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Shih poos are a cross between a shih tzu and a toy poodle. While some shih tzu breeders breed a poodle to a shih tzu to create first-generation shih poos, it's also common practice to breed shih poos to one another to create multigenerational dogs. As cross-breeds, shih poos are not an officially recognized breed, and there is no breed standard regarding appearance or temperament. Even shih poo puppies born to the same litter may take after one parent more than the other and appear vastly different in coat texture and coloring, says PetGuide. Shih poos fall in the small to tiny range, typically standing between eight and 18 inches at the withers and weighing anywhere from eight to 18 pounds. Their coat may be long, straight and silky like that of the shih tzu, shorter and curly like that of a poodle or it may fall somewhere in between. Despite the appearance, the shih poo's coat barely sheds, making these dogs a good fit for someone with mild pet allergies. Coloring can take after either parent breed. While poodles have solid coats that are typically black, white, gray, brown or apricot, shih tzu coats may be solid or come in various color patterns and combinations. Shoodle coats may mimic the coloring pattern of either parent. Personality: Often, mixed-breed dogs develop a temperament that balances the qualities of their parent breeds. Shih tzus tend to be highly affectionate and extremely charming, but possess a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Poodles, on the other hand, while equally charming with playful and comedic personalities, are highly intelligent dogs who are more eager to please and easier to train. Shih poos, as a result, are often playful, affectionate and quick-witted little charmers, although they may inherit their shih tzu parent's willfulness. Because of this, they often need a firm but patient guide in training, and might not be the best choice for first-time dog parents. What shih poos may lack in trainability, they more than make up for in love and affection. They love to play with toys and get along wonderfully with older children, although due to their small size and hair that's easy to grab and pull, they should be closely supervised around small children. While friendly and great at getting along well with other pets, especially if introduced as puppies, older shih poos might not love having other dogs around. They often do well as only dogs. Even so, these fluffy pups love being close to their people and don't tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. If work or school takes you away from home for long hours, you may need to consider doggie daycare to keep your shih poo happy. Living With: Shih poos are generally versatile dogs that can do well in small apartments as well as larger homes. They need up to 30 minutes a day of play and exercise, which can be satisfied with two or three short walks each day or minute sessions of vigorous playtime twice daily. The rest of the time, they'll be content to curl up in your lap or to cuddle up next to you on the sofa. Shih poos are highly social and love to be around people, so expect them to stick close as you move around the house. While shih poos tend to be long-lived, with some living 17 years or more, they can be predisposed to the same health problems as their parent breeds. These include allergies, patellar luxation , vision problems and endocrine disorders such as Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Shih poos that inherit the shorter snout of the shih tzu may also be prone to respiratory issues, reverse sneezing and snoring. Extra care should be taken to prevent overheating and heat stroke, says Dogtime. And like many small breeds, these dogs may be prone to dental problems and will benefit from regular dental cleanings and daily tooth brushing. Regardless of the length or texture of your shih poo's coat, it will be thick, fast-growing and prone to matting. Daily brushing and monthly visits to the groomer are recommended to keep the coat under control. Limit baths to a few times a month to prevent the skin from drying out. When bathing, be sure to prevent water from getting in the ear canals to prevent ear infections from developing. Shoodles have healthy appetites and will overeat if given the chance, which will lead to unhealthy weight gain. It's best to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule rather than allowing them to graze on kibble throughout the day. Feed your pup a high-quality food dog formulated for small breeds , and keep treats to a minimum. History: Not much is known about the backstory of the shih poo. Unlike other boutique breeds, no breeders have come forward to take credit for introducing the shih poo. Most likely this cross-breed came about unintentionally, with breeders in the U. As a cross-breed, shih poos are not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, although they are recognized by various designer breed registration clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry. 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. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Although purebred dogs are carefully bred over generations according to the breed standard the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed , hybrid dogs like the shih tzu—poodle mix have no official standard. This means that characteristics like height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament are less predictable than they are in purebred dogs. Different breeders may have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect shih tzu—poodle mix. Additionally, shih tzu—poodle mixes are not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. Shih Tzu—Poodle Mix Care The low-shedding coats of both shih tzu and poodles require of upkeep, and the grooming requirements for shih tzu—poodle mixes are similar. Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat untangled and to prevent mats from forming. Like poodles and shih tzu, shih tzu—poodle mixes require regular haircuts from a professional groomer. Also trim the nails every two weeks and check the ears once a week, cleaning them with a pet safe ear cleaner if they appear dirty. Excessive dirt or redness in the ears means a veterinary visit is in order. Shih tzu—poodle mixes are smart, but how trainable they are depends whether they inherited more the eager-to-please personality of the Poodle or the more stubborn nature of the shih tzu. Regardless, positive-reinforcement methods like clicker training using tasty treat rewards gets great results from any dog. Despite being indoor dogs, shih tzu—poodle mixes still need some exercise. Aim for two walks a day or one walk and one play session in a safely enclosed space like your fenced yard. More energetic shih tzu—poodle mixes with trainable personalities might also like training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. Each breed has certain inherited health disorders in their family background, and those health issues can be passed on to the puppies in a litter. Breeding shih tzu to poodles means the puppies could potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Shih tzu are prone to hip dysplasia , patellar luxation slipped kneecap , and various eye problems including cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and eyelid abnormalities. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred shih tzu and poodles and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Responsible breeders should also test their adult shih tzu—poodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the odds that the puppies will inherit genetic issues. Responsible breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies that protects the puppy buyer in case the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Many shih tzu—poodles will overeat if you keep the bowl filled, so instead serve measured meals twice a day. Ask to your veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your shih tzu—poodle mix, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult shih tzu—poodle. If possible, arrange to meet them and spend some time with them. This will give you some idea of their characteristic traits and, while there is no guarantee that these traits will pass on to your puppy, you should look for friendly, alert, and happy parents. Shih-Poos Are Considered Hypoallergenic Shih-Poos, like their Poodle parent breed , are often described as being hypoallergenic which prospective owners take to mean that they will not affect those with allergies to dogs. However, those with dog allergies are allergic to the dander that the dog produces, and not to a specific coat or hair. All dogs produce dander, which is effectively just dead skin cells. However, while there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed, the Poodle is one breed that is known to cause fewer allergic reactions in sufferers, lending some credence to the claim. If you are allergic to dogs or have a condition like asthma, try spending some time with these breeds to see how you react and whether they trigger allergic reactions. Although they are best known as a Chinese breed, they actually originate from Tibet and it is believed that the nation sent dogs to Chinese royalty as gifts, and they were then bred with Pekinese or Pugs. Although the breed has long been popular in China, it was at its most popular in the 19th century. The Empress was so taken with the breed that she considered the dogs to be sacred. This popularity stems from the fact that the little lion dogs have a face that looks like a lion and Buddha was said to have ridden to Earth on the back of a lion. There is some debate surrounding its origins but the breed was either first bred as a water dog in Germany or from the French Barbet. On balance, even though the dog was once named the royal breed in France, it seems most likely that they are a German water dog by origin. Even their fancy hairstyle stems from their early working lives. Today, there are dozens of hybrid Poodle breeds available, including the Shih-Poo. However, they have been bred from two very well-known breeds that we can take information from. Shih-Tzus and Poodles both tend to be friendly and outgoing, and they should not be shy or nervous. This breed is known to get on well with people of all ages, especially those that show them love and adoration. They are very happy to be stroked and loved. This can be further encouraged through positive and continuous socialization at a young age. However, they do not always get on well with dogs outside the family unit but can make companions for existing dogs when bought as a puppy. Small dogs are known for being a bit yappy. They vocalize their feelings, to make up for the fact that they are small. While this is common in a lot of small breeds, it is actually less common in the Shih-Poo, which adopts the quieter nature of the Poodle. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will happily curl up on your lap for hours if allowed, and he will get on with all family members. He will also enjoy playing, so he is a good dog for older children. As ever, it is not recommended that families with very small children have this dog. Babies and toddlers tend to grab at things when concentrating on them, and this can lead to injury or cause the dog to nip. However, if you want your dog to live with cats or other dogs, it is better to introduce them slowly and at a young age. Shih-Poos do not cope well with being left alone for extended periods of time, so having another dog as a companion can help to alleviate loneliness, prevent boredom, and stop any negative habits that might form. He can make a great family pet for those with older children that know how to play calmly with a dog. He can also be integrated into an existing family consisting of other dogs and even cats. He will benefit from being fed high-quality dry kibble, and you should expect to feed approximately one cup of food a day. This is best served as two small meals and you should avoid free-feeding because this breed, like so many other dog breeds, has a tendency to overeat which can lead to weight issues like joint pain. This is thanks, in part, to their diminutive size. A short, brisk walk in the morning and another in the evening is ideal, and you can supplement this throughout the day by playing with a ball or small toy. He will, however, perform well in agility classes and these can be a great way to exercise his mind as well as his body. This means that you need to offer training at a young age to ensure that they are learning desirable traits and behaviors. Although they are intelligent, the Shih-Poo can be headstrong and stubborn, and they do not always take well to training. The short attention span means that your dog will benefit from short and relatively simple training sessions. You will need a lot of patience to get the desired results, so be prepared to put in some time and effort. Socialization should be considered an important part of training any dog, especially this breed. Good socialization teaches the dog how to behave around strangers and when meeting new people. It also introduces them to other dogs and helps prevent them from being nervous and unhappy. A nervous dog is always on edge and can become nippy. A good way to ensure socialization is with puppy classes. Your Shih-Poo might not want to learn new tricks or other behaviors but is likely to want to meet new people and make new friends, so they will usually relish puppy classes. You can also take walks at your local dog park, which will offer further socialization. Brushing their coat is vital, and you should do this twice a week. You may also need to trim the coat every year, especially around the eyes and face to help ensure that your dog can see properly. Small dogs are especially prone to dental problems, so brush two or three times a week, more often if your dog will let you. In general, you should avoid bathing dogs because it can strip them of natural, protective oils, but it is recommended that Shih Tzu and Poodle Mix owners bathe their dogs every month or two. This can help prevent skin problems that are otherwise prevalent in this breed. Brush at least twice a week, ideally three times, and potentially every day if your dog will let you. The breed also has the potential to suffer from skin and coat complaints. Regular and thorough grooming will help to prevent these problems and can provide them some relief if they are suffering any kind of insensitivity or rash. They can also become teary-eyed, and this can prevent them from seeing properly and may lead to them scratching and rubbing at their eyes, causing further problems. Wipe the tears away when you see there is a buildup and this will prevent your dog from having to do it and potentially irritate the area further. As such, you should be prepared to take them for regular veterinarian checkups and make sure you have good pet insurance because the costs can quickly mount. Despite these potential problems, the Shih-Poo has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years with some dogs living much longer than this. Minor Conditions. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article. Best Food for Shihpoos Specific health issues in the breed. FAQs What is a Shihpoo? Origins and History of the ShihPoo The s saw an explosion in the intentional cross-breeding of dogs. Most breeders wanted dogs with hypoallergenic coats for people with pet allergies. One of the first crossbreeds, the Labradoodle a cross between the Poodle and Labrador Retriever became immensely popular due to its high trainability, intelligence, and its hypoallergenic coat. Because the Poodle was known for its low-shedding hypoallergenic coat, more and more breeders started crossing the Standard Poodle and its variations — the Toy and Miniature Poodles — with other dogs. Often, the miniature Poodle was used for breeding with other small dogs. One such mixture was with a Shih Tzu, a popular and ancient dog breed that has a small size and cute looks. Little is known about the exact origins of the Shih-Poo but it is estimated that the hybrid dog might have been around since the late s. Today, the ShihPoo has become one of the most popular designer dogs in the world. It is known to inherit significant intelligence from the Poodle breed which enhances its trainability. In the subsequent sections, we will cover various traits that make the Shihpoo so popular. The Shih Poo is a teddy bear dog and its cute looks make it one of the most in-demand hybrid dogs today. Having a Shih Poo is like having a living breathing stuffed toy! The best part is that this teddy bear dog wants to play with you as much as you want to play with it. The reason this hybrid dog is so adorable is that the parent breeds are so adorable in their own right. The small Shih Tzu was deemed the royal, noble dog breed in Imperial China. It was given a royal status and people seen with Shih Tzus outside of the palace were actually imprisoned! The Toy or Miniature Poodle is not only a sweet-looking dog, it is incredibly smart too. It is no wonder that the Shih Poo has inherited these qualities as well. The height of a Shih Poo is between 8 and 18 inches or .Your puppy could inherit the tight, curly, non-shedding coat of the Poodle parent or the soft, silky, long hair of the Shih Tzu. Accordingly, you will need to vary your grooming methods for your pet. The coat colors in Shih Poos could be white, black, brown, apricot, blue, brindle, and combinations thereof. They are also versatile; there are Shih Poos that are known to fit right into hospice situations as therapy or comfort dogs and also as family pets or companion pets for children. They can fit in with a small family with older kids or with an elderly year-old sedentary individual. They simply love people! Shih Poos are affable, athletic dogs. They need plenty of exercise to prevent them from getting into trouble. Being active is a part of their nature since both parent-breeds are fairly active. Just like Shih Tzus and Poodles dislike being left alone at home, the Shih Poo is also known to have separation anxiety. But your pet will be an entirely different dog when everyone is at home: cheerful, well-behaved, and obedient. Like the parent breeds, Shih Poo puppies need plenty of positive reinforcement-based training and handling from the start. Bad habits can quickly set in and they can be difficult to break. Shih Poos are known for barking. Ignore your dog and it will try and get your attention in different ways — even if that attention is negative. So you must train your dog, not to bark or bark on cue else it could become an annoying habit that irritates your neighbours. Is Shih Poo a Good Pet? Who is the Right Owner for This Breed? Shih Poos make excellent pets. They are also great for novice dog owners. However, one must invest time and effort in training else they could develop bad habits. A well-trained Shih Poo is an excellent family pet that gets along with kids and other pets as well. You must desensitize your Shih Poo to other dogs, cats, and house pets from a young age. Shih Poos are great with kids and love having company. The cost of a Shih Poo can vary from breeder to breeder. Their price also depends on the parent bloodlines, the coat colour, etc. These include cost of food and treats, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, grooming, dog training, costs of travel and pet boarding, etc. What To Feed a Shih Poo? Feed your puppy the same meal that the breeder was feeding it. This is important to avoid digestive issues in your vulnerable puppy. However, once your puppy has settled in you can transition them over to a raw food diet or quality freeze-dried food of your choosing. Puppies need at least 4 meals a day as they expend more energy through running and playing. The size of your Shih Poo will play a key role in how much to feed it. In general, a 10 lb. A 20 lb. You may feed your adult Shih Poo times a day. Choose a nutritionally dense dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with by-products, fillers, and other empty calories. Some Shihpoos are sensitive to grains, gluten, and even certain proteins. In such cases, you might want to feed special grain-free diets or even prescription food to your buddy. Shih Poos are prone to dental health issues. Avoid foods with added sugars as these can contribute to canine cavities. Are Shih Poo Healthy Dogs? When you purchase your Shih Poo from a good breeder, it is likely that your puppy will be healthier than one purchased from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. They also conduct health checks on their dogs and only breed ones without genetic health problems. Since the Shih Poo breed is relatively new, not many health issues have been documented so far. However, from time to time, we tend to see some problems like: Hypothyroidism.

We will pause our breeding program until futher notice. Your puppy can remember which behaviors he is allowed and where and when he is fed. He can even begin house-training and start becoming used to being groomed. He is ready to leave his mother and littermates to go home with you, fully capable of taking his place in the family. The following list will help you know what to expect from your puppy has he develops. Most puppies will gain or grow rapidly between birth and 6 months of age. How much they grow or gain will depend on their breed, diet, and ultimate adult size. Growth is generally steady until they attain their adult size. You need to build trust with your puppy. Don't ignore crying but address the cause for the crying with attention and care. Touch is the first sense a dog develops and remains a powerfully important sense throughout his life. The entire body, including the paws, is covered with touch-sensitive nerve endings. Although they can see and hear, their sense of vision and hearing is quietly maturing. They are also developing their general sense of smell. This means you will need to take them out at least every 3 hours to get them "housebroken". A general rule of thumb for how long puppies can hold their bladders: one hour for every month of age, plus one. So if a puppy is two months old, he can wait up to three hours. Although capable of learning, they have a very short attention span. Keep a variety of simple toys for your puppy to investigate. He will also play rough and tumble with his littermates and will gradually begin learning to play by himself. It is extremely important that puppies socialize with people at this age. Include lots of people of varying ages, sizes and shapes to interact positively with your pup. Some puppies have a brief phase of "fear" at this time as they may respond to noises or new objects. Expose your puppy to new objects and allow them to investigate on their own terms until they are comfortable with the new situation. After all, most puppies just learned to walk at 3 weeks of age and run at 5 weeks of age, which was just a few short weeks ago. They are developing their gross motor skills that help them to run, play, and "hunt". Their fine motor skills will come later. Puppies also learn to jump up at this stage. This is a normal behavior that can turn into an undesirable behavior when the puppy reaches adult-hood and jumps on every visitor. You can begin correcting your puppy and giving him positive reinforcement for good behavior. Get your puppy used to the brush and comb by gently using them on him for very short sessions that are kept positive. Don't hold your puppy down to be brushed or combed if he does not want to be. Their muzzle is getting longer but overall they have the characteristics of a puppy. The ears may begin to stand up in some breeds. The rest is spent eating, playing and eliminating. Toy Poodle Puppy Development Stages Birth — 2 Weeks Some newborn toy poodles weigh only a few ounces and measure little more than just a few inches in length, at which point they are at their most fragile. In fact, newborn toy poodles are so little that they can fit into your hand. However, at that moment, they develop rapidly. When compared to their miniature and standard poodle counterparts, toy breeds mature and reach their full size at a younger age. When they are 12 weeks old, toy poodles often weigh at least half as much as an adult dog. Toy poodles are typically ready to join their new families at about weeks of age, at which point they weigh between 1. Six-month-old toy poodle puppies should weigh between 4 and 5 pounds. By 6 months of age, toy poodles almost reach their maximum height of approximately nine inches. The moment has come when they begin to reach their maximum weight and height potential. At 9 months to a year of age, they may weigh 4 to 5 and a half lbs and grow to a maximum of ten inches in height at the withers. Adult When a Toy Poodle reaches the age of two or three, it is called an adult. To keep their hypoallergenic coat looking its best, frequent maintenance is required. With regards to nutrition, mature toy poodles need a diet of premium dog food made for toy dogs particularly. They need to keep an eye on what they eat and make adjustments to their portion sizes as required to keep their weight in check. Keeping their vitality up calls for constant activity like daily walks and games. Toy poodles, once they reach adulthood, have a reputation for being very trainable and loving companions. Furthermore, they have a reputation for being easily offended and may benefit from mild teaching techniques. Examining the parents of a toy poodle pup might also provide you some insight into the likely adult size of your new addition. One parent dog often dwarfs the other. Puppies often end up between the sizes of their parents, however sometimes one may remain as little as its smaller parent or one will grow as huge as its larger parent. Many people also examine the paws which lets them know that the puppy has more growing to do if the paws are a bit larger in proportion to the rest of his body. Toy Poodles are typically little dogs, with males weighing 4 to 6 pounds and standing 10 inches at the shoulder, and females weighing 4 to 5 pounds and standing 10 inches at the shoulder. You may find poodles of all shapes and sizes. In the United States States, you can get them in three distinct dimensions: toy, miniature, and standard. Poodles are separated into several distinct breeds based on their various sizes. The toy poodle is the smallest poodle that may come through ethical breeding. Making sure your Poodle is healthy also requires measuring their height. Put down some ground or a tile floor for your Poodle to stand on. Take a tape measure and measure your Poodle from the floor to its withers to get its height. Spaying your Poodle prevents breast cancer, pyometra, and extends life. General anesthesia and significant surgery might harm your Poodle during spaying. Early spaying or neutering of a toy poodle may impair development. It should not be done before 12 months of age. But it must be done properly. A non-ethical breeder may want early spaying and neutering or, worse, does it before the dog leaves her home. Neutering or spaying your toy poodle puppy should not influence its size. Hip dysplasia may be more likely in early spayed or neutered dogs. When compared to Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles are on the bigger side. Miniature Poodles average 15—17 pounds, and Toy Poodles are smaller yet at 4—6 pounds. The size of the dog is the primary distinction between Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles. If you have kids or just want a bigger dog, a miniature poodle is a better choice than a toy poodle, which is a smaller but still loving companion. Toy poodle size might vary depending on the gender of the dog. When compared to females, male toy poodles may be just a bit larger. The ancestry of a toy poodle impacts its size far more than its gender. There are little poodles that descend from big dogs. There is little doubt that these toy poodles will develop into large adults. Toy poodles who come from smaller parents will be tiny. Because of this, it is not uncommon to come across a male toy poodle that is much smaller than a female toy poodle, even when the two are the same age. Nutrition Your toy poodle puppy needs high-quality food designed for pups or suitable for all life stages. Your toy poodle puppy does not need or want adult dog food. Protein levels in puppy food are greater than those in regular dog food so that it can sustain the expanding bodies of pups. The first component in these dog meals is a true protein source like chicken, fish, or beef. Keep your miniature poodle away from human food leftovers since doing so might reduce the quantity of protein and minerals he consumes. Your puppy will not get the right amount of high-quality, high-protein puppy food he needs to grow and develop properly if he consumes too much human food. Poodles may benefit from exercise in a number of ways; it keeps their muscles in shape, builds their bones up, and even helps them avoid conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Irritability, destructive behavior, aggressiveness, excessive barking, and attention-seeking may all be reduced or eliminated with regular exercise. By encouraging regular physical activity, you can strengthen relationships, instill social skills, boost mood, and even help your kids sleep better. Activity level, age, and health determine how much toy poodle puppies need to eat. As a rule, toy poodle pups should eat little meals every day. They eat more as they mature. These are just tips; your dog may require more or less food. To find out how much and what kind of food your puppy requires, go to your vet. To keep your puppy healthy, watch their weight and alter their meals. Obesity in Toy Poodles may cause several health issues. To stay healthy, dogs need adequate activity and nourishment. Talk to your veterinarian about your overweight toy poodle. Your vet may recommend a high-protein, low-grain dog food if your dog is overweight. After choosing high-quality dog food, restrict or eliminate table leftovers. This would also assist your toy poodle with shedding weight to a healthy weight. Again, consult your vet before making any nutrition modifications for your underweight tiny poodle. Your vet may recommend feeding your poodle high-quality dog food and limiting table scraps. Eating too many table scraps might make some dogs overweight and underweight. To make sure your Poodle puppy is at a healthy weight, regular weigh-ins are a must. Poodles should be weighed at least once a year, but more frequent measurements might reveal health problems sooner. Find out how much of a Poodle you have by using the scale in your bathroom. Put your bare feet on a scale and record your weight. Then, with your Poodle in tow, get on a scale and make a note of your weight. If you want to know how much your Poodle weighs, you can perform the math by deducting your body mass from the combined weight of you and your dog. Toy Poodle Genetics And Common Health Problems Poodles, like people and other pets, face both breed-specific and more general health issues. Fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite are early symptoms of this illness. Standard Poodles with Atrial Septal Defects: Having a hole in one of the upper chambers of the heart is a very unusual ailment. Constricted airways, coughing, dizziness, collapse, and inability to exercise are all symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. As tragic as it is, heart failure may be the cause of unexpected death in certain cases. Conditions such as bloating, chronic active hepatitis, Cushing syndrome, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism also often arise. Final Words A Toy Poodle could be the perfect dog for you and your family provided you have the space and time to devote to its care. Due to its small size seven to ten pounds at maturity , it makes a great pet for city dwellers and those who travel often in small vehicles. If you own a large home, this is an ideal solution. Find a trustworthy rescue organization to deal with or a responsible breeder to buy your toy poodle from. Keeping a toy poodle on a nutritious diet can increase its chances of enjoying a long, happy life with you. You should also look for a toy poodle that fits the breed standard in terms of size. You may discover a healthy, long-lived puppy by inquiring about and genetic tests with the breeder or rescue group. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Toy Poodle Growth Chart in Pictures Toy Poodle Growth Calculator Use the calculator below to predict the future weight and height of your toy poodle from its current weight and height. If you want to know if your toy poodle is currently of normal weight, is overweight, or is underweight, check out this article and toy poodle weight calculator on how much a toy poodle should weigh. Toy Poodle Weight Calculator Recently, researchers from the University of Liverpool collected and analyzed data on the weight of over 6 million healthy dogs in the United States. The dogs studied included dogs of the toy poodle size. Data on male, female, neuter, un-neuter, spayed, and un-spayed dogs were analyzed in the study. We used the information from this research to inform you on how much your toy poodle should weigh. Use the calculator below to find the ideal weight and the normal weight range of a toy poodle of any age between 12 and weeks. The calculator will also tell you if your toy poodle is of normal weight, overweight, or underweight. A toy poodle as overweight if its weight falls above the 91st percentile. A toy poodle whose weight falls between the 9th and 91st percentile as normal. There are many factors that determine how big a toy poodle will get. Gender is one of the factors that affect toy poodle growth. Male toy poodles tend to be bigger than female toy poodles. The lineage of a toy poodle affects its size more than its gender. Some toy poodles come from large parents. These toy poodles will grow to be big. Toy poodles that come smaller parents will be small. Therefore, it is possible to see a male toy poodle that is smaller than a female toy poodle even if both toy poodles are of the same age. Weight and Height of Toy Poodles at Birth Toy poodles are most delicate at birth, some being born at just a few ounces in weight, and no more than a few inches long. Toy poodles can fit easily into the palm of your hand at birth. They grow very quickly from that point on, however. Toy breeds tend to grow faster and they stop growing sooner than their standard poodle and miniature poodle counterparts. Toy poodles are often at least half of their adult weight by the time they are only twelve weeks old. Toy poodle litter at 3 weeks old Weight and Height of Toy Poodles at Four Weeks Old By the time a toy poodle is four weeks old, a toy poodle should weigh about one to three pounds. At this age, a toy poodle puppy will only be four to five inches tall at the withers shoulders. Weight and Height of Toy Poodles at Eight Weeks Old By the time a toy poodle is ready to go to his new home at eight to ten weeks old, a toy poodle should weigh between one and half pounds and four pounds and should be about eight inches tall. What Weight and Height of Toy Poodles at Six Months A toy poodle will likely be almost its full size by the time it reaches six months of age. A toy poodle puppy should be between three and eight pounds at six months. Most toy poodles are their full height of up to ten inches by six months of age. At this time, they begin to fill out and put on their full weight without getting any taller. A 6-month-old toy poodle Weight and Height of Toy Poodles at One Year Toy poodles mature more quickly than the larger poodles and they tend to reach their full height and weight by nine months to one year of age. At nine months to one year, they will reach the size of four to ten and a half pounds in weight and up to ten inches at the withers in height. As we mentioned earlier, adult toy poodles will grow to be five to ten pounds. However, in a dog that size, there is a huge difference between a five-pound dog and a ten-pound dog. So how can you know what size your puppy toy poodle will grow to be? One way to determine the size of your toy poodle will grow to be is to use our toy poodle growth calculator to predict the weight and height of your toy poodle from its current weight and height. Another way to determine what size your toy poodle puppy will grow to be is to look at the parents. It is not uncommon for one parent dog to be bigger than the other. If this is the case, the puppies in the litter will end up being right in between. So if you have a litter with parents where one is seven pounds and the other is ten pounds, your puppy will grow to be eight or nine pounds in weight. Sometimes there will be a puppy that stays as small as the smallest parent or one that grows to be as large as the largest parent, but generally, they will land right in the middle. Some people assume that if they choose the smallest puppy of the litter, the puppy will be the smallest of the litter as an adult. But that is not necessarily the case. Many puppies that are the smallest of the litter at birth will outgrow their littermates within the first year. In America, they come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Some European countries classify poodles into four different sizes. The Klein-sized poodle is a mid-sized poodle between the size of a miniature and a standard. However, there is no official classification for that size within the AKC. Each different classified size of the poodle is its separate breed. The toy poodle is the smallest responsibly bred poodle size. Here are the factors that will determine how big your toy poodle will get: Ancestry: The most important factor in determining how big your toy poodle will get is his ancestry. The size of his or her parents matters more than any other factor. Proper Nutrition: Nutrition can also play a part in how big your toy poodle will grow to be. A poorly-fed toy poodle will be underweight. A puppy that is fed too many table scraps will be overweight. That does not necessarily mean that your puppy will stay small. However, this has to be done responsibly and correctly. A sign of a non-ethical breeder is one that requires early spay and neuter or, even worse, one who has a spay or neuter done before the puppy leaves her home. Spaying or neutering your toy poodle should not affect the size that your puppy will grow to be. Early spay and neuter may not necessarily cause your puppy to stay smaller, but it can affect their bones and platelets so that as they grow, they do not have the right hormones in their bodies to keep their bones growing at the same rate. There is some evidence that hip dysplasia is more common among dogs who were spayed or neutered too early. You will want to feed your toy poodle puppy a high quality food that is specifically for puppies or for all stages. Do not feed your toy poodle puppy adult dog food. Puppy food has a higher protein content to meet the needs of growing puppies. For these types of puppy foods, you will see real foods such as chicken, salmon, or beef listed first in the ingredient list. Some owners prefer to feed grain-free food to their poodles, but recent studies suggest that a grain-free diet may not be the best choice for all dogs. Talk with your vet and decide on the best diet for your toy poodle. Finally, make sure that your toy poodle does not eat table scraps as this can interfere with his getting the proper amount of protein and nutrients. If your puppy eats too much human food, he will not eat enough of the high-quality, high-protein, puppy food that is necessary to help him grow and develop properly. What Should you do if your Toy Poodle is Overweight? If your vet agrees that your dog is overweight, your vet will probably advise a diet of dog food that is high in protein and low in grains and fillers. This should help your toy poodle lose weight to get to a comfortable and healthy size. What should you do if your Toy Poodle is Underweight? If your toy poodle is underweight, again, you will want to discuss your concerns with your vet before you make any drastic changes to his diet. Your vet will probably advise you to put your poodle on high-quality dog food and limit or eliminate table scraps. While some dogs can become overweight by eating too many table scraps, other dogs can become underweight this way. This is because the food that they are filling up on may not be nutritious enough for your puppy. Toy Poodle Life Expectancy The toy poodle breed is known for its longevity. By some accounts, the longest-lived dog ever is a toy poodle. A well-bred Toy Poodle could live from twelve to fifteen years. Keep in mind that when you purchase a puppy from an ethical breeder that has done genetic and health testing, you are more likely to have a dog that lives to its full life expectancy. Puppies that have hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or other genetic diseases or deformities can have much shorter life expectancies. Most toy poodles live long and happy lives. If you are looking for a companion that will be around for many years to come, the toy poodle is just the dog for you. Maturing at seven to ten pounds, it is the perfect sized dog for apartment and RV life. It is also perfect if you have a lot of space in your house. Purchase your toy poodle from an ethical breeder or find a reputable rescue to work with. It is important to keep your toy poodle on a healthy diet to give it the best chance at living a healthy life. It is also important to make sure that you find a size that has been bred to standard for the toy poodle breed. Do not get a toy poodle that has been bred to be too small. Asking your breeder or rescue organization about health and genetic testing will also help you to find a puppy that will live a healthy, long life with you. Proper care for the Poodle will involve many aspects that will all work in combination to maintain excellent health and promote learning and good behavioral habits. It is important to establish a foundation of proper care during the puppy stage that will carry over throughout the Poodle's life. We will discuss: The items that you should have to care for a Poodle puppy Details on the 5 most important tips for proper care - Feeding, house training, offering the right amount of exercise, grooming and how to offer a healthy environment. Toy Poodles and Mini's will be puppies for the 1st year; standards mature at a somewhat slower rate and are considered to be puppies until the age of 2 years old. During this time, much care is needed for both physical growth and mental development. Bringing your new Poodle home is not as simple as just picking up your new family member from the breeder. Good care involves planning ahead. It helps to have all needed items well in advance so that you can focus on the puppy without having to rush out for a needed supply items. One of the most important elements to be aware of is that no matter what the puppy has been fed since he or she began eating solid food, you should have the exact same brand on hand. Quickly switching foods can cause upset stomach and other issues…and in the case of a puppy it can be the cause of hypoglycemia. A slow change must be made. If you opt to go with a different brand or to home cook, have enough of the 'old' food on hand for several weeks, as well as the 'new' so that that you can make gradual changeover. A quality dog bed — A new puppy will feel stress going to even the best of new homes. This is why making sure that you have a nice, soft, comfortable dog bed is important. You should show your Poodle that this is the area in which he can rest, sleep or just get away from noise when things seem to overwhelming. If you will be leaving your puppy home alone during the day, it is best to have the bed placed in the area where he will be staying. A gated off section of a room or inside a canine playpen works well. The entrance to this can be left open when you are home with your puppy can of course, closed off when you are away. In this way, the puppy will become accustomed to the area. If you will be home with your puppy, place this in the corner of room that is frequently used but not chaotic. Dogs like to have their own quiet spot, but not feel isolated. Walking and ID accessories — Along with a retractable leash and a collar for ID purposes, it is highly recommended to have a harness for your puppy. Toy Poodles no matter what the age and all Mini and Standard puppies should have on a harness and not a collar when they are on a leash. When a leash is connected to a dog collar, this can create too much tension on the neck, which can cause collapsed trachea. The trachea windpipe is protected by rings of cartilage…when this happens, those rings collapse in, causing pain and breathing problems. These can be purchased at a pet supply store and come in many unique and interesting designs so that your Poodle always looks stylish. If you are not sure which harness would be best for your Poodle puppy, you may wish to look to both 'Accessories' and 'Clothing- Harness' in the Poodle Specialty Shoppe. A Car Safety Seat - Long ago cars did not even have seat belts for humans. But now, of course, we all know how many lives they save. The very same is true for dogs. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you cannot be in control of those who are driving near you. Be sure to secure your Poodle into a canine car safety seat. All it takes is 1 second of you having to quickly brake for your Poodle to go sliding off of the seat, completely unprotected. These are also great for dogs that are prone to car sickness. A raised booster seat will assist a puppy in being able to look out of the window which reduces motion sickness. However, choosing high quality toys that can stand up to continual chewing and hold a puppy's interest is better. Puppies are full of energy and filled with curiosity; having a good supply of toys at all times will be very helpful. Puppies that are in the teething phase will be experiencing discomfort and teething toys will help to sooth sore gums and offer a chewing outlet See also: Poodle teething Grooming Supplies - Poodle care certainly involves proper grooming. This includes nails, dewclaws, bathes, drying, wrapping, trimming, clipping and topknots. See also: Bathing a Poodle Clothes - Particularly for tiny toy Poodles, protection against the elements should be implemented as needed. During cold, icy winters the use of canine shoes or paw wax helps protect paw pads from ice melt chemicals and aids with traction. A sweater or cute vest can keep a small Poodle puppy from becoming chilled. During hot months, shoes help protect sensitive paws from hot surfaces. Bowls - Plastic bowls often contain heavy dyes that can cause staining on a Poodle's coat. In addition, tiny scratches that easily develop in plastic bowls can also harbor dangerous bacteria. It is best to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls for both food and water. Dishes should shallow so that a puppy can easily reach both food and water without bumping their heads or straining to reach. Toys and Mini's may like raised bowls. However, Standards - who are prone to bloat- should only eat and drink from bowls that are at floor level. Free feed until 3 months old leaving food out at all times and then give your puppy 3 meals per day plus healthy snacks. Please choose your food wisely; cheaper foods with fillers will not offer the proper nutrition needed to aid with the rapid growth that is associated with the puppy phase. You will find that if you reserve snacks and treats as rewards for training, housebreaking and command training will go smoother. Read more: Feeding a Poodle 2- Start house training right away, keeping in mind that it is your commitment to the process that will bring about success. Generally, housebreaking takes 2 to 3 months. If your Poodle puppy will be expected to use an outdoor area, do not focus too much on indoor training when the pup is home along, since it is difficult for puppies to learn 2 different methods. Do keep in mind that young puppies should not be over-exercised since it can interfere with growth plate development; however a daily 20 to 30 minute per walk is perfect. Walks allow a puppy to release pent up energy, it expands their view of the world and is a good staring point for socialization techniques and learning proper heeling. Poodles are generally very active dogs. Aside from a walk each day, this breed loves to run , jump and show off their agility capabilities. Playing catch, Frisbee or training your Poodle to jump through hoops will keep them in good health, both physically and mentally. See also: Poodle Exercise Requirements 4- Begin a routine of grooming and care. While many puppies will balk at the idea of being brushed or having teeth cleaned, doing these tasks on a regular basis allows a puppy to become accustomed to being touched and taken care of. Taking care of the teeth during the puppy stage is important since dental hygiene will affect the adult teeth that have not yet erupted. Read more: Poodle dental care 5- Limit stress, focus on fun. One of the most important elements of Poodle care is to offer a loving, safe environment. Puppies and dogs are sensitive to their owner's moods and the atmosphere of the house in general. Puppies can become easily stressed in noisy, chaotic homes. Puppies should be given a designated area to retreat and rest if feeling overwhelmed. Often, a gated off area that is secured when a pup is home alone, but the entrance is open when owners are home works best. Speak to your pup in a pleasant voice and remember that positive reinforcement for good behavior works much better than scolding for bad behavior. Take time to puppy proof the home, clearing the floors of any small items and stowing away shoes and other objects to higher ground. This should be done before bringing a puppy home but also on a regular basis. See also: What it means when a Poodle puppy shakes - If a Poodle is suddenly shivering, you'll want to look to these top reasons. Poodle Winter Care - Everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle during the wintertime. Other Articles: Apricot Poodles - This is a super popular coat color. Details and photos. Black Poodles - Another gorgeous color. Poodle tear stains - Putting to rest the old myths on what works. A list of the most effective at-home treatments to remove stubborn stains. Poodle hair tangles - Due to the nature of the curly coat, tangles are not uncommon yet should be removed as soon as possible with a method that does not affect hair growth. Are You a Member Yet? When you sign up to become a Member of the site, this allows you to receive a friendly notice when new pages of information have been added. Always something to help keep your Poodle happy and healthy. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Teacup and tiny toy poodles are still toy poodles, only smaller. There is no separate classification for them. Height: A puppy will grow at least 8cm more from the 8 week stage until maturity. Meaning a puppy that is 13cm tall at 8 weeks will be at least 21cm at adulthood. If you want a small not so tall teacup, make sure the puppy you are thinking of buying is no taller than 13cm at 8 weeks. Puppies may or may not grow very much between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on if they are in the teacup range or not. This is why we choose to keep our puppies until they are 10 to 12 weeks of age so we can better judge an approximate adult size. Weight: Teacup poodle puppies are born very small, they usually weigh between 70g and g at birth. Most puppies in a litter are born about the same size, give or take a bit. They may even grow and gain weight at the same rate as each other. It is impossible to tell what the adult size of a 2 to 3 week puppy will be. Parental genetics are a good indicator but not an absolute. We cannot be sure what its adult size will be until the puppy is at least 6 weeks of age and even then it is a guesstimate. We will have a much more accurate estimation when the puppy reaches 12 weeks of age. Teacups and tiny toy poodles are usually finished growing in height by 6 to 8 months but will still fill out a little more. We do our very best to estimate the adult size of our puppies based on previous litters if applicable , sizes of parents and their ancestors as well as the toy poodle growth chart shown above. Genetics is very complicated and recessive genes can come into play. Like humans, female puppies tend to be a similar size to their mother, whereas male puppies tend to be the same size as their father or grandfather.

Your puppy will need its next round of shots at 12 and 16 weeks. Your Puppy Food and Supplies: You will want to be prepared with the food the puppies are eating now. A sudden change of food will cause digestive problems at this age. Because your puppy's digestive system is sensitive, we do not recommend giving your puppy any treats until 6 months old. Use the puppy's food as a treat when training. We will supply you with a small bag of the puppy's food on the take home day. We highly recommend keeping your Labrador Retriever puppy on the Large Breed Puppy Purina puppy food until 2 years of age. And then at 2 years switch to Large Breed Purina dog food. Probiotics: We recommend giving your puppy probiotics for the first two weeks to help with the changing environments. Even with preventative care, expect your puppy to have a loose stool every so often because they explore the world through their mouths and therefore ingest things that affect their immature digestive system. Giardia, Coccydia, and roundworms are all common parasites that puppies get and are effectively treated with dewormers. Dog Crate: We are starting your puppy's crate training, so if you plan to continue using a crate, you will want to purchase this item beforehand. Make sure your puppy does not have access to electrical cords, they love to chew on them. If your puppy is a yellow, black or chocolate lab they all love to play, so having lots of chew toys around helps a bunch! Arranging for Pick up: If we haven't already scheduled your pick up time, please email me so I can coordinate that with you. Pick up times are usually scheduled one to two weeks before your puppy is ready to go home. Email jeanette almondblossomlabradors. When you pick up your puppy, we will give you the necessary paperwork to register by mail or online as the owner of your dog, so you can receive the official AKC pedigree papers. Photo Gallery. All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies! Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. We currently have puppies available now as our mothers have hade much larger litters than expected and we had more puppies than people on our waiting list. When searching for a Retriever Breeder in Ontario it never pays to gear your search toward finding a Labrador puppy quickly, rather, focus your efforts on finding a Chocolate Lab puppy of quality, bred by a breeder with a reputation who will stand behind the Labrador Retriever puppies they breed. Please visit our Facebook site by entering luckylabspuppies in the search box on Facebook, see the pictures of our Labrador puppies and hear what our owners have to say about our commitment to quality. Look for quality puppies for sale not quick puppies. A second thing to consider is that you will want your breeder of Labrador retrievers to provide you with support after your Labrador puppy goes home with you. Lucky Labs guarantees this lifelong commitment to support for you and your Lab and we are happy to do so. We have deep discounts to Labrador puppy training websites , many articles on our blog dealing with health, behavior and other aspects of owning a Labrador puppy. We are available for you after your puppy goes home either by email or a phone call. Our availability changes at times in regards to the color of Labrador puppy we have available. As well, there are times when we get so busy and focused on our pups that we may have beautiful ckc yellow black or purebred chocolate lab puppies for sale that are not listed here. So if we are the small scale family based registered breeder for you please send us an application for a puppy in order to get the most accurate and up to date information about what our availability is. Puppies for sale Our silver lab puppies for sale are actually a faded coat chocolate lab. When both parents carry the chocolate gene, and they both carry the dilute gene then the color is diluted to a silver. If you look close you will notice that the silver lab still had brown pigment around its eyes and mouth because officially it is a chocolate lab. Silver Labradors make excellent family dogs. The Labrador Retriever breed regardless of color has been the most popular breed for over 25 years and the Silver Lab is no different. We have some Silver Labs who will be mating in the future resulting in puppies for sale. If you are interested to get on the waiting please read toward the bottom of this page to see what colors we are accepting applications for. For more information about silver Labradors click here. There is 1 male and 1 female yellow Lab puppy available to reserve who go home Oct 7th. One of these yellows will go to an Ontario Police force and the sibling will be available. Please apply below for more information. There are 2 black males available to reserve from this litter. Please apply below. Haddie and Archie Haddie had her puppies. There is 1 chocolate female available to go home Sept .Reservations are available please apply below. Ginger and Hank Ginger had her puppies Aug 5th and they will go home Sept 30th. Available for reservation are 2 black females, and 1 chocolate female. Reservations are available please apply below Chanel and Archie Chanel had her puppies. This litter will go home Oct 7th, 1 yellow male, 2 yellow females, 1 chocolate male and 4 chocolate female puppies are available for reservation. Daisy Flowers and Gus One chocolate female puppy is available for reservation to go home Oct 8. Ruby Emma and Archie Ruby has 5 chocolate males available and 1 chocolate female available to go home Oct 18th. Interested in one of our chocolate lab puppies for sale? Click here and visit the Lab Puppy Quality page for further information and price. If you are ready to apply click the button below and send us an application for one of our puppies for sale. You may want to consider being a guardian of one of our dogs, if so, click here. We are accepting applications for chocolate, silver, and black lab puppies. For chocolates we have some mothers mated who will have puppies ready for homes Sept through December. Our availability changes daily as people reserve puppies and sometimes change their minds for a puppy later on, or a different sex or color. We are expecting one litter with a few yellow puppies who will be ready to go home in Oct. We will have black lab puppies that will be born in August and Sept, reservations are available. For silver litters our next silver puppies will be ready in winter of .We are accepting applications now for our silver waiting list and first born silver puppies will be offered to those on the waiting list in the order that their deposits are received. To reserve one of our silver puppies or to get onto our waiting list for winter silvers please apply below. The earlier you place your deposit the higher up on the list you are. To check the quality of our purebred dogs click here. If you have had a family talk, everyone is on board getting a puppy, and you are ready to take that step please apply here. If you want a puppy later this fall or winter we are accepting applications for those timings as well. If an adult lab is better suited for you view availability on this page. View our Labradors There are many pictures of our Labs on the pages of our website, please click through some of the pages to view them. There is a photo gallery of our dogs here. As well, once a litter is born and we reach your position on the waiting list we will email you a picture of the puppies and the parents for you to decide if you want to move into that litter and take one of the puppies, or, you can wait for the next litter. To see many many more pictures and videos of our dogs please scroll back through our Facebook page as it goes back to .Trained Chocolate Lab Puppies.

Welcome There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. We are located in southwest Florida, in Lehigh Acres, close to Ft. Myers and Naples. We are a growing family orientated business and fanciers of French Bulldogs. Our dogs are never caged or kenneled. We believe that it is important for them to explore, roam free, tumble, and play. In return we guarantee a healthy puppy with that clownish disposition that you are looking for in a high-quality French. A Raw Diet is the most natural and healthiest way to feed your Frenchy. Some of the benefits of a raw diet are cleaner teeth and healthy gums, less digestive issues, better immune systems, and stronger bones. The raw bones make for a great source of calcium. They are great with children and pretty much love anyone who will show them affection. They are great companions who thrive on human contact. Therefore, Frenchys are not a breed that can be left alone for long. All our puppies come with the following: AKC registered. Although spaying or neutering is not compulsory, it is highly advisable to spay your French Bulldog. This will help to decrease its chances of getting certain kinds of cancer. It also prevents the risk of unwanted breeding between your French Bulldog and any nearby dog. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? French Bulldogs have the potential to be aggressive. However, they are not usually aggressive unless they are trained that way. It is important to note that they may show aggression towards other dogs or smaller animals. Owners should watch out for signs of aggression and nip them in the bud. What is the life expectancy of a French Bulldog? With a proper diet and nutrition, French Bulldogs can live for up to eleven or thirteen years. Can French Bulldogs eat raw meat? French Bulldogs can eat raw meat such as chicken, liver or kidney. They could also eat canned, dry food. What is the difference between a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are quite similar but different at the same time. English bulldogs are bigger while the French Bulldog is considerably smaller. French Bulldogs also have upright pointy ears whereas the English breed has folded ears. Do I have to worry about fleas with French Bulldogs? Just like all other breeds, French Bulldogs can get fleas. If they do get fleas, this can be solved by getting flea medicine or using a flea comb to get rid of the fleas. How do you deal with separation anxiety in French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are very prone to separation anxiety. To curb this, owners can crate train their dogs or provide them with chew toys. What is the best way to train your French Bulldog? Crate training is one of the best ways to train your French Bulldog. It helps to create good and positive behavior in your Frenchie and could be a fun place for it to rest. Are French Bulldogs children-friendly? French Bulldogs are not the best option for kids. However, if they grow up surrounded by children, the risk could be lessened. They should not be left unsupervised around kids. How big are French Bulldogs? The French Bulldog is about 11 or 12 inches tall and weighs an average of pounds. Are you interested in purchasing a French Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd links page. German Shepherds are excellent family pets. They are loyal and protective of their owners and make great companions for children. The price can fluctuate even more depending on whether the pup is registered with the AKC or not. Purebred German Shepherds that are registered with the AKC typically sell for more money than those that are not. There are many wonderful German Shepherds waiting for homes. Contact the national breed club and ask for breeder recommendations in your area. Good breeders belong to at least one or more of these organizations: 2. A reputable breeder produces puppies with excellent health and temperament; they also take care when matching puppies with new owners. A good breeder will provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of hereditary diseases by a veterinary professional. Check online reviews and ratings of German Shepherd breeders in New Hampshire and speak to current and past pet owners before making a decision about which breeder to work with. Ask for a tour of the kennel and make sure all of the parent dogs appear to be clean, healthy, well-behaved and friendly. Make sure you feel comfortable with your breeder and ask as many questions as possible before deciding to buy a puppy from them. A good breeder should want to provide you with all of the information you need and should be available to answer any questions in the future. This can be very helpful because it allows you to see if the parent dogs are well-behaved, friendly towards other people and animals, etc. Breeders who produce healthier pets generally take very good care of them; they spend lots of time socializing the puppies and making sure they are comfortable around new people. If possible, try to observe any interactions between adult dogs at the kennel and young puppies so that you can get a sense of how the breeder raises their puppies. A good breeder wants you to be happy with your new pet and will work with you to answer any questions or address any issues you may have. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in New Hampshire A reputable breeder will have references that you can contact to learn about their experience working with them. Calling the recommended breeders is a great way for you to get in touch with people who have actually interacted with your newly selected German Shepherd breeder. When talking to references, be sure to ask lots of questions. Here are a few ideas: How was your experience working with this breeder? Was your puppy healthy and did it have a good temperament? Was the breeder available for support after you got your puppy? Would you recommend this breeder to others? You should ask if the parents of the puppies are screened for any hereditary diseases at all stages of life. Good breeders will also have their puppies vaccinated and dewormed at an early age. They should also provide you with a health record of your puppy that includes dates of all vaccinations and deworming treatments. Your breeder should also be willing to offer a health guarantee on the puppies. The breeder should be able to provide references from people who have interacted with their kennel. These customer references can give you valuable insight on things like: What was their experience working with this breeder? Would they recommend this breeder to others? How were their interactions with all of the different staff members at the kennel? There are many places you can find a new pet, including animal shelters and rescue groups. That being said, working with a good kennel who is knowledgeable about their breed can make having a new German Shepherd an easy experience for you and your family. If you think that this may be the right breeder for you or if they meet all of our requirements , we encourage you open up your heart and home to one of their lovable pups. Your breeder should have a veterinarian they use and trust. The veterinarian should also do health screenings on the dogs in the kennel and provide routine care for them. There are some unethical breeders who are only interested in making a profit. Some warning signs that you may be dealing with an unethical breeder include: They are not willing to provide references from past customers. They do not health test their parent dogs for genetic diseases. They do not vaccinate or deworm their puppies. They do not have a good veterinarian they use. If you notice any of these red flags, we encourage you to walk away and find a different breeder. German Shepherds make great pets and should only come from a responsible breeder. Asking the breeder about what they know will help you make an informed decision about your dog. The breeder should be willing to share any health tests they have done on the parent dogs, including hip scores and elbow certifications. They should also know if their breeding stock suffers from any genetic illnesses or hereditary problems. Make sure that all of your electrical cords are put away and inaccessible to your puppy. Have a safe place for the puppy to sleep, like a crate or dog bed. Stock up on food, water bowls, toys, and other supplies. Make sure that all family members are prepared to handle training and obedience commands. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get your new puppy checked out and vaccinated. Be prepared to devote at least 30 minutes each day to exercising and training your new pet. With the right preparation, you and your family can enjoy years of companionship with this wonderful breed. Always take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, eating, drinking water, playing, and resting. Once outside, give your pup about minutes to go potty. Take them outside every 30 minutes or so until they start going potty on their own after only a couple of minutes out there. This will let them know what they are supposed to do while they are still young enough to be easily trained. Puppy Obedience Training Puppy obedience training is also very important and should start as soon as you bring your new pet home. Make sure to use positive reinforcement when teaching your pup basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Start with simple commands and then move on to more difficult ones as your puppy masters the basics. With a little bit of hard work, you can have a well-behaved German Shepherd that will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We own 20 acres of land with acres of forest behind us. Please feel free to check our Facebook page for news about StormCloud Long Coated German Shepherds We have been raising both long coat also known as long hair and stock coat German Shepherd Dogs since .Presently, we are breeding large mahogany red with black long coated German Shepherds which have proven to produce stunning puppies that are healthy, beautiful and have a sound and calm temperament. Very Exciting News. The temperaments on these stunning pups will be sound, happy and calm! Absolutely just what to look for in a true German Shepherd Dog! We welcome inquiries about all our dogs. Let us know what you desire in your German Shepherd Dog. Each of the females lends something a little different to each litter. This could be color, different types of temperament, Search and Rescue abilities, etc. We invite you to come and visit us and meet our 'Pack'. Feel free to check our website often as things are ever happening! Great new photos of our Long Coat German Shepherd puppies and adults having a blast! We ship to all 50 states! Hi there. We are climbing Welch-Dickey. All rights reserved. Send email to us at stormcloudshepherds gmail.

Maybe you picked up your dog from the groomer only to find a shaved Goldendoodle waiting for you. Is it safe for them or will it harm their coat? No matter which situation you find yourself in, this article will tell you the things your groomer WISHES you knew about shaving your Goldendoodle! Along with this debate comes the spread of various myths and misinformation. In the vast majority of cases, shaving a Goldendoodle will NOT harm their coat. There are two exceptions to this rule—Goldendoodle puppies and flat coat Goldendoodles should both NOT be shaved. Goldendoodle puppies have a thin, soft puppy coat that will eventually be shed and replaced with their adult coat. Doing so may cause permanent damage to their future adult coat. If your Goldendoodle has straight hair and lacks furnishings , they may have a double coat which should NOT be shaved. If your Goldendoodle sheds , this is also a good indicator that they may have a double coat. Shaving a double coated Goldendoodle can result in permanent damage as well as a reduced ability for your dog to regulate their body temperature. Double coats provide insulation from both the cold and the heat. However, the vast majority of Goldendoodles have only a single coat and are able to be shaved with no risk of health issues as long as they are adults. Photo courtesy of ted. While I can totally understand the disappointment, their frustration may be misdirected. Your groomer likely had your Goldendoodle shaved because their hair was severely matted. Matted hair is extremely uncomfortable and even painful for your dog to tolerate every day. While minor matting can sometimes be brushed out, once it gets past a certain point it can put your dog in more pain to attempt this. Shaving now becomes your only option. A severely matted Goldendoodle in the process of being shaved. Photo courtesy of sitstaystyle on Instagram. For some perspective, below is an image of my Goldendoodle, Chewie. The photo on the left was taken after he was recently shaved. The photo on the right was taken about 3 months later. However, matting is usually avoidable by making sure you brush frequently, brush correctly, and use a good-quality brush. Goldendoodles should be brushed at least every other day if not daily. If your dog is getting matted, one step to take is to simply increase the frequency of your brushing. Your Shaved Goldendoodle is Still Cute! At the end of the day, our dogs are still adorable—shaved or not! While these short summer cuts are slightly longer than shaving down to the skin, the end result is fairly similar! Related Questions Should Goldendoodles Be shaved? This is the first question to ask yourself. Goldendoodles are a double-coated breed. This means they have very fine hairs under the long, protective hairs. These hairs actually help protect the Goldendoodle from both heat and cold, in a sense. So before rushing to have him or her shaved at a pet store, make sure you understand what is going to happen. During the summer months, your Goldendoodle will actually lose the undercoat of the finer hairs. This will help them stay cooler. The top hairs continue to offer protection from the sun while allowing the air to circulate. If you were to shave them down, the under hairs would grow faster than the outer hairs, and the coat texture will change permanently. Due to these factors, I would recommend that you try to never shave your Goldendoodle all the way down, although it may be unavoidable if the matting gets too far gone. Unfortunately, if you do not groom your Goldendoodle regularly, their coat can get very matted. When this happens, it is challenging to recover the original, sleek coat. What is matted hair? Fleas and other parasites find this condition a pleasing environment to hide and flourish in as well. Can I fix matted hair without shaving? Of course, this is possible! Depending on how bad the matting is, it could take hours and cause the dog pain from all the hair-pulling. This is when to consider changing plans and going for the shave. Of course, I recommend talking to a professional groomer not just a Petsmart employee about this ahead of time. How to Prevent my Goldendoodle Matting? After a good bath, use a coat conditioner to aid in de-tangling, then brush the coat out as you dry with a blower set on cool. Brushing should be done just about every day. Investing in a good slicker brush, or a few specialty types of brushes can help prevent and fix matting hair growth before it happens. Taking them to a professional groomer or at least learning to do some professional grooming should be done every 6 — 10 weeks, depending on hair length. Is bathing my Goldendoodle helpful for preventing matting? Unfortunately, no. Although regular bathing is good for your Goldendoodle, it actually can worsen the matting unless you follow up with hair treatment and brushing. The water causes the tangles to be more prominent and less likely to untangle. Before bathing, make sure you brush your Goldendoodle down well and look for any areas of concern! Follow the bath with a conditioner and work it into the coat well. When looking for a groomer, you want to make sure to find someone who is experienced with at least a Doodle type dog. Someone who is just trained to cut hair may not know the ins and outs of Goldendoodle styling. I recommend finding a grooming-specific store that is run by a professional. Once you find a groomer that you like, try to get to know them. Make sure they know Doodles and can offer advice. You want your groomer to be a regular that knows your dog, not just your breed, well. Once you have a regular groomer, caring for your Goldendoodle will become much easier. When shaved, your Goldendoodle may go through a few different issues. The biggest fear is that the Doodle will be subject to climate conditions. In the summer, they may be subject to getting sunburnt and not being protected. In the winter, the obvious issue will be the danger of them being too cold. Aside from just keeping them warm or safe from the sun, the Goldendoodle may actually face some anxiety issues. Goldendoodles do love and know their hair, and when it is gone they may feel incomplete. Goldendoodles are known for their long, flowy tresses that can reach up to 8 inches in length. As they transition from their puppy fuzz to their adult coat, which typically happens between ten to twelve months of age, their hair could take anywhere from two months to a whole year to grow to its full glory. But remember, if your Goldendoodle has a curly or wavy coat, it might seem considerably shorter than the specified length. The curls and waves can give an illusion of a shorter coat, even though the hair strands are just as long. Related Questions How expensive is it to groom a Goldendoodle? Any of the Doodle-style dogs are going to have a high grooming cost. Because of the genetic makeup, they have a double coat. It is also a very thick coat. The other option, which will definitely save you money, is to learn to do the basic grooming yourself. The upfront cost will be a little more for the equipment and learning, but after a couple of months, you can establish a grooming routine and will quickly begin to earn it back. How often do I need to bathe my Goldendoodle? Although there is not a hard limit, it is recommended that you bathe your Goldendoodle every 1 — 3 months. This will help keep their coat nice, without causing it to mat. It can be helpful to time this with your grooming appointment to be doubly safe about the matting. Speak to your professional groomer about the best time, before or after, to give your Doodle a bath. How fast does dog hair grow? The rate at which dog hair grows varies depending on the breed and individual factors. However, this rate may be faster in some breeds such as the Poodle or slower in others like the Chihuahua. Puppies tend to have faster hair growth compared to adult dogs. As dogs age, their hair growth rate may decrease. Regular grooming and proper nutrition can help maintain healthy hair growth in dogs. It is important to note that while dog hair may continue to grow, it also goes through a natural shedding cycle. Different breeds may shed more or less depending on their genetics and the season. Understanding the rate of hair growth will help dog owners plan their grooming routines accordingly. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. One of the best parts of having a Goldendoodle is giving them fun hair cuts over and over again. The fact that they have hair instead of fur means that their hair is constantly growing , just like ours. Like other natural bodily processes, hair growth is driven from within the Goldendoodle and linked to their genetics and health. Senior dogs will have hair that will take longer because with age comes less strength, and their bodies do things slower in all areas of their lives. They may also have health issues that the body deals with, slowing down how fast their hair grows back. A Goldendoodles diet and lifestyle affect how healthy their hair is and how fast or slow it grows, just as our lifestyle and diet do for our hair. Another factor determining how fast a Goldendoodles hair grows back is how they were groomed. If their hair is very closely shaved, the growth process will take a little longer, and if they receive a longer cu t or shave, it will make the process quicker. A Goldendoodles hair will grow back at a rate of approximately half an inch to three-quarters of an inch per month, depending on the dog and their genetics. The seasons and weather affect how fast a Goldendoodles hair grows back. Their hair will grow faster during warmer weather, just like ours does, and during colder weather, it will grow slower. Again, every dog is unique, and there is no magic number for these details. Genetics plays a vital role in almost everything that makes your dog who they are as a dog. From their appearance to how they bark, play and behave, and numerous other things. We are all born with what we are born with based on our ancestors, including acute and cuddle Goldendoodle. While genetics determines hair growth, other factors can be changed to enhance the process or dimmish it. For instance, good health inside always shows on the outside in the Goldendoodles hair, eyes, teeth, and energy, to name a few. The best way to promote a healthy life is by having a healthy lifestyle. Now, this may seem silly, right? After all, they are a dog… But good health is the foundation of a long, happy, healthy life reflected in strong bones, good behavior, healthy organs, and a shiny and soft coat. Providing a Goldendoodle with a healthy diet is recommended by their veterinarian. Taking them to wellness visits and attending to their health needs and minimizing stress will make their hair as healthy as it can be throughout their lives. Good amounts of exercise, ample amounts of sleep, socializing with others, and a home environment filled with love and happiness are good places to start when promoting a healthy Goldendoodle whose hair grows back in a healthy way. Goldendoodles that receive a short shave will take slightly longer to grow their gorgeous hair back, while those that receive a trim will have it grow back to its full length faster. Brushing for us and our dog will promote healthy, strong, and beautiful hair growth as it stimulates the follicles of the hair. Bathing your Goldendoodle can promote healthy hair growth and can be done, followed by a lovely gentle massage to stimulate hair growth and healthy skin, which is where the process begins. Oils, supplements, and other products can be added to a healthy diet or grooming routine that will aid in faster hair growth for a Goldendoodle, but their veterinarian should be consulted first. When it comes to hair growth or other bodily processes, patience is the key. How long can I expect my Goldendoodles hair to grow? You can expect your Goldendoodles hair to grow to approximately 8 inches, but some dogs may fall slightly short of that and others longer than that. Again, hair growth, like with humans, is driven by their genetics. Like some of us, humans have short hair that never grows below our shoulders; some dogs will be different from others. Hair around their eyes, on their paws, and other parts of their body will grow to varying lengths that may not align with the 8 inches listed above. The area of their face which will grow differently with shorter hair will need to be trimmed to keep it neat looking in between grooming visits, which can easily be done with scissors and a steady hand. Final Thoughts How fast hair grows in uniquely individual. Many factors play a part in this process will genetics being the most obvious. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best ways to promote healthy hair that grows fast for your Goldendoodle. According to experts, goldendoodle hair grows at a rate of about 6 inches per year. Of course, this varies depending on the individual dog, but in general, this is a good rule of thumb. When it comes to goldendoodles, the average pup will have their locks grow out about 6 inches per year. Such a rapid growth rate can make goldendoodle owners find themselves needing to groom and style the breed throughout the year. While it can be quite a lot of work, many goldendoodle owners will tell you their dogs are worth every bit of effort. As a goldendoodle puppy gets older, they will begin to experience their coat and hair changing into what will eventually become its full grown form. One of the most endearing qualities of goldendoodles is their fluffy, full coats. Luckily, goldendoodles are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming and even with a moderate hair growth rate, they still need daily brushing and occasional trips to the groomer. To maintain their thick coats, goldendoodles will need plenty of nutrition-rich food and regular weekly brushing sessions to keep their hair from becoming tangled and matted. What you can do to encourage faster hair growth There are a few things you can do to help encourage faster hair growth in your goldendoodle, including brushing them regularly and feeding them a healthy diet. Not only does it remove any dirt and debris from their fur, which can hinder proper growth, but also it stimulates the scalp and helps distribute natural oils throughout their coat, leading to overall healthier hair. Feeding your goldendoodle a balanced diet Additionally, feeding them a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients will give them the building blocks they need for healthy hair growth. Look for foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and biotin — both are important components in helping maintain good hair health. A visit to your veterinarian should get you on the right path towards achieving goldendoodle hair growth goals. With a bit of help from an experienced team of animal care professionals, you can make sure that your pup is flourishing with luscious locks. There are a few things you can do to help encourage faster hair growth in your goldendoodle, including brushing them regularly and feeding them a healthy diet. Thanks for reading! Related posts:. Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog.

Contact us today for more information about our family-raised, hypo-allergenic, highly trainable Labradoodles. We started our breeding program with the best bloodlines to ensure we would be producing the most beautiful, intelligent, trainable and lovable dogs possible. We are grateful for the guidance we had when we started and we continue to improve the way we do things through training and education for more than 18 years. It is our dedication to excellence in the way we raise our precious dogs and train them that sets Texas Labradoodles apart. Most of the breeders were breeding true Australian Labradoodles. Since that time we have watched our amazing and magical breed of dogs become a world wide phenomenon with Labradoodles taking over everywhere. From being in the movies to being the number one choice for commercials, print ads and funniest video stars, Labradoo dles are everywhere. With this profound movement of the love of all things Labra doodle, the purity and purpose of what Labradoodles were originally bred for has become convoluted with many types of doodles. The Labradoodle breed itself is be coming a confusing mixture of levels of breeds, types of infusions into the blood lines, etc. Australian Labradoodles are produced when multiple generations of the original Australian bloodlines, Rutland Manor and Teagan Park are bred together. These two kennels began breeding these dogs to create a hypo-allergenic, low to non-shedding dog. These dogs are bred to be highly trainable dog for the purpose of being taught to be guide dogs or therapy dogs for people with allergies. It took these two kennels a lot of work, testing and breeding to get the breed to where it is today. It was not as simple as breeding a Lab to a Poodle, both great dogs, of course, but not a true Australian Labradoodle The importance of adopting a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle If you want a hypo-allergenic, highly trainable dog for your new family member or a dog for therapy work, you want to get a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle. Working with a reputable breeder that has many years of experience and a true love of the breed is important. Make sure the genetic testing and puppy care are done to ensure they are breeding the best and most healthy dogs possible. Dogs that are registered with the ALAA as multi-generational Australian Labradoodles are the most consistent breeding of Labradoodles that you can get. These dogs are going to have a consistent temperament and trainability level. This consistency and care to our breeding program helps our families to know exactly what to expect from their new family member. Clearing our dogs for potential diseases not only ensures that our dogs do not have these issues prior to breeding, it also ensures that we will never produce puppies that could have these diseases. The hip and elbow testing does not guarantee that puppies will never have hip dysplasia, but it is the best method that we have to prevent producing puppies with genetic hip issues. Hip problems are often caused be environmental factors, but culling puppies for breeding purposes helps to reduce the risk of breeding bad confirmation. Temperament, coat and trainability for different types of disciplines are key in our breeding program. Creating perfect family members, guide dogs, therapy dogs and best friends begins with breeding the perfect parents. Years of care and experience have made us experts at accomplishing high standards set by the ALAA and our own personal goals for our dogs. We know that a Texas Labradoodles bred dog is the finest of our wonderful breed and we are so proud to have produced such wonderful companions and working dogs. Please see our references page for more stories and letters from our families. November, .I cannot say enough good things about Mardee and Texas Labradoodles! From the beginning Mardee was very caring and knowledgable on all things Australian Labradoodle. It is clear she and her family love their dogs and take excellent care of them from the very start. She takes the time to match each puppy to their forever home and I scored the jackpot with my Maggie! I could not be happier with her sweet demeanor and easy going temperament. She is super smart, easy to train and equally as adorable. Even after bringing our puppy home Mardee has been a great resource and we are still in touch. I am so thankful to have found Mardee and Texas Labradoodles! Mike Tadlock .October, .Texas Labradoodles and Mardee were Amazing. She helped guide us through the selection process and we could not have gotten a better fur baby than Sadie. If you could meet Sadie and see her with us you would understand. We are obnoxiously crazy about this girl! We know others who have used Texas Labradoodles and they all feel the same. She has brought so much joy and happiness to our home. Paul Chapman 4. We recently welcomed the most perfect medium Australian Labradoodle into the family. I could go on and on about how wonderful this dog is and if you email me I will. That said, I have been equally impressed by our experience with this breeder. First and foremost, Mardee loves her dogs and this breed and that loves comes through in every single interaction and detail. They are true to breed standard. Go through all the appropriate genetic and health screens and, most importantly, are bred and raised in a loving home with plenty of outdoor country air. These dogs are not inexpensive but they are well-priced, given all the time and expense put into raising quality animals in the very most humane and caring of environments. If you want to know what to look for in a breeder - TX Labradoodle is the standard. Chris Monroe .August, .Highly knowledgeable, caring and experienced. Mardee and Bruce patiently answered all of my questions about Australian Labradoodle's and she matched us with the perfect addition for our family. Mardee provided a thorough background and documentation of care, and a detailed checklist for us to take home. June is 14 weeks old now and is everything we imagined and more. June, .TX Labradoodles are truly amazing, full of heart, and extremely knowledgeable! Mardee and her family have become our family! We have the 3 most gorgeous fur babies ever who bring immense joy and love to my life! We consider ourselves beyond fortunate to have crossed paths with Mardee, Bruce, and James! We are forever grateful! We love you tremendously!!! Thank you for making the world a better place with the most extraordinary fur babies!!! Brittany Meuth .April, .My husband and I recently adopted our first puppy from Texas Labradoodles and we could not be happier with our experience! Mardee has remained a resource to us even since bringing Murphy home and could not have created a better experience for us. She is amazing at what she does and truly loves providing families with amazing pets! Steven Roberts .We got 2 girls from Mardee two months ago. The experience could not have gone better. Loving environment, plenty of outdoor room, clean as a whistle and the pups are all we could hope for. No puppy mill atmosphere here. Solid solid folks and superior dogs. And another plus: Wimberley Texas is awesome. Karen Hernandez .I have truly been blessed by the forming relationship with Mardee and MOE. I did not realize how much joy at my age she allows me to experience. She is not my only dog that I share my life with, but she is definitely an exception that I must say is out of the ordinary. Mardee is very responsive and knowledgeable and her understanding of the breed. I can tell she only wants to breed the best genetics and protect the breed from becoming a backyard hobby only to make money. It is nice to see and know how much she strives to improve the breed. I think anyone looking to start or expand their canine family would be truly blessed. Google rating score: 4. What is a Labradoodle? If you haven't already, you will fall in love with this breed! The Multi-Generational American or Australian Labradoodle embodies the courage, Loyalty and Intelligence of a working dog with a magnificent fleece, non-shedding coat that is hypo-allergenic. They were originally bred as service dogs and have evolved to become our most desired family companion. They are athletic, smart, easy to train, and have a life span of over 15 years. Whether you want a sporting dog or a loving and loyal companion, the fun-loving, adventure-seeking, yet mellow Labradoodle will make your family complete. American and Australian Labradoodles can be very different depending on their breeding, and it is important to understand the differences. Just breeding a poodle to a lab or a labradoodle to a labradoodle does not make a quality pet. They are non-shedding with the wonderful Labradoodle temperament, intelligence and laid-back nature. They have been bred to standard over the last couple decades and contain not only Lab and Poodle DNA, but also a controlled mix of American and English Spaniel, which contributed toward the incredible silky fleece coat. F1 1st generation. This usually produces a dog with mild to light shedding. Hair can be long or short, wavy or straighter, and wirey or harsher fleece in texture. First generation Labradoodles are typically high-energy dogs with the great Labradoodle intelligence and are a good choice for a family that does not mind some shedding and high energy. F1B 2nd generation. F1 Labradoodle bred to a Poodle. The F1B Labradoodle is more standard in physical appearance, and more consistently non-shedding. The coat ranges from fleece to wool in texture and can be wavy or straighter. These dogs have the great Labradoodle laid-back temperament and intelligence, and can be a good choice for families that prefer a non-shedding dog. Multi Generational 3rd generation or higher. F1B or higher bred to F1B or higher. Most true to the Labradoodle standard in physical appearance and consistently non-shedding. The texture ranges from fleece to wool and the wave ranges from wavy to curly. It is important to maintain the wider body type and shorter muzzle length. The fleece coat can be very nice, but not as silky as the coat of an Australian Labradoodle. Guardian Homes allow us Diversity in our Breeding Program, and offer our breeder-quality puppies the opportunity to live a pampered life as a family pet and companion. If you are interested in providing a Guardian Home for one of our puppies, please check out our Guardian Program page. Some of our qualifications include: Must reside within a one-hour driving distance from Humble, Texas. Must reside in a home with a fully secure fenced yard. Must be open to communication, visits to our home and yours, and provide medical records. To learn more about our Guardian Program and to see our full list of requirements, please visit our Guardian Program Page. Everyone loves him. He continues to fill our lives with so much love and joy. Thank you for Bear. She brings so much joy to our family! Kimberly White Owner of Harley Loving Personality Brandy continues to amaze us and those who come in contact with her. In our lifetime we have had many pets and Brandy surpasses them all in intelligence, obedience and a loving personality. Her color is absolutely beautiful and we love her to pieces. Our thanks to you for the opportunity to own and enjoy such a wonderful puppy. I will be taking her to nursing homes and hospitals to visit people. She has the most loving and calm personality and I can't wait to share that with others. Kristen Loves to Kiss and Snuggle Tucker is doing so well! We just love him to pieces.He is SUCH a great dog! Here he is tonight getting ready for bed. He's almost 20lbs and will be getting neutered next month. Tucker loves to kiss and snuggle. He also loves to play tug of war and fetch.Has learned to sit, lay down, stay, and is starting to learn so much more!!! When we arrive home Rosie brings us a stuffed toy as if she is providing dinner. She wants to take care of us. Thank you for spreading the joy. She's very smart and learns so quick! She's also very loving, loves to cuddle, and play with everyone. My sister is in love with Luna too. Every day, she comes to me and says, "I still can't believe I got a puppy for Christmas! Thank you for everything. He's settling in around pounds but perfect. We just had a baby and he's great with him too! The kids have named her Nikki. She is a really wonderful dog, we couldn't be happier with her! Thank you so much! She's been the best already potty trained bell , never barks and is just a snuggle, love bug. Miss Daisy her name is a huge and loving part of our family. Thank You! Many Blessings! I thought you would like to see how cute she is. She is so well behaved and I really enjoy her. She loves her walks and chasing balls in the backyard. She is maturing into an amazing young lady!!! We love her more and more everyday!!! We will be getting back to you shortly! Can't wait for a message to hug one of these adorable puppies? That's Okay, give us a Call at .We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Houston Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX. Australian Labradoodles are mainly a mix of Poodles and Labradors, but with a couple of bloodlines thrown in to ensure the resulting pups have the traits families love. How much are Labradoodles for sale Houston? Do a quick search and you might find a whole range of prices for Labradoodles. Gender, size, coat type, and breeder experience all factor in how much it will cost. We know budget is an important consideration, so we made sure it will be easy for you to filter those that match your range. Will you only connect me with local Labradoodle breeders Houston? We are proud to say we work with breeders and businesses from all over the continental US. How do you screen Labradoodle breeders in Houston? Because we only want to work with businesses who share our love dogs. Our criteria include adherence to animal welfare laws and ethical breeding practices, completion of legal documents, and more. Head over to our Breeder Pledge page for more details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with Labradoodles Houston? With Uptown Puppies, you have your work cut out for you. What is a puppy mill for Labradoodle puppies Houston? Puppy mills are businesses run by those who care more about profit than the dogs in their care. Poor conditions, irresponsible breeding, and maltreatment result in puppies that present with medical and behavioral problems later on. Buyin a pup from pet shops or suspicious online ads might mean patronizing a puppy mill and helping perpetuate this cruel business. Are there any Labradoodle puppies in Houston available now? You bet! What is the MatchMaker process like for Labradoodle Houston? At that point, all you have to do is choose which one you will bring home to your family! My dog Pepper is a wonderful addition to my family! Beautiful dogs! They are beautiful and healthy. Our first one is almost 5 years old and we have a 2 month old. Lindy breeds them in a very clean home. She is extremely loving to these newborns and is open to all of our questions. She even follows up to see how they are doing. I would not buy from anyone else. Our 2 labradoodles get plenty of compliments. We have added 2 beautiful members to our family. I waited almost a year for mine and he has been life changing. They are truly amazing, healthy, loyal, and smart dogs! I have trained him and he is now a service dog and has been the greatest companion to me as well. Lindy always responded and kept me in the loop during the entire process. Before I met her I had a nightmare situation with a breeder that was a scam so was very skeptical but she made me feel at ease about everything. Thank you for everything Lindy! Nathan Kirton I ended up finding a puppy from someone else that fit my timeline better. The communication I had with her Lindy was amazing. She was super helpful, and gave me so much information about what I could expect. Thanks for being super helpful Lindy! We waited over a year and it was so worth it! Lindy was instrumental in our family getting the dog of our dreams. She was extremely helpful in asking and answering questions to ensure we got a right match for our family. She took into consideration all of my preferential factors such as the gender, coat color, personality, etc. The cherry on top was upon pick up at 8 weeks Teddy was healthy, socialized, potty trained, and vaccinated. Lindy pours love onto these dogs and puppies and treats her clients with tremendous respect. The puppies are happy and safely kept in an immaculate environment until sent home and I love that each family is celebrated with a photo to commemorate the occasion. Definitely worth the WAIT! Chuck Hahn Best dog ever!!! Worth the wait. He came home perfect! Testimonials Happy Faces Your happiness is our happiness, your success, our success. We take great pride in each and every home we complete with our dogs. We did tons of research. We wanted a dog that did not shed, was hypoallergenic, and had a good temperament. Those dogs are hard to find! We finally came across a very special Australian Labradoodle. We found our Rosie through my best friend who knew the owner of Australian Labradoodles of Texas. Her temperment is what we were really drawn to. She is so calm, obedient, and really wants to please you. She rings a bell when she needs to go outside and walks right next to you on her leash! We feel so lucky that we get to call her ours! To say that Miles has changed our lives for the better would be an extreme understatement! From the moment we set our eyes on him in your videos, we knew he was special, and he has shown us that a million times over. He is a sweet and affectionate dog who loves his family fiercely, acting protective when he needs to, yet demonstrates such a docile and gentle temperament to other people, especially small children who love to pet and squeeze his fluffiness. I had no intention of adding another dog to the mix! After several weeks, I finally pulled the trigger and we brought him home! Charley Brown was the perfect addition to our family and I would recommend these pups to anyone looking for a good family dog. All of our puppies come with Socialization.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of them are well-known in the state as ethical breeders whose top priority is producing healthy and happy puppies for loving families. Of course, you might get lucky and stumble upon a great, ethical breeder on your first try. However, we do recommend you take this process seriously and have done extensive research before choosing a breeder. In fact, some Labradoodle breeders in this guide offer a three-year health guarantee! Health warranties should cover any serious genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. Additionally, you might want to check if a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. In addition to that, you can always ask around your friends and family members about their own experiences with specific Labradoodle breeders in the area. For more in-depth information on this topic, we recommend you check out our article on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. All of the pups come from health screened backgrounds and their parents have been cleared for genetic problems. Although their goal is to breed hypoallergenic and low-shedding Doods, they occasionally have scruffy pups who might shed some hair. What Makes This Breeder Unique? As the Doodle Ranch is a family breeder, all of their dogs are full-fledged members of the family. We are experienced Labradoodle breeders with 6 years of working with Australian Labradoodles. Our puppies are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them not just a family pet but a perfect addition to any family. Quality - At Michigan Labradoodles, we have the best team! Our dogs , are members of our family—they are all descendants of experienced selective family- based Labradoodle breeders in the business. Our business is centered around our family, including our dogs—you can always expect an exceptional experience with our family based company. We are a recognized ALAA breeder, our goal is to breed our wonderful Australian Labradoodles to provide you with an excellent addition to your family. Service - Honesty is a foundation of our family that stretches far beyond our business. We understand that it takes a lot of trust to buy a puppy online. At Michigan Labradoodles, we are committed to making this a fun and memorable experience for you and your family. When you buy a labradoodle from us you can expect constant communication through the puppy adoption process. While our labradoodle puppies are born in Michigan, we provide delivery service anywhere in the US. We provide updates through our Facebook and Instagram page and email variety of forms, including detailed descriptions, pictures, and videos. Why Authentic Australian Labradoodles? Consistent - Our dogs and their puppies are consistent, they are descendants of a multigenerational breed. The pedigree is true back eight plus generations, breeding Authentic Australian Labradoodles with the same great qualities of their breed. This gives us the ability to closely predict the size, shape and color of your puppy. On top of that we breed for excellence and closely adhere to the ALAA standard. They were originally bread as service dogs and therapy companions with an allergy friendly coat dating back to the 's. Coat - Our Australian Labradoodles all possess a soft fleece coat that has been developed over generations - a quality that you will only get with experienced dog breeders. It provides the allergy friendly coat qualities of the poodle, without sacrificing the amazing soft to the touch feel you will love. Temperament - Originally the Authentic Australian Labradoodle was bred as the ideal therapy dog. They interact well with adults and their playful personality makes them a fun addition to families with children. They are a great mix of playfulness and cuddly. The organization promotes responsible dog companionship for labradoodles for sale in Michigan and the United States by cataloging helpful information about the breeds making it easier to buy a dog online by offering networking services to breeders and owners. The organization protects our breed from inhumane puppy mills. This status recognizes our commitment as a breeder to maintaining a high health standard for our dogs, as well as our recurring investment in health testing of our breeding dogs. It assures potential adopters that our litters have come from the healthiest parents possible along, with a strong level of health guarantees that can be maintained. They were bred to get a less allergic and less aggressive breed. It was mostly achieved, but some exceptions exist. These curly balls of fur have become quite popular today for having a warm temperament and adaptability. Properly bred Labradoodles prove to be the best company, if not the best guard dogs. A lot of households with children prefer having a Labradoodle in the USA. Features Labradoodles are an easy-to-go breed with a life span of years. They adapt quickly but can be hyper-energetic. They are available in various sizes and colors with good characteristics. One should always opt for a trusted and ethical breeder to get the healthiest dog. Labradoodles have these basic features. Appearance A standard Labradoodle is inches tall, while the medium one is inches tall, and the miniature Labradoodle is inches tall. They generally have long, wavy hair, making them look like little teddy bears. They can be found in a combination of chocolate, red, gold, black, and cream colors. Weight The weight varies for each dog, but there is a broad range for each size of Labradoodle available. The standard Labradoodle weighs anywhere between pounds, the medium Labradoodle weighs between pounds, and the Miniature Labradoodle weighs between pounds. Personality Labradoodles are one of the friendliest breeds you can ever find. They are loyal and have a warm temperament. Full of energy, these bundles of joy like surrounding people all the time. They adapt to the living conditions well and can be left alone for some time. Labradoodles are an intelligent and calm breed and with proper training. Training and grooming Labradoodles of all types are easy to train and groom. They require regular grooming and exercise. They are both hot and cold weather tolerant and trained for better tolerance. Based on the proportion of characteristics of both the breeds required, the various types of Labradoodles bred are: It is the original Labradoodle. In addition to being a Labradoodle, it has another characteristic of the pure breed. F2 Labradoodle F2 is the second-generation Labradoodle. A cross between two F1 Labradoodles gives F2 Labradoodle. F2B Labradoodle It is almost .F3 Labradoodle Also called the multi-gen Labradoodle, it is the third or more generation Labradoodle. Why Labradoodle? Labradoodles are not only intelligent and active. If you want more reasons to get yourself Labradoodle puppies in Michigan, here are other features that make them a good choice. Less shedding: The deliberate mix with a Poodle makes a Labradoodle shed lower than the standard breeds. The choice for novices: Labradoodles are easy to train and quickly adapt to their surroundings, making them a good choice for new learners. Although it is not a difficult procedure, their energy levels might make it difficult sometimes. Some tips below might help take care of a Labradoodle. Exercise Labradoodles require minutes of exercise every day. Their wanderlust makes them require regular walks. If in a small apartment, it is necessary to take them outside in parks or gardens to keep them happy and healthy. Socialization Early socialization is a pompous activity with a Labradoodle. It means keeping them around lots of people. This helps them become friendlier, and they pick up recognizable traits. Grooming Labradoodles require grooming, like brushing, combing, and bathing regularly. They have a great liking to water, so it is easy to groom them. Generally, getting professional grooming kits is a good option. Family Environment It becomes imperative to keep the Labradoodle inside with the family. They are sensitive creatures and cannot sleep outside. Any comfy place near the bed or in the living room works well with the breed. Final Words With its warm temperament, loyal and adaptable nature, Labradoodle is a perfect fit for company, even on tours and travels. Michigan provides numerous options to choose from, but as a matter of concern, most of the dogs may not have a healthy lifestyle in which they are raised. To find good Labradoodle puppies in Michigan for your family, you must trust only credible breeders. You should also be aware while looking out for dogs from mills as they may not be healthy. The article familiarizes readers with the 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Michigan MI. So, ensure you choose from the best breeders to raise a healthy and active Labradoodle that fits into your family fully! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Thank you for your interest in this wonderful breed here at South Mitten Australian Labradoodles! Our labradoodles are allergy-friendly, meet rigorous health standards and have wonderful temperaments, making them the perfect addition to families of all shapes and sizes. Located in southern Michigan, our dogs are raised in our home as cherished and spoiled members of our family! Our puppies are given the utmost care and researched-based attention and stimulation right from the start. This ensures you are not just getting a puppy of impeccable bloodlines, but one that has an optimal start and a superior advantage. We strive to produce healthy well-socialized puppies from multi-generational lines with amazing temperaments. South Mitten Labradoodles follow the strict health guidelines and strong ethics of the Australian Labradoodle Club we belong to. We specialize in the true Australian Labradoodle with wonderful coats and temperaments with bloodlines originating from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. This is a different dog and usually a different temperament than the Australian Labradoodles. True Australian Labradoodles average generations of labradoodles back in their pedigree that all originate from either Rutland Manor, Tegan Park, or Sunset Hills in Australia. We strive for nothing less than excellence in breeding and raising our precious puppies. We love and are devoted to this very special breed. Why do we believe that certified Australian Labradoodles are the ultimate breed? You are getting the best of the best! Virtually Non-Shedding Greatest ambition is to be with "their people" Incredibly intelligent and easy to train Loyal Low to no odor even when wet Comical and endearing. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Denton Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. It commonly occurs anywhere from eight weeks to six months. So, any German Shepherd parent would know that these adorable dogs have floppy ears when they are just puppies. However, stronger cartilage will be developed as you give them the proper nutrients. It might mostly occur as a response to your call or noise in the surrounding area. It can be a result of poor nutrition or slow development. Your German Shepherd needs abundant vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Lacking these nutrients in their diet will result in weak cartilage. Switch to better food or visit the vet for a checkup. They are still incredibly cute, anyway! If you want to ensure that you have a pooch with perky ears, make sure to look for parents with standing ears. Do all German Shepherd ears stand up? Even if you have already, you can know whether your pooch will have floppy or perky ears when it grows. It can compromise their health and adversely affect their growth, including strengthening the cartilage. Regular checkups and fecal exams can help prevent or abate that problem. Your vet can give your dog deworming medicines to see that your growing furry friend is free from parasites. Any traumatic injury to the ears can cause permanent damage and prevent the ears from growing strong enough to stand. It can be caused by a child pulling its ears and rough play among its littermates. Regularly monitor your pup and keep anyone from playing with its ears when they are in its developmental stage. But there are things you can do to help it get strong and healthy ears. These steps will also protect the ears from possible damage. Get high-quality food for your puppy to boost their development. Cheap foods usually have more fillers that contain negligible nutrients. Keep the puppy away and safe from other puppies that play bite with their ears. Educate your children and everyone else at home on how to handle the puppy carefully and gently. Giving your puppy chew toys will give their head, jaw, and surrounding muscles some exercise. It can lead to better ear development. Make sure to buy durable ones, as German Shepherd pups are stronger than you think! Clean their ears gently if you notice dirt. Keep your dog happy! A happy dog is a healthy dog. It will have fewer or no health problems if you keep the dog fit. Using the tape too early or during its growing stage can harm its natural development. However, the 7th to 8th month might be a little too late. But that may not be true for all, as some German Shepherds are just built differently. Their looks come second when you experience how good of a companion they can make. But the young ones carry cute floppy ears that eventually stand up. Some take longer. Remember that floppy ears do not affect their health negatively. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article. I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.