sable german shepherd puppies michigan

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Lab puppies are energetic little learners eager to run, swim, and fetch. Although active, they also tend to overeat and gulp down their food. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight management, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. The unique donut-shaped kibble is specially designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

Welcome to the home of Jajaca Australian Labradoodles. They are incredibly fun loving, loyal and intelligent with a brilliant temperament to match. These attributes make for the perfect family companion! I have owned dogs all my life, but ran into many dramas with allergies and health concerns with my then young family. After researching the Australian Labradoodle and what the breed represents, I realised that the Australian Labradoodle was everything I was looking for. Fast forward 15 years, my daughter Cassidy, my adopted sister Nicola and I feel nothing but gratitude to be able to provide our families with the quality Labradoodles I was searching for many years ago. I am so fortunate to have been given encouragement and total support from all members of the ALA, who share their knowledge and wisdom for the betterment of the breed. All these years later and I am still totally hooked, assisting to mentor new ALA Breeders, and finding I am more in love with this breed than I ever thought possible. We are and will remain a dedicated breeder bringing up our babies in our family environment free of kennels. All our girls and boys live with loving families locally and nearby, where they are raised with rules, boundaries and discipline and loved unconditionally by their families. Our breeding girls and boys family has grown wonderfully in the last 17 years. We currently have some stunning girls and boys we are very proud of and some youngsters waiting to mature who will continue Jajaca into the forseeable future. Please visit their photo albums to check them and their breeding statistics out. They were precious, valued members of our family, the girls that started Jajaca and though we miss them everyday, their memory reminds us of why we do what we do, to share the joy they brought us with other families. Blaise beauty, Harper and Jajaca Jaycee are all now additions to our family group. Our focus as a breeder has been and will continue to be to offer quality, sound, healthy dogs as genuine family companions and never compromise the wonderful qualities of the breed. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any enquiries regarding this truly magnificent breed or ask about our upcoming litters. We hope that you enjoy browsing our site! The Australian Labradoodle are fun loving, loyal, intelligent, cheeky, with a brilliant temperament, and are remarkable to train. This coupled with their non-shedding, allergy friendly coat makes the Australian Labradoodle the perfect valued family member. Our focus as a breeder of these jewels, is to offer healthy, well-adjusted puppies with a gentle affectionate nature and at ease to interact and train. Our breeding stock are our cherished family pets, they come from generations of genetically sound distinguished bloodlines. Applications are currently open for future litters. We at Argyle Labradoodles have taken great care and time to research extensively the Australian Labradoodle and have chosen personal choice to breed standard and large medium sized dogs, we have taken great due diligence in our choice. Being a responsible breeder we do not Kennel or Cage our breeding dogs or puppies, our wonderful puppies are loved and socialised, they run in grassed large yards and are provided with all the stimulation and comforts to provide you with the best possible temperaments from happy, socialised puppies. We feel our future Argyle mums will fulfill all of the above attributes with abundance. We will be interested in guardian families when we are further into our breeding plan. We shall use this application form to identify the puppy that best suits your family and lifestyle. Our personal guarantee is that every Argyle puppy has been born and raised in our home, they have been loved, socialised and come with puppy care notes. Our Argyle puppies are spayed and neutered before they leave our home, this means the temperament of your puppy will not be influenced by their gender. The information you provide us with will help us choose the most suitable puppy at 6 weeks of age when we allocate the puppies on the waiting list to their future family. Essentially Argyle Labradoodles maintain the breeding rights to the puppy for a contracted period whilst the puppy gets to live a pampered and loving family life. If you would like to be considered to be a guardian family to a beautiful puppy in the Argyle breeding program, please apply via our email at argylelabradoodles gmail. All puppies have been raised here indoors until weeks of age where they then make their way to the outdoor nursery for further development. These puppies coming through will be the last from us due to retirement. Regardless that we are retiring we will still be here to answer any future questions for the lifetime of your puppy — we will only be a phone call or email away. Both puppies will have wonderful outgoing natures and are raised with our adult dogs and well socialised during their 8 weeks here with us. Like all our past Krakajak puppies they will bring you many years of joy, love and laughter. For further information please email me sarahhum westnet. Our lovely pooches are first and foremost our family pets. They are regularly groomed here at home and are taught to swim so they can join us in the pool during summer months. Our puppies are born and raised in our home up until they reach weeks of age where they are then moved into the puppy play area where they can begin to learn and explore their big wide world. When you purchase a puppy from KrakaJak Labradoodles you do so knowing that comprehensive DNA testing has guided us to select the parents of your puppy in the hope that they will lead a long and healthy life as a valued member of your family. Krakajak Labradoodles breed Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats in colours of Red, Apricot, Cream, Caramel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. We look forward to continuing our journey working with and promoting this fabulous breed of dog. Sharing the joy of owning a Labradoodle. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration… Read more View all breed additional tests Lovedale Australian Labradoodles conducts 14 additional tests available for the Australian Labradoodle. Canine Elliptocytosis Genetic Test Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Cystinuria Genetic Test This condition mainly affects Newfoundlands although other breeds can be affected. It is a genetic condition which results in the production of kidney and bladder stones. There is a DNA test available to confirm that breeding dogs are not carrying this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It results in the dog collapsing after periods of intense exercise, even if they are normally able to cope with lower levels of exercise. There is a DNA test available which can indicate if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Elbow Dysplasia Physical Test These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. It causes very dry and crusty skin around the nose that predisposes to infections. There is a DNA test available to determine whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. HUU Genetic Test Hyperuricosuria HUU is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. MPS Genetic Test Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition. Affected puppies are small and lack coordination. Within weeks, the puppies may have difficulty holding their head up or standing and may collapse after exertion. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition. Narcolepsy Genetic Test Narcolepsy is a genetic disease which causes affected animals to fall asleep suddenly following periods of excitement, such a feeding or play. These dogs might collapse and appear drowsy or might completely fall asleep. They usually grow out of the condition after about one year of age. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Affected dogs can experience lethargy, exercise intolerance and severe anaemia. There is a DNA available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Skeletal Dysplasia Genetic Test Skeletal Dysplasia is an inherited form of dwarfism which causes the leg bones to grow much shorter than is proportional for the body. Affected legs will be short and slightly bowed outwards. Often the forelimbs are more affected than the hindlimbs, which can make the condition more difficult to spot in subtle cases. The severity of VWD varies widely between breeds and individuals, ranging from life threatening, through to having no impact on clotting ability. In person puppy pick up Meet the breeder in person for puppy pick ups Ground transport service Supportive of on-the-road pet transport by car or van Domestic air travel by plane Supportive of domestic air transport by plane International air travel by plane Supportive of international air transport by plane RightPaw Achievements About the Breeder A little about us We are Cass and Sam and both have our own established businesses in dog boarding and training and have come together to form Lovedale Labradoodles. As Trainers, we were both… Read more Why we got involved in breeding Personally we love dogs and really enjoy seeing the whole process from birth, right through to the end of their training. We have been fortunate enough to be mentored by many experienced breeders that we have within our networks in the dog world. This has inspired and assisted our many hours of work and research… Read more Our special touch We are passionate about puppies! We care about ensuring that puppies born with us have the best possible start to their lives by starting even before they are born! We look after the parents by providing them with the highest nutritional and health care possible. This then carries on once the puppies are born… Read more.

According to Global News , Rhys and Mosher's three-year-old valley bulldog, Freya, gave birth to seven healthy puppies, one right after the other, on Jan. Shortly after Freya sat down to rest with her new puppies, the bulldog gave birth to one more puppy. This young canine was born surrounded by a black sac, distinctly different from the translucent sacs the other puppies had. As the married couple cleaned the last puppy off, they realized the canine's light fur had a bright green tint. Audra Rhys Audra Rhys "So we googled it, 'my puppy is green, what's wrong,' and apparently it is very rare, and it has happened a few times all over the world," Mosher told Global News. If the Name Fits: 'Forest' the Green Puppy Born to Golden Retriever According to CNN , light-colored dogs are born green on rare occasions, likely after contact with biliverdin — a green pigment found in bile — while in the womb. The pigment dyes the fur before the puppy is born, and the color fades after the puppy enters the world. Rhys told PEOPLE that Freya's healthy green puppy, who she shares with American bulldog Loki, is already starting to lose her odd coloring and is now "a light lime green. Green puppy Audra Rhys Trevor Mosher and Audra Rhys have been calling their new puppy Fiona — after the ogre princess from the film Shrek — and with one look at the dog's fur, it's easy to see why. According to Global News , Rhys and Mosher's three-year-old valley bulldog, Freya, gave birth to seven healthy puppies, one right after the other, on Jan. Shortly after Freya sat down to rest with her new puppies, the bulldog gave birth to one more puppy. This young canine was born surrounded by a black sac, distinctly different from the translucent sacs the other puppies had. As the married couple cleaned the last puppy off, they realized the canine's light fur had a bright green tint. Green puppy Green puppy Audra Rhys "So we googled it, 'my puppy is green, what's wrong,' and apparently it is very rare, and it has happened a few times all over the world," Mosher told Global News. The pigment dyes the fur before the puppy is born, and the color fades after the puppy enters the world. Rhys told PEOPLE that Freya's healthy green puppy, who she shares with American bulldog Loki, is already starting to lose her odd coloring and is now "a light lime green. Share on Whatsapp via Getty The owners of a bulldog got quite the shock when she gave birth to a bright green puppy. Trevor and Audra Mosher who live in Canada were left in shock when one of the eight puppies born in the litter had green fur. Sharing an image of the newborn pup on Facebook, Trevor wrote, "Our lil green puppy apparently is a rare thing to see. Our lil green puppy apparently is a rare thing to see. Everything I find is attached to a news article. She will.Posted by Trevor Mosher on Sunday, January 30, According to Tyla, the rare occurence happened due to a process which occurs in the womb, when light-coloured puppies come into contact with a green pigment found in bile, known as biliverdin. The couple explained to Global News that unlike her brothers and sisters, the green pup was born in a black sac, as opposed to transparent. As rare as it seems to be, I feel very lucky to have witnessed it and be a part of it. I know you hear stories about things like that but to be there and witness it, it was good" he said. Dr Bronwyn Crane, a veterinary reproduction specialist from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, suggested that the probability of having a green pup is less than one in 10, The pooch, named Freya, was meant to be given a C-section but managed to deliver her two babies on her own. Freya also had another puppy who sadly died after giving birth, the Daily Star reports. Mark rushed Freya to the vet hospital where she later welcomed further additions, leaving with a litter of eight. Initially, Mark had thought the green puppy just needed cleaning, but as the days went on he noticed the colour remained strong. I got home and cleaned it about four times that night and I let the mother clean it and it never went away. It has been reported that the rare colour of the puppy is thought to take place when light-shaded puppies come into contact with biliverdin - a green pigment detected in bile. It's thought the green colour is due to a rare phenomenon in the womb Image: WBRC Owner Audra Mosher said on Facebook at the time: "Our lil green puppy apparently is a rare thing to see. I wish the colour would stay, it would be really cool! So we googled it, 'my puppy is green, what's wrong,' and apparently it is very rare and it has happened a few times all over the world. As rare as it seems to be, I feel very lucky to have witnessed it and be a part of it. Trevor and Audra Mosher, thought the worst after they saw the pup's unusual colour and at first thought she she had been stillborn. She was part of a litter of eight born in Canada to mum Freya, but started behaving normally and has been thriving ever since. The tiny pup started life with no health issues and her green tinge being put down to an unusual process in the womb. A black sac surrounded the puppy's body compared to her her siblings, who were all surrounded by translucent sacs. After she was born Trevor cleaned Freya with hot soap and water while her mother began goy used to the new litter. Suddenly, Freya went into labour again. This time looking much different. A black sac covered the body of the puppy, unlike her siblings, who were all in translucent sacs. The Daily Star reports that the rare discolouration of her fur is thought to come from a green pigment found in the bile inside the sac. Trevor was "amazed" by the rare event and was "very lucky to have witnessed it and be a part of it", revealing that he is now working with his wife to come up with a name for the special puppy. Unfortunately, her fur is expected to fade into a normal colour as she grows older losing its green appearance. .Trevor posted about his green pup on his Facebook account, asking for recommendations on what to call the unnamed canine. Read More.

He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. Reviews 0 french bulldog mix puppies for sale French bulldog mix puppies for sale, 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! Beautiful, funny, happy and with a face so full of character, Aimee really is a lovely French Bulldog. She is cheeky, playful and silly, and the most joyful pup of the litter. The French Bulldog is my only breed. This is an incredible pairing of sire and dam, both of them multiple Champion winning French Bulldogs. This pup will come with all details of vaccinations and dewormings to date, microchip, and 1 year Guarantee. 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. 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?

We have answers. Golden Retriever breeders MD prices vary based on a variety of factors, such as pedigree, breeder experience, and more. Breeders and businesses in the Uptown network are able to arrange travel for your puppy to any major airport in the Continental US, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. Uptown has a strict screening and vetting process that covers all aspects of breeder experience and animal care—just take a look at our Breeder Pledge for more information. Finding Golden Retriever puppies is easier than ever, but finding healthy, happy, humanely bred puppies is tougher than ever. What is a puppy mill? Dogs at puppy mills are often neglected, mistreated, and poorly bred. While puppy mills are definitely cheap, their dogs carry hidden costs as well—debilitating genetic diseases dangerous temperament issues can cost owners thousands of dollars in extra vet fees. Not to mention that puppy mill dogs often die young, as well. Are there any purebred Golden Retriever puppies for sale right now? What is the MatchMaker process? The MatchMaker system makes it fun and easy for people to find amazing puppies. MatchMaker begins with a brief questionnaire that allows us to learn all about your ideal pooch. How do I know I can trust you? We know just as well as anyone that bad breeders are a dime per dozen. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are a small, hobby breeder that raises highly socialized, health tested, in-home quality puppies. We are a retired couple and live on a beautiful hobby farm in Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. We are not a puppy mill, and average 4 litters a year. Our daughter lives in Silver Spring, MD and we visit often. We can usually hand-deliver to your area, which makes it convenient for our families. Our daughter is a a breeder too, so occasionally has her own litters right in your back yard. We often sell to Maryland and DC buyers, so we make it easy and convenient for you because we know the process. We've become a trusted breeder for your area. We only offer our Golden puppies for sale to homes where we can screen the buyers ahead of time and make sure it's a great forever match. We usually take deposits ahead of time on our beautiful puppies and form a relationship with great relationship with you. There's always a level of trust formed between breeder and families, and we do our best to gain and maintain your trust throughout the process. It is also good for us to get to know our puppy families. It ensures that the puppies we care so carefully for are placed very responsibly into homes. English Cream Puppy Process What is our deposit? We lock your price in for your golden retriever puppy when you place your deposit, so if the price goes up, yours does not. We take deposits via email invoice with cards, so it is convenient for you. We have a real "business" so we do things professionally. How do you pick your puppy? We temperament test our puppies and observe them since birth. We are professionals at matching puppies with families lifestyles, but the choice is ultimately yours, which puppy you get. Our Golden Retriever puppy pick-outs are at around 6 weeks. We allow you to choose out of a group of puppies depending on your pick spot. Our out-of-state buyers usually use Facetime or Facebook to pick their puppies out with live video. You'll see weekly videos and pictures of the puppies as they grow, so you it will be an informed decision for you to choose when it's your turn. We will share with you their temperaments, sizes and builds, so you get a great match. You are also welcome to visit the farm and pick your puppy out in person. Most of our buyers reserved to visit once when they pick their puppy up at 8 weeks. Life Companions We know that your puppy will be your family member for life. The greatest part of our job is the magical moments that you first get to hold your English Golden Retriever puppy. It often brings tears to everyone's eyes. If you are interested in one of our beautiful puppies, please fill out our form on our home page or available puppies page at no obligation. We will be in touch with you within a few days and will have your preferences saved. We are diligent to follow up with every inquiry. We look forward to hearing from you. We had professional careers until we retired, putting all of our extra time and money into our hobby farm. We have a horse barn with our beautiful work horses and several retired English riding horses. It is a peaceful yet adventurous place for our beloved English Golden Retrievers. They get to explore the top part of our acre farm with us every day. Message sent. All rights reserved.

They cherish the company of children and are quite comfortable with other animals and pets, especially if you have trained them to grow up together. These dogs are fond of people and love to be around them, and hence, it is tough for them to cope with solitude. They need the company of the owners, and in return, expect their care and attention. With all these graces and goodness, they are perfect for first-time dog owners. This large breed is comfortable living in apartments, provided you help them meet their regular exercise needs. Care Exercise These active dogs have a high level of energy, which they can burn down by sufficient amount of exercise. They also love swimming. But be present with them when they do. Take your GL out for a long brisk walk or a jog at least once a day, for a minimum of 30 min. This should not merely keep it mentally sound and physically fit, but would also strengthen the bond between you and your companion dog. Your dog would also appreciate if you indulge it in some everyday games. If you have an open yard, it can simply roam around freely, which should also add to its fitness activities. But make sure your yard is fenced and safe where you can easily free it from the leash. Grooming Use a rubber curry brush to groom it. If your dog has already started losing hair, we recommend that, you brush it daily. Otherwise, only a weekly session sounds good. This should remove all its dead and loose hairs. To avoid ear infections, do not forget to rinse the inside of their ears when they come out of the water. Also, take care of their teeth by brushing them every week to keep away possible plaque buildups. Because of their hefty built and other associated genetic factors, they are prone to a few issues like elbow and hip dysplasias, PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy , diabetes, cataracts, and certain skin conditions that are especially prevalent amongst yellow labs including allergies, hotspots, dry skin, sun burns etc. Train it to socialize from a very young age, right after adoption. Let them know people and mingle with your children and other pets at home, and practice obedience. This should work. They would grow up to a happy dog without much anxiety and concern of its surroundings. Teach them tricks like retrieving, and enthuse them in agility games like flyball, Frisbee, etc. Do take the lead and let your dog follow you. But insist on sober and gentle training methods. Praise them as they succeed, give them treats, toys and gifts. However, if you choose dry dog foods, do stick to high-quality foods only, and those that are meant for the dogs of its size and energy. But divide the food into two equal meals. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

Pointerdor owners say these sturdy dogs are softies at heart and love to please their people. Bred from Labrador Retrievers and German Shorthaired Pointers, these puppies are one of the most sought-after breed mixes. Their history goes back long before the term designer dog was coined. Lab Pointer mix origins — why breed a hybrid? Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new and has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as hunting companions and family pets. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. These breeds are both athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily. For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play and who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners. They do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females Shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predictable with a GSP cross as both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat. The GSP coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups do not shed like a lab and their coats are often sleek and shiny. Exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointers have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited dogs healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. One of the advantages of buying a cross breed puppy is that the known reduced health risks are reflected in lower pet insurance premiums. Lab Pointer Puppies Video History Though not much is known about its origination, this new breed has obtained recognition by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as a few other clubs that recognize designer breeds. Temperament These energetic, sweet-tempered dogs have a pleasant and courteous disposition. Being fond of playing, they can get highly possessive as far as their toys are concerned. Though gentle and loving, they have an independent nature, not requiring too much attention, unlike other breeds. Moreover, separation from their owners for some time will not have a great impact on them. Having a loyal nature, they are extremely devoted to their masters, trying all means to please them. The Lab-Pointer behaves calmly with other canine breeds, also being friendly with children provided they are not rough with it. Another interesting trait this breed has inherited from the Pointer is its brilliant sense of smell that makes it alert on sniffing something unusual or encountering any unfamiliar face. Care Exercise It is essential to make them exercise regularly to maintain a good physical and mental health. To channelize its high energy levels in a positive way, owners should take their pets out on a walk two times in a day or make them run daily. Lab-Pointer puppies are more active compared to the older dogs as the latter tend to calm down with age, preferring to be indoors. Grooming Requiring less grooming, their short or medium-length coat should be brushed once or twice a week to keep off dead hairs. Bathe the dog when dirty to prevent them from getting too smelly. Cleaning their ears will minimize chances of infection. Health Problems This hardy breed has no known health problems as such. However, it might be prone to certain common ailments suffered by its parents like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataract, cherry eyes and allergies of Pointer as well as dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary myopathy and deafness of Labrador. It may even suffer from some of the common dog diseases. Training The English pointer-lab mix is convenient to train though it sometimes becomes a mammoth task to obtain their attention. Therefore, they need a firm and tactful trainer who will handle them in a patient, thoughtful and gentle way, tempting them to follow his commands through rewards and incentives. Socialization and obedience training are also to be imparted to help them come out of their timid nature and mingle well with strangers, children as well as other pets. If kept as only pets and not for hunting then owners should make a conscious effort to keep their chasing instinct under control. Feeding Give your dog between 1. Moreover, they should also be provided a nutritious diet to meet their protein and mineral requirement. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Created by crossing the Labrador and pointer breeds, the Lab pointer mix is one of the latest designer dog breeds. Smart, devoted, and full of energy, these doggos inherited some of the best traits of their parent breeds. Pointerdors are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of space to stay active and explore. As a result, these dogs make poor apartment and urban dwellers and are more suited to suburban or country living. Other than that, they are easy to train, relatively low-maintenance dogs, which makes them a good option for newbie dog parents. Pointerdors also love children and make ideal playmates to youngsters and are great pets to families with children of all ages. If you believe a Pointerdor will make a perfect addition to your family, keep on reading! Pointerdor Overview: Size: 22 to 28 inches tall, weighs between 35 to 80 pounds Coat: Short double coat, color varies Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedding Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Temperament: Athletic, intelligent, affectionate, and friendly Trainable: Highly trainable, responds well to positive reinforcement training Activity: Highly energetic needs up to two hours of exercise every day Best For: Active families and singles, first-time dog owners, homes with fenced backyards What Is A Lab Pointer? As the name hints, the pointer Lab mix is a mixed-breed dog developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred pointer. However, they are recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club Dog Registry of America, Inc Lab Pointer Mix Appearance While there is no way of predicting the exact appearance of any mixed breed, the typical Pointerdor will inherit certain traits from both its parent breeds. Having said that, Lab pointers are typically medium-sized dogs with long and muscular bodies. This mix has a deep chest, a powerful stance, and long, strong legs made for running. They have broad heads, medium-length muzzles, and wide, floppy ears that hang down to the upper jaw. Their almond-shaped eyes are usually brown, but they can also come in a lighter color. Size Since the Lab pointer is a new designer breed, there are no set standards when it comes to size. As a cross between a pointer and a Labrador retriever, you can expect this mix to be a medium-sized dog. Pointerdors are usually from 22 to 28 inches tall at the withers and can weigh anywhere from 35 to 80 pounds. Coat Color This mix can inherit the coat color from either of its parent breeds or sport a mix of colors. Since both pointers and Labs come in a variety of different colors, there are many color possibilities for their mixed-breed offspring. In most cases, though, the average Lab pointer mix is either white, brown, or black in color. Coat Texture The Lab pointer has a short, dense, and waterproof double coat that is relatively easy to maintain. As a double-coated breed, these dogs tend to shed moderately all year round and go through a heavier shed during spring and fall. If you or any of your family members are allergic to dogs, research the so-called hypoallergenic breeds and low-shedding dogs like the labradoodle , as they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers. Luckily, in this case, both the pointer and the Lab are members of the sporting dog group and share certain character traits. There are two sides to every pointer Lab — a devoted family companion and an athletic gundog. The loving and friendly Pointerdor forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for large and bustling families that will include their dog in all indoor and outdoor activities. As an offspring of two sporting breeds, the pointer Labrador retriever mix is a highly athletic and energetic dog that needs plenty of space to roam around and explore. If not allowed adequate space to run and play, this mix will quickly become bored, frustrated, and destructively chew everything in sight, beginning with your shoes and progressing to furniture and other belongings. These friendly and sweet-tempered dogs get along with everyone, including children of all ages. Not only are these pooches gentle and patient with kids, but they also love to play and will quickly become best friends with any child capable of matching their energy levels. Activity Level As an offspring of two sporting dog breeds, the Lab pointer mix is a very athletic and energetic dog that needs a lot of activity, more specifically at least 1 to 2 hours each day. When not provided with the intense exercise it needs, this mix will soon become restless and destructive. Caring For A Pointerdor Like any other dog, a pointer Labrador mix will thrive and stay happy when properly taken care of from a young age. To keep your dog happy and healthy, be sure to come up with a consistent care routine as soon as you bring them home and stick to it for the rest of their life. Exercise As mentioned before, Lab pointers are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Ideally, this mix needs up to two hours of intense activity every day to release all their pent-up energy and stay in excellent shape. Activities such as running, jogging, swimming, agility exercises, and games like fetch are all good ways to keep your dog exercised. Intellectual Stimulation Lab pointers are intelligent dogs that can easily become bored and frustrated if not exercised or mentally stimulated every single day. Like their Labrador parents, these dogs tend to be mouthy and will chew everything they can sink their teeth in when bored and under-stimulated. To avoid getting your belongings chewed, invest in tough and durable chew toys , and keep your mix stimulated with interactive and puzzle toys. Companionship Loving and loyal, Lab pointers form strong bonds with their owners and make affectionate family companions. They like to spend time interacting with their people and are the happiest when they are involved in all family activities. Grooming Despite being moderate-to-heavy shedders, Pointerdors are fairly easy to groom. Their short double coats have to be brushed two or three times a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe your mix once every two to three months or every time they return dirty from an outdoor adventure. Check their ears for waxy buildup and dirt once a week, and clean them as necessary to prevent painful ear infections. Diet An ideal diet for a pointer Lab mix should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with high energy. Their food needs to have high levels of protein, fat, and carbs, combined with all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. To prevent obesity and all health problems associated with it, avoid free-feeding your dog and stick to a regular and consistent meal schedule. Known Health Problems Pointer Lab mixes are generally healthy, but they can be affected by the same health problems that are often seen in their parent breeds. The most common health issues they experience are: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Pointer parents. The most common colors of coat for a Lab Pointer are creamy white, brown, and black. Exercise and outdoor time is vital to the Lab Pointer. Lab Pointers can have a higher than usual prey drive, so make sure not to leave them unsupervised. Lab Pointer dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds and become playmates, but early training and socialization is very important. Lab Pointer History The Lab Pointer is one of the newest mixed dog breeds around, with most estimates saying it came on the scene some time in the last decade. These days, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. The Pointer hails from England, where they were bred for tracking and pointing purposes. The Lab Pointer has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 35 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches. The mixed breed likes to be around humans and will want to take part in most of your daily activities. To that end, the dog does not do well left alone for long periods of time. So if you have a large and busy family, the Lab Pointer will fit in well with your schedule. Although, be warned. In general, Lab Pointers are loyal but not especially suited to being guard dogs. If you have kids, all the better. Lab Pointer Health Lab Pointers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Pointer face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. The Lab Pointer needs a very high amount of exercise. If you come across water on your hike, the breed will love to go swimming. Weekly teeth brushing sessions should be implemented with a Lab Pointer. Your vet can help advise you about which brand of toothpaste is appropriate for your dog. Bathing your Lab Pointer only needs to be done if it comes back in a dirty state after an outdoor adventure. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Make sure to check their ears for debris and pests, especially after spending time outdoors, and clean their ears regularly. Your vet can give you advice on how to do this at home. Lab Pointer Feeding An ideal Lab Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. In general, the Lab Pointer is an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a suitable dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor sessions the mixed breed loves so much. Luckily, the Lab Pointer is a mixed breed that is relatively easy to train. Even with a well-trained dog, you should always supervise play time between kids and dogs so that neither party accidentally harms the other. Make sure to properly introduce your Lab Pointer to any other pets and set boundaries right from the start. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Lab Pointer for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Lab Pointer Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Lab Pointers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Pointer breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Lab Pointer mix puppies Thanks to their spirited nature, Lab Pointer mix dogs need a lot of exercise, and space. A big back yard is best — somewhere fenced in where they can run and explore. Alert and intelligent, the gun dog breeds and breed mixes are usually a joy to train. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as working companions and family pets. Often with a second dog backing the first in an identical position. Setters and Pointers perform the same function and were very popular before breech loading guns were invented. They gave the hunter a chance to load their weapon and get close enough to the game to take a shot, before the bird was flushed. These dogs were bred to gallop over huge areas of moorland and open countryside, searching for tiny traces of scent in areas where game birds are few and far between. This required a big powerful deep chested dog capable of quartering large areas independently, with a hunter following — on foot or on horseback These are the true Pointers — sometimes called English Pointers. However, what many people mean when they talk about Pointers is a very different dog. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. And for the most part, that is a good thing! These breeds are both are athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play. And who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. Lab Pointer mix origins — why create a hybrid? To understand the origins of a Lab x Pointer mix, we can begin by going back a few decades. The early crosses were often promoted as having the best attributes of both parents. Claims were made that Labradoodles for example would all be hypoallergenic or at least low shedding like their poodle parent. When we cross two very different dog breeds, which attributes each puppy will get from each parent is to some extent a lottery. The puppy could get the best attributes of both parents, or the worst. Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. HPRs have probably long been included in the occasional Labrador breeding programme, albeit illicitly, in order to incorporate the pointing instinct into certain lines of retrievers. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new. And has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years Lab Pointer mix size Both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers are among the larger of the medium-sized dogs. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females A Lab crossed with a true Pointer however, is likely to be a taller dog altogether. The true Pointer reaches up to 28 inches in height, and some of his cross-bred puppies may well do the same. Labrador Pointer mix colors There are just three coat colors for Labrador Retrievers — black, yellow and chocolate. Pointers, on the other hand, can be found in 8 different colors. Including liver, lemon, black or orange. And in combinations of these colors with white. They often have distinctive and beautiful markings with usually a white muzzle with dark ears and eyes. German Pointers come in all kinds of pretty variations of the color liver a rich dark brown either solid or mixed with white spots or ticking. In the UK, the GSP is also found in all those variations but with a black base color rather than liver. Within any hybrid litter, you can expect a lot of variation. A German Shorthaired Pointer black Lab mix might not necessarily be black. If it favors its Pointer parent, it could be a mix of colors. Even experienced breeders sometimes have a hard time predicting what their new Pointer Labrador pups will look like! Labrador Pointer cross shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predicable with a GSP or Pointer cross as both Labs, Pointers, and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat, The GSP and Pointer coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups may take after either. The German Wirehaired Pointer has a broken or rough coat which is low maintenance A quick once over with a body brush two or three times a week, and the use of a de-shedding tool when necessary should be sufficient to cover the grooming needs of your Lab Pointer Mix pup. Lab Pointer mix temperament There are two sides to a Labrador x Pointer mix. The sweet-natured family pet, versus the energetic working gun dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners, so can be prone to separation anxiety. And they do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. While it might seem like this headstrong mutt needs a lot of exercise and attention, just like either of their parent breeds, they will repay you over and over with their affectionate, loving nature. It is worth noting that the pointing breeds, which traditionally had to work much more independently and over greater distances than the retriever breeds, tend to be more independent in nature. Labrador versus Pointer temperament The Labrador Retriever is one of the most co-operative dog breeds on the planet. That is why they are so widely used as service and therapy dogs. When you mix a Labrador with a German Short Haired Pointer, you are likely to lose some of this intense desire to co-operate with people, that is the hallmark of the Lab. You may gain some pointing skills, and you may have a dog with better genetic health. But that pure Lab temperament is hard to beat from a training point of view. When you mix a Labrador with a true Pointer, the resulting puppies can be very different indeed in temperament from a Retriever puppy The Pointer is a more independent and less biddable dog that the Labrador. So its important to take this into account Labrador Pointer exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointer mixes have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. A Labrador or GSP needs at least an hour and a half walking each day. A true Pointer needs far more and many are ideally suited to being exercised on horseback. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited mutts healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Lab and Pointer mix health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. When it comes to Lab Pointers, the ones to watch out for are elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. It can affect both Labs and Pointers. Labs and Pointers are also prone to the degenerative eye disorder, PRA. However, this disease, like many others can be screened for and eliminated from the gene pool. They should screen for diseases such as PRA as standard. They can also carry a genetic form of hemophilia known as von Willebrands Disease which prevents blood from clotting. Again, these are diseases that your breeder should screen for with every litter. What next? Sadly the growing popularity of hybrid dogs has led a lot of unscrupulous dog breeders to enter the market. A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions, and let you look around their kennel to meet some Pointer Lab puppies. It can be very rewarding to open your home, and your heart, to a rescue dog. Breed rescues can be found in most regions and often have cross bred dogs and puppies looking for new homes. They will offer a supportive and knowledgeable adoption service. We have provided a list of dog rescues in North America and the UK. And from registering your puppies should you decide you want to breed from your dog Potential owners should be aware that adopting an unknown dog always carries some risk. Black, orange, liver, lemon, yellow, chocolate Suitable for: Active families, homes with room for play Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets when socialized These animals are gentle, loving, and extremely loyal to their owners and families. If you are considering bringing one of these amazing dogs into your home, prepare for a lifetime of love and commitment. Read on below for more information on the Lab Pointer mix so you can make your home and heart ready for this adorable pooch. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Is the breed energetic? Are they easy to train? Their overall health is good for mixed-breed dogs, as they take on inherent health concerns of their parent breeds. This means they enjoy the stimulation and need attention. Once they are used to their surroundings and family, these dogs will show their gentle, loving, and loyal sides. If your family is searching for the perfect companion dog for both the adults and children in the family, these dogs may be your perfect solution. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their high energy levels make them the perfect companions for kids who love to run and play. They are also gentle enough to play without hurting smaller children. Yes, the Lab Pointer mix does well with other animals, when socialized properly and from a young age. Due to the fact both parent breeds were bred for hunting, it is important to introduce your new puppy to any small animals or other dogs you have in the home while they are young. Due to their intelligence, this breed can learn easily and can make other animals part of their family. In most cases, 2 to 2. This food can be divided to offer your pup morning and evening feeding. When caring for puppies, remember they often need more food throughout the day to ensure they grow up strong and healthy. Due to their energetic natures, long walks, playtime throughout the day, and other ways of keeping them stimulated should be done quite often. This will help avoid weight issues and boredom. Using treats and positive reinforcement are great tools to implement when going through the training process. Remember, however, that Lab Pointer mixes are known for being stubborn. Their trainer needs to be firm during this process. While this is a part of life when it comes to owning a dog, brushing their coats at least twice a week will help reduce the amount of hair you find around your home. Ear cleaning is very important for this breed of dog. Due to their floppy ears, infections are possible. With routine cleanings, you can help your dog avoid the pain these infections cause. When brushing your dog, take the time to clean their ears and check for any visible issues. Always use pet-friendly toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush during this process to help make the experience less frightening for your dog. Long nails can chip and break causing your dog unnecessary pain. Only clip the tip of the nail and avoid cutting into the quick, which is where the blood vessels are located. This can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort. Minor Conditions.

Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Just like Lady desperately tried to lift the lid off her box by herself, these surprise interactive pups will nudge and push against the cardboard box in order to lift up the lid, separate the sides and BURST their way out out of their packaging! Predicted to be a top 10 must have toy for Christmas which lets face it, needed SOMETHING fun to happen , we were lucky enough to be able to complete a Present Pets Review with Spin Master prior to their 1st October release date and the girls were quite literally bouncing off the walls! I have to admit I was too. Hopefully the pics and our full unboxing video below will give you a good idea of Present Pets and what to expect! Here we showcase not only the live unboxing process but also visual demonstrations of each of the different interactive modes. How does the Present Pets Unboxing work? The girls were so excited when they learned we were doing a Present Pets review. Step 2 — Pull on the gift tag on the box. Once the outer layer is lifted away a small Instructions pack drops out and it is recommended that you read these first to know what to do next. The second step is to pull on the gift tag. This is impossible to miss as it is clearly marked with the word PULL! As the tag is pulled away from the Present Pets box, it triggers the automatic unboxing process. You can then sit back and watch in awe as your Present Pet unboxes from the packaging to reveal which puppy is hidden inside! Step 3 — Watch as your Present Pet Unboxing Begins As soon as the tag is removed your Present Pets toy puppy springs to life and you can hear the audible barks and yelps from inside the box as well as movements that physically move the box from side to side. .The Present Pet puppy then starts to poke and prod at the cardboard packaging, poking away 3 perforated paw prints to create holes in the box and reveal a little glimpse of what your puppy looks like! The most impressive part of the Present Pets unboxing is when not only do the paw prints get poked away by the Present Pet but the sides of the box start to be ripped away too, before the two sides split apart completely and drop open on their own to reveal the interactive Present Pet puppy sitting happily inside. The Present Pet puppy plays a happy little song as the final unboxing moments take place. First Impressions of our Present Pet Once the Present Pets box had burst open, the girls first set their sights on Cocoa, our adorable pup sitting inside. She has a large fabric shimmery ombre bow attached to her right ear, sparkly blue expressive eyes with a heart shaped patch of fur over her right eye and a cheeky sticking out tongue. She is wearing a removable collar with her name on and has super soft plush fur. After her unboxing, the Present Pet puppy is barking and already making lots of fun interactive sounds, but before play, she needs to be removed from her fixed point on the base of the box. The Present Pets pup is held in place on the base of the box by two small bone fastenings at her feet, which need to be twisted to move them into the unlock position, after which your Pup can be pulled away. What do the Present Pets do once open? The Present Pets instructions are pretty overwhelming, and I have to be honest, I really wish that toy manufacturers would use nice bright colour leaflets with good pictures or photos to make life a little bit easier for us parents! Instead, the instructions for Present Pets are quite a daunting black and white photocopy which obviously comes in lots of different languages. Despite there being a quick start guide with illustrations, it still felt a bit tricky to understand some of the elements of the interactive play. After lots of trial and error however, we have now successfully got to grips with all the play modes — there are a number of interactive options for playing with your present pet which create different modes of play. Cuddle Mode The first mode is Cuddle Mode. Erin loved pulling Cocoa in for a cuddle and tapping the back of her head. After some extended play, we found the Cocoa responds best when her head is patted firmly in a stroke like action rather than a pat or tap. To trigger excited mode you simply tickle, touch or tap the Present Pets pup on her tummy. Here she lets out of happy little yelps, licks, laughter and excited barks as her legs flick rapidly backwards and forwards, just like a child does when they are tickled! To trigger the trick mode, you need to press on the back button and tap the head. When you bark or speak to the puppy, it will respond to you and imitate you in barks. After 3 exchanges of listening and responding, the puppy will return back to standard play autonomous mode. She made some lovely little sounds when Erin spoke to her, and you can see examples on our video above. The important thing to note here is that some of the sounds are confirming whether you got it right, and are NOT part of the sound for you to copy — this caused a bit of confusion with us at first. There are two rounds in game mode and if you want to skip to Round 2 you can quickly press the back button again. Otherwise just wait and listen out for the first barks to begin. If you get it wrong bark too little or too many times, he will make a frustrated grrrr noise. There are 3 stages to round 1 and each time your child has to copy back a particular number of barks. My video footage shows this a bit clearer, so please do check this out if you want to see it in action. The puppy will start by barking a short rhythm and waiting for you to copy it by barking back the same rhythm. Again, there are 3 stages and they progress in difficulty. After a short initial rhythm the puppy then barks a medium length rhythm and waits for you to copy again. Finally the puppy barks a long rhythm and if you are able to copy it correctly the game is won! As with Round one, he makes a happy sound if you get it right, a growl if you get it wrong, and a happy dance when you complete the round. You can quit the Game mode by pressing the back button again. I will be honest, at times it did feel like they were both girls and our Present Pet were just making lots of noise and I am not sure how quickly the novelty of game mode would wear off, but both my girls were happy regardless! Present Pets toys can make over sounds and actions — we have had ours almost a week now and are still discovering new reactions. Present Pets Volume Control — Parents will be pleased to know that Present Pets do come with an off button thank you toy gods! There is however only one volume setting and no present pets volume control as such. In my opinion it is a touch on the loud side, particularly if your children are early risers! Present Pets toys require 6 AAA batteries batteries are included and these can be changed by unscrewing the paw prints on her feet 3 batteries in each paw. Our Overall Present Pets Review What we loved about the Present Pets toys: Present Pets toys have a really fun unboxing process — the Present Pet Pups really DO unbox themselves by poking and prodding their way out of the cardboard, and need absolutely NO assistance from children other than pulling the tag to trigger and start off the process. The rest is cardboard. This is a real positive, as the majority of the packaging can easily be recycled. The girls Neve in particular have played with her lots since. For parents who may need to keep things quiet when working from home or may get bored of the barking — there is the welcome addition of an off button!! How could Present Pets toys be improved? As is often the case, some of the instructions for Present Pets are a little overwhelming and I wish there was just a simple colour sheet which outlined each mode and what it did. There is a quick start guide in the instruction leaflet but even the sight of all that text is enough to put any parent off, particularly when you have an excited child raring to go! I assume more videos including mine will emerge to make it easier for you guys so hopefully that will help! Neve however, who is just under the recommended age at 4, did find this more of a difficult task. A few people have asked me since my review was published whether Present Pets toys only come in the puppy variety. At the moment, yes there are only four different puppies available, but it may be that future waves of Present Pets feature other animals like Cats and Rabbits — that would be pretty cool too! However, you may have noticed that dogs have preferences for certain toys. Toys that have begun to rip or break need to be taken away from pets because they can become a choking hazard. The Toy Gives Them Comfort Similar to kids and their stuffed toys, some dogs like toys that feel comfortable to touch and are plush enough to snuggle with. To help your pup better cope with your leaving, make sure to give them plenty of exercise every day. The activity will keep them happy and tire them out, so they feel less stressed. Typically, this happens because your pup is teething, so chew toys are particularly appealing to them. Soft plastic and rubber toys that easily show teeth marks can also pose a health risk to your dog as the material can fray and be accidentally ingested. Do they seem particularly excited when asked to chase a ball or fetch a toy? If your pup seems to love running after whatever you throw, they may have strong hunting instincts. This trait can be found in all kinds of dogs, but may be particularly common among hunting dog breeds. For example, terriers and shepherds love retrieval games involving frisbees and tennis balls due to their having an ancestry of hunting and herding dogs. On the other hand, English and French bulldogs are usually more than happy to engage in a good game of tug of war. In both instances, getting a durable frisbee toss toy is a great idea. For example, your dog may remember getting rewarded or receiving a lot of attention when they first played with the toy. For example, you can make loud noises to distract your dog whenever they see the item. Then, introduce them to an appropriate pet toy. Toys can even help prevent your dog from developing certain problem behaviors. Although cats can be pretty picky about toys, dogs are often more than willing to play with any object they can get their paws on. That means you'll need to be particularly careful when monitoring your dog's playtime to prevent any "unscheduled" activities. Ensure safety Many factors contribute to the safety or danger of a toy, and a number of them depend upon your dog's size, activity level and preferences. Another thing to consider is the environment where your dog spends their time. Although we can't guarantee the safety of any specific toy, we can offer the following guidelines. The things that are usually most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Dog-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands, children's toys, pantyhose and other inedible items that could be swallowed. Be sure to buy toys of appropriate size for your dog. Toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog's throat. Supervise your dog's play with squeaky toys: your dog may feel that they must find and destroy the source of the squeaking, which means they could ingest it if left unwatched. Avoid or alter any toys that aren't "dog-proof" by removing ribbons, strings, eyes or other parts that could be chewed off and ingested. Discard toys when they start to break into pieces or are torn. Check labels on stuffed toys to see that they are labeled as safe for children under three years of age and that they don't contain any dangerous fillings. Problem fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but even "safe" stuffings aren't truly digestible. Remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others. Soft toys should be machine washable. A note about rawhide If you're thinking about giving your dog rawhide chew toys, be sure to check with your veterinarian about which ones are safe and appropriate for your dog. These toys may pose choking hazards, so give them to your dog only when you can supervise them. Many rawhides are byproducts of the cruel international fur trade. For a humane alternative, consider toys made of very hard rubber, which are safer and last longer. For dogs that like tug-of-war and chewing on interesting textures, rope and woven toys are usually available in a "bone" shape with knotted ends. Discard any tennis balls that have been chewed through, as they can pose a choking hazard to your pet. If your veterinarian says your dog can eat peanut butter, make sure it is not sweetened with xylitol—which is toxic to dogs —and add some to the crushed-up treats for a tastier, and busier, snack! By moving the cube around with their nose, mouth and paws, your dog can get to the goodies. Many dogs who tend to eat their food too quickly benefit from being fed through a feeder-style toy. Comfort toys Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes, but they aren't appropriate for all dogs. Here are a few tips for choosing the right stuffed toy: Some dogs like to carry around soft toys. If your dog sees their toy as a companion, pick one that's small enough to carry. Dirty laundry, such as an old t-shirt, pillowcase, towel or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if the item smells like you! Be forewarned that the item could be destroyed by industrious fluffing, carrying and nosing. Toys for teething puppies From 12 weeks to six months, as they lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth erupt through their gums, puppies get the urge to chew on everything. Supplying teething toys will make them more comfortable and save your hands, shoes and furniture. Durable nylon bones and rubber toys can take weeks of chewing without breaking into pieces that might be swallowed. You can buy specialized puppy teething toys designed to be frozen and imprinted with soothing textures. Toys for blind dogs Blind dogs still have their senses of smell, taste, hearing and touch. A study found that vision and smell are linked in dogs and together help them navigate through the world. Even without added scent, blind dogs will likely be able to smell and find individual toys, but stores offer toys with food odors and toys that make noises. They may also like tug of war and can generally follow a toy dragged along the floor. Some blind dogs adapt so well with their other senses that they play much like sighted dogs. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy Making toys last Rotate your dog's toys weekly by making only a few toys available at a time. Keep a variety of types easily accessible. If your dog has a favorite, like a soft comfort toy, you may want to leave it out all the time. Provide toys that serve a variety of purposes — give your dog at least one toy to carry, one to shake, one to roll and one for comfort. A game of finding toys or treats is a good rainy-day activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space. Many of your dog's toys should be interactive. Interactive play is very important for your dog because they need active "people time," which enhances the bond between you and your pet. Try balls, flying disks and other toys that help foster the bond between person and pet. For young, high-energy and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy. Also of interest:. The knowledge gained from working with Dog Trainers and other animal experts that we encounter through this business does not make me a dog psychologist, nor does it make me a dog behaviorist or trainer. But it has provided me a unique opportunity to gain priceless insight on some interesting dog behaviors. It is rare to find a dog that does not like toys of some kind. Even if it is not the kind of dog toy we generally think of, i. Or they may make their own toy out of a non-toy item, like a balled-up wad of paper, or a stick. There could be a deep-rooted attraction to their toy of choice, which we will discuss, but sometimes it is nothing more than just pure fun. We seem to know that instinctively, because one of the first things we do when we get a dog is go buy them a toy! Toys provide our dogs with mental and physical stimulation. If they are bored, they will reach for their toy. If they need to chew, they will go for a toy. And if they just want to rest, they may curl up with a toy. Toys satisfy a need in our dogs. Helpful resource: Safe chew toys for dogs. Often, I witness my own dog heading into the living room and interacting with his toys, whether he is shaking them, rolling over them, or just laying his head on one of them to take a nap. You should see his face when I start straightening the living room and putting his toys in the toy box. Maybe it gives our dogs a sense of belonging to have their things intermingled with our things in the home. Toys often satisfy an instinct in our dogs. Many dogs, particularly hunting dogs, enjoy squeaky toys because they sound like prey when they pounce and chew on them. Then you have the female dog that can have an emotional attachment to a toy that reminds them of a puppy. And of course, some dogs just prefer a good-ole chew toy, just because they like to chew! Sometimes toys will evoke a peculiar response to a toy. Is it normal? Should I take the toy away? When your dog exhibits an emotional attachment to a toy I remember giving our dog, Haley, a yellow stuffed baby chick. It was smaller than most of her plush toys, and it made the cutest little chirping sound. Normally, a new toy meant grabbing and running with it, shaking it, tossing it around, but not this toy. She gently lifted it and placed it in her bed, where she would sit with it like she was protecting it. She acted almost motherly towards it. Sometimes Haley acted like the baby chick confused her. Perhaps she too questioned her unusual attraction to this toy. There is a lot of conversation on Quora from people whose dogs have had this kind of reaction to a toy. It is easy to see why these owners would be concerned with that, but aside from showing aggression, many owners were concerned that their dogs were exhibiting some kind of behavior that — for lack of a better word — is just plain weird. She was not aggressive, nor was she obsessive. Haley just kept the chick in her bed and would move delicately around it. This type of behavior is fairly common and is typically experienced by a female dog. Generally, the dog is un-spayed, but not in all cases. A hormone imbalance or even a false pregnancy can cause this kind of attraction to a toy in an un-spayed dog. She may or may never have had puppies, but regardless, the toy reawakened her instinct to protect and nurture. I hope not. My guess is their dog formed an attachment to that toy, as Haley did to the baby chick. And it certainly does more good than harm, as it provides the dog with a sense of comfort and security. Understanding Dog Jealousy and Toys Just as humans can be prone to feelings of jealousy, so too can dogs. Dog jealousy can often be observed around toys, especially when multiple dogs are in the same household. If one dog perceives another dog getting more attention or more access to toys, it can lead to jealousy. This can manifest as aggression or disruptive behavior, such as excessive barking or even stealing toys from other dogs. This jealousy is rooted in the idea of resource guarding, a natural instinct in dogs to protect what they perceive as their own valuable resources, including food, territory, and of course, toys. Obsessive behavior in a dog can manifest itself in many ways: tail chasing, incessant licking, pica, spinning, hoarding items, etc. .There are a couple reasons for this type of behavior, one of which is just pure excitement. Maybe they are just super excited to have a new toy, right? Historically, dogs buried food to hide it from other animals. They did it for their survival. That is why we sometimes find bones and treats in couch cushions, or underneath things. And perhaps there is no reason aside from obsessive behavior. If possession of the toy is causing true anguish or distress, it is a problem that needs professional attention. I never really understood that. And I was right. Before the sun went down that very day, those toys were history. I have since read that dogs will sometimes destroy toys as an outlet for pent-up energy or frustration. I hope my dogs were not frustrated, but in hindsight, they could have had plenty of pent-up energy. They were like the energizer bunny. We could never tire them out no matter how much exercise they had. They have an innate impulse to capture and to kill, even if it is just a toy. Inherently, they need a job. Maybe their need to destroy a toy was somehow a job to them. Tearing apart a toy can provide a sort-of mental challenge to a dog that has nothing else better to do. Working dogs and hunting dogs will most certainly act out in some way if their desire to work is not satisfied. The Psychology of Toy Aggression in Dogs Resource guarding is another interesting reaction in dogs when given a toy. It is when a dog shows aggression by growling, showing its teeth, or snapping at a person or another dog if they get too close to something the dog considers valuable. It could be a treat, food bowl, even another person the dog is guarding, but for our purposes, it is the toy. The dog perceives the approach of another person or dog to be a threat to their toy — their valuable possession — and is attempting to keep others away. Historically, resource guarding was pretty important to dogs that lived in the wild. It was their way of ensuring their survival, as it kept other animals away from their food. It is normal for a dog to protect what is theirs, but so sad that they feel the need to do it. When to Take Action with Unhealthy Behaviors Around Dog Toys Some of what we have discussed regarding dogs and their relationships to toys is harmless — and even cute. Resource guarding, particularly, can be a serious problem. If the situation escalates, you or a family member could be hurt. Attempts to correct the behavior can backfire and lead to an even more dangerous problem. If you are having problems with resource guarding in your dog, we recommend you consult our Professional Dog Trainers for help. If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors with unhealthy consequences, take a look at their lifestyle and explore possible reasons for their actions. Are they bored? Do they get enough exercise? Do they need a job to do? Could they be in some type of emotional distress? Toys as a Coping Mechanism for When We Leave for work Dogs are social animals and can experience feelings of loneliness or anxiety when left alone for long periods, like when we go to work. This is where toys can play a crucial role. Interactive or puzzle toys can be particularly effective, as they require your dog to work out how to get to a treat or other reward. Soft toys can also provide comfort, particularly for younger dogs or those that prefer to snuggle. In Glen Allen , call .In Midlothian , .They're all are very friendly and really seem to care about the animals they're responsible for. The facilities are the best I've seen in the Richmond area. The staff is always friendly and are very outgoing. My dog loves this place and all the people. Everyone there has been amazing. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. And devices for throwing the ball increase the distance the dog must run to get the toy. See note below on playing tug-of-war with your dog. Chew Toys: Hard rubber toys that are hollow with holes at both ends, such as Kongs, are good chew toys. To make these toys more attractive, they can be filled with kibble or treats. You can also encourage chewing by putting a small amount of peanut butter or cream cheese inside the toy. Dental chew toys are hard toys that the dog can gnaw on and safely ingest small particles. You should watch your dog to make sure he does not break off and ingest large pieces of these toys. Chew challenge toys are toys that make an edible chewy more challenging for the dog to consume. Puzzle Toys: Food puzzle toys require the dog to solve a puzzle in order to get treats. Toy puzzle toys require the dog to solve a puzzle to get to a toy. Comfort Toys: Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes but are not appropriate for all dogs. For some dogs, the stuffed toy should be small enough to carry around. Dirty laundry, like an old T-shirt, pillowcase, towel or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if it smells like you! Be forewarned that the item could be destroyed by industrious fluffing, carrying and nosing. Keep a variety of types easily accessible. Making an interactive game out of finding toys or treats is a good rainy-day activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space. For example, scattering a handful of kibble in the grass or on a patterned carpet will require your dog to use his nose to find the food. For young, high-energy and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy. However, by taking a few precautions and setting some basic rules it can be a fun game for you and your dog. Choose a toy that will be reserved exclusively for this particular activity. This will help prevent your dog from grabbing and tugging anything you have in your hand. Never allow the dog to initiate tug on his own and always use your starting phrase when you begin the game. Teach your dog to release the toy by offering a treat or better toy in exchange. Do not start playing tug with your dog until he is consistently releasing the toy on command. Safety There are many factors that contribute to the safety or danger of a toy. Very hard rubber toys are safer and last longer. Your dog may feel that he must find and destroy the squeak source and could ingest it, in which case squeaking toys should be given only under supervision. For example, some dogs will carry a plush toy around for years. Still others will chew it apart and ingest the pieces, creating a safety hazard for that dog. Copyright Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved. Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy.