn. Never use harsh punishments with your Pug because this will upset them and you will not get any positive work from them. Socializing your Pug is also simple, because they love other people. You should try taking them to new places as often as you can so they can experience new sounds and smells, although it is known that Pugs react very well in many different situations. Remember, these dogs just want to be loved and to play, so as long as you incorporate that wherever you go, they will be happy. Grooming Because the Black Pug has a short and smooth coat, their grooming needs are not too high. However, as we mentioned above, these doggies can be known to shed so giving them a brush every week is a good idea to help minimize any shedding. You can bathe your Pug whenever you need to, although experts recommend that this should be done once a month. When bathing them you will need to ensure you clean the wrinkles on their face because bacteria and dirt can build up inside them and cause infection. Always ensure you take time to dry them properly, too. You can also used dental sticks if it is easier. Make sure you start grooming your Pug from a young age so they get used to the routine. This will allow them to see that there is nothing to worry about and they do not need to be scared. Black Pugs are not known for being aggressive dogs at all. The Pug is a loving and affectionate dog that makes the perfect companion. They love to be around humans, especially children, and other pets too. These dogs enjoy running and playing and will thrive in an environment where they can spend their day by your side. They also love to curl up next to you on the couch after a long day. Pugs have been known to be protective over their humans, but this comes from a place of curiosity instead of hostility. Many people say that Pugs are the pooch that just want to be loved so no, they are not aggressive! How much is a Black Pug? A Black Pug is one of the cheaper variations of the Pug breed and are not as expensive as their fawn colored siblings. Always remember to buy from a reputable breeder. If this is out of your price range, you can always check your local animal shelter and see if there are any Pugs there that need a home. There are many dogs in shelters who need loving and caring companions! Summary The Black Pug is an adorable and loving small breed of dog. Playful and energetic, this dog loves to play and will certainly keep you on your toes. These dogs are relatively low maintenance and do not have high grooming or exercise needs, and do well in small apartments. Perfect for first time dog owners, do you think a Black Pug could be for you? Search Dog Breeds. What Is a Black Pug? The black Pug is a purebred dog with black pigmentation. It is not a subtype of the Pug breed but rather one of the color variations. There are only two officially recognized coat colors for the Pug breed, and they are black and fawn. Black Pugs, although not considered rare, are less common than fawn Pugs. Black Pugs look identical to other Pugs except that they have overall black coloration. Their whole body is covered with black fur, although some may exhibit white markings. In terms of personality, black Pugs remain to be the adorable and playful Pug that we all know. They are friendly, and they get along well with children and other pets. Surprisingly, black Pugs have only gained popularity recently. Back then, they were disliked because many thought that their coloration was caused by a genetic anomaly. Are Black Pugs Rare? Black Pugs, although not rare compared to other dog breeds, are less common than other Pug varieties. There are fewer black Pug pups that are born compared to fawn Pug puppies. This does not mean, though, that black Pugs are unobtainable. You can still find black Pug pups for sale from reputable breeders through thorough research and an ample amount of patience. Black Pugs are rarer than fawn Pugs because of lower demand. Pugs with black coloration are often overlooked because of their supposed unhealthy conditions. This, in turn, affects the demand for black Pugs. Since black Pugs are less in demand than fawn Pugs, breeders tend to focus more on breeding fawn Pug pups. Nevertheless, the rarest coloration for the Pug breed is brindle. This coat color, though, is not officially recognized by any major kennel club. In terms of appearance, the black Pug looks identical to other Pug varieties except for the fact that it has a black coat color. A black Pug has a black, short, shiny, dense, double coat. The intensity of its dark coloration can either be jet black or obsidian black. Some have overall black pigmentation, while others may exhibit a few white markings. The black Pug also exhibits one of the defining features of the Pug breed — a round head with a flat face. This feature is common for brachycephalic dogs. It also has a wrinkly face and bulging globular eyes. Its ears are small and folded, while its muzzle is short, blunt, and square. Its legs are strong and straight. It should also have a short and cobby body with a wide chest. As for the tail, a curly appendage is desired. Black Pugs with double curled tails are adorned by Pug enthusiasts. As per the breed standard , the black Pug is a small-sized dog with a height ranging between 10 and 13 inches and a weight ranging between 14 and 18 pounds. It has a lean square body structure. You can expect it to become a fully grown dog after nine months. However, it can still gain a few pounds and centimeters depending on its diet and lifestyle. Canine coat color genetics can be quite puzzling for beginners. Fortunately, there is an easy way to understand the color genetics of black Pugs! Black Pugs and other dogs have two basic pigments in their bodies: black eumelanin and red pheomelanin. These pigments are produced by cells called melanocytes. Through the help of various genes, other colors such as fawn, blue, gray, brown, and coat markings exist. In the case of black Pugs, the K locus or the dominant black gene is responsible for the black pigmentation. Since the black gene is dominant, you only need to breed two black Pugs to produce black Pug puppies. Breeding a fawn Pug with a black Pug will also result in black Pug puppies since the gene for fawn color is recessive. It is normal for black Pug puppies to show changes in their color while they mature. The coat colors of black Pugs can either lighten up or darken as they grow old. This nuanced change in the intensity of their coloration is normal, and this usually occurs when their topcoats start to grow. Most black Pug puppies change color between 6 and 12 months old. However, others may change coat color later up until 18 months old. While coat color change is pretty normal, some color changes may be brought about by extreme sunlight, poor diet, skin disease, or medications. If your black Pug changes color abruptly and out of the blue, consult a vet immediately. There are only two recognized colors for the Pug dog breed: fawn and black. This means that you can register your black Pug in any of the mentioned kennel registries. Black Pugs are not one of the most popular household pets in the United States for no reason. They are adorned and sought after as companion dogs because of their befitting personalities. These dogs are highly affectionate to their owners. Although they are not as jolly as other toy breeds, they do love bonding with their family. Aside from these, black Pugs are also known to be calm and relaxed. In addition, these adorable small dogs are friendly. They get along well with children and other pets. They are also calm and gentle towards strangers, making them unfit to be guard dogs. They are also not loud dogs. You may only hear black Pugs bark on an occasional basis, like when there is a stranger in front of your door. However, black Pugs can also become anxious and stubborn sometimes, especially when they are left alone and bored. This is why early socialization is also important in raising a black Pug. Black Pugs are quite long-lived. They have lifespans that range between 12 and 15 years. Some can even live for more than 25 years with proper maintenance and care. Although they are generally healthy dogs, black Pugs can be predisposed to certain health issues, just like other dog breeds. Here are some of the common health issues for black Pugs: Respiratory Problems: Black Pugs are predisposed to a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS , which is common for dog breeds with short noses or flat faces. Black Pugs with BOAS can develop multiple respiratory abnormalities, which could negatively impact the quality and length of their lives. Eye Problems: The skull structure of black Pugs can also lead to several eye problems. The eye sockets of most brachycephalic dogs are shallow. Hence, their eyeballs bulge out. Some of the common eye problems that black Pugs may develop include proptosis , distichiasis , and progressive retinal atrophy. Hip Dysplasia: This crippling joint-related condition is caused by the abnormal growth of the joints in the hip. Hip dysplasia is highly debilitating. Black Pugs with hip dysplasia may experience excruciating pain and show symptoms such as limping and weakness. Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another common joint-related disease common for toy breeds such as the black Pug. This condition usually affects one of the hind legs. A black Pug with this condition may show limping when it walks. The dog may also put no weight on the affected legs when it moves. However, you should have known by now that black Pugs are moderate to heavy shedders. Hence, brushing and bathing are important parts of their grooming sessions. They shed throughout the year, although they heavily blow their loose hair during the shifts of seasons. Their short, smooth coats only need weekly brushing to remove the loose hair and danders and keep them healthy and clean. Bathing can be done once a month or when needed. In bathing your black Pug, make sure only to use pet-friendly soap and shampoo to avoid irritation. You should also be careful not to let the suds and residue drip on the bulging eyes of your Pug. The wrinkly folds of skin should also be cleaned thoroughly, including the ears, paw pads, and pits where dirt might accumulate. These spots are also the favorite hiding places for ticks and fleas. If you plan to take home a black Pug for a pet, you should also be mindful of the expenses associated with owning one. Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses of owning a black Pug puppy: Type of Expense. Can a non-standard colored pug still be registered with a kennel club? For example: the AKC recognizes two pug colors as breed standard, fawn and black. These are the colors required for a pug to be a show dog and compete in the ring. They are the breed standard. However, a non-fawn or black pug can still be AKC registered — they will just not be allowed in the show ring. Silver-fawn, apricot, and even rare and controversial colors like brindle, can be registered with the AKC and listed as an alternate color. So, if you see a non-standard colored pug listed as registered with the AKC, it is entirely possible. You can read it here. The pug breed standard is the blueprint for the breed, and the target for which breeders should aim. The Pug Dog Club of America firmly states that: All reputable breeders of pugs are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black. The most common pug colors: Fawn Pug Fawn is the most common pug color. Their muzzle or mask, and ears, should be as black as possible. Black Pug Even though fawn is the most common color of pug, the black gene is dominant. Black pugs have a rich, dark coat, and their muzzle or mask, and ears are black too. Silver-fawn and Silver Pugs Silver-fawn is oftentimes labeled as a type of fawn. They have a shiny gray sheen to their coats and are the lightest color a pug can be. Silver-fawn pugs are pretty rare, and many who have them categorize them as fawns, instead of silver-fawns. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs have warm undertones of orange in their coats. The hues of orange are richer and deeper in color than the common fawn coloring. They include:.
Cart Puppy Shopping Checklist Below are some of the items you should consider when preparing for your new Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppy. You will not need everything listed before your puppy arrives - this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs. You can print this and take it with you when you are shopping for your new puppy. General Paper towels - a lot of paper towels. Then use old towels. Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used. Old Blanket or Towel s to cover wire Crate. Acrylic Fake Nail file, cardboard with sandpaper type, for smoothing nails, if desired. Hydrogen Peroxide - to induce vomiting, if necessary. Baby Gate s - Try baby supply stores and Target - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Also consider spacing between bars, as some times it is large enough for little puppies to get caught. Storage bin for dry food - air tight. Poop Scooper I. Tag - See boomerangtags. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs. You can also make them yourself at PetSmart or PetCo. Wire Crate for crate training - Double door folding crate with divider. Check out the Crate Shopping page for the crate we use and recommend. Medium - Standard sized Goldendoodles need at least a 42 inch crate - If you have room, get the 48 inch. Doodles sleep stretched out like frogs. They like a lot of room to be comfortable. Small Doodles can use a 36 inch crate. This will work for them for several months. Smaller for mini-small Goldendoodle puppies. Food and water bowls stainless steel or ceramic, no plastic. Waste Bags Poochie-Bells to hang by back door. Helps with house training - they learn to ring the bell to alert you that they need to go out. I highly recommend them for house training your new puppy. Nutrition is incredibly important for our puppies, and we want to make sure that we are in compliance with current, science-based recommendations. Read more about this Food on our Puppy Food page. Your puppy will start them at 6 weeks old. You cannot purchase these at the pet store, you will need to order them online. Visit our NuVet Vitamin page to order online or call order code - .Shop NuVet Vitamins Chews, Treats and Toys Puppies don't need a lot of treats for the first month until they are about 12 weeks old - treats can upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. It's best to treat them with pieces of their dog food and lots of praise. All rights reserved. You may not copy or otherwise use anything on this site without our written permission Made with Xara. New Puppy Shopping Checklist Here are some items that you should consider when preparing for your new Goldendoodle puppy or Labradoodle puppy. You may not need everything listed before your puppy arrives, but this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs. General: Paper towels a lot of paper towels : Old Towels for Crate Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used. When puppy has diarrhea or constipation, a tablespoon or two with every meal for several days should help alleviate symptoms. Freeze excess in ice cube tray. Baby Gate s Try baby supply stores - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Tag e. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs. Travel Crate for car until puppy is big enough to wear a car harness Food and Treats: It is best to start with the same food the breeder was feeding. Puppy Biscuits. Booda bones cow tendons or bully sticks for chewing cow ears for chewing. Once they are fully grown into adulthood , this collar can be discarded in favor of a more appropriate adult collar. If it has extra sparkle or pizazz to mark their initiation into adulthood, all the better! We have an assortment of collars and leashes that provide our beloved Lexie with the extra something and sparkle for special occasions. We used the wider width collars on Lexie because we believed them to be more comfortable for her as she grew. When selecting a collar for a mini Goldendoodle puppy , the fabric is essential. Puppies have delicate skin, which can easily be irritated. Harsh fabrics, hard buckles, or snaps should be avoided in favor of simplicity and comfort. Another option for new mini Goldendoodle puppy owners is to choose a harness instead of a collar. Puppies are growing every day from head to toe. This growth includes their neck area, with the trachea being located there. As stated above, adjustable collars are best. Please set it to the appropriate size and work one way or the other to see what gives the best fit. If it is too big, the collar can quickly come off or, worse yet, get caught on something while they are running around. When should a Goldendoodle puppy start wearing a collar? This answer depends on the family, and when the mini Goldendoodle puppy will begin training and socializing. Ten weeks is a good time to start using a collar. Wearing a collar and leash training can be started as early as the family wishes, from eight weeks on, but sometimes it is just nice to give a new puppy time to adjust to their new home. A mini Goldendoodle puppy will move to a new home in the beginning weeks, with new smells and people, and there can be some apprehension combined with curiosity. While new puppy owners may be anxious to welcome the new family member, they may need time to adjust. The mini Goldendoodle puppy will have plenty of time to adjust to a collar and leash and learn what is expected of them, but sooner is better rather than later. During the early months of their life, they will be spending most of their time indoors as they are being house trained and getting acquainted with their new family. For training purposes, this is to start the puppy off on the right foot. If a puppy of this age wears a collar , it is best to have the collar on for short intervals as mini-training sessions. In the beginning, perhaps 15 minutes, and gradually increasing as they get used to the collar being around their neck. Some puppies will not like this while others will be okay with earing it. It is essential to keep a close eye on the mini Goldendoodle puppy when wearing the collar. Strangulation can accidentally occur if they manage to get caught on something while unsupervised. Whether they rest and sleep in a crate , soft bed, or the couch, they can accidentally get injured if they move around and get it caught on something. It is also a good idea to give their neck, skin, and fur a break from wearing the collar collar is like us removing our jewelry and necktie. Imagine wearing that to bed, uncomfortable, right? It also allows the fur rest and go back to its natural position, which, of course, keeps them looking adorably perfect! Final Thoughts. Guide John January 27, This article aims to help dog parents by answering the question regarding what size collar for Goldendoodle puppy is suitable. It is very important to know about a suitable collar size for a Goldendoodle puppy and then buy a collar. The Goldendoodle puppies are not only fluffy and cute but also super smart and energetic. It can be very difficult to train and control them without having a properly sized collar. Collars help to train the dogs and keep them safe, so it is very important to choose the right size of the collar. Choosing a collar for your Goldendoodle puppy is not as easy as it seems. What I Will Learn? The perfect size of collar for a Goldendoodle puppy is simply the one that can be put on and taken off easily. The most common sizes in inches are 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, .It is very important because it can be very dangerous to leave your pup with an oversized or tight collar on. If the collar is too loose, the pup can escape from it. If the size of the collar is perfect then the puppy will be calm, comfortable, and quiet. A Goldendoodle puppy is very playful and full of energy. If the size of the collar is too big your pup will be able to pull and wiggle out of it which will be very dangerous for your pup. Also, do not put on a collar that is too small as it can be very uncomfortable for your pup. Martingale Collar It is suitable for those dogs that like to wiggle and escape from their collars. It has a special loop that you can tighten or loosen as necessary. This type of collar is perfect for any smaller breed because it helps to control them better on the leash. Neoprene Collar These collars are great for water dogs. Breakaway Collar It is made of nylon and has a safety buckle that will break open if your pup gets caught on something. It can be easily adjusted to the neck size of any breed dog because you can attach or detach lead without any problems. This type of collar is perfect for small breeds. No, Pull Collar This collar is great for those dogs who like to pull and wiggle on their leash. It has a loop that you can put your hand into to avoid pressure when the dog pulls. Conclusions To conclude we can say that the Goldendoodle breed is one of the most favorite dog breeds in many countries. To keep your Goldendoodle pup safe there is one important thing that you need to do — get a good collar that is not too tight, not too loose, not too big or small. So, we hope that now you are well aware of what collar size for a Goldendoodle puppy is suitable and that perfectly fit on their neck. FAQs 1. How big is the neck of a Goldendoodle puppy? The neck of a Goldendoodle puppy is around 12 inches. However, the size may vary from one dog to another. What kind of collar should I get for my Goldendoodle puppy? There are many types of collars for dogs available in pet stores. You need to get a collar that is not too loose and not too tight, just perfect. How big is an 8-week-old Goldendoodle? An 8-week-old Goldendoodle is between 3 and 5 pounds. The size of a puppy depends on his parents as well. One thing you can do to prepare for your new bundle of fur is to go shopping! A picture is worth a thousand words, so the pictures and product links are there simply to serve as examples to assist you in preparing for your new goldendoodle puppy. Be sure to browse through the myriad of gorgeous and unique handmade collars on Etsy! Flexi leads are not the best choice for young puppies. We have leashes made by Kakadu and DexDog that we use regularly, and we have been happy with them both. Dog Crate with Divider Metal is preferable over plastic, as it is easier to clean and allows your puppy to watch everything going on around her. You may prefer to use a smaller crate can be used while your puppy is little rather than using the divider. Dog Treats Treats should be soft, small, and easy to chew quickly. Purebites dog treats are a good option. They are made with just one ingredient i. Metal Comb or Grooming Rake A metal comb is a great tool for curly coated Goldendoodles and a grooming rake works well for wavy coated Goldendoodles. These will help keep in undercoat free from tangles. For more information on grooming, check out our goldendoodle haircuts post. Slicker Brush A slicker brush is handy for fluffing the outer coat on your goldendoodle. Styptic powder is located next to the nail clippers in the pet store. Doggie Toothbrush You may find that the finger toothbrush is easiest to use when your goldendoodle is a puppy. Toys When your goldendoodle puppy is young, she will enjoy soft toys , but keep in mind that her sharp teeth will eventually allow her to chew through stuffed toys quickly. As she gets older, Jolly Balls, chew ropes, etc. Food dispensing toys are a fun way to encourage your puppy to channel her energy into something productive. Avoid raw hides, as they are not healthy option for your puppy, and never give your dog poultry bones, as they can splinter easily. Curious what your puppy will look like as an adult? View our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to see goldendoodle puppies with different hair types grow up before your eyes! Also learn about how big your puppy might grow up to be. Share this:.
royal canin bulldog puppy food reviews - Labrador Retriever Puppy Growth Chart and Development with Pictures Large breed dogs, like Labs, gain weight and grow rather rapidly in their first year. They also develop certain skills at approximately the same time. Lab puppies at this age are entirely dependent on their mother. They are born without teeth, vision, or hearing. The mother Lab will also stimulate them to eliminate and eat their waste to keep her nesting area clean. Most Lab puppies will have their eyes opened at 2 weeks of age, and their ears will begin to open around this time too. This period can be called the awakening of senses, as they are growing to be more conscious and inquisitive. Try to spend some time with each puppy daily, so they get used to being handled. They should not be removed from their litter for more than 10 minutes at a time as this could cause them to miss out on important life lessons. Mama dogs will teach her pups some discipline and dogs that are taken from their mom before this age often suffers from behavioral issues. You should handle them often and can begin basic training. Treat your puppy gently, with no harsh discipline. Your 8-week-old Lab puppy will be able to start sleeping through the night and have better control over its bowel movements. Potty training can be introduced at this age, but you should avoid bringing them to crowded places. Most puppies get their first vaccination before heading to their new homes. You should keep your new puppy away from other dogs until they complete their vaccinations to prevent them from contracting infectious diseases like distemper or parvovirus. Lab puppies eating their dog food At 2 months, Lab puppies should be fed 4 small meals a day. Knowing how much to feed them is key. Your Lab puppy will begin to test you in order to figure out what their position is in the family. Labrador Retriever puppies at 3 months might ignore commands they are familiar with. Some dogs might start nipping. To combat this, direct them to chew appropriate toys instead. Be patient with them and keep reinforcing positive behavior because they will grow out of it soon enough. They are still establishing their role in the pack and might assert their dominance over little children or pets. You can start incorporating other activities like obedience or agility to divert their attention and help them understand their role in the family better. Some dogs will go through another fearful stage at this age. You can help them through it by desensitizing them and being kind and understanding. They are still puppies at this age, after all. They should not be forced to face their fears in hopes they will get used to it. Appropriate exposure with lots of praise, attention, and treats will do the trick. They will have grown into the dog they are meant to be and will have a consistent personality. They should also have settled into a routine and know their place in the family. Following a UK study, Labs grow into their adult weight by their 1-year-old birthday. Mentally, Labradors will stay a puppy till they are 2 or 3 years old, but some never really do grow up. When Do Labs Stop Growing? Lab puppies generally gain 2 lbs 1 kg a week from birth until they are 6 months old. After that, their weight gain tapers off slowly. Most people think that dogs mature at the same age, but small dogs like a Terrier or a Pomeranian might reach adulthood at 9 months of age whereas a Great Dane might fully mature at 3 years of age. It has been noted that they reach their full height at 1 year of age, and their adult weight at 2 years of age. How to weigh a Labrador dog? Weighing your dog is a good way to keep track of its growth. A less strenuous and stressful way to weigh your dog would be to buy a weighing scale for dogs and weigh them regularly. You can incorporate this into your dog training and reward them every time they stay still on a scale. There are reasonably priced pet scales on Amazon but if you do not have a budget for a dog weighing machine, you can get your dog weighed at the vet. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. A chubby-looking Labrador might have the same weight as a lean and strong Lab. Testing Physical Appearance There is a system called BCS or Body Condition Scoring that allows owners and health providers to assess whether their dog is at a healthy weight from a glance. There are 9 levels, with the 1st level representing extreme emaciation, level 5 being optimally fit, and level 9 being life-threateningly obese. However, if they are outside of that spectrum, you might want to consider seeing a specialist as your dog might have some underlying health issues. It can also cause lots of health problems such as joint problems, respiratory or heart diseases, and even cancer. The bad news is that Labradors are prone to obesity due to their genetics. A large portion of the Labrador population has a malfunctioning POMC gene that stops them from being full. Even without the condition, Labs are notoriously greedy! Look at Midnight eating in her dreams: Hyperthyroidism and Insulinoma are disorders that can cause unexplainable weight gain. How to help your Labrador achieve a healthy weight? If they are suffering from certain disorders, you will need to treat them first. If they are simply being fed too much, remove any excess calories from their diet by cutting down treats including table scraps! You can also encourage them to move more through exercise, play, or work. Being too thin is also unhealthy, especially if your puppy is still growing. Weight loss or not being able to gain weight can be caused by worms, illness, or a lack of calories. Active dogs will need to be fed more than those that lead sedentary lifestyles. What you can do is increase their intake and monitor their growth rate. Another commonly asked question is when to fix their male or female Labradors. The general consensus is that you should fix your dog around 6 months, but there are new studies to suggest that early neutering might create more problems for your dog. Another specialized study suggests pet owners to neuter or spay after 37 weeks. This prevents excessive growth that can aggravate hip or joint problems. Will my Lab still grow after being neutered? Depending on when your dog is neutered. If it is neutered after sexual maturity, it will most likely have already reached its adult size and will not grow any taller. However, most neutered pets gain weight much more easily due to a decrease in sex hormones. This will cause their metabolic rate to slow down so you should adjust their diet accordingly. Differences between variations of Labrador Retrievers English Labs are show dogs that are bred to be more heavyset. Therefore, they can be slightly on the heavy side. As for American or working dogs, they are generally more athletic and lighter. Gender also plays a role in their weight, with females nearing the lighter end of the spectrum and males being on the heavier side. Chocolate Labs and White Labs are usually bred for the show ring. It is entirely possible to have an English Fox Red and vice versa for all other colors. Leading a healthy lifestyle will keep your pup healthy. Further reading: Additional puppy growth chart guides. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Labrador Retriever Puppy Growth Chart and Development with Pictures Large breed dogs, like Labs, gain weight and grow rather rapidly in their first year. They also develop certain skills at approximately the same time. Lab puppies at this age are entirely dependent on their mother. They are born without teeth, vision, or hearing. The mother Lab will also stimulate them to eliminate and eat their waste to keep her nesting area clean. Most Lab puppies will have their eyes opened at 2 weeks of age, and their ears will begin to open around this time too. This period can be called the awakening of senses, as they are growing to be more conscious and inquisitive. Try to spend some time with each puppy daily, so they get used to being handled. They should not be removed from their litter for more than 10 minutes at a time as this could cause them to miss out on important life lessons. Mama dogs will teach her pups some discipline and dogs that are taken from their mom before this age often suffers from behavioral issues. You should handle them often and can begin basic training. Treat your puppy gently, with no harsh discipline. Your 8-week-old Lab puppy will be able to start sleeping through the night and have better control over its bowel movements. Potty training can be introduced at this age, but you should avoid bringing them to crowded places. Most puppies get their first vaccination before heading to their new homes. You should keep your new puppy away from other dogs until they complete their vaccinations to prevent them from contracting infectious diseases like distemper or parvovirus. Lab puppies eating their dog food At 2 months, Lab puppies should be fed 4 small meals a day. Knowing how much to feed them is key. Your Lab puppy will begin to test you in order to figure out what their position is in the family. Labrador Retriever puppies at 3 months might ignore commands they are familiar with. Some dogs might start nipping. To combat this, direct them to chew appropriate toys instead. Be patient with them and keep reinforcing positive behavior because they will grow out of it soon enough. They are still establishing their role in the pack and might assert their dominance over little children or pets. You can start incorporating other activities like obedience or agility to divert their attention and help them understand their role in the family better. Some dogs will go through another fearful stage at this age. You can help them through it by desensitizing them and being kind and understanding. They are still puppies at this age, after all. They should not be forced to face their fears in hopes they will get used to it. Appropriate exposure with lots of praise, attention, and treats will do the trick. They will have grown into the dog they are meant to be and will have a consistent personality. They should also have settled into a routine and know their place in the family. Following a UK study, Labs grow into their adult weight by their 1-year-old birthday. Mentally, Labradors will stay a puppy till they are 2 or 3 years old, but some never really do grow up. When Do Labs Stop Growing? Lab puppies generally gain 2 lbs 1 kg a week from birth until they are 6 months old. After that, their weight gain tapers off slowly. Most people think that dogs mature at the same age, but small dogs like a Terrier or a Pomeranian might reach adulthood at 9 months of age whereas a Great Dane might fully mature at 3 years of age. It has been noted that they reach their full height at 1 year of age, and their adult weight at 2 years of age. How to weigh a Labrador dog? Weighing your dog is a good way to keep track of its growth. A less strenuous and stressful way to weigh your dog would be to buy a weighing scale for dogs and weigh them regularly. You can incorporate this into your dog training and reward them every time they stay still on a scale. There are reasonably priced pet scales on Amazon but if you do not have a budget for a dog weighing machine, you can get your dog weighed at the vet. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. A chubby-looking Labrador might have the same weight as a lean and strong Lab. Testing Physical Appearance There is a system called BCS or Body Condition Scoring that allows owners and health providers to assess whether their dog is at a healthy weight from a glance. There are 9 levels, with the 1st level representing extreme emaciation, level 5 being optimally fit, and level 9 being life-threateningly obese. However, if they are outside of that spectrum, you might want to consider seeing a specialist as your dog might have some underlying health issues. It can also cause lots of health problems such as joint problems, respiratory or heart diseases, and even cancer. The bad news is that Labradors are prone to obesity due to their genetics. A large portion of the Labrador population has a malfunctioning POMC gene that stops them from being full. Even without the condition, Labs are notoriously greedy! Look at Midnight eating in her dreams: Hyperthyroidism and Insulinoma are disorders that can cause unexplainable weight gain. How to help your Labrador achieve a healthy weight? If they are suffering from certain disorders, you will need to treat them first. If they are simply being fed too much, remove any excess calories from their diet by cutting down treats including table scraps! You can also encourage them to move more through exercise, play, or work. Being too thin is also unhealthy, especially if your puppy is still growing. Weight loss or not being able to gain weight can be caused by worms, illness, or a lack of calories. Active dogs will need to be fed more than those that lead sedentary lifestyles. What you can do is increase their intake and monitor their growth rate. Another commonly asked question is when to fix their male or female Labradors. The general consensus is that you should fix your dog around 6 months, but there are new studies to suggest that early neutering might create more problems for your dog. Another specialized study suggests pet owners to neuter or spay after 37 weeks. This prevents excessive growth that can aggravate hip or joint problems. Will my Lab still grow after being neutered? Depending on when your dog is neutered. If it is neutered after sexual maturity, it will most likely have already reached its adult size and will not grow any taller. However, most neutered pets gain weight much more easily due to a decrease in sex hormones. This will cause their metabolic rate to slow down so you should adjust their diet accordingly. Differences between variations of Labrador Retrievers English Labs are show dogs that are bred to be more heavyset. Therefore, they can be slightly on the heavy side. As for American or working dogs, they are generally more athletic and lighter. Gender also plays a role in their weight, with females nearing the lighter end of the spectrum and males being on the heavier side. Chocolate Labs and White Labs are usually bred for the show ring. It is entirely possible to have an English Fox Red and vice versa for all other colors. Leading a healthy lifestyle will keep your pup healthy. Further reading: Additional puppy growth chart guides. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian.
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royal canin bulldog puppy food reviews - This intelligent, loyal and friendly breed can fill diverse roles with ease as a family dog, therapy dog, hunting companion and guide for the blind. Good natured and beautiful, the Golden Retriever is a real crowd pleaser. Temperament Golden Retrievers are known as world-class family dogs whose sweet, puppy-like temperament makes them a joyful playmate to people of all ages. Loyal, trustworthy and eager-to-please, these dogs are typically easy to train. Goldens are part of the Sporting Group, so they are hardworking and need and love! Characteristics Behind the friendly eyes of the Golden Retriever lives an intelligent mind and sweet temperament. Eager to please, Goldens are easy to train and love hearing praise when they master a new skill. Goldens are also high-energy and can perform tasks like waterfowl retrieval for hours on end. Because they were bred to assist on the hunt, keep them well exercised and busy to avoid undesirable behavior. Overall, this smart, outgoing and good-natured breed makes him a trustworthy leader in a number of fields. Golden Retrievers serve important roles such as search-and-rescue dogs, guides for the blind, hunting partners and beloved family dogs. Lifespan 10 to 12 years Colors The Golden Retriever gets his name for his beautiful and lustrous golden-colored coat. Its golden hue can range from dark to light golden, but is always a shade of gold. Shedding Goldens sport a thick, water-repellant double coat. They shed heavily one or two times a year, and moderately on a continuous basis. Brush your Golden Retriever a few times a week to keep shedding under control. Health Golden Retrievers are a generally healthy breed. Screening for elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions and certain heart diseases is recommended, however. Without adequate exercise, Goldens are at risk of becoming overweight. You want to select a food that will help him maintain his ideal body condition long-term. Here are a few foods that we recommend for Golden Retrievers. Raising and breeding AKC Registered golden retriever to the best standards. Our puppies are family Happy, Healthy Bloodline Few dog breeds are as iconic or as recognizable as the Golden Retriever. Characteristically gentle, intelligent, and eager to please, the capable breed is both easy to train and incredibly devoted to their owners. In fact, Golden Retrievers are known to sometimes retrieve items throughout the house without command, like slippers or even the morning paper. A Furever Friend Golden Retrievers are bred to be intelligent, friendly and incredibly loyal hunting companions, they are also irresistibly cute when they are puppies. Golden Retriever puppies are born in litters of 5 to 10, and in a variety of coat colors and lengths. Though small, lbs, Golden Retriever puppies grow quickly and soon discover an insatiable curiosity for their surroundings. Like a mischief seeking missile, Golden Retriever puppies are known to be very inquisitive and eager to explore and play. Thus, new puppy owners are encouraged to puppy-proof their homes to ensure their Golden Retriever puppy doesn't get into too much trouble. Golden Retrievers are also instinctively drawn to the water. New puppy owners should also research their houseplants to determine if they are potentially poisonous to a canine. Lastly, Golden Retrievers explore their surroundings with their mouth. Financing Available. Chicken is the 1st ingredient Added DHA for brain health Contains calcium and phosphorus for bone health Comes in two bag sizes — 15lb and .What to Look For in Puppy Food? When you are searching for the right puppy food, we recommend the food should consist of the ingredients found below. Fish oil supports heart health, reduces itchy and flaky skin, promotes a silky coat, and relieves allergies and joint pain. It can also strengthen their immune system and help fight cancer. Calcium and Phosphorus both aid in joint health and can help prevent joint problems later in life. Chondroitin and glucosamine also aid in joint health. These nutrients are commonly found in protein sources like chicken. So, the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers will also have good sources of calcium, phosphorous, chondroitin, and glucosamine — whether that be added to the food or derived from protein sources like chicken. Protein and fat help puppies develop their muscles and gain energy. Therefore, the best kinds of puppy food for Golden Retrievers will not only have high protein levels, but also high protein levels from good sources. Important Note Good protein sources are chicken, lamb, salmon, beef, and turkey. It is normal for a lot of dog foods to feature some type of by-product of these protein sources chicken meal, for example. However, the main protein source in the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers should be the actual meat, not a by-product. It is important for a puppy to start off with good sources of nutrition. Therefore, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the food you choose. As owners, we want to make sure that our new puppy gets just the right amount food to grow at their pace. We do not want to overfeed or underfeed. Our wish is to make life for them as comfortable as possible. For more detail on this topic check out our article Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. If you use our recommended Purina Pro Plan, see below for the feeding chart. Here are a few of the most important ones. For a long time, boutique grain-free dog foods have been seen as the healthiest option for pups and hounds the world over. Of all dog breeds affected by this sudden and unusual spike, golden retrievers have the most reported cases. The statistics are thought to be skewed slightly by a bias caused by stronger retriever based online communities through which information about risks is shared. More retriever owners are made aware of the risk than owners of other breeds, thus more retrievers get tested, and finally, more are found to have the heart defect. It could, of course, also mean that retrievers are more susceptible to developing the heart disease after all. If food is grain-free, it should make that very clear on the packaging as it has been a selling point for many years, but to make sure, check the small printed ingredients. Commonly used grains are wheat and corn. Budget Dog food is never really all that expensive, but there will be some that are two or three times the price of cheaper options. Settle on one that your dog enjoys, has healthy ingredients, and that you can continue to afford. Breed Specific Breed specific dog foods are great. They give you the peace of mind that comes when you know your golden fluffer is getting exactly the nutrition they need to thrive, but you still need to be cautious. Breed specific foods may still have subpar ingredients, and their mission to provide a generalized nutritional standard for an entire breed omits cases of individual difference. Not all golden retrievers are the same. They can have very different dietary requirements. A really good blend of standard dog food with great ingredients will be just as good for your retriever as the one marketed directly towards them. Age is one of the most important things to consider before settling on a food. Different age retrievers have different nutritional requirements. Too much of it and their bones can grow too quickly which will inevitably lead to mobility problems in later life. This is the easiest stage to feed your dog as you can stick to what they like. Unless your pooch has digestive or weight issues, you can focus on protein-based foods that will help them develop lots of lean muscle. The more lean muscle your dog has, the less pressure there will be on its bones, and the faster it will burn calories during exercise. To keep them in tip-top shape, you may also need to augment their diet with supplements. A young girl and her Golden Retriever in the snow Good Ingredients Not all dog food is created equal. Some are made with nicer, more nutritious ingredients than others. The first major thing you should look out for is meat content. Real meat is preferable but may also be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs that are acclimated to a milder diet. Dog foods often also use animal byproducts to provide protein. A mix of byproducts and real meat can be a good pairing. The last animal content will be fats, most commonly chicken fat. Due to their high omega 6 content, animal fats are quite effective at lowering cholesterol, improving heart health, and reducing cancer risks. These veggie extras are typically very good for them. That said, some of the ingredients still being monitored by the FDA include peas, legumes, lentils and potatoes. For dogs, it helps with eye health, reproductive health, digestive health, and heart health. Probiotics are living bacterias that aid in the entire digestive process. Frequently Asked Questions Are dogs allergic to grains? The allergens are actually most likely to be the meat itself. Is wet food better than dry food for dogs? There are benefits to wet food in some circumstances, for example, a dog with few remaining teeth will benefit from a soft lubricated food , but for the most part, nutritionally speaking, they should have relatively similar content. Are golden retrievers more likely to suffer from DCM? They do have a higher report rate, but that may not actually mean they are more likely to get it. Summing Up There you have it, folks. Five of the very best dog foods for golden retrievers doing the rounds at the minute. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. Take a look at what ingredients are available for the age and size that match your dog. Sensitive Stomach Some dogs will be sensitive to certain ingredients. These sensitivities can range from full-blown allergies to minor stomach irritation. Regardless of the cause, if you notice your dog avoiding his or her food or exhibiting allergic reactions, try a stomach sensitive option. These mixes deliberately avoid ingredients that many dogs find problematic. We cannot go into detail about each of the many Purina Pro Plan dog food varieties. This is a brand-appropriate and popular for retrievers and should be fairly representative of the entire line. Overview Performing an analysis of nutrient content on the dry matter basis of the dog food, Dogfoodadvisor. Compared to more premium brands of dog food, this is still a little high in carbs, but the protein content is right up there with the best of them. This dog food has a good balance of essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth. Chicken Purina loves to hype up the fact that they were the first dog food to make meat the first ingredient. This is significant and should impress you, but maybe not as much as Purina would like it to impress you. The reality is that they weigh in the chicken before cooking. In actuality, chicken accounts for a much lower percentage of the total than Purina would like you to believe. Ground rice Ground rice is generally used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour. This is used as a binding agent to hold the kibbles together. Avoiding gluten helps with nutritional value, but obviously, having starches or grains so high up on the list is not ideal and drives up the calories counts. Whole grain wheat Like other grains, wheat has little nutritional value for dogs and contributes to high caloric content. This is an inexpensive filler to add structure and mass to the kibble. Poultry by-product meal Poultry by-product is the dried, ground-up leftovers from poultry slaughterhouse processing. Poultry by-products can vary vastly in quality. On the plus side, poultry by-product contains nearly three times as much protein as fresh poultry. Soybean meal Soybean meal is a by-product of soybean production. This means that the protein is harder for your dog to digest and use. Not all protein sources are created equal. These sorts of additions are designed to cheaply boost the protein amount reported on the label. Whole grain corn More cereal grains here. Corn is going to have the same issues previously discussed with rice and wheat. This is the rubbery substance that gives things like bread their structure. Beef tallow Beef tallow is a fatty by-product of beef rendering. This ingredient really drives up the fat quantity and is considered a lower quality ingredient. Fish meal Like poultry meal, fish meal is a dried meat concentrate. This is essentially ground whole fish and fish cuttings. It usually comes from commercial fishing operations. Barley Of all the grains listed, Barley is actually the least problematic. Barley supplies fiber and other nutrients and can support stable blood sugar levels. Fish oil You may have heard fish oil touted as a wonder ingredient for human nutrition. These fats are essential for healthy bodily function and have a wide array of health benefits in people and in dogs. The addition of fish oil increases the overall health value of Purina Pro Plan. Brans are rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These contribute to a well-balanced diet. Garlic oil Unfortunately, garlic oil can cut both ways. On the one hand, it has health benefits such as being a rich source of Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium, and fiber. On the other hand, garlic oil has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs. Dried fermentation products Fermentation products are additives designed to help the animal with digestion. These can help prevent the dangers of bloat. Menadione Menadione is a cheaper form of vitamin K. Menadione is linked with liver toxicity, allergies, and the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. This ought to be considered a black mark. Purina Pro Plan contains a large amount of meat and is free from many controversial or dangerous ingredients. The mix has some thoughtful, high-quality additions that round out its nutritional profile nicely. There are some obvious cut corners with large amounts of plant-based protein and high volumes of filler grains. Alternatives Purina Pro Plan dog foods are pretty great overall but have some specific drawbacks. Here are a few alternatives to Purina Pro Plan that will have your golden retriever looking and feeling great. Health Extension Grain-Free Chicken and Turkey Dog Food With the first four ingredients being organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, deboned turkey, and turkey meal—Health Extension packs a meaty punch. Purina is so proud of putting the chicken in that number one spot, but the first four slots dedicated to meat products puts them to shame. It also uses healthy grains such as barley, oats, and rye to round out its nutritional profile. This mix has a very high volume of quality protein and will help your dog stay lean and active. This stuff is pricey. I guess buffalo meal is hard to come by. Summary So, should you buy Purina Pro Plan for your golden retriever? Lots of dog owners say yes. In many supermarkets and pet stores, Purina Pro Plan might be the most ideal dog food available. On the other hand, there are dog foods out there that easily beat out Purina. These brands are more expensive and more difficult to find, but they contain a higher concentration of quality ingredients and avoid cheap fillers such as grains and plant-based proteins. The choice of what to feed your golden retriever is up to you. But understanding the basics of dog nutrition and how Purina stacks up will help you make an informed choice to give your pet the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible.