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We have been established since .We are experienced, proven and conscious breeders! We are Selective in our breeding pairs as we have searched worldwide! We will not compromise the rich heritage, pure quality of our Traditional and International breeding lines. We are Dilute Clear!! Official AKC Standard for the Labrador Retriever, General Appearance: The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion…… The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament……The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance. Some of our breeders come with hunting titles as well!! Over the years, our dogs have made great companions, hunters, and service dogs. Our pups and dogs have been featured in commercials and magazines! Please send in your Pictures!! Janice M. We could not ask for a better puppy than Robin for a family. She is everything we were looking for. She has the sweetest temperament and I cannot believe how smart she is. She has been such a joy to train. She is already great with off leash recall and as soon as we tell her to stop doing something which is not often she listens immediately. Potty training and crate training were a breeze with her. What we love most about Robin is she is completely devoted to our children. She is with them before they go to school and then is at the door a few minutes before they walk in. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. He was smart, well tempered, and just an amazing friend. He was an ultimate protector of Jenine. We have been so happy with everything about him! From Maggie X Manny Litter of 12 pups, ! Our Puppies are Veterinarian Examined! We send stool samples in to eliminate all parasites! Your Health Certificate will share the details! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand that there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all the breeders here; rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are extremely popular. In fact, they are one of the most popular dogs in the United States. For this reason, finding them in Colorado is quite easy. Many different breeders specialize in this breed, enabling you to choose the best one for your budget and needs. Here are eight of the most active breeders in the state. Of course, be sure to do your own research before purchasing any puppy. They strive to raise dogs with sharp intelligence and high trainability. All their dogs receive health clearances before being bred, ensuring that their puppies are healthy and less prone to genetic conditions. They do not breed for the show ring, which makes their dogs a bit cheaper than others. However, they do focus on temperament and health, as these two factors are essential for companion animals. Their dogs do compete in field trials and other hunting tests. They also breed gun dogs. All their puppies are put through a complete socialization program so they are friendly and ready for their new homes. They also provide a guarantee on their puppies that is similar to that of many other breeders. Their foundational adults are free from hereditary problems, and their puppies have a health guarantee. Besides Labrador Retrievers, they also produce Goldendoodles and other similar family dogs. They only breed dogs that have several generations of healthy ancestors, helping ensure that their puppies are healthy. All their breeding dogs are tested for common genetic conditions. Their kennel is licensed by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture. They have been breeding dogs since , far longer than most kennels out there. They have produced championship dogs in both America and internationally. While they focus on showing dogs, they do strive to produce dogs that make good family pets too. They produce three lab colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Their dogs actively compete in AKC shows, and they genetically test all their dogs before breeding. They have four children, so their dogs are well-socialized with children at the very least. Their breeding dogs have their OFA certifications and undergo yearly eye exams. While their Labradors are show dogs, they strive to produce pet-quality dogs too. Summary The Labrador Retriever is an incredibly popular breed. Dogs from these places can inherit various health problems and genetic conditions due to the disregard for proper breeding standards. Always seek out high-quality breeders who take care of their dogs, both before and after breeding. Featured Image Credit: Alexx60, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Colorado Springs. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs are great stress relievers for children. Imagine the effects on family life when the stress levels of parents go down. Children who have a dog feel more secure about home safety and going to sleep in the dark. One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears. To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress. For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Kelly Hepworth, his wife, Sarah, and their daughter Emily. They breed and train male and female labrador dogs and puppies that are AKC registered and have a month genetic health guarantee. Raising, training, and hunting with Labradors are significant parts of our lives and have always been lifelong endeavors. In addition to our labs, Kelly owns and operates a Veterinary practice located next to the kennel. Each fall, Kelly hunts waterfowl and upland birds in several states. Our labs are derived from the finest pedigree lines available. They are carefully selected for temperament, conformation, and intelligence. We keep our breeding stock free from hereditary problems. Each lab at Bear Creek has certified hips, elbows, and eyes. Our puppies are sold with a month hip and eye guarantee. Puppy dog pile! Black, yellow and chocolate lab puppies Puppy dog pile! All puppies have their dewclaws removed, are wormed, and receive their first shot. Our puppies have become superb family companions, bird and hunt test competitors, gun dogs, obedience winners, and K9 narcotic dogs. You can purchase your Bear Creek puppy with confidence.

Toggle Menu This Is Why Your Labradoodle Puppy Is Going Grey Your labradoodle puppy was either black or chocolate brown when you added the new family member, and now he or she seems to be changing color. Why is my labradoodle puppy going grey? The genetic influence of the poodle tends to fade the coat to a lighter shade as the puppy matures. When you get a Doodle puppy it is very rare that you know exactly what color coat you will get, but you will always love whatever you end up with! Coat color is, of course, affected by parentage, and the colors can range from a single, even color to a wide multi-colored fur. Did you know that the colors can skip a generation or two? The grandparents and great-grandparents can have an effect on the final mature coat pigmentation. As mentioned earlier, coat color is determined genetically and there are several genes that are involved. Genes occur in pairs, one gene being contributed by each parent. This combination of genes will have some being dominant and some being recessive. The combination of the two determines what color the dog will be. Taking the Labrador Retriever as an example, colors that can occur are yellow, chocolate, or black. A black coat will appear charcoal, chocolate will appear silvery, and yellow will appear light gold or champagne. What Is Kemp Hair? Kemp hairs, when they appear, are usually found in a fleece-type coat of the labradoodle. The hair has a hollow middle and a comparatively thin outer layer so that it is quite brittle and breaks easily. Usually, kemp hairs appear in mature Labradoodles around the eyes and along the spine but have been known to appear in puppies as young as 4 or 5 months old. Stress or anxiety Stress and anxiety can cause fur or hair to go white. Although the reasons are debatable, sometimes stress can cause the body to stop producing pigmentation as well as it used to. Health Issues Although rare, hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause your Labradoodle to start greying. This condition is a result of the thyroid gland underperforming. Getting treatment for this disease from your vet should reverse the greying. There are a variety of liver and kidney diseases that can cause grey hair but are very rare. Always check with your vet if you suspect a health problem. 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. Gray Labradoodle puppies may also be sold as blue or silver Labradoodles. So, finding a grey Labradoodle puppy can be quite a challenge. Your best bet is to work with breeders that specialize in this shade. What is a Grey Labradoodle? A grey Labradoodle is simply a Labrador Poodle mix with a gray coat. The exact shade of gray can vary from one Doodle to the next. Labradoodles of all colors come from two distinct lines: Australian and American. But, the Australian line also includes the Cocker Spaniel breed. There are two ways that a Labradoodle can get a grey coat. They will either inherit a dilute gene from each parent to weaken the black color to grey. Or, they will inherit the greying gene from their Poodle parent. Sadly, there are some health conditions that can affect the grey Labradoodle, depending on what causes their coat color. Genetics Behind the Gray Labradoodle Color Out of the parent dogs that combine to make the Labradoodle, the Poodle is the only dog with a standard, show-accepted grey coat color. And highly controversial to many purebred advocates. The two ways your Labradoodle can get a gray coat are: Inheriting the greying gene Inheriting two copies of the dilute gene All dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. When other genes interact with eumelanin, this basic black color can fade to grey. The Greying Gene The G greying gene is relatively rare in the world of canine coat color genetics. In fact, the Poodle is one of just 14 purebred dog breeds confirmed to carry it. So, a Labradoodle with the graying gene will have inherited it from their Poodle parent. Any Poodle — and any Labradoodle — can go grey over time. But, dogs that go gray from age can look quite different to Doodles with the graying gene. Labradoodles with the greying gene will often have a darker coat in puppyhood. But, as they grow it will fade to grey or silver. This means finding a grey puppy is harder, because they may turn grey as they get older, rather than being this color from the offset. The Dilute Gene The other way a Labradoodle can get a grey coat is by inheriting the dilute gene from both parents. Two copies of this gene will turn a black coat to gray. Altered black is calle d dilute because the interaction with other genes dilutes the full-strength black into a milder shade. Some may also call this silver or blue. The dilute gene is a recessive gene. So, a Labradoodle puppy who inherits only one copy of the gene will be a carrier, they will not be grey. A Labradoodle puppy will need to inherit a copy of the dilute gene from each parent dog in order to express it and grow up to have a grey coat. Other Ways a Labradoodle Gets a Gray Coat The greying gene and dilute genes are the two main ways for your Labradoodle to get a grey coat. But, other things can cause this coat color. Three other factors that can potentially cause a grey coat in the Labradoodle breed are: Age And health Age Just as people tend to get gray hair as they age, dogs can also go gray with age. This will usually start around their mouth and eyes. The extent a dog will grey from age will vary. So, if you want a grey dog from puppyhood, look for one with the dilute gene. Health Issues A number of canine health issues can influence coat color. One of the best known is thyroid dysfunction. Kidney and liver damage can sometimes cause premature greying. Dogs with dilute gray coats can suffer from color dilution alopecia, giving them patches of dry skin, thin fur, and poor hair regrowth. Finding Grey Labradoodle Puppies Canine genetics is a very young field. What we have learned is still dwarfed by what we have yet to learn. But researchers have developed some DNA tests that can identify whether a Labradoodle has inherited the dilute gene as a carrier to pass along or to express. So, if your heart is set on a gray Labradoodle, search for a breeder who is knowledgeable about canine coat color genetics. This gives you the best possible chance of selecting a Labradoodle puppy who will grow up to have a grey adult coat. These sellers are often much less concerned about selling healthy puppies. Puppies from these places can suffer from behavioral issues as well as health problems. Choosing a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder should always be your top priority. This may mean that you have to wait a little longer for a grey Labradoodle, but the wait will be worth it in the long run. Grey Labradoodle Rescue Another way to find a grey Labradoodle is to look in rescue centers. Labradoodles with the greying gene may not appear gray in puppyhood. But, dogs in rescue centers are usually a little older. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies from reputable breeders. Do You Have a Grey Labradoodle? The grey Labradoodle is an uncommon and beautiful coat color. Do you have one of these dogs at home, or are you currently searching for one? References and Resources. Pups go gray, too—but have you ever wondered if yours is starting to show their dog years sooner than they should be? Like humans, dogs tend to go gray as part of their natural aging process. And just like us, as dogs get older, the pigment cells responsible for color specifically, melanin stop being produced; this causes the strands to come out at a lighter shade, like gray or white. The average dog starts to go gray—typically around the muzzle—around 5 years old. Premature graying also happens to pups: For humans, graying is considered premature when it happens at around age .For dogs, that translates to about 4 years of age. Poodles , bearded collies, and certain sheepdogs are typical examples of dogs with this particular gene. In other words, dogs who scare easily —e. The study also found that female dogs go gray earlier more frequently than do male dogs. This will allow your dog to learn to predict when he can expect attention from you e. Help your dog conquer his fear of loud noises with gradual training exposure. Over the next few days, raise the volume slowly and keep doling out the special treat. Be sure to stop at the first sign of anxiety. If your dog is scared of meeting new people, first identify the types of humans that spook him. Is he freaked when he sees the vet, and therefore all people in uniform? An anxiety vest, like a Thundershirt, may also calm your pup down. Age Age is one of the most common reasons for pets going gray. This is a very similar process to the one we see in humans as we age. The majority of graying will happen around the muzzle and face. Graying usually starts with a salt-and-pepper look in dogs. Dogs that are naturally gray can also show signs of aging, but you might have a more difficult time spotting these changes. Also, gray dogs might start to turn more white than gray as they age. While the reason is unknown, it is possible that stress somehow causes the body to stop producing pigment in the same manner as it used to. Do you have a friend that started graying before 30? Think of your dog in the same way. Even perfectly healthy dogs might be genetically predisposed to early graying. In fact, even puppies can have graying hair, and it can start to become more silvery with age. A few breeds are more likely to be genetically predisposed to graying. Schnauzers are known for their gray beards, while greyhounds and Weimaraners are naturally gray in color. It is also common for black dogs to start showing gray earlier than lighter colored dogs. Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that can cause pigment loss in certain patches of skin and fur. While the causes of vitiligo are unknown, many scientists believe that the condition is hereditary. Vitiligo affects all dogs a little differently. Some dogs will lose pigmentation on their entire body, while others will only be affected in certain spots. Vitiligo can also cause skin lesions and dandruff. Fortunately, all of the symptoms of vitiligo are painless for your pooch. While vitiligo is very rare, the following breeds are the most likely to have vitiligo: Rottweiler. February 10, Table of Contents The Labradoodle is next to the Goldendoodle the most well-known type of Doodle dog. A cross of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, he is a large, goofy and always happy dog. While this Doodle mix can come in a variety of colors, the most popular one by far is black. Today we want to look at black Labradoodles in particular. How much can you expect to pay for a black Labradoodle? Are they hypoallergenic? Do they turn grey with age? Origin The black Labradoodle comes — like Labradoodles of all colors — from a pairing of Labrador and Poodle. The Poodle parent is typically a Standard Poodle. Labradors themselves come in three distinct colors: Black, yellow and chocolate. Poodles have a larger color variety: They can be black, apricot, brown, grey, silver, white … and also have irregular patterns, such as in the Phantom Poodle or Parti Poodle. Color genetics can be complicated. The best way to guaranteed get black Labradoodle puppies is to cross a black Labrador and a black Poodle. In such a litter, most of the puppies should be black. Are Black Labradoodles hypoallergenic? If you have spent any time researching Doodle breeds yet, you know that this is not an easily answered question. On the one hand, there is no such thing as a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog. On the other hand, chances are that your Labradoodle will be a lot more hypoallergenic than most other dogs out there. Whether your Labradoodle is black or a different color does not play a big role when it comes to their coat qualities — a black Labradoodle will be as hypoallergenic as a yellow Labradoodle. Training Labradoodles require consistent and positive training in order to turn into well-behaved companions, regardless of their color! As very energetic and outgoing dogs, it is crucial to teach them to be calm and focused in public and have good leash manners. Since these dogs become invisible at night due to their color, it is advisable to walk them on an LED collar in the dark. Coming when called is a very important skill to add to the list, as well as politely sitting and greeting visitors. You should not delay getting started in training your Labradoodle — the early you begin, the faster your dog will learn. Labradoodles are typically very food-driven. Use high-quality treats and food for your Labradoodle , and he will happily learn any trick you want to teach him! Do Black Labradoodles shed? As a Doodle breed, Labradoodles will not shed — or only shed minimally. If you are not a fan of dog hair around the house, a black Labradoodle certainly fits the bill. This is not true! You can either buy some clippers and groom your dog at home or take him to a local groomer. It goes without saying that this will be tied to daily brushing and monthly baths with a good shampoo. Do not let it mat or your dog will suffer from painful skin sores! Here you can find our recommendations for the best brushes for Labradoodles. Do Black Labradoodles turn gray? You might have gotten a black Labradoodle puppy, but within the first year he seems to become more and more grey. This dilute gene can be passed on without being expressed. Dilute puppies often look black when first born and start to lighten during the first year of their life. This might appear as if your black Labradoodle is turning grey — but in fact, he was just a grey Labradoodle all along who looked to be darker as a young puppy. If you have a true genetically black Labradoodle, he might start to get grey and white hair around his muzzle in his older years. Do they get hot in the sun? If you live in a hot climate you should consider keeping your dog in a short coat. Both the Labrador and the Poodle are waterdogs — meaning that your Labradoodle will probably gladly cool off in any kind of pool, puddle, pond or stream he can find. By wetting him down frequently you can prevent him from overheating in the sun. Remember that dogs cannot sweat and panting can only regulate their body temperature so much. Providing shade and cool water is crucial for keeping your black Labradoodle happy and healthy in the sun. How much is a black Labradoodle? Black Labradoodles will cost around the same as brown or cream Labradoodles. Yes — they are not cheap. However, it is really important that you do not price-shop when looking for a puppy! It is impossible to breed and raise healthy, well-mannered puppies with a good temperament for low prices. Labradoodles are prone to inheritable conditions such as hip dysplasia, and you need to make absolutely sure that your breeder tested both parents for potential issues. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Their popularity makes Labrador Retriever puppies easy to find. Each breeder on this list specializes in the traditional yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. A few even breed the less common silver color. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Washington 1. Familiar with people, other animals, machinery, and a variety of other situations and noises, these dogs are loyal, intelligent, and trainable. Trainable and friendly, these Labradors come in black, yellow, or chocolate and are regularly screened for health issues. T, a program run by the American Kennel Club. Spokane Labrador Retrievers Visit Their Website Spokane, WA Family-owned and operated, Spokane Labrador Retrievers pay attention to the personality, genetics, and characters of their dogs to provide you with the perfect companion. Instead, they focus on keeping their stock manageable and paying attention to choosing dogs with the perfect mix of personality, intelligence, and longevity. These Labrador Retrievers are available in the traditional chocolate, yellow, and black, along with chocolate-nosed yellow. With their careful breeding program, these dogs are perfect family pets, hunting companions, service dogs , or search-and-rescue partners. Desert Wind offers shipping for families outside of Washington and a 1-year health guarantee. Free of hip dysplasia and eye defects , these dogs are intelligent and great problem solvers. Settled on 38 acres, Silver Bow specializes in chocolate and black Labradors. All the dogs are fully vaccinated, wormed, and AKC registered. Shipping for buyers living outside of Washington is available for an extra fee. With just over 2 acres to explore, their dogs are both active and happy to cuddle. Carver Labradors make sure their puppies are vaccinated, wormed, and examined by a veterinarian before heading to their new home. Their dogs make good family members and therapy or service animals. The puppies are socialized with children and other animals from chickens to horses, and they are friendly and loving. Ready to join their new home at 8 weeks old, the dogs are health checked, vaccinated, wormed, and accompanied by AKC registration papers. Next on your reading list:. All our puppies have new homes! Be first in line for your new puppy! Get on the waitlist for Silver Labs and Golden Retriever Puppies due beginning of October Past litter of male puppies Looking for a puppy to add to your family? Golden Retrievers Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labs Silver Labs Meet The Puppies These are gorgeous, and energetic dogs who: require daily exercise and are perfect for you, if you love being outdoors and living an active lifestyle are easily trained and very intelligent, making them great family companions. We are located just 60 miles outside of Seattle on a 50 acre farm that's been in our family since my grandfather purchased it when he returned from Europe after World War II. Our dogs love it here. The mamas will even hop in the back of the truck to go help us feed the cows or play in the grass while we're tending to the horses. Our puppies are well socialized as they spend time with our family and with regular visits to the vet you have our assurance that not only are they cute but healthy. Golden Retrievers Silver Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Healthy Your puppy is ready to go home with you at 8 weeks old, with AKC registration, a healthy puppy vet check, their first shots, and age appropriate wormings. Adorable You will literally have your pick of the litter depending on who the mama is. Whether it's an English Style Silver or Chocolate Lab or a beautiful Golden Retriever you are sure to find the puppy that steals your heart. Raised With Love Our dogs are our family pets and are a part of our everyday lives. They spend their days with us and you may find them roaming the farm or on a trail ride. They are raised with chicken, cows and horses. Our puppies also spend lots of time playing outside so they are well socialized, great around children and other pets. Have questions? We are a phone call, text or email away! Testimonials Meet Boone What a wonderful, friendly, dog loving, farm home to buy our beautiful Silver Lab, Boone, from! We were able to make trips to visit Boone while he grew, Wendy was always accommodating and super nice. During these visits we also became more acquainted with Boone's mom and grandmom, they are both loving and gentle souls. These are qualities we were looking for in our next dog as we have young grandchildren that will be a big part of Boone's life. We have had Boone for two weeks now. And he surprises us daily with how smart he is. We could not be happier with the start in life he had at Wendy's, his breeding, and HIM!! And I haven't even mentioned how absolutely beautiful Boone is! We collectively decided on getting a dog. We wanted a happy, smart, loyal breed that could fit in and grow with our kids. With those criteria we started looking for a Labrador Retriever. We soon drove to the farm to pick out our puppy. From that moment, until today, we have been so happy with our choice! Our silver lab, Rumble Rainier, has been value added to our home. He is perfect with our sons, he learned our routines quickly, and he keeps us smiling every day. Say Hi to Boomer.They were amazing to work with thru the whole process. We first picked him out in January and we got to visit every other week to watch him grow and get him familiar with us. He was the cutest little brown fur ball and it was fun to see him interact with all his siblings and his mom. He was also very loved and handled by their kids during the times we could not visit. He is a year old now and a very healthy and beautiful lab. He loves being outside, playing fetch, playing with his soccer ball, or being anywhere our 12 year old daughter is. He has been a great addition to our family! They really love their dogs and know how to breed healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Our Boomer loves all dogs, adults and children because of this. We are so thankful to Green Valley Pups and Paws for this whole experience! Amber McKinney.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. I am a licensed veterinary technician, so all my pups are raised with the utmost care when it comes to their health. I began breeding when I discovered how difficult it was to find our own English Bulldog to bring home. Now, we have 1 to 2 litters per year, and every pup is raised in my home with 6 children and lots of snuggles. Coming from a veterinary background, we take many steps to make sure that healthy English bulldog puppies are brought into the world. All our dogs will have a full health check by a registered veterinary technician, and our puppies are bred with specific characteristics in mind. Then, each one of our puppies are raised in the house, with our 6 kids, making sure that they are brought up around other dogs and family-lifestyles. We Breed For Temperament When we breed English Bulldogs, we make sure to breed for a certain temperament that will be ideal for individuals, families, young children, and other pets in the home. We do not breed dogs who display signs of aggression, or dominance towards other animals or children. This pre-assessment is then re-enforced by the way the pups are raised when they are born. Health Healthy dogs and puppies are our first priority. We verify that our dogs have good hearts and good lungs before they are bred, and everyone gets basic blood work done to check for healthy kidney function. Finally, all our pups have regular vet checks. I have breeding papers and rights as well. He loves to play and is a total chunk. He will grow up to be a very muscular dog. These puppies are from a registered AKC litter. Ham has got his first set of shots. He's learning to explore outside and go potty. He's starting to wean off his mom and eat more dry dog food. He still is a ball of energy. She loves puppy food. She would make a great companion for anyone: She is from an AKC registered litter. He is from an AKC registered litter. All males. Text xxx xxx xxx4 if imterested. Mum is our family dog whom we have had since birth and pups dad is a family friend. Mum is a Parson Russell with standard long legs. I also have pups grandmother whom has shown at County level and greet English bulldog show. They are wormed and flead to date, and will leave microchipped. I have lots of videos and photos. We can ship. He is full of energy, great with kids but not cats. Unfortunately I just dont have the time he needs, he needs to be in a home that will show him a lot of attention and love. He is crate trained, microchiped but not neutered, up to date on shots. He currently weights 75 pounds, doesn't do well with long walks, comes with cage and all the supplies needed. Have to relocate and cannot bring pet. Amazing dog and companion with no health issues. Great with kids and other animals. View Detail English bulldog His name is bullet. He is 1 years old. He has a gray and white coat. He is very lovable, and he loves attention. He needs a family or someone that has the availability to care for him and give him the attention he needs. He is smart and playful. He enjoys new toys. He is not neutered and he belongs to the American kennel club. View Detail AKC reg. English Bulldog puppies AKC reg. English Bulldog puppies, male and female available. Male and female with excellent personalities. They have 3rd sets of shots and wormed they are ready now. Serious buyers should only. Text or Call me at xxx xxx-xxx9 for more info. Over the years we have chosen and raised quality dogs and continue to keep selling commendable puppies at a high level.

Categories Dog Training German shepherds make incredible pets! However, the German shepherd is a large and muscular dog that can potentially do a lot of harm to smaller animals. So if you have other pets, such as a cat, you may wonder if they can coexist. German shepherds can absolutely get along with cats. However, this depends on how you raise the dog and the effort you put into socializing them. Whether you have a German shepherd or plan to get one soon, there are things to consider if you also own a cat. Read on to learn how to ensure the two animals will get along. To say a German shepherd naturally dislikes any animal would be a mistake. Though they may look a little scary, GSDs can be as friendly as any dog breed. Also called a prey drive, this refers to how dogs may naturally want to chase or hunt smaller animals. Now, it might be seen as an inconvenience for anyone who wants a dog besides hunters! This natural drive can encourage your German shepherd to see smaller animals as things to chase. This could be bad news for your cats. However, this only serves to highlight the importance of socializing your German shepherd. Depending on how well you socialize your dog, it very well could be the reason your dog sees your cats as friends rather than potential food and prey. Both animals are obviously different species and will have different habits, tendencies, and approach to others. We need to remember this natural inclination when helping our German shepherds get along with cats. German shepherds are smart: Wicked smart. They are consistently ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds. This means proper training is all they need to get along fine with cats or other animals. German shepherds are loyal: When you treat a German shepherd well, it will want to please you. It will respond quickly and happily to any training, which is best for everyone involved. This breed is particular protective, especially when it comes to the people or animals that they love. In other words, they look after their pack. The Personality of Cats It takes two to tango, or to get along. A lot of cats tend to be quite aloof, while others can be surprisingly affectionate. However, if you have an impatient cat or one that does not like affection, it might not get along with a dog. After all, dogs tend to be quite physical with their affection. So a cat might end up losing patience over being licked or bothered. In a study, researchers found the five main personality traits of cats, dubbed the Feline Five. The five include neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness, and agreeableness. Why Cats and German Shepherds Are Similar And according to the five feline traits, German shepherd and cats are more similar than you may think. In fact, I would argue that these dogs have all five traits too. Plenty of owners believe that German shepherds are neurotic and sensitive dogs. As a result, they can grow neurotic over small sounds, digging, or scratching. German shepherds can also be very extraverted dogs, depending on your dog. And if properly trained or socialized, they have a better shot at being extraverts. Dogs are all innately friendly animals and the GSD is no exception. Given the sheer size and power of these dogs, is it really a surprise that German shepherds possess a dominant personality too? And because German shepherds are some of the smartest dogs , they tend to do well with obedience and training. This makes them very agreeable dogs if properly trained. Their loyalty goes deep and the dog will take every opportunity to please their owners. Unless your dog has been socialized with cats, they make act aggressively. However, German shepherds that are raised in a home with cats tend to get along just fine with them due to their unwavering loyalty and devotion to the pack. In fact, Rover calls them one of the top five most loyal dog breeds! German shepherds also have a natural protective instinct , which makes them much more likely to keep the cat safe than to do harm to it. But of course, the dog must be very familiar with the cat and see the animal as a pack member. Because of these two signature traits that define the German shepherd, it can be easy to make the two get along. Or at the very least, cohabit in a civil manner. Of course, there are plenty of variables, including the personality of your cat. And a lot of it depends on how well and often you socialize your dog with the cat. However, often it is up to their owners to shape their temperament and behavior. But any breed can learn to get along with cats, and German shepherds are no exception. However, there are a few steps to take to get your German shepherd to like cats. Start Socialization Early One of the best ways to ensure your German shepherd gets along with cats is to socialize them from when they are puppies. A German shepherd that is around cats from a young age will see them differently from an adult that has never been socialized. According to the American Kennel Club, socialization should start as young as 3 weeks of age. That early window of development is going to be crucial to seeing good results. Socialized dogs enjoy a much calmer and happier life than those that miss out on it. In fact, with how intelligent German shepherds are, they can quickly learn how to get along with cats. Below are a few tips to help you along your way. And, the results may not always be what you might ideally want. However, remaining patient and understanding with your German shepherd through it all will only make things better. Keep the Rewards Flowing: German shepherds are brilliant, and rewarding them only serves to speed up any learning. By rewarding positive behavior , you can see better results far sooner than without an abundance of rewards. And by rewards, we of course mean treats! Focus on the positive and keep up the treats. Your attitude toward the process will have an effect on how your German shepherd responds. They can reads moods quite easily. Does Age Matter? Generally, introducing a puppy German shepherd to a cat will go more smoothly than doing so with an adult GSD. During this period, both animals are more adventurous and willing to explore. But again, this mostly depends on socialization. An adult or adolescent German shepherd that has been socialized early on can pull from prior experience. It likely already feels comfortable and safe around others, so will be less likely to show aggression. Still, we should cover a few tips that will be important regardless of what age you introduce your German shepherd to cats. Introducing Your German Shepherd to Cats We have put together some key tips and suggestions for ensuring your German shepherd and cat have a safe and productive introduction. While there are plenty of ways to do this, these suggestions come from real owners with success. We believe these are important, regardless of whether your German shepherd is a puppy or adult, or has been socialized or not. Supervision Is a Must You will want to have as much control over the situation as possible. Though the chance for aggression may be low, it is always better to play it safe. So we recommend being present from start to finish. We even would suggest continuing to be present for all future interactions, until you are absolutely sure your German shepherd and cat get along. In a lot of cases, you may scare the two animals from wanting to play with each other. This will just give you the opposite of what you wanted. Instead, start with short meetings. Maybe even just a minute at first. Our goal is to get your GSD and your cat acquainted with one another, not to become fast friends from day one though that would be perfect! Remember — patience is key! With that said, below is a quick outline for a natural progression of getting your German shepherd and cat acquainted with one another. After all, both animals rely heavily on their sense of smell. We recommend that both your German shepherd and cat have recently been bathed. Multiple scents can make for a confused sensory experience for both pets. While they are swapping scents, watch for any changes in behavior. Is either party showing signs of aggression? Then call it a day and separate them. Separated Awareness: A good next step is to let your German shepherd and cat be aware of each other, but have a barrier between them. This can be a baby gate or whatever you see fit. Just make sure the two can see each other through the barrier. This can let them grow used to each other without the risk of one chasing down the other. Always be sure to reward any calmer behavior or even signs of gentle curiosity. Make sure to bring out the good treats during this process! Try doing this for about minutes for a week or so, and decide if you can move on to the next step. If there has been no aggression, your pets might be ready. Together At Last: But not forever. For the first face-to-face meetings, we still want you to have complete control over the situation. Even if the two are finally familiar with one another, anything can happen at any moment. To be safe, we recommend still having a leash on your German shepherd. That way, if anything escalates, you can maintain control quickly and easily. Again, try this for about a week for only a few minutes at a time. Friendship Unleashed: Only once you are sure that there is no aggression or chasing from your German shepherd can you let them spend time together without a leash. Still, we strongly advise supervising from start to finish. Only once your pets have spent several peaceful months together can you possibly leave them alone together. Have you had luck getting your GSD and cats to be friends? If so, what steps did you take to foster their friendship? Share your experience in the comments below. Things can get crowded quickly, especially if you own a cat too! Read more here. However, there are different things to consider, along with training, when bringing the two together. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Not only for your kids, but other pets such as cats. Post navigation. Aug 4, Share Although the rivalry between dogs and cats is a tale as old as time, it is normal for dogs and cats to get along with early socialization. The trick is finding a dog breed that will either ignore the cat or love it naturally. If you like German Shepherds, you might be wondering if this big breed gets along with cats. Instead, be proactive in socialization and temperament selection to find the right German Shepherd and cat. Read on to learn more about how German Shepherds react to cats and learn tips about early socialization. In comparison to more aggressive breeds, German Shepherds are naturally good with cats. That being said, individual German Shepherds may act uneasy around cats or act out right aggressively. In other words, it can be hard to predict if a German Shepherd will get along well with cats since individual personality is the biggest determiner. Because they are less aggressive than some breeds, you have better luck socializing German Shepherds. Naturally, German Shepherds are really loving, but they were originally bred as herding dogs. Their herding background means they have a natural instinct to chase, herd, and protect. Even if German Shepherds are not meaning to be aggressive, cats may often interpret their behavior as such. Luckily, German Shepherds, especially when they are puppies, respond to training well. With early socialization, German Shepherds have a great chance of getting along with cats. Only through socialization efforts can you trust that a German Shepherd will get along with your furry feline friend. Background As their name suggests, German Shepherds were originally used as herding dogs. It was their job to help keep herds together and defend them from predators. Today, German Shepherds still retain this herding drive. When around cats, they can chase and even nip at their tail or heels. If your cat takes off, the German Shepherd is especially likely to behave in this way. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Personality German Shepherds are known for having one of the most lovable personalities. Today, this dog is considered one of the most popular breeds because it is intelligent, courageous, and responds very well to training. Additionally, German Shepherds are known for being sensitive and lovable, which is why they make perfect guard dogs for families. They get along great with children, but they will protect if necessary. With the right owner, German Shepherds easily become one of the most socialized and lovable dogs. Trainability In terms of trainability, German Shepherds are considered one of the best. They have a high desire to please their owners, and they are very intelligent, which makes it easier for them to pick up on commands. Especially in the first 3 months of their lives, German Shepherds have a great capacity for being trained. Because German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, training these dogs is not as difficult as it could be with other breeds. The earlier you socialize your German Shepherd, the better. The best time to socialize your German Shepherd is during the first 3 months of its life. If the German Shepherd is socialized sooner rather than later, it is much more likely to be kind and gentle around cats. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock Factors That Affect Socialization To get the best result out of socialization training, there are some factors you need to consider. Age and temperament are the two most important. Age The most important factor to think about when you are socializing your German Shepherd is its age. The younger your German Shepherd is, the easier socialization will be. If you already have a cat in your home, it is best to get a German Shepherd puppy as opposed to an adult German Shepherd. Start training your German Shepherd how to properly behave around cats as soon as possible. Temperament Think about the temperament of both the dog and cat in question. If you know that your German Shepherd is aggressive around other animals, bringing it into the home will not be a good option for the cat. Step 1. If the German Shepherd is not yet trained, the meeting can go bad, even if the German Shepherd is not trying to act aggressively. Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Step 2. Have two clean cloths and rub one along the back of each animal. Then, bring the cat cloth to the dog and the dog cloth to the cat. Allow them to discover the cloth on their own. Pay attention to how the animals behave. Does either animal seem anxious or overly excited? This will give you a good clue about how the animals will respond to one another. Continue this process until both the cat and dog are calm around the cloth. Step 3. Allow Them to See Each Other Once the animals are comfortable around the scented cloths, allow the animals to see one another but not be in the same room. You can do this by putting one animal on a side of a glass door and the other animal on the other. Do this a couple of days for 5 minutes at a time. Separate Them With a Pet Gate After the animals get accustomed to seeing one another, you can bring them both inside, but still keep them separated with something like a pet gate. This ensures that both pets are safe, but they also have the opportunity to see and smell one another. Step 5. Leash Meeting Once you are ready, you can let the German Shepherd smell the cat while on a leash. As both you and your cat get more comfortable around the German Shepherd, you can select a longer leash and eventually take the dog off the leash completely. Take your time with this process and give both pets treats for good behavior. Final Thoughts If you want to have both a dog and a cat, German Shepherds can be a good choice, but you need to take the time to slowly introduce the two animals to one another after extensive training. With early socialization, most German Shepherds get along great with cats. Some dog breeds are better suited to be kept around cats, which is why it is so important to do your research into the characteristics of each dog breed before making the big decision. No two dog breeds share the same personality, so it is vital not to make any pre-judgments about a particular breed of dog before reading the facts. In this article, you will see the background and characteristics of a German Shepherd while also answering the big question of whether they are good with cats. German Shepherds are renowned for being one of the highest-energy dogs out there, which comes with a lot of work for the owner. You must have a pretty big garden for them to exercise in, and daily walks are a necessity. The personality of a German Shepherd is usually aloof but not aggressive. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a guaranteed best friend and will leave you as a happy dog-owner. German Shepherds and cats A tale as old as time itself that possibly outweighs all hatred felt in the past: cats vs. If there were to be one dog that could rise above this battle, it would be the German Shepherd. Sure they may be big, but German Shepherds are intelligent enough to know the difference between playtime and protecting their owners. But does this gentle behavior mean German Shepherds can rise above this war that has appeared to be unstoppable for so many millennia? The answer to this question depends on how you raise your German Shepherd and whether they are correctly socialized. The term socialization is thrown around a lot in the world of dogs. It essentially just means exposing your pup to different people and animals from a young age. However, check out the next paragraph to figure out in more detail how to properly socialize your German Shepherd and some other relevant factors that contribute towards their social awareness and ability to deal with cats. How to get your German Shepherd to resist the instincts While some dogs seem to prefer meeting new humans and animals more than others, all of them can be trained to respond to these situations appropriately. Everyone gets scared or worried when doing new things or meeting new people, including your German Shepherd. The longer you spend completing an activity and getting used to it, is how you begin to relax when partaking in it. This is exactly what socializing is when introducing your German Shepherd to new animals, people, and settings, preferably from a young age. To do this, you must expose your German Shepherd at a young age to the other previously mentioned things that they are not used to being around. You can begin to socialize your German Shepherd and cat by putting the bowls close to one another. You could also put your puppy on one side of the door and your cat on the other. The first interactions Before you even introduce your puppy to your kitten, it is vital that your German Shepherd can follow the sit, stay, and leave it commands. These three commands are needed so that you will still control the situation when the face-to-face interaction finally happens. The first interaction between your German Shepherd and cat should hopefully be short and maybe even peaceful. Put your pup in a kennel, and once they are on a leash, place the cat in front of him for no more than 10 minutes. If the aggression is still going, then it is recommended you pick up your cat and walk away. Your puppy really enjoys your presence, so they will associate this loss of your company with them not being kind to the cat, which will hopefully alter future encounters. Follow these steps for a couple of weeks daily, and gradually increase the interaction time between them, so it slowly becomes more and more familiar. When each pet can comfortably spend at least a half-hour with one-another, then it is time to repeat the process without a leash on your dog. You must keep a very close eye on your dog in this stage to avoid any injures to your cat. Sign Up We only send quality info with absolutely NO Spam Other helpful tips to strengthen their relationship German Shepherds are one of the most energetic dog breeds and love to run around and just generally go crazy. If your pup gets plenty of exercises, then there is less of a chance of them irritating or possibly harming your cat. If you are adopting, make sure to ask the shelter if your German Shepherd was raised around cats. It is vital to either spray or neuter your German Shepherd before hitting puberty at around six months. German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement through things like pats and dog treats due to their intelligence. They need to know when they are doing good. Frequently Asked Questions If you have any remaining questions about German Shepherds and cats in general, feel free to consult below. Can a German Shepherd harm my cat? If you do not follow the steps mentioned above, then yes, a grown German Shepherd could undoubtedly harm your cat as they might see them as a threat. If your pup is well socialized, they will have formed a healthy relationship with your cat, and you will have nothing to worry about. My German Shepherd is now old, and I am thinking of purchasing a cat? Although it is tough to socialize an adult or senior dog, it is still possible. To undergo this, it is recommended that you take your dogs to a school instead of attempting to teach them this at home as it is too risky to put a kitten in the environment of an un-socialized German Shepherd. If the trainer deems your German Shepherd as a lost cause regarding socialization, then it is advised that you do not purchase a cat for the sake of its safety. What to do if my cat is causing the issues and not my German Shepherd? However, if this is the case, you can simply follow the previous steps but replacing your dog with your cat. Your cat might not show it, but they do love your presence! Use these same tactics to get your cat to understand that they must become best friends with your new puppy. I have tried all your steps, and nothing is working. What should I do? It is better to do this sooner rather than later so that your pets are socialized from a young age when it is easiest to learn new skills. The only set-back of this is the price, as this challenging job can often set you back a fair amount of money. Are German Shepherds good with cats? Animals can also sense your energy, so if you stay positive and forward-thinking, so too will your German Shepherd and cat in their first few meetings. Relaxed humans usually mean relaxed animals. You can imagine if you introduce a cat to your large German Shepherd that has never even seen another animal before, it will not be a fun meeting. But if your German Shepherd is well-equipped and has dealt with cats and other animals before then, they are bound to become best friends. It just depends on you and how you follow the previous steps when socializing them. Similarly, if your cat has never seen a dog before, they are bound to be cautious and afraid, which is why you must expose them to all these things from a young age. Finally, for the safety of your cat and dog alike, if your pup has grown too old and can no longer be socialized, it is a wise decision not to purchase a cat. No matter how much you want an adorable furball crawling around your house, it is likely that an unsocialized German Shepherd will react terribly to this and will put your cat in danger. Posted on Last updated: June 5, The battle between cats and dogs is as old as time itself. And German Shepherds and cats are no different. They are very different species, and both view the other as potential prey. But cats and dogs can get along — it is all about how the process of bringing these two species together is managed. The breed can also impact how difficult it or easy it is for cats and dogs to get along. But are German Shepherds good with cats? The short answer is that they can be. More About German Shepherd Dogs Different breeds of cats and dogs have different temperaments or tendencies. Individual temperaments will play a role as well but are more likely to affect how long it takes the two to get on or how well they get on rather than whether they can get on at all. These versatile dogs are intelligent and courageous. They are working dogs and tend to do very well at anything for which they are trained. They are very affectionate family members and good with kids as well as strangers. GSDs are also high-energy and love to play. They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and minimize bad behavior. I have a series of articles on how different dog breeds get along with cats: Can Poodles and Cats Get Along? As working dogs, it is in the genes of a GSD to help herd and keep the flock in line. Indeed, they will nip at the ankles of any lamb who strays from the group. In this way, their behavior can be similar to terrier dogs like Jack Russells , who are bred to chase and catch animals. So when a GSD sees a fluffy cat making quick moves, it will have a strong instinct to chase that creature and nip at its ankles. This is also why some GSDs can become a bit obsessed with a cat and follow them around. However, GSDs can be trained to manage this natural instinct to prey. This can be achieved through socialization. Without socialization, a GSD will only know a small number of people. When it encounters others, it will potentially be scared and uncomfortable. Learning how to deal with new situations helps them to develop belief in themselves — just like humans. Each new socialization experience should make the one after easier. Socializing a German Shepherd dog can take many forms. It can include things like introducing your dog to new sounds, new sights, new objects, and new places. Critically, this should include different people and different animals. Age Do German Shepherds get along with cats? Age has a big role to play in whether German Shepherds are good with cats. The younger both animals are, the more likely they will be able to get along. Kittens and puppies, like humans, are far less set in their ways. There is always the potential for older pets to get along or to mix an older pet with one that is younger, but this is usually an easier process when both pets are younger. If your German Shepherd dog is older, ask the shelter owner or previous owner if it has had any time around cats. And also, ask if they have had any bad experiences with cats, as this could have a major impact on their ability to get along with your cat. Temperament Do German Shepherds like cats? That all depends. How sociable are both animals? How much exposure has each animal had to other animals? However, those animals with more experience in sharing and being around other animals may adjust more quickly. Cats tend to be far more cautious than dogs — but of course, all cats are different. What is your cat like in new situations? Is it quite bold or timid? Prey Drive As a working breed of dog, German Shepherds have a high prey drive. They will have a strong instinct to chase after fluffy objects, particularly if they make sudden moves. A German Shepherd with a higher prey drive will find it more difficult to get along with a cat, and vice versa with a lower prey drive. If the GSD is a bit older, you or its owner will probably have a sense of how strong their prey drive is based on how they react to other animals on walks etc. A GSD that has been spayed or neutered will feel less need to show dominance to a cat. If your dog is neutered or spayed, then German Shepherd and cat friends become more of a possibility. Introducing a German Shepherd With Cats The first step is to feed the two animals in close proximity to each other. However, put your puppy on one side of a closed door and your kitten on the other. Once your puppy is at this stage, try a 5-minute meeting while your puppy is in its kennel. Keep this up for a couple of weeks, and each time gradually increase the amount of time that the animals are together until you reach 30 minutes. The next stage is to do the same with your dog out of the kennel but on a leash. Continue the same process as before until reaching 30 minutes. Then follow the same process with your dog off the leash. If your dog becomes aggressive at any point in this process, remove the cat and yourself from the situation so that your dog learns that type of behavior means it is left on its own. Carve out some space for the cat, such as a spare bedroom. Make sure this space is a safe place for your cat and also contains water, litter, toys, and other things that help a cat feel comfortable. Start with total separation between the two animals. There is no point introducing your German Shepherd to a cat until it has been trained. It needs to be able to stay, and importantly it needs to be able to stay calm when it meets the cat. The first and most important step in a controlled introduction is the swapping of scents. Have one clean cloth for your cat and one for your GSD. Run the cloth on the areas of each animal where there is the most scent. For cats, this is the top of their head, cheeks, and chin. For dogs, this is their armpits and on their sides. They should be left to discover this cloth themselves rather than you giving them the cloth. Watch how each animal reacts to the new scent. Does your cat become nervous? Does your GSD become over-excited? Each day, do scent fresh clothes again and leave them near the animals. Ideally, keep this up until both animals are calm around the scented cloths. Then you are ready to move on to having the animals see each other in a controlled way. Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten , 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options, and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options Have your cat inside the house and your dog outside with some type of door with glass on it between them so that they can see each other. Do this daily for about 5 minutes at a time. After a few days, do the same thing but inside the house. If they behave well, give both pets treats. The final stage is interaction with no barriers. However, your GSD should be on a leash. Start off with a very short leash. Then extend the leash as your cat gets more comfortable and if your GSD behaves. Treats should be incorporated here as a reward for good behavior. Remember that your GSD will only chase a cat that is running. So it is important that your cat remains as calm as possible. Take your time to remove the leash completely. Allow your cat to lead the process here — is it comfortable? And make sure you stay in the room the entire time. Puppy School can be a great option for a new GSD that is struggling with its behavior. They are only acting on their instincts. Give your German Shepherd lots of attention. They can get jealous if they see you spending lots of time with the cat and less time with them. Stay positive even if it takes some time to move between the different stages. For different temperaments, the stages can take different amounts of time to complete. If one of the animals starts reacting badly to the other, move back to the previous stage. If you have been trying to introduce the two animals for a considerable length of time without success, consider taking them to a cat or dog trainer. Ensure that each animal has their own space and that it can get away from each other. For dogs, this could be the backyard or a large crate. It is key that both pets are able to leave a stressful situation and go somewhere safe asap. Do respect the animal which has been in the house for the longest. The older pet will have the hardest time adjusting to this new situation. The short answer is yes but. German Shepherd dogs and cats absolutely can get along, but they are not guaranteed to do so. Much will depend on the temperaments and past experiences of each animal. However, as an owner, there are many things you can do to encourage their relationship. Start by following a set introductory process as above and following our key tips as you move through the different stages. Your pets will be best friends before you know it! That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not affect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this. But, keep in mind that GSDs are intelligent, highly trainable, and incredibly social. Just as with other dogs and any other animal they can share a home with a cat peacefully. German Shepherds can be good with cats, but it depends on your particular German Shepherd. Many German Shepherds can get along fine with a cat with proper socialization and training. Keep in mind that individual dogs could react to their feline counterparts differently. Many German Shepherds share their homes with cats and are actually friendly with one another. But, here are some of the critical factors that might make your German Shepherd more likely to integrate well with cats: 1 Age The younger your GSD is, the more open they will probably be to living with a cat. It also helps if the cat is young so that neither of them is already set in their ways. Growing up together just tends to make things easier. Are they wary of or playful with new animals they encounter? Keep in mind that if they tend to be nervous around other animals, their instinct to protect themselves might drive them to be aggressive. Have they had plenty of exposure to cats before? Your dog could have had plenty of exposure to other animals without incident, but is their personality suited for sharing a home with a cat? Do they insist on always being the center of attention? How do they feel about sharing their space as well as their toys? That means they have an instinct to chase after cats, especially those who make sudden movements and run away very quickly. Generally, a higher prey drive may make it more difficult for your German Shepherd to love a cat. Before you begin, your GSD should have at least gone through basic training and already responds to your verbal cues obediently to make this introduction easier. Then, use the other towel on your cat, paying special attention to the area around the face. Then, place the cat-scented towel near your dog and vise versa. Pay attention to how each of them reacts. Even better, give them a treat or praise them when they sniff the towel in order to develop positive associations with the scent. Step 2: Expose Through Glass Anywhere you have a glass door is a perfect place to do this. Start with 5-minute sessions and increase the length of time in subsequent sessions. This way, they get some contact and can sniff each other while keeping them both safe from any possible aggressive reactions. Keep the leash short and maintain control, then increase the slack little by little as they show positive behaviors. Throughout this process, make sure that you give plenty of praises or treats for actions that you want to reinforce. While you maintain control over your GSD, keep an eye out for your cat and lookout for signs of stress and discomfort. If they walk away, let them and try again another time. Use your judgment to determine how quickly you can go through each of the steps. Observe both animals and proceed as you see fit. Your German Shepherd might instinctively lunge or even growl at the cat when they first meet. Similarly, the cat might hiss and scratch. Stay calm. Your pets will always be able to sense your energy. Sometimes, the best you can hope for is a safe and peaceful co-existence. The short answer is I doubt it. At her very first vet appointment a couple of days after I brought her home at 8 weeks old, we came out of the examining room and there was a lady sitting in the waiting room with a small crate on the floor. My dog went up and sniffed at the crate then jumped back and growled. That was my first clue. Allie also has a very strong prey drive and whenever she sees a cat she wants to pounce and chase and sometimes she growls. However, I know many other German Shepherd owners, whose dogs have a different temperament than my girl, and their dogs do wonderful with cats. I know one person who has 3 German Shepherds and 2 cats and they have no problems. The temperament of the German Shepherd and the temperament of the cat is key to their ability to get along or simply co-exist. This varies on a case by case basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can get along with cats, but it all depends on the individual dog and cat. Each situation will be different. Apart from the right temperament and proper socialization, it takes a good introduction for cats and dogs to be friendly with one another.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! All Goldendoodles can smell, regardless of coat type. There are seven common causes of Goldendoodles smelling — find out more here. There are three types of Goldendoodle fur coats Wavy Curly Straight The three Goldendoodle coats have differing degrees of curliness. Different genes inherited from the parent dogs will determine the coat type. They are also referred to as fleece coats. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. A wavy coat does require grooming to prevent deep knots from forming. A wavy coat will grow to around cm 4 to 7 inches in left untrimmed The hair will typically be shorter around the face Wavy coats are low shedding Wavy or fleece coats are less dense than a curly coat Wavy coat Goldendoodles are low allergy Wavy coat Goldendoodles need brushing at least once per week. The coat will stay healthy and clean with little effort. If left to develop, sometimes the knots need shaving, which can cause discomfort. Brush well before shampooing your Goldendoodle with the best breed appropriate shampoo Curly Coat Goldendoodles Curly Goldendoodle coats feature the densest curls of any Groodle coat type. The curly coat is also most like that of the purebred Poodle. If the coat is curly, you can look for a few early signs to help tell the coat type of your Goldendoodle. Curly coats will eventually stop growing if left. The hair will typically be shorter around the face — but not always. Curly coat Goldendoodles are very allergy friendly. They are typically non-shedding. The curly coat is similar but not identical to a Poodle coat. Many owners and breeders report little to no Goldendoodle smell with this coat. Some owners only cut their Curly Coat Goldendoodles fur two or three times a year. They will need to brush once or twice a week to avoid knotting and give the best appearance. Straight Coat Goldendoodles Sometimes the straight coat Goldendoodle is called a hair coat or loose coat. These Goldendoodles share the most coat characteristics with a Golden Retriever. Straight coat Goldendoodles can resemble a Golden Retriever. They are the easiest to groom but do shed a little. Use the best-reviewed Goldendoodle shampoo to keep the coat soft. The straight coat can be extremely low maintenance These dogs are shedders This type of Goldendoodle is the most likely to cause trouble for allergy sufferers. Test individually as many allergy sufferers cope well with lots of different types of Poodle Mix breeds. Even though this coat is typically the least amount of maintenance — you may still need to brush. And more often than you think. If there is a dense undercoat it will be necessary to brush at least once per week to avoid knotting. Regardless of coat type, all Goldendoodles can end up with ear wax build-up or infections. Our guide on how to clean Labradoodle ears can be applied to Goldendoodles as well. If your dog wears a collar or harness frequently you will need to brush these areas irrespective of which coat type is present. The change from puppy coat can be sudden. It can also be gradual and take months to switch to an adult coat. Toy and teacup Goldendoodles will experience a puppy coat change too. Several breeders say that it is common for Goldendoodle puppy owners not to notice the coat change. The breeders said this is because either The coat change was gradual from 6 months of age with no sudden change Or some adult coats for Godlendoodles are super soft and indistinguishable from the puppy coat How To Tell What Coat Your Goldendoodle Will Have Genetics will determine the variables of the coat. Cross-breeding dogs can give unpredictable results. Goldendoodle puppies can be more like one parent than the other, Breeders and owners have noted some tricks and tips to help determine the future coat of a Goldendoodle puppy. The usual reminder that a Groodle is the same thing as a Goldendoodle. So if you are looking to find out how to tell what type of coat a Groodle will have — you are in the right place. From early puppyhood through to one year of age, the Goldendoodle coat is in a constant state of development. Knowing exactly the type of coat that a puppy will have as an adult is not possible. There are however some early signs that give you an indication of what the adult coat will be. We asked owners and breeders how to tell what coat your Goldendoodle will have. How to tell what coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have: Check the snout. By comparing the coats of the parent dogs you will get a generally good idea of the range of possibilities. If both parents are Goldendoodle with fleece, a wavy coat is most likely. If both have loose straight hair — be prepared for shedding. Nature and genetics will have the final say. These coat prediction methods give best indication of future coat type. There can always be surprises. Naming inspiration from a galaxy far, far away. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding Poodle coat is a highly desired feature. This significantly increases the likelihood of a Curly coat or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less likely to have a significant coat change from puppyhood to adulthood. It is common for the fur density and coarseness to increase. These Goldendoodles do not have teddy bear features. English Goldendoodles are more likely than American Goldendoodles to have a boxy teddy bear appearance. Both types can look very teddy-bear-like with the correct furnishings. We call the Goldendoodle teddy bear face features furnishings. Dogs with any of the three coat types can also be missing furnishings. As a result, they can look much more like a Poodle or a Golden Retriever. Bernedoodles experience something similar with their tri-colour coats. F1 Goldendoodles are the most likely to be missing furnishings. A puppy without furnishings is unlikely to develop them when the coat changes to the adult Goldendoodle coat. Flat coats are quite commonly seen in F2 Goldendoodles. These coats are easy to maintain when compared with curlier coated types. However, if you want a Goldendoodle that has the traditional teddy bear look, a flat-coated dog is not for you. Also, these dogs are moderate to high shedders and are, therefore, not recommended for a family with allergies. However, unlike flat-coated Doodles, the straight coat type does have furnishings and the fur tends to be fluffier in texture. Straight coat Goldendoodles are also referred to as loose coats or hair coats, and these pups have coats that are most like a Golden retriever. Also, these dogs do tend to shed quite heavily, making them unsuitable for those with pet allergies. So, if you take on one of these Goldendoodles, you must also be prepared to vacuum your carpets daily! Wavy Coat Image Source: Instagram. A wavy or shaggy coat is the most common type of Goldendoodle coat type, and they are also sometimes called fleece coats. In fact, the wavy coat occurs in all the most popular generations of Goldendoodles, including F1, F1b, and multigenerational dogs. Wavy Goldendoodles can be minimal shedders, although F1 and F2 dogs tend to be moderate to heavy shedders. So, to be certain as to whether your puppy will shed or not, always choose a reputable breeder that has had all their breeding dogs DNA tested. Curly Coat Curly coats are created when the puppy inherits a curl gene from each parent. These dogs have very dense, fleece-like coat characteristics that most closely resemble the coat of the Poodle parent. You will most commonly find curly coats in an F1B Goldendoodle or some of the multigenerational Goldendoodles. However, most owners prefer to have their dogs shaved or clipped. Curly Goldendoodles are minimal to non-shedding coats, which makes these dogs extremely sought after by people with pet allergies. If you leave the coat to grow without having your dog clipped, the curls will become very dense, making it difficult to gauge their length simply by looking at the coat. That said, eventually, the hair will stop growing. To make matters even more confusing, Goldendoodles commonly change color as they mature. Generally, if the puppy has a smooth face without furnishings, he will most likely have an improper or flat coat. Goldendoodle Coat Stages As previously mentioned, Goldendoodle puppies begin shedding their puppy coats once they reach around six months of age. By the time your puppy is eight months old or more, he will have his final adult coat. The final coat is usually not as soft and fluffy as the puppy coat. The coat change can be gradual or sudden, taking a matter of weeks or several months. Also, some super-soft adult Goldendoodle coats are virtually indistinguishable from the puppy coat. Until recently, crossbreeding dogs generally gave unpredictable results with the puppies taking more after one parent than the other. Now, DNA testing is commonly used by good breeders to determine what kind of coat their puppies will have. However, there are a few tried and tested methods of determining what kind of coat the puppy will have as an adult. That can be a good indicator for the coat type your dog will have as an adult. Generally, a prominent mustache is a clear indicator that the puppy will have a curly coat. Dogs that will go on to develop wavy coats tend to grow a shaggy beard around the muzzle. Straight-coated Goldendoodles usually have short, neat hair around their snout. If the puppy is anything other than an F1, first-generation pup, look at both the parent dogs. Generally, puppies take after one parent dog. However, genetics always have the final say when it comes to coat types. Inspiration For Names! One of the fun things about owning a Goldendoodle is choosing a name for your dog. For a few more ideas on what names you can choose for your Doodle puppy, check out this guide! Most people think of the Goldendoodle as having those classic teddy bear looks that everyone finds so adorable. However, not all puppies go on to develop that wavy or curly coat and furnishings that are so desirable. And, of all the generations, the F1B Goldendoodles are much less likely to have a significant coat change as they mature, although the coat coarseness and density are quite likely to increase. Interestingly, English Goldendoodles are more likely to have that boxy teddy bear features than American Goldendoodles. However, both kinds can develop the teddy bear appearance with the correct furnishings. Dogs with any of the three types of Goldendoodle coats can be with or without furnishings. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be without furnishings. That involvement entails providing access to the very latest research and expert guidance on canine reproduction, breed development, and puppy development. However, through the careful selection of mates, a good breeder can produce that adorable Teddy Bear look that people love so much. Shedding intensity can also be predicted through careful DNA research and careful breeding. The S gene that gives the dog a short coat is dominant. Doodle coats can be curly, straight, or wavy, depending on the number of curl genes that they take from their parents. What Are Furnishings? Commonly known as the F gene, the gene, RSP02 is responsible for those furnishings. Improper Coat A coat that has no furnishings is known as an improper coat or IC. Goldendoodles that have Ff or F IC or one copy of the furnishings gene tend to be lighter shedders than dogs that do have furnishings. I hope you enjoyed this guide! What kind of coat did you think your puppy would grow, and how did it actually turn out? Tell us in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Related Content You May Find Interesting Mother Nature always has the final say Nature work can work in mysterious ways, and there are really no guarantees when it comes to predicting what coat types your dog will have. Even understanding whether Goldendoodles have hair or fur or whether they are hypoallergenic can be challenging. There are some subtle hints that you can follow to help guess the coat type of your new Goldendoodle. So, you cannot always go by what you see when your Goldendoodle is a puppy, as this may change as your dog ages. There are 3 different steps you can do to help you determine what coat type your Goldendoodle will have. Look at the fur around its mouth. When trying to determine the different hair coats that your Goldendoodle puppy may have, first start by looking at the hair around the muzzle and face. This will help tell you what kind of hair your dog may have. Curly coated dogs will often have lots of curls on their mustache and beard. Shaggy and wavy hair coats will have straight hair on the muzzle and have what you would think of as a beard on a dog. Goldendoodles who have straight hair will have short hair on their muzzle and no beard. Sarah Ochoa, DVM When your puppy is firstborn, and as they are growing, it can be very hard to tell what coat type your puppy may have. At first, they may all be very similar. Usually, the facial hair can clue you into what type of coat your puppy will have. Consider How your dog was Bred. Genetics plays a big factor in the hair type and hair color of all dogs. When trying to get a certain coat type for your Goldendoodle, look at their parents, and even grandparents coat types. The genes that are expressed their will help indicate what type of coat yours will have. Their offspring are Goldendoodles. These Goldendoodles can then be bred to make more Goldendoodles. Also, a Goldendoodle can be mixed with another poodle or Golden Retriever. Depending on what mix you use will cause varying differences in their hair coats. No matter what mix you can usually make three different coat types. Coat length, furnishings, and non-curl gene that results in a flat coat all depend on the poodle parent and golden retriever parent and what kind of coat genes they had. How to Breed a Goldendoodle to Get the Hair coat you want When looking for a specific coat type, you can look at how your Goldendoodle was bred. When trying to understand the breeding of a Goldendoodle, you may think that you will need to take a little lesson in genetics to help you. This is very easily explained below. By understanding these different ways of breeding, can help you understand what will cause your Goldendoodles to have a certain hair type. These are the common crosses used to make Goldendoodles. This makes an F1. These dogs tend to have wavy or curly hair. After you complete this first cross, there are many different options for producing more Goldendoodles. This may be the most popular type of Goldendoodle. This means that your dog will have a split between the traits of these two dogs. These different crosses are known as F2 or second-generation crosses. These are considered second-generation Goldendoodles or F2. These are called F1B. This is done to bring out more of the poodle traits in the Goldendoodle. If you want a Goldendoodle with a coat very similar to a poodle, this is a great breeding that you will want to look for. These dogs are also very low to non-shedding and usually allergy-free. This dog will be more like a Golden Retriever with less curly hair. Since this dog will have more of the traits of a Golden Retriever, they will also shed more. This cross is not ideal if you have pet-related allergies. This is not a very popular cross as the reasons most people buy a Goldendoodle is for the non-shedding and low allergen dog. Get An Older Goldendoodle While most people want to get their Goldendoodle when they are younger, there are many older Goldendoodles that also need a great loving home. Many breeders will offer older dogs at a discount too. This is the easiest way to get the coat type that you want since they have already lost their puppy coats and have developed the adult coat. Your Goldendoodle can be up to 8 months old before their true coat type is shown. Most Goldendoodles, you can get a good guess at around 4 months, but these pups are growing and changing that even their hair type can change. Most of these dogs will have their adult hair coat between 6 to 8 months, and then you can for sure be able to tell what type of adult coat your dog will have. Most people get their dogs around 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes before then. While the coat type that they have then will be very close to what their hair will look like as an adult, it can always change as they grow. What are the different types of Coats that My Goldendoodle may have? Your Golden doodle can have 3 different coat type or any mixture of the three. Some dogs can actually have all 3 coat types. These are a description of the 3 common coat types seen in Goldendoodles: Shaggy or wavy hair Shaggy or Wavy coat is the most common hair type, and most popular hair type wanted in Goldendoodles. This coat is a mixture of the two parents. The curly Poodle mixed with a straight Golden Retriever makes a soft wavy or shaggy appearance in Goldendoodle puppies. This hair type is known as a teddy bear coat since they resemble a teddy bear. This hair type will require regular brushing to keep them clean and tangle-free. The great thing about this hair coat is that it is usually little to no shedding making it great for people who have pet allergies. These dogs are usually groomed, so they always resemble a teddy bear. This can take some time and patients for your dog to learn to tolerate their grooming. Curly Hair Tight curly hair is very similar to the curly coats of Poodles. Multigenerational goldendoodles are more likely to have this coat. It is closest to non shedding. Some poodles will have curls that are very tight and close to the skin, but some will have loose barrel ringlets. If your Goldendoodle puppy has curls they will need regular grooming to keep them from becoming matted and their hair from taking over. Some pet owners will have their Goldendoodle trimmed short to help avoid matting. This hair type is the second most popular but is very popular with people who have pet allergies. This hair sheds the least and is the most hypoallergenic of the three coat types. Many people who never could have a dog because of their allergies have found it possible to have Goldendoodles with curly coats. Curly Goldendoodles are the most sought after, but they take multiple goldendoodle generations to achieve. If shedding matters to you, choose a reputable breeder. Hypoallergenic Goldendoodles are developed with extensive commitment to breeding dogs, including DNA testing, monitoring what genes each litter is liekly to inherit, and looking for just the right curly coats to breed to produce the curl people want without sacrificing temperament. This hair type is probably the easiest coat to maintain and is a great choice for people who have very little time for the daily brushing the other two types require. The downside to the straight coat is that they will shed. They are also not able to achieve the famous teddy bear look. The teddy bear look is the reason that most of the dogs are sought after. Although many people consider it an improper coat, the short coat with eyebrows can be very cute, and while there may be more dander, there will also be fewer knots. The one thing that makes these dogs look very different than the other two hair types is that these coats usually do not grow a beard around their muzzle. They will have a muzzle very similar to Goldens. Mixed Hair Types Some Goldendoodles can even have a mixed hair type. They may have tight curls around their face and long feathered hair on their legs. Their bodies or ears may have wavy hair. They often have a wavy or shaggy coat overall. These types can require lots of upkeep, as each section will need a different type of grooming to keep them looking great. On the other hand, these three coat types and the variations can create wavy or shaggy coats that are very cute. The smooth face paired with a curly coat collar is a lot of fun. Most people think that this is very easy to determine that their dog will be the same color that they are when they are born. As your puppy is growing and hair type possibly changing, so can their coat color. Your chocolate Goldendoodle puppy may fade to a Parchment color as they get older. There are many different colors that your Goldendoodle may come in. These are the 10 different colors seen in Goldendoodles: Chalk white. In short, no. These coat variations are less like to come up in searches as they may not have the instantly recognizable Doodle-like appearance. How can you tell if a Goldendoodle Puppy will be Curly? Effectively the genetic die has been rolled as soon as your little puppy has been conceived. As they grow inside their mother their DNA is forming that has the recipe for everything from gender to coat type and color. Many new or prospective owners may be selecting a Goldendoodle primarily for their potential to have a curly therefore lower shedding coat but just to make like interesting Goldendoodle are not actually born with their adult coat. Instead, they are born with a fluffy straighter puppy coat and their full adult coat may be different and not fully realized until they are around one year old. Clues that your Goldendoodle May Grow up Curly Many breeders and Goldendoodle owners have suggested that there are some characteristics that can be looked at that often hint at the type of adult coat a Goldendoodle may have. Wavy Adult Coat Puppies may have waved hair around their nose and a general shaggier appearance to the hair around their nose and muzzle. Straight Adult Coat Puppies may have notably straight hair around their nose and generally shorter hair over their muzzle giving a smoother appearance While many breeders may swear by this approach, it is worth remembering this is no exact science and Mother Nature has always been known to throw a curveball now and then. A Little Genetic Help While there is nothing anyone can do to change a coat type once a puppy is born, one way of increasing the chances of having a curly-coated Goldendoodle is to think about the parent mix. In simple terms, breeders can sway the proportion of Poodle genes to increase the chance of Poodle-ish curly coats by breeding a first generation Goldendoodle back with a Poodle. That being said, in a litter of these puppies there can still be wavy and flat coats but likely in lesser numbers. When do Goldendoodles Shed their Puppy Coat? Already mentioned in this article is the fact that Goldendoodles, just like most dogs, are not born in their final coat. They come out, soft, silky, and impossibly cute and have to put some serious work into growing strong and healthy before their adult coat will start to develop. Typically, many Goldendoodles will begin to shed their puppy coats anywhere from six to seven months onwards. The process is very gradual, so gradual in fact that many Goldendoodle owners may not recognize it has started. As puppy coats are generally shorter and less dense than adult coats there is not a large volume of hair to shed as the adult coat comes through. It is important to keep up a regular grooming schedule to avoid the shorter puppy hair getting caught in the denser adult coat coming through which could result in tangles or matting. Do Goldendoodles Coats Change? Goldendoodles are no different from the vast majority of dogs in that their coat will go through some natural and unavoidable changes over their lifetime. The most notable as discussed above is the changing of their puppy coat to their adult hair type. Interestingly though this is not a quick process and while most Goldendoodles will have their adult coat firmly in place by around one year, some can continue to experience changes until around two years. Most owners will know to expect their Goldendoodles adult coat to transition to a bit longer, a bit denser, and generally a bit coarser than their light puppy coat but they may be unprepared to see that color and pattern changes can also occur in their dog from six months right up to around that two-year mark. Often adult coats may be visibly lighter in color than puppy coats which may cause some marking patterns of lighter hair seen on a puppy to blend in and disappear. Alternatively, some Goldendoodle puppies that appeared solid color may develop some mixed color patches or fade in areas such as the face, tail, or body. Most adult Goldendoodles coats have settled by around 2 years and will be fairly fixed until they head into their senior or twilight years. Just like humans, they may experience graying or loss of color pigment. Just as humans will go grey on their head, senior Goldendoodles will often show lightening or loss of color completely around the face and muzzle Personally I love a senior doggo with a white face, I think they look like wise old boys and girls. In addition to color change in your senior Goldendoodle, the texture and density of their coat may change with some evidence of thinning. It is important to note these changes should be gradual. Anyone who encounters sudden or dramatic changes of hair loss in their dog should always seek veterinary advice as it could be an indicator of an underlying health condition or injury. Why is my Goldendoodle not Curly? The curly-coated and wavy coated Goldendoodle is certainly more common overall but what about if your little Goldendoodle ends up the more unique flat coat style? The good news is while they may pass convincingly for a Golden Retriever, they still will be a Doodle mix underneath and have the temperament favored by so many. If you are still struggling to get your head around how the Poodle curls fully skipped your pup there is a handy article already on our site that will tell you all you need to know about the flat coat Goldendoodle. However, life is not always super simple, and some will have a combination of coat types. This most commonly presents as curly over the body and softer waves around the face. These coats are notably curled. The actual curls themselves can vary between barrel-type individual curls or have a tighter, kinky curl appearance. The density of the curls makes this type the least prone to shedding as any hair that does break off gets caught in the coat generally. This means regular, daily, brushing is a must to prevent tangles and mats from occurring. Not only would this be unsightly, left untreated, but hair matting can also be painful and cause underlying skin conditions. Many curly Goldendoodle owners will incorporate 6-toweek grooming sessions to clip the coat to a manageable length to make brushing less arduous. Wavy Coats Wavy-coated Goldendoodles will generally appear longer in hair length than their curly companions and exhibit a more silken softer hair type. This will still need regular brushing however may be easier to get a brush through. Grooming trips are also needed but may not be required as frequently. Think smooth short fur on the face and silky long hair over the body. Think sticks, twigs, and unfortunately mud! Coat Comparisons Post updated I have had many inquires from families wondering what coat type the puppies will have as they mature. When dealing with a Hybrid it is very difficult to predict with certainty what their Adult coat will eventuality end up like. Puppies go through multiple coat changes before their adult coat finally comes in. All newborn goldendoodle puppies look like Golden Retrievers. It is not until around 6 — 7 weeks when we can determine if it will be a Flat Coat goldendoodle — no facial furnishings. We have produced flat coats with both straight hair and with some curls. Below are some of our previous puppies. There are three pictures of each puppy. Notice the progression of the puppy: the first picture is newborn, the next picture is puppy at eight weeks old and the last picture the puppy as an adult. My puppies are lucky to have joined such wonderful, loving families. It makes my day when I get an email from one of our previous puppy families giving me an update and sharing pics of their dog. Thank you! They are fluffy all over including the face. They come in three types — Straight, Wavy, and Curly. Grooming requirements are brushing daily to prevent matting and a trip to the groomers every eight weeks or so.

You'll want to be on our waiting list, as Kenya Labradors puppies are most often sold before they are born. Waiting for the right Lab puppy to adopt is well worth the investment of your time. While all puppies are cute, it's vital to remember your puppy will grow up quickly and spend many years of life with you. Your best bet is to take time and find a responsible and caring breeder of Labrador puppies. You are making both a delightful and serious commitment. We highly recommend adopting a high quality Lab puppy, one that comes from breeding excellence, who will grow up to be a lovely, strong, healthy, fun-loving, affectionate companion. Kenya Labradors are never breed for volume sales, only for the best possible lifetime companions. We plan every breeding carefully to bring out the best in the sire and dam — both are tested and certified for hereditary dysfunctional diseases. We will be here to guide you in choosing your puppy, and to offer further advice and training tips. Trinity Puppy Nanny Transport Service When your puppy is ready to go home, we highly recommend this safe and reliable transport service. Click to email Trinity Pet Nanny for rates and more information! Kuranda Dog Beds Kuranda is the brand of dog beds that we use and recommend. They are built to last and our dogs love them! However, the dog is completely eligible to be entered in any of the thousands of licensed or member events. Kenya Labradors Does Not: Kenya Labradors does not ship puppies, and we do not sell puppies via the Internet or to pet dealers. You must be physically present to adopt a Lab puppy from us. We also do not cross-breed Labs to make designer dogs, and we do not breed for so-called "rare" colors, like silver or white. Come and see for yourself. You just might fall in love! Some of our puppies featured in a commercial for Tennis Warehouse: More Kenya Labradors puppy videos: Cute little Lab puppy with his toy, sired by Mikey. Adorable puppy by Joe and Brandy. A big thank you to the Mako family for providing "Poncho" with such a great home! Santa Margarita, CA .Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, due in large part to their cheerful personalities and obedient natures. If you live in California and want to expand your pack with a new Labrador Retriever puppy, the breeders on this list should be the first places that you check. The 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in California 1. However, they emphasize preparing their pups to be working dogs, ready to help you with your next hunt. For an additional fee, you can have your new dog taught basic obedience and advanced gun dog training. Summerland Labradors Visit Their Website Phelan, CA Summerland Labradors is a small operation, producing only two to three litters per year, so you need to be on the ball if you want to adopt from them. Kenya Labradors Visit Their Website Santa Margarita, CA The biggest downside in buying a dog from Kenya Labradors is that the animals are raised on a gorgeous, acre plot overlooking the California coast, so the dog might be a bit disappointed when they get to your house. Still, all that room enables these dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialization before they join your pack. This kennel breeds well-pedigreed dogs, and your pup will come with more paperwork than the average new car. Your dog will be accustomed to living like you do long before you pick them up, which should cut down their adjustment time significantly. All their dogs are AKC-registered, and each one has many generations of champions in their heritage. They go to great lengths to try to match each pooch up with the perfect home for them, so your dog will be chosen based on how their temperament fits in with your existing lifestyle. They also guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic defects up to 1 year of age or your money back. Your new pup will be thoroughly vetted, registered with the AKC, and microchipped before being handed over to you. They also have an extensive blog that answers just about any question that you might have about raising your new family member. You may also be interested in:. We pride ourselves on having a very select, well-planned breeding program, producing top quality Labrador Retriever puppies that you will be proud to own, and love to live with. All of the dogs in our breeding program come from excellent pedigrees, with Champion bloodlines. However, we feel that the most important job our Lab puppies have is bringing years of joy and companionship to their humans. Summerland Labradors was established in , and through selective breeding we strive to not only improve our own breeding program with every litter being better than the last, but our goal is to better the breed as a whole. Our objective is to produce a Labrador Retriever that excels in all aspects of life and conforms to the highest standards of the American Kennel Club. Health and soundness is of great importance in our breeding program, therefore all of our adult Labradors have had their hips and elbows cleared through the OFA, have their hearts cleared, are PRA and EIC tested, and have their eyes cleared through a Veterinary Ophthalmologist before they are considered for breeding. Generally, we only have litters a year, so we will occasionally have Labrador Puppies available as outstanding family companions. Our Lab puppies are lovingly raised in our home under the watchful care of our whole family; they are well socialized around children, different textures, surfaces and noises to ensure that you get the sweetest addition to your family. When you are ready for an incredible addition to your family, we encourage you to Contact Us to be notified of our next available litter, as our Lab puppies are often sold before they are born. We would love to invite you to compare our testimonials with other Labrador Retriever breeders in Southern CA. We invite you to view pictures and read some of the touching letters we received from Read Testimonials Read More About Us We are a large family that loves Labs! We began breeding Labradors simply for the love of the breed. My wonderful kids are involved with the care of our pets and the socialization of the puppies. Some of our Labs have been trained to surf! They even drive from Arizona and Las Vegas Nevada! Acts Help Heal and Protect your Pet for life! Learn more click here! A lifetime of Nu Vet is cheaper than one major vet visit. Puppies and dogs that are on Nu Vet have beautiful coat and skin and are far less likely to ever suffer from allergies. Nu Vet Plus is an immune system builder that will help strengthen your pets immune system as well as the cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems. It will help protect pets from the side effects of vaccinations and the stress of new and different environments. Your righteousness is like the mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike O Lord. Psalm .Our Prices: Our base prices are listed below, according to current demand for colors and genders. Note: Sales tax is due on any pups or merchandise sold in California. By request, and for an additional fee, we often transport puppies to Davis. We used to be able to ship puppies via airplane all over the continental United States, but more restrictions apply at this time, due to Covid, extreme heat, or extreme cold. Unfortunately, we no longer ship puppies to Hawaii, due to their quarantine restrictions. Can I pick out my Labrador Retriever puppy before the designated adoption date? Sorry, but no. Most people will not know which puppy they are choosing until puppy adoption day. What supplies do we need for our new puppy? So many people ask us this question, we wrote a blog giving our advice. You can read our blog here. Do you raise American or English Labs? Both, actually, but mainly American. Only a few of our dogs are pure English; some are a blend of American and English. Litters are usually pure American or a blend of American and English. None, so far, are pure English. If you scroll down to the bottom of the videos page you can also view links to past litters of Labrador puppies for your viewing pleasure. We may, however, be able to refer you to hunting dog trainers, so feel free to shoot us an email asking us about that. Marble Mountain Kennels.

We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

This may vary depending on availability, payment method, location and other factors beyond our control. Close Additional shipping costs may apply. Product description Exclusive dry dog food for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months, with a patented antioxidant complex and vitamin E, along with highly-digestible proteins and prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids. The German Shepherd is a noble breed that is remarkably versatile. Its strong muscles, developed chest and powerful mobility combine with its natural love of working to make this a brilliantly useful breed, whether as a guide dog, rescue dog, police dog or guard dog. In order to be well prepared for an active life full of responsibility, optimal nutrition such as Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy is essential from a very young age. Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy offers your dog a special recipe during this sensitive initial growth phase. The dry food contains an antioxidant complex that can help support bodily defences. It also contains valuable digestible proteins and prebiotics, which support healthy digestion and balanced gut flora, as well as improving stool quality. Glucosamine, chondroitin and a special combination of omega-3 fatty acids supports optimum growth, strong joints and healthy bone development. Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy at a glance: High-quality dry food for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months For a great start in life: An exclusive recipe for German Shepherd puppies, helping to support the immune system, digestion, bones and joints High digestibility: highly digestible L. This means that Royal Canin offers your dog high-quality, balanced nutrition. You can find more information about wet food under the following link:. They have over meals to choose from depending on the many factors that make your pooches individuality. That being said, the retail line of the meals is broken into two sections. You can pick recipes based on size or breed. It goes without saying that many pure-breed pet parents chose the breed side of the site, as it will provide their pet with all the specific nutrients, supplements, and vitamins their dog needs to remain healthy and strong. As German Shepherds are a popular pet to have, it is no wonder it is one of their more popular breed formulas. Royal Canin is a brand that was created in France by a veterinarian by the name of Jean Cathary. As a dog owner, Cathary wanted to build a brand of pet foods that would be based on scientific research that showed what was nutritious for animals versus what we thought sounded good. Since the s, the world of pet care has advanced and along with it so has Royal Canin. It has changed hands a few times over the decades, as well, but it has been firmly in the care of Mars for quite some time. It has also been a part of the USA pet industry since , when they set up their manufacturing facility in Missouri. Besides the United States, Royal Canin has manufacturing plants throughout each continent except Antarctica. The ingredients are responsibly sourced around the globe, and they go through a rigorous testing phase before adding the items to their formulas. The German Shepherd line is available in either dry or canned recipes. It is designed to suit the dietary and health needs of purebred dogs. You can also choose a dish within a specific age range. For example, the puppy formula is available for those dogs who are between 8 weeks and 15 months old. The adult formula, on the other hand, is designed for German Shepherds that are 15 months and older. Based on the nutritional needs of this breed, there is no senior option. Take a look at the benefits below for your furry-friend: Kibble size: In both the adult and puppy food, the kibble is designed in such a way to promote chewing. German Shepherds have strong teeth that need to be nurtured to prevent tartar build-up and eventual decay. Digestive help: Another important aspect of this formula is the digestible proteins and fiber content that promotes a healthy digestive system in adult and young pups. Immune support: the meal contains antioxidants for immune support and building, specifically in the puppy formula. Bone and joint health: Unfortunately, this breed can develop joint issues as they age. Ingredients such as Glucosamine and chondroitin are great for relieving pain. It is added to both the adult and puppy recipes as it can also help prevent arthritis. Other Details Outside of the basic functions, ingredients, and nutritional value of this dog food, there are a few other details you should be aware of. First, this food is reasonably priced and can be found on pet store shelves, through the Royal Canin website, and on pet sites such as Chewmy. Speaking of the website, that is another issue that should be addressed as it leaves a lot to be desired. It can be confusing to navigate, and the customer service typically takes a long time to get back to their customers. Finally, as we mentioned, this food is available in either wet or dry, however, only the adult formula comes in a canned option. A post shared by Royal Canin USA royalcaninus Nutritional Value Before we hop into the ingredients of this product, we wanted to give a brief overview of the nutritional value of each recipe available in the German Shepherd line. That being said, some of the values we found in the recipes were not where they should be. Take a look at the three options: Wet.