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Did You Know? How big do GSDs get? The German Shepherd is a large breed of dog. GSD males are ideally 24'' to 26'', weighing between 70 to 90 pounds, and females 22'' to 24'', weighing between 50 to 70 pounds. German Shepherd Coat? GSDs have an inner and an outer coat. Indeed, they shed heavily at times, but quick daily grooming with a coat "rake" helps greatly! GSDs make superior family pets. Great with adults, children, and infants alike. GSDs typically live 12 to 14 years. Guarding Skills GSDs are of the shepherding class of dogs and are thus inclined to protect the home and family. Many of my customers decide on a German Shepherd because of their renowned loyalty. They became familiar with the breed when they were growing up either with one in the home or through a neighbor or friend that had one. The fore legs are parallel and straight, while the rear legs are placed one more forward, and the other further back. This causes the head to be high, and the rump lower, looking at readiness and nobility. The stack pose is used in the show ring to exaggerate the dog's overall structure and is not the normal stance or position of the show line dogs. In short, it is an ordered examination of a dog's abilities in the disciplines of tracking, obedience, and protection, while Kkl is an abbreviated form of the German word "koerklasse. It is the final evaluation of many tests and trials to determine one simple thing about the dog.A dog with a Kkl rating of "passed" is deemed worthy to pass on its traits to the next generation. Call us to learn more about our puppies. NET I am no longer able to log in or send out from the epix. I apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you. With many years of experience in ethical, responsible breeding as members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America - we adhere to the standards they provide. Our AKC registered dogs are deeply rooted in select German lines, and select American lines with a careful breeding plan we produce puppies, 4 to 6 annual litters, that excel as cherished family pets, working and show dogs. We are also expanding what we train or introduce our pups to, we have plans to bring in canine agility training and conformation. We remain active with our dogs and take great pride in ensuring that our pups are raised in a healthy, well socialized and loving environment. We talk below about some of the specialty areas that our pups have been and will continue to be successful in. You'll find our pups grow to be great protectors, wonderful pets, excellent in the fields of search and rescue, remarkable therapy dogs - it all begins with our puppy training. As a responsible future German Shepherd dog owner, you might want to focus on sourcing your new pup from a responsible and reliable breeder instead of a questionable or unreliable one. Good German Shepherd breeders always adhere to the German Shepherd breed standard established by the AKC, and they do everything they can to ensure that the pups they breed are as healthy as possible from the start. Shadowbrook Shepherds — Troy Owned by Pat Holley, who is an experienced dog breeder and handler, Shadowbrook Shepherds is a breeding outfit that specializes in producing high-quality German Shepherd dogs that come from remarkable German bloodlines. They produce GSDs of work, show, and pet quality, as well as the occasional breeding-quality dogs that are only sold to approved breeders. Shadowbrook Shepherds is a member in good standing with both the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club; hence, its breeding program focuses on sticking to the standards for responsible and ethical breeding practices. They produce an average of six to eight litters of German Shepherds per year, all the while focusing on good conformation, excellent health, and sound temperament, to ensure that the dogs they breed excel in any field — whether as regular old family members, skilled working dogs, or quality show dogs. Of course, Shadowbrook Shepherds chooses only health-tested breeding dogs to ensure that their litters carry the best qualities of the German Shepherd breed. All of their puppies are also health tested and vet checked, as well as fully vaccinated, microchipped, and put through a deworming protocol before they are ready to leave for their new home. Shadowbrook Shepherds offers a limited AKC registration, a health guarantee, and a new puppy starter pack that contains all the necessary information that goes along with your puppy such as health records, dog training advice, toys, etc. Shadowbrook Shepherds details. Located in Nottingham, Pa, this breeder has extensive over 40 year-long! They approach breeding and raising their dogs as parts of their family: all puppies are raised in the house, surrounded by other dogs and people. E-Z Brook goal is to raise German Shepherds with superb health and excellent temperaments. Susie Zeiner, the owner of the Kennel, is a former vet technician herself and has plenty of experience tending to animal health and wellbeing. This gives her a strong ground on which to base her decisions when it comes to all aspects of breeding her dogs. This Kennel does thorough health testing of all their puppies and parents. All their dogs are AKC registered and are sold with all their papers and a contract. If you are interested in learning more about them, you can do it here. According to their website, the owner of the Kennel has harbored love and respect for animals for over 50 years, with dogs being one of her favorite. Today, she specializes in beautiful German Shepherds with red and black pigment, beautiful conformation and fine temperaments. To achieve this goal, only the best dogs out of the best bloodlines are used for breeding. Her dogs have high titles including Sieger VA, and all are health screened and hip and elbow certified. Having been a vet technician herself, Brenda has broad experience in caring for animals and maintaining their perfect health. She understands dogs and puppies very well, which helps her achieve great results as a breeder and dog owner. She also has lots of dog training experience which also comes in handy in helping her dogs and their litters to become polite, well-behaved citizens of the world. This is a small hobby kennel treating their dogs as family members. As said on their website, the pups and the adults all live in the house and are treated as family members. Their approach to breeding German Shepherds is to preserve the correct conformation, stable personality, intelligence and drive. This Kennel has bred multiple ACK champions. Some of their graduates serve as Therapy dogs, Rescue dogs and participate in other Service work. All their adults are thoroughly health screened before breeding. They are all hip and elbow certified, screened for degenerative myelopathy, as well as some other health conditions. As a small Kennel, this breeder has a limited number of breedings per year. Click here to find out more about Lindel Shepherds. According to their website, this breeder uses superior lines to produce German Shepherd puppies with excellent qualities, both of the body and the mine. To achieve this, they use selective line breeding. All of the dogs are OFA hip and elbow screened. The parents have impressive pedigrees including IPO titled dogs as well as other titles. All of the puppies go to their new home after their first visit to the vet and a detailed check-up. Every puppy comes with a two-year health warranty, and all puppies are AKC registered. They come with all their papers including their pedigree. According to their website, this breeder cares deeply about the health and well-being of their puppies as well as the best placement for each new puppy into a home that will be most suited for them. They have been responsibly breeding German Shepherds since .In their breeding, they use exclusively imported bloodlines, Schutzhund Titled, fully health checked and with excellent health, appearance and temperament characteristics. All puppies and parents are hip and elbow certified. They only breed dogs with working titles and breed to SV standard. This is also one of the few breeders that actively work with their puppies to perfect their abilities and earn working titles. The result of their breeding is the puppies that are well known for their superior intelligence, beautiful conformation, gorgeous colors and excellent working abilities. Many of their pups have gone on to shine in such activities as agility, Obedience, Search ad Rescue, Police work ad other services. As said on their website, they are a small family kennel striving to produce quality, top standard German Shepherds with beautiful red and black coats, correct conformation and lovely temperaments. Their breeding dogs are health screened and IPO titled. Their puppies are all AKC registered and come with 2-year health guarantee. Every puppy is raised surrounded by a family of both humans and dogs and is well socialized by the time they go to their new homes thoroughly chosen by the Kennel for each puppy to achieve the best fit of personalities of the puppy and their future family. If you re interested in this breeder and their puppies, please visit their website. The owner of the Kennel is a member of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America and takes an active part in many dog shows with their dogs. They have many excellent testimonials on their website, along with photos of their gorgeous dogs. Check out their website here. According to their website, they produce up to 8 litters per year, using fine German and American lines and following the responsible breeding ethics in their work. All their puppies are hand-raised, surrounded by a family of other dogs and people. Their dogs go on to be excellent family companions as well as serve in Search and Rescue, work as Therapy dogs and protection dogs. While this kennel mostly produces pet and show-quality puppies, they also occasionally have breeding dogs for select clients. Their breeding program is highly selective, aimed at the preservation and improvement of the best qualities of the breed. All dogs are regularly examined by the vet and screened for genetic issues such as hip and elbow issues. This breeder is a member of Bred with H. T since .Shadowbrook Kennels only place their dogs in the most suitable homes where the puppies will receive proper care and lots of love. If you are interested in this breeder and their dogs, this is their website. This is a wonderful dog, but there are a few considerations you need to take into account. There are lots of upsides of having a German Shepherd. These are highly intelligent dogs, very easy to train and eager to perform. If you love teaching your dog tricks, or if you have work for the dog to do such as guard and protect, for example , this will be a great breed for you. German Shepherds are very loyal towards their family members. They can also be friendly to other pets provided they are acquainted at the young age. This dog will make you much more active! They need lots of walks and active play, so you can sell your gym membership now. This is also a gorgeous dog that will be your pride and joy. However, there are also downsides to keep in mind. These are large dogs, and they need a lot of space. A one-bedroom apartment or any apartment, really is not a good place for a German Shepherd to live. A farm, or at least a large house would be a much better option. German Shepherds are also quite loud. Not that they bark much although that depends on how you raise them. But the do everything quite loudly: they snore when they sleep, they breath loudly etc. Take that into account when thinking of adopting a German Shepherd. Your house will never be clean again. German Shepherds have long coats which are perfect for carrying dirt and dust from outside onto your perfect new sofa. They will also drag dirt and sand on their feet. And, of course, there will be dog hair everywhere, especially during shedding season. German Shepherds do smell. Your German Shepherd will need lots of training if you want them to be polite and obedient. Otherwise you risk raising a disobedient, uncontrollable and potentially dangerous dog. Other than that, this is a wonderful dog to have. You just need to see for yourself if you are ready to live with certain downsides of this breed. We have created a list of the Best German Shepherd Breeders in Pennsylvania to help you find a healthy puppy. You can ensure that our list will not include any backyard breeders or puppy mills. They only breed puppies from parents who are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to be free of hip and elbow dysplasia. Their German shepherd puppies have excellent physical and mental qualities and come from superior lines. This breeder specializes in breeding black and red purebred German shepherd puppies, as well as they also breed for those who are interested in German shepherd dog ownership for the purpose of the Show Ring, or for the disciplines of Schutzhund, or as Service dogs. All puppies come with a 1st vet check, a two-year written health guarantee, as well as their first vaccination and their first round of deworming. Every German shepherd puppy also comes with a three-generation pedigree from the A. They strive to produce German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat, exceptional character, and family protection all in one. All parents dogs and are health screened and hip and elbow certified. Breeders invite everyone to come to visit their house to see how their dogs are raised and what facilities that get it. German Shepherd Breeder Info:. You can find this dog in the thick of war as a bomb dog, as a seeing-eye dog for the blind, or in the home as a family pet. There is no limit to what these dogs can do. After deciding that the German Shepherd is the right dog for your family, the next step is finding a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is one that will ask you questions about the breed and why you chose it and will meet you at their facility. They should also let you meet the parents of your puppy if you request it. We have put together this list of the Top 10 German Shepherd Breeders in Pennsylvania to help lead you to your perfect puppy. Each breeder will include some information about the breeder, puppies, and guarantees they may offer. Also included is easy-to-use contact information, for when you select the breeder of your dreams. Even though we have worked hard to put together this information for you, you should always do your own research and talk with the breeder of your choice to make sure that it is an ideal fit for your family. After seeing their courage and intelligence in one of the most challenging environments, he fell in love with the breed. Upon returning home, he decided to start breeding the German Shepherd dogs he loved so much. Tony specifically set his eyes on the long-coated variety, for their unique look, and that is what he specializes in breeding today. Puppies from Bergerhaus are raised inside the family and are socialized with children and other pets. Before going home, they receive a vet check, all vaccines, four deworming treatments, and a microchip. They also come with a two-year health guarantee. Stud services are also available to approve female dogs. If you are in the military or a law enforcement officer, we have some good news for you. Bergerhaus offers a discount for all military and law enforcement as a thank-you for your service. Purchasers of puppies report calm, friendly, confident dogs and refer to Tony as knowledgeable and professional. Tony offers lifetime support to all his adoptive families and encourages them to reach out if they have questions.

When you combine the two you have a highly intelligent, gentle, somewhat goofy, loyal companion. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from the large standards that can weigh anywhere from pounds, to the smallest micros which are only pounds and any Show More An F1 Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from the large standards that can weigh anywhere from pounds, to the smallest micros which are only pounds and anything in between. They also come in a variety of colors. The most popular and desirable is the Tri-colored. A beautiful combination of black, brown and white. They can also be parti, bi colored, solid, sable, and several other combinations. They will require regular grooming so be prepared for that. If you are looking for hypoallergenic you should look for an F1b, which is a Bernedoodle bred back to a poodle. They are less likely to shed. Although, keep in mind there is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic dog. At Sterling Ridge we currently breed standards and mini sized Bernedoodles. We do not breed F1's. We are prepared to give these pups the BEST start in life. We are experienced, family-centered, ethical breeders. Our program is based in New England — but our gorgeous puppies have been placed with families from coast to coast. We are longtime breeders of purebred dogs with over 40 years experience. We are passionate about our dogs and puppies. Our elite breeding program strives to preserve, promote, and protect the natural strength and beauty of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle by carefully crossing select bloodlines to produce Bernedoodles that embody the very best traits of both foundation breeds. Our Bernedoodle dogs and puppies are home-raised, never kenneled, and puppies spend the first eight weeks of their lives living intimately with our family and learning how to be good family members. All our dogs receive the highest nutritional support and are fed a premium organic raw diet. We genetically test every single breeding male and female Bernese Mountain Dogs, Poodles, and Bernedoodles prior to breeding to screen for any hereditary health problems. This means we screen for both Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog hereditary diseases. Every single puppy receives a full veterinary wellness exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, internal parasite control, and all recommended screenings before going to a new home. We are constantly monitoring the veterinary literature, both in the US and abroad, for continuing advances in canine genetics, health, wellness, nutrition, and disease prevention. Our breeding program is exceptional in its commitment to veterinary advances, and is constantly improving. Beautiful Fun-Loving Friends and Companions. Bernedoodles are an amazing cross between the giant Bernese Mountain Dog, and the multi-talented Poodle. Bernedoodles are very people-oriented, are great with children, and like nothing better than to be where their people are and to be involved with everything that that's going on around them. They are loyal, highly affectionate dogs, and have an intuitive intelligence that makes them superb companions and very easy to train. They will play all day if that's what you want to do, but just as happily snuggle with you on the couch or lay quietly at your feet while you are working. They are truly stellar companions, at ease with people of all ages. Photo Gallery Five week old red and white micro puppy My Blog. So, given below we give you some of the important tips you should take before choosing any breeder. After the rise of the doodle dog, there are lots of puppy mills and fake breeders come to market that are selling unhealthy dogs with genetic diseases. Visit Breeder Place:If possible, visit the place where the puppies are born and raised. Do good research on breeders, Especially, for this reason, most breeders take a deposit before going to their place. Health and Genetic test: The best way to get a good Bernedoodle puppy in Connecticut is if the breeder gives you welfare and genetic tests from the parent dogs. These things help you to ensure that your dog is safe and free of any genetic diseases. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Connecticut, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Connecticut? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppy Breeder in Connecticut. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Connecticut If you plan to get your puppy from one of these breeders which we listed above or any other breeders, keep these things in mind, You should not make a deal without proper documentation. Avoid breeders who are hesitant to provide documentation or ask for an extra fee to provide the papers. Other Bernedoodle Breeders. Have your kids and family been pestering you to get a puppy? Or have you been looking at different breeds of puppies and are still uncertain about which breed to choose? Choosing a dog breed can be daunting, especially if you are a first-time dog parent. They are the most loyal and affectionate dogs that love spending time with their humans. Since Bernedoodles love being the center of attention, be ready for a puppy that craves your attention and loves spending time with you. Each Bernedoodle is unique and different. If a Bernedoodle sounds like the ideal dog, the next step is to choose the ideal breeder. To help you out, we have created a list of the 4 best breeders that are offering Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Connecticut. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles This breeder has been in business for over 12 years. So those in Sterling Ridge looking for Bernedoodle puppies in Connecticut can head straight to this breeder to find the best match and the puppy they are looking for. They are at a acre sprawling farm, so you can rest assured that each puppy gets enough space to walk, run, and play with other puppies. Puppies at the Sterling Bridge are more like a part of the family and get the best treatment possible. Before getting their dogs into the mating program, they ensure that each dog has undergone an evaluation and proper testing. Doing so ensures that puppies have the best and most healthy parents. One of the key factors of this breeder is that they specialize in F1b Bernedoodles, making them excellent for people with allergies. The breeders ensure that each puppy is in good health before release. Then, the puppies are dewormed and get their early vaccines. You can check this breeder out to know more about the Bernedoodle puppies and get your fur-ever friend. Finally, Sterling Ridge also provides shipping services. If you are unable to come and pick up the puppy from the breeder, they offer to ship it safely to your doorstep. You can choose to have the puppy shipped via air, travel to your doorstep with a pet nanny, or fly to you personally. You can discuss the options and cost of each with the breeders. Bernedoodle Breeder Information:. The following Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut follow ethical standards and have been certified within their communities. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles are located in the area that gives a title to their breeding program. They have been in the market for over 12 years. This Bernedoodle breeder in Connecticut is located at a acre sprawling farm. Therefore, you can be sure that each dog has enough space to be physically active and healthy. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles treats each dog as if they were part of their family. Furthermore, all of their dogs are thoroughly evaluated and tested before they go into the breeding program. This way, the puppies can get the best of their parents — although that does not guarantee that the puppy will be as you expect! You should know that Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles has a thorough selection process for owners. Contact information: Phone number: Email: Not specified. You can send a message through their website to get in touch with them via email. Similarly, this breeder has been running the program for over thirteen years. Sterling Brook Doodles likes to get to know all the people interested in adopting a puppy. Therefore, be ready to answer all the questions they ask you. They like to make sure that each puppy will go to a loving home, so they will try to make their best to match your family with the perfect puppy based on your lifestyle. This breeder has very specific and serious information about the whole adoption process — therefore, we recommend you to go through the whole website before making a decision. The starting price goes for bi-color pups, while tri-color puppies are the most expensive. Sterling Brook Doodles offers one year warranty against any genetic disease the pup may present. However, it is only valid if you take the puppy to a certified veterinary and inform the seller within three business days. You can either send them a message via their website to receive updates via email or subscribe to their newsletter. Bad breeders are everywhere, which is why spotting good breeders is not as complicated Investigate everything you can about the breeder. Ethical breeders will often be transparent, allowing you to know every step of their breeding program and the facilities where they raise their dogs. Some of them include testimonials on their website. The best way to discard the possibility of dealing with a puppy mill is to make enough research. Some breeders will allow you to visit the facilities and get to know their dogs, and sometimes, your future pet. Therefore, if possible, try visiting the breeder and get to know them as much as you can. Some of them will charge you for a visit. Make sure they offer a health warranty. Most Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut will offer a health warranty to their customers against congenital diseases. Typically, it will be around one or two years, although some of them offer up to three years. Conclusion As of now, there are only two Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut we can really recommend, and both of them have been around for a similar time. Despite that, these puppies offer puppies of all colors and sizes. Therefore, you can be sure that you will be able to find the puppy of your dreams. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Seymour Connecticut and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

December 29, Can you cross a Cockapoo with a labrador? If you are interested in owning an active dog that has a soft and loyal side, the Cockador may be why you are after. Do chocolate Cockapoos fade? Like the black Cockapoo, Chocolate puppies can also inherit the fading gene, resulting in a fade down to cafe au lait or a silvery beige tone. Do Cockapoo puppies calm down? Most Cockapoo dogs will begin slowing down at between one and two years of age. But not ALL become relaxed… By the time they are around three years old or so, Cockapoos will be much calmer; however, even adult dogs will need quite a bit of exercise in order to burn off their excess energy. How do I pick a Cockapoo puppy? What to look for when viewing a cockapoo puppy litter The house is clean and smells fresh. The puppies appear well looked after i. The breeders are well presented and polite. Are chocolate Cockapoos cute? Chocolate Cockapoos are one of the most popular colours We all know Chocolate Cockapoos are so popular and so wonderfully adorable and hansom. Colours are inherited from the Poodle parent and the Cocker parent and the popular colours from the parent genes are mixed and bred down through genetic lines to the puppies. Are Cockapoos biters? All puppies — Cockapoo or not — love to explore the world with their mouths. Are chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies good with kids? Our Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies for sale make one of the best companions for a family and home. With their friendly attitude, love for people, and great relationship with children, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular breeds in the world. What kind of dog is a brown chocolate lab? The chocolate Lab is a friendly, fun-loving and active dog. Weighing up 80lbs, this clever, confident companion can live up to around 12 years old. The ultimate family dog, chocolate Labradors are a top choice for a lot of puppy buyers. Can two yellow Labradors have a black puppy? Chocolate Labrador puppies can come from black or chocolate parents. However, two yellow Labradors will never have brown or black puppies. Should I get a cockador or a Labrador Retriever? If one of the things that have put you off owning a Labrador in the past is their size, a Cockador may be a reasonable compromise, as a Cockador fully grown is not quite as big as that parent breed. There are a wide variety of colours available, with black, blond, chocolate and brown among the most popular and common tones. Be extra cautious with online transactions! We encourage you to read these guidelines before buying or adopting a dog. Have you done your research? Carry out the research so you have the necessary knowledge of the pet you are getting. Since owning a dog is a big commitment, you should research about the breed fully to make sure it fits your current lifestyle and budget. Have you seen the puppy? Take time to visit the advertiser's home to confirm if they are genuine. Do not settle for online communications and photos. UK Pets does not verify the authenticity of all advertisers. The advertiser should allow you to personally see the puppies with the puppies' mother. If they keep on giving you excuses why you could not visit their home or the address stated in the advert is not the accurate and permanent location of the pet, consider this a red flag. Avoid online payment Never pay anything online through money transfer companies especially if you have not personally visited the advertiser and seen the puppy, this includes deposit and delivery cost for the puppy. There is also no means to recover your money if issues arise. Before closing a deal, you must have signed a well-defined contract. Responsible Advertiser The advertiser should only release the puppies when they are 8 weeks old or older. They should be responsible enough to know that separating the puppy from the mother earlier results in medical and behavioural issues.

One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Georgia Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Georgia? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Georgia? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Golden Retriever Rescue Of course, all Golden Retrievers and all dogs are extraordinary pets, and they deserve the best. However, you must pick your future pet to adopt from a good rescue. The Rescue should have active and preventative programs to reduce the animal killing The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared. Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever? Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever. Observe the dog Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing. The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention. If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice. Touch the dog with caution Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it. A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you. Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking. Play with the dog Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays. Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys. At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically. Walk with the dog Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything in the road. A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. Anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog. As always, if you plan to adopt a pet, it would require you a lot of effort and patience. Other States. Shots are up-to-date, Story This group of pups came from a medium size mixed breed mom, and one of the dads at least we know was a golden retriever. I am sure there are multiple dads but we know a golden was seen at the scene. These are the sweetest and most loving little babies. The owner of the mom was going to ""get rid of them"" so a good Samaritan took them because they knew he said that about the last litter and they just disappeared. He didn't want that to happen to the rest. If you are looking for a good and sweet family dog who will not hit any of the breed restrictions here is your litter. They are beautiful and will be ready to go soon, and likely won't last long. They will be current on vaccinations, dewormed and microchipped. Thank you for considering a rescue dog! Your information in our application is not shared and is protocol for adoption. Here is the application link. Any medical conditions known are disclosed to the best of our ability. Adults are hw tested and status is disclosed. Please don't let HW positive dogs deter you. Please ask us and we will gladly explain the slow kill process! If you are out of state or out of area that is not a problem, we do offer relay transport for a small additional fee to cover health certificates required for private interstate travel and additional vetting required. We run solely on donations and house plus dogs and 10 plus horses at any given time. Please be patient but if you do not hear from us within 48 hours of submitting your application please reach out. We are human and we do get very busy sometimes. Our email is Sgequinerescue gmail. Just know some dogs have a lot of apps so the sooner the better in those cases. Adoption fees are set fees and not negotiable. These fees help with vetting on current and future animals we take in. We are partially foster-based, we can help with matching dogs if you have something you have in mind so feel free to call or browse our available dogs at sger. Thank you for considering giving a rescue dog a chance. You don't just save one life, you save 2! If you are interested in supporting our mission but not ready to adopt you can Donate the following ways. Despite her initial shyness, Sasha's sweet and kind nature shines through. Her previous owner expressed financial difficulties in affording her care, even declining the shelter staff's offer of several months' worth of food. Sasha has a heart of gold and knows basic commands like sit. She has tested negative for heartworms and has shown herself to be great with kids. Currently, she resides in Run , patiently waiting for a loving home to call her own. Sasha's ID is .She is up to date on all her vaccines and spayed; she will be microchipped upon adoption. If you're looking for a devoted companion to welcome into your family, Sasha might just be the perfect fit. Please note, all of the pet listings on Friends of Shelter Animals for Cobb are done by volunteers, not shelter staff. If this pet came in as lost not an owner surrender , we don't know how they might be with children, other pets, or if house trained. Marietta, GA , call for more information. Shelter hours are: Tues. The adoption includes shots, altering, a heart worm or combo test and a microchip. When you book an appointment, it doesn't reserve a particular pet for you. Thank you for considering a Cobb pet!

The only time a pug can get pregnant is during her heat. Your female pug will come into heat about twice a year, or roughly once every six months. Her heat period will last about three to four weeks. She will undergo physical changes and her behavior may change some during heat. Male dogs will also be more drawn to her during this time. The best way to know for sure if your pug is in heat is to look at her genital area. During her heat, she will have a swollen vulva and release a bloody discharge. Your female pug cannot get pregnant during the whole heat cycle. She can only get pregnant when she is ovulating. This time tends to be approximately day 11 through 14 of her heat cycle. The range of ovulation can vary depending on the dog. This will give you the best chance for her to fall pregnant because you will know exactly when she needs to breed. The vet may swab her vulva and analyze the cells under a microscope slide to tell exactly what stage of heat she is in and if it's a good time to mate her. You can also get an ovulation blood test, which analyzes the levels of hormones in her bloodstream and detect when she is ovulating based on the rise in hormones. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. During the entire heat cycle, your female pug will be attractive to all male dogs. When she is outside, make sure you keep a close eye on her to ensure that another male dog does not come and mate with her without you knowing about it. This is especially important if you let your dog free in a fenced in yard. Male dogs are known to jump fences to get to females in heat. Once you determine when your female pug is ovulating, have the male pug brought it. When you introduce them, make sure you keep them on a lead. Once they meet, they should take to one another. The female will not allow the male pug near her until she is ready to breed, but if you have timed it right, this will not be a problem. Never forcibly restrain the female pug to get her to submit to the male pug. If the timing is right, she will be a willing participant. You will be able to tell if the breeding was successful around 28 days after the pugs mated. You can do this through a blood test that will show the change in her hormones. Your vet can also perform an ultrasound scan a week earlier to check to see if she is pregnant. You will also notice a physical change to your pug if she is pregnant, with a slightly protruding belly and nipples on her stomach seeming larger than normal around week two or three after mating. By four weeks after mating, her belly will be obvious. Take care not to overfeed your pug in the first half of pregnancy. Weight gain at this time can cause problems with giving birth. Instead, stick with regular amounts of her normal food. Once halfway through the pregnancy, switch to a puppy food and feed her little and often, because her stomach will be compressed by the growing puppies. Also make sure she has plenty of time to rest, since she will be more tired than normal. However, you should still walk her every day, though at a slower pace than before. This should only change if your vet put on exercise restrictions. Pugs are pregnant for an average of 63 days, but anywhere from 60 to 65 days is normal. When the puppies are born, you need to watch them carefully during their first few weeks. They need be clean, warm, continually fed, and gain weight at a healthy rate. Around four weeks, give them a larger area to go around it because they will be more active. Once the dogs are twelve weeks old, you can send them to their new homes. For the little one, the world is a scary place, and it will heavily depend on its mother for food, shelter, and security. For the first 2 weeks, a baby Pug will alternate between sleeping and eating cycles. At 4 weeks, a pup is usually able to walk, hear, and see everything, and starts actively exploring its surroundings. From 4 to 12 weeks a pup is in a socialization stage where it learns the power of playtime. It starts to actively engage in an interaction with siblings and its pet parents. They are expected to gain full control of their bladders and bowel movements, therefore should be encouraged to relieve themselves outside. Pug pups should begin learning the basic commands during this stage as well as receive their first vaccines. That means chewing on anything it seems fit yep, including your favorite pair of slippers. It is your responsibility as a pet parent to make sure that all the dangerous objects are moved away to a secure spot cables, wires, equipment, etc. Adolescence: Between 6 and 9 months your Pug baby is in its adolescence stage. Here it develops complete sexual maturity and reaches its full height. If you happened to have a female Pug, she will be ready to have babies at about 9 months of age. Therefore, if you are planning to breed your Pug dam, it is best to at least wait until that time or even older, up to 2 years and bring her in for a check-up to see if everything is normal. A vet visit should include parasites screening, and getting her up to date on the shots. It is also recommended to do all the necessary X-rays to see if her reproductive organs are ready for pregnancy. How many puppies do Pugs have? We will cover it shortly. Senior stage : a Pug is considered a senior citizen by the time it reached 9 years of age. You will notice how much slower it starts moving, may gradually lose interest in certain activities, and, unfortunately, develop some health problems the two-legged are also experiencing during their golden years. Since Pugs are considered brachycephalic , that means problems with the oxygen supply may occur. This fact, in turn, leads to lung, heart, and even brain problems. It is extremely important to bring your Pug oldie for regular vet checkups at least twice a year to ensure that there are no major problems in place Pugs are prone to developing cancer. So, when a female Pug is ready for breeding, it might be best to find out how her pregnancy develops, and any facts you as a breeder have to know to avoid complications during her labor stage. Female Pug Pregnancy Cycle When a Pug dam gets pregnant, her body goes through a dramatic change just like a two-legged female would. The average canine female pregnancy is much shorter than that of a human, ranges anywhere from 57 to 65 days. How do you know if your Pug pup is expecting? It is no surprise since she has to not only provide nutrients for herself now but for her future litter as well. Do not decrease her portion even if you are afraid she will gain a lot. It will be possible for her to shed it off once she has gone through labor. Once it is out of her system after whelping, her weight will decrease greatly right there. New Behavior Patterns: since her body goes through hormonal changes, you will notice that a future Pug mom will become tired quicker, even after a very short potty walk. She would nap a lot more during the day. Also, you might observe that she might become extra affectionate would want to cuddle with you more. Nipples become dark red in color as well as bigger in size to prepare the Pug dam for the future lactation period. On average, a female Pug will have about puppies per pregnancy. The veterinary specialist will only be able to tell you approximate numbers. And on the contrary: if a mother is a crossbreed with another species Jack Russel Terrier, Beagle, or a Chihuahua, for instance , then you can expect a bigger litter size, up to 9 pups! Any future expectancies can be more complicated because they create some health problems for canine mothers. With each pregnancy, it takes a lot of time for the Pug mom to regain her strength and stamina back. Curl-Up A Pug pregnancy can be a very exciting, but a little challenging time as well. A Pug pet parent is responsible for making sure that a future Pug mom has the support and all the help it needs to deliver a healthy litter. It is best not to mate a female Pug before the age of 2 to avoid future health complications. It is truly incredible to participate in the puppy birth process, I wish you good luck! Family Dog Expert Author Hi there! My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. Welcome to Sirdoggie A blog crafted with love for all dog lovers and their families! Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Rating: Not yet rated Rate this answer: Pugs can have large or small litters, the large litters make it easier for the Mom, but most of the time all of the babies do not make it. Over a long period of time it has been proven that Pure Breed Pugs are Homozygous both genes inherited from parents are the same. You can have a Hybrid black, but a fawn is a fawn. NO hybrid fawns, I still think the smutty fawn should be Hybrid, but the t gene put tiny flecks of black hairs in the coat. I also think any one that has a Pug or any canine that does not plan on breeding, should have them fixed. You people that have Pugs and breed them with any thing else need to be fixed, just kidding,but if you have a Pug don't get any other breed. I also think if you want to breed Pugs or any thing else this is your right, but if you think you are going to love them and make money WRONG. Lets see, first you will miss at least one week of work and at least three hundred for Vet bills before the babies are even born, then you have to find good parents for them, send for AKC papers,thirty or more, first shots, that is another two hundred if they are no problems, if they are problems you can count on spending at least another two to five hundred, now food the puppies will eat four meals a day, another one hundred or more just for the puppies, now lets talk about all the cleaning you do, you clean after them from morning until you go to bed 7 days a week for 8 weeks, 24 hours a day for at least eight weeks. You have to paper train them and train to sleep without their Mom, listen to a puppy cry half the night, if most people had to make a living raising puppies, they would starve to death. Most breeders are not breeders and do not like the word, they try to breed pretty, healthy Pugs for people to have good healthy Pugs. At a good price. Not they are some that think they are going to make a killing and maybe they do, but a true Pug lover spends more on the Pugs than their human children. I know I am one. My babies have their own bedroom, their own TV and most of all they I have them and have me. If you are a true Pug lover than they are only one breed for you and that is a Pug. Sure you love all the other breeds, but the Pug is the only one you want. For the rescue Pugs yes these babies need to be cared for, but they also cost. You pay any where from one-hundred to three hundred to adopt and after that the rescue will help with some of the Vet bills, but most of the time you are on your own. The health problem and Vet bills for all canine can be very taxing, that is why all of us need to understand that just because they are cute and we want one, does not mean we will be able to afford one of any breed at certain times in our life and until you can PLEASE do not make this commitment. Wait until you can. A stuff animal only cost about ten dollars and they do not need a Vet and they do not eat. Whether you purposely breed or she gets pregnant by accident, this article will guide you through the basics of pug pregnancy. Pug Pregnancy Age Female Pugs go into their first heat between months and during this time, they can get pregnant. If you breed your Pug too young, it can result in smaller litter sizes and can cause health problems for the mother. A normal Pug pregnancy between a range of 60 to 65 days. Natural birth is challenging for female pugs because of the puppies larger head and shoulders. Average litter size for a Pug is between three and five puppies. However, it is not unusual for a Pug to have only a single puppy. However, there is no surefire way to determine how many puppies your pug will have before birth. She needs time to recover physically and emotionally from giving birth. Breeding her too often will cause excessive stress on her uterus. Unfortunately, there is no home Pug pregnancy test kit like there are for humans. Regardless, of why you might think your pug got pregnant, you need to know what to look for. Pug Pregnancy Stages Find out what to expect from your pooch from these Pug pregnancy week by week stages. Week 1 and 2: The early stages of the pregnancy, can be difficult to even tell that your Pug is pregnant. Although some dogs may start showing signs of slight nausea and a decrease in appetite. Week 3: You may notice Fido is more tired than usual and just want to lay around. Her nipples are enlarged and darkened preparing her for nursing. You may even notice that the nipples will hang down as they fill with colostrum. Her hormones have triggered strong nesting behaviors. At this point, she is seeking for a safe place to give birth and care for her puppies. These behavioral changes are common in all pregnant canines. Weeks 5 and 6: Coming to the end of the gestation period, your Pug may show the following signs: She becomes fatigued easily and quickly. Her bed has become her sanctuary and she is not as social as she used to. During this period is when she puts on the most weight gain. The extra weight gain is comprised of the pups which will weight under one pound, a few ounces , but also tissue amniotic sacs and fluids amniotic fluids and water. Caring for A Pregnant Pug Dog A pregnant dog requires more care, in the form of diet, sleep, and some will require supplements. Do not try to minimize her food during this time. She needs more calories and nutrition for her pups. Supplements — Some people provide prenatal vitamins for dogs during pregnancy, however, you want to check with your vet before giving your dog any type of supplements. Avoid giving her extra calcium, it has been shown to: Increase her chances of developing postpartum hypocalcemia, also called eclampsia. It is a life-threatening condition which involves seizures and high blood pressure. Cause her labor to be more intensive. Joint abnormalities in the pups. Instead of calcium supplementation, your Pug should be fed a well-balanced puppy or performance food during the latter half of gestation. Supplementation should only be instituted at after whelping giving birth , after consulting your veterinarian. Activity — You can continue walking your Pug daily at a normal pace or slower unless exercise restrictions have been put in place by the veterinarian. Daily exercise will allow her to stay in fit and becoming sedentary can cause her joints and muscles to weaken. Comfort — Provide your Pug with her own personal space. Put her bed in the corner where the family hangs out. Pugs love being a part of the family, so avoid putting her in a corner or in her own room. During this time, we would give her a dental dog treat which she absolutely loved. Pregnant Pug Giving Birth Deciding to breed your pug is a difficult decision. Make sure you do your research and read all the online guides you can about dog pregnancy. Pug Dog Delivery Period? The actual delivery times of the birth will vary from breed to breed. Dogs with slim heads tend to have faster delivery times than the Brachycephalic breeds. Once the pregnant mother starts contracting, you should start seeing the puppy emerge from the birth canal in about 10 minutes or so. When a Pug or Brachycephiclic breed goes into labor, they usually deliver one to two pups right away. After the first pups are born, she may take a break before delivering the rest of the litter. This article will help you determine the gender of the pup. As you can see, the actual pug dog delivery period can take up to hours, as long as there are no complications. If you allow your pug to give birth, you should know about the possible complications it can cause. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to this condition because the large had and shoulder size of the puppies. There is a good chance that your Pug will need to have a C-section. Dystocia requires immediate veterinary assistance. This only happens when the pregnant female experiences issues delivering naturally because her uterine muscles prevent her from delivering the pups through the uterus. Prepare a quiet corner in a room or creating a whelping box to get ready for the birth of the pups. This video will show you how to build a whelping box. If possible, have someone in the family with you, in case you need something. Some Facts and Trivia About Pugs Pugs were kept as lapdogs by Chinese emperors, who provided them with all the comforts of royal life. These spoiled dogs occasionally received their very own little palaces and guards! Their pushed-in noses are a familiar feature, but that also means they are brachycephalic. Although adorable, these compressed features often cause respiratory difficulties. Pugs may breathe noisily while rushing about because of their facial anatomy, which makes it difficult for them to breathe deeply and for lengthy periods of time. Contrary to what many people think, pugs are not related to bulldogs. About the only thing they have in common is that they are both wrinkled. It turns out that the Pekingese and pugs have the closest relations. A Pug will have on average 5 puppies in a litter, and the range is usually between 3 and 6 puppies. On very rare occasions, a Pug can give birth to up to 10 puppies in a litter, like this dam in Liverpool, England. The size of the litter can be influenced by the breeding lines; some lines tend to have larger litters than others. Pug owners who are considering breeding their dogs should talk to a veterinarian or breeder about the size of the anticipated litter. Many other variables, which I go into more detail about in the sections below, will also affect how many puppies there are in a litter. At birth, a pug puppy weighs around 2. The breed standard for Pugs is between 14 and 18 pounds 6. All dogs, including Pugs, do not go through menopause and are able to reproduce right up until the moment of their passing. Their heat cycle typically lasts between 5 and 8 months or around twice a year. However, just because they are capable of doing so does not imply that they should mate twice a year. Your Pug will experience a lot of stress from overbreeding, which can result in a range of health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and infertility. Also, stopping early is necessary in order for it to be spayed and to enjoy a happy life even after retirement. Add to the fact that there are nations where it is illegal to breed a dog more than four to six times in its lifespan, and you should understand the importance of not overbreeding. In the US, the American Kennel Club AKC does not accept registrations for dams that are bred over the age of 12 and under 8 months, and sires that are over the age of 12 and under 7 months. Age of the dam Typically, as the dam ages, the size of the litter decreases. Oddly enough, the first 2 litters are often smaller than the following ones, so once your Pug breeds again after the first two litters, you should likely see your dam having one or two extra puppies. If at all possible, have your dog spayed long before then to improve its overall health. Occasionally, breeders have to rely on artificial insemination to aid in breeding older males, which is why it is better to only breed when they are younger. Health of the mom Only when the mother is healthy may a puppy be born healthy too. Not only that, nutrition also has a significant impact on the number of puppies in a litter. A high-quality, protein-rich diet should be consumed all year long in order to increase the likelihood of having a larger litter. Dams with unhealthy diets, especially those who are overweight, tend to have smaller litters. Size of dog Bigger body sizes in terms of build, not weight are often associated with larger litter sizes within a particular breed. Being a small breed, the Pug is not physically capable to have a big litter of puppies as compared to for example a Doberman. Generally speaking, Pugs with larger frames may have slightly larger litter sizes, though this would only be a minor factor given how little difference there is between their sizes. Litter in which mom was born The level of fertility of your Pug has a thing or two to do with the litter it was born in. If she was born into a large litter herself, she will likely have a larger first litter. On the other side, you may generally anticipate that your girl will have a small first litter if she was born in a small litter herself. Type of breeding Actually, it might be better to save this topic for a later article given how easily it could become complicated. But for now, just be aware that the method of reproduction can significantly affect both the number and caliber of puppies. The health of the puppies will be impacted not only by reduced litter sizes but also by shorter lifespans and a greater likelihood of genetic diseases. These problems are more likely to develop as the ties between the dogs get stronger. Linebreeding , on the other hand, aims to maintain sufficient genetic diversity while preserving the best genes from a bloodline, making it frequently a safer method of dog breeding. Time of breeding It is said that a dam is more likely to have a larger litter size the closer she is to ovulation. This is defined as the period after the estrogen period when the Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any studies supporting this theory, so at this point, I would say this factor is probably not that significant. Although Pugs can begin reproducing once they reach their first heat cycle, it is not a good idea at all and must be avoided. Wait until your dog is at least in her second or third heat cycle to give her enough time to develop sexually and gain weight and size. Most ethical and responsible breeders will wait till a Pug is at least 2 years old before breeding them as they would have completed all the necessary medical checks by then. Most female Pugs go through their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 9 months. A useful rule of thumb is that it will go into heat at about the same age that its mother did. Numerous symptoms, including bloody discharge, receptivity to male dogs, restless behavior, and others, can indicate that a dog is in heat. Yorkshire Terrier: 3 puppies How many puppies can a Pug have in their first litter? For example, Pugs younger than 7 years old can have smaller litters, and in most cases, the first ever litter will tend to be on average smaller than most. Can Pugs have their puppies naturally? Because of their history as a breed, Pugs tend to suffer from a variety of health issues that could make bearing and delivering puppies naturally a bit of an issue. One of these factors is their hips, which can be narrow and prone to dysplasia, making natural births painful, dangerous and even potentially fatal if complications were to occur. Because of this, smaller dogs such as Pugs will often undergo caesarean sections, especially if they have had multiple litters. Breeders usually choose caesarean sections for their breeding dogs for the safety and wellbeing of both the mother and the litter, although this can prove costly. If you are concerned about your dog giving birth naturally, speak to your vet who will be able to recommend the best course of action for your dog. But what about the lead up to the delivery? Well, here are some more details that you should also need to know when asking how many puppies Pugs can have. Handy Hint: Before you think about buying a Pug, please read my guide on what to look for plus the questions you need to ask a breeder. Signs that your Pug is pregnant The signs of pregnancy in dogs, while not necessarily universal, are usually very similar from breed to breed. Unexpected labour can catch owners off guard, with no whelping box or supplies prepared for the new arrivals. Knowing and recognising the signs that your Pug is expecting sooner rather than later is very important to the health and wellbeing of your dog, her puppies and also your general household. Here are some signs: Loss or change of appetite: A dog losing its appetite is a common sign that something is wrong, but an additional surprising symptom may also be a sudden increase in appetite. The appetite of your dog is particular to them, so if you notice any sudden change in the amount that they are eating then it could be a sign that something is up with them. Acting out: Because of the changing hormones in their body from the pregnancy, you may notice that your dog is acting differently than normal. For instance, a usually independent or standoffish dog may be more affectionate or needy, or a typically amiable and affectionate dog may become snappy or want to be left alone. This is because of increased blood flow to the beasts, which may also lead to lactation leaking of milk later on into the pregnancy. Enlarged abdomen: The most typical and classic symptom of pregnancy, although this can often be mistaken as overeating or your dog gaining weight. If your dog had suddenly gained weight it may be best to keep an eye out for other changes in behaviour and a quick visit to the vet to check whether that additional belly fat is actually fat. Nesting behaviour: Towards the end of the pregnancy you may notice that your dog has made herself a nest, either in the whelping box, her dog bed or another secluded area of the house. Loss of energy: While a pregnant dog may be as active as normal during the early stages of pregnancy, you may begin to notice her becoming less and less willing to jump around, go on long walks or play around the house. This is definitely for the best as increased activity could potentially damage the puppies, but walking should be encouraged up until the final days of pregnancy to keep your dog healthy and exercised. How long are Pugs pregnant for? Like most dogs, Pugs are typically pregnant for between 53 to 63 days on average, although this can vary depending on the size of the Pug and her general health. However, it is important that you keep an eye on your Pug once she starts heading into the final week of the pregnancy for signs of imminent labour, including nesting behaviour. Puppies are usually fully formed at around day 58, meaning that labour can happen at any time. Labour in dogs occurs in three separate stages: Stage one: The uterus begins to contract, but there will be no outward sign of this. The mother will be restless, may lose her appetite as well as vomiting and panting. This lasts between 12 and 24 hours. Stage two: Lasting up to 24 hours, this is when the puppies will begin to be born. Typically, dogs give birth to a puppy between half an hour and an hour at a time, giving you and your dog enough time to clean the puppy, ensure its healthy and stimulate it to wake up and start moving. Stage three: Usually occurs around the same time as stage two, this is when the placenta appears. The placenta itself will be delivered shortly after the end of stage two, when all of the puppies have been born. How do you help your Pug give birth? Once this has occurred, labour will begin within the next 12 to 24 hours. If you have decided for a caesarean section or a vet hospital birth, this is when you should take your Pug to the veterinary surgery. However, if you have decided to help your dog give birth at home then you need to make sure that you have a whelping box prepared, as well as clean towels, heating pads, blankets and emergency medical supplies recommended by your vet such as gloves, sterile scissors and antiseptic solutions. If your Pug is showing signs of labour, including a greyish sack dropping from the vuvla, but no puppy emerges within the next hour then it is recommended that you call your vet who will be able to advise you. Also, if your Pug is showing contractions for more than two hours without any puppies being born, call your vet immediately. When a puppy is born it will be covered in a thin layer of membrane that needs to be broken open and removed so that they can start breathing. Your dog will most likely do this herself through instinct, licking the puppy to stimulate its breathing. However, if your dog is too tired to do this then you may need to do it yourself. Break open the membrane before rubbing the puppy vigorously with a towel to trigger its breathing. Again, if the puppy is not showing signs of breathing when doing this please get on the phone to your vet immediately. The puppy will also be still attached to the umbilical cord. Normally your dog will chew through this herself, but if not then you will have to do so yourself with a pair of sterilised scissors. Cut or rather crush to reduce bleeding the cord around an inch above the belly of the puppy and tie off the end with dental floss and dip the end in an antiseptic solution. After each Pug puppy emerges the placenta will also be discarded, around fifteen minutes after the birth. This can be immediately discarded, although your dog may try and eat it. Once a Pug puppy is born and is breathing, place them in either the whelping box or in a lined laundry basket along with blankets and a heating pad. Once all the puppies have been born and you are sure that the labour is over, take your dog outside to urinate especially if the labour has taken several hours before returning to the whelping box and allowing her to start nursing her pups. Again, your vet will be able to offer advise over the phone if you are concerned about any of the puppies. Conclusion Pugs make for amazing pets, however due to their popularity increasing there as been a surge in unscrupulous breeders who use irresponsible practices. It can lead to a lot of health problems for the Pugs. If you are thinking about buying a Pug and have seen the puppies in the litter with the mother, please also do additional research before you go ahead. I will be publishing a guide soon on what to ask the breeder… You might also like….

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. Typically a Black Poodle is bred with a Black Lab, but since black is a dominant color, sometimes another color of poodle red, chocolate, etc , can still have black puppies. Black Labradoodles have become wildly popular for their sweet, lovable nature, familiar black color, low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat characteristics. Labradoodles come in other colors, such as chocolate, yellow, cream, parti-colors, and occasionally red, but some people love the sweet nature of a Black Labradoodle. Many first generation Black Labradoodles f1 will shed. We recommend getting an F1b Black Labradoodle if you're worried about shedding or have dog allergies. Friendly Black Labradoodles One of the most desirable characteristics of the Black Labradoodle is their deep love of people. A Black Labradoodle is the happiest when they are surrounded by people that they love. They are highly intelligent and trainable, Black Labradoodles enjoy the stimulation of training and are eager to please their loved ones so they pick up on the cues very quickly. Some Black Labradoodle puppies receive many of the Poodle characteristics of being reserved, having a coat that is very fine and needs regular trimming. While other Black Labradoodles receive the excitable and almost immature nature of the Labrador Retrievers. As the Black Labradoodle becomes more common and breeders are crossing them with more consistency the discrepancies are becoming less of an issue and the breed is becoming more consistent. It is important to realize that the AKC does not yet recognize Black Labradoodles as an official breed, though most other registrations recognize them. The AKC actually does not yet recognize any of the doodles. Most families that want a wonderful dog, and are not concerned about show events do not care that the AKC does not officially recognize the Black Labradoodle currently. Black Labradoodle Best Breeders The best way to avoid the inconsistencies of the Black Labradoodle breed is to adopt from a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills at all cost and make sure that the breeder you buy from is caring for the health and wellness of your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy from before conception until you take your Black Labradoodle home with you. A Black Labradoodle should have a sleek, black coat with no sprinklings of any other color and have a black nose. Talk to your breeder about silver and blue Labradoodles as they often appear black as puppies. Some people prefer the looks of a silver or blue Labradoodle to a Black Labradoodle. A Blue Labradoodle, for instance, will start out looking like a Black Labradoodle, but as it grows its coat will come in a beautiful "blue" color. Although the color is called "blue" in the dog world it is almost a gun metal gray. Silver Labradoodles are a lighter silver color than a Blue Labradoodle. With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.

Check them out on Amazon here. To learn more about what to feed your golden retriever puppy, check out this article here. Brush Golden retrievers are obviously very fluffy and need to be brushed often. Check this brush out on Amazon here. Check it out on Amazon here. Chew Toy Check it out on Chewy here he had the size small. Plush Toy This is a plush, squeaky toy that will keep your puppy busy for hours. Interactive Toy Interactive toys allow you to play and bond with your puppy, and are great for teaching or reinforcing commands like drop it, sit and stay. Bonus Items The above list is for the bare necessities of what your puppy will need to get started. Below are some extra things that, although are not necessary, have come in pretty handy. Food Storage Container This is great for keeping food fresh and in a convenient place. Since we get the pound bag of food, we get this container that holds 42 pounds of food. Note that this container does not come with a scooper, so we recommend one like this that has measurements on it. Check out the storage container on Amazon here. Exercise Pen Exercise pens are great for confining your puppy to a smaller area while giving them more space to run around in than a crate. Using a combination of baby gates, exercise pens, and the crate will help you keep them safe while also keeping them from chewing up the house. Get this baby gate from Amazon here. Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook Getting everything you need will help you physically prepare for your puppy, but you also need to mentally prepare for your puppy. This book will help you know exactly what to do before you bring your puppy home, how to handle the first month which is the toughest month! Get the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook here. That means get their crate set up, have their food and water bowls in their designated places, and have a few welcome home toys set out to help your new pup have a great experience in your home right away. Find a veterinarian. Locate the nearest emergency animal hospital. Find both the nearest hospital, and the nearest 24 hour hospital. Find a puppy kindergarten class. If you ask any trainer, breeder, or veterinarian how to have a well-behaved pup, nearly all of them will recommend joining a puppy kindergarten class. The socialization aspect alone is worth it. Puppy-proof your house and yard. Get down on your hands and knees to see what your puppy will be seeing remember this: whatever can be chewed will be chewed , and make sure there are no puppy-sized holes that they could escape through in your backyard. For more tips on how to raise your new golden retriever puppy, check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Life With Your Golden Retriever Puppy Although this might seem like a pretty big list, if you have it all when you bring your puppy home with you, it will make the transition time that much easier. Take lots of pictures and videos! Have a question about any of these items? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is getting a puppy and needs to see this list, please share this with them! Related articles:. Food bowl There are endless options of food and water bowls. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption. If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert. Water bowl Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bow l to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food. YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift! They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment — the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat. Gates Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time. We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house. Toys and Chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most. However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking. I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food. By Susan B. Barnes Susan B. Barnes is a lifestyle, food and travel journalist who is as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and sampling fermented shark in Iceland as she is taking her dog on miles-long walks and hanging out at the dog park. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on January 28, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Though she's happy to snuggle and cuddle up with you, she's also an active dog who enjoys being outside, be that going on walks or hikes , to the dog park , or playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard. As a good dog parent, you want to be prepared for whatever adventures await the two of you, but taking a look at all of the products out there for dogs can be overwhelming. From the right collar, leash and harness setup to grooming needs, food bowls, road trip necessities, toys to burn off all that energy, plus a few goodies for the humans, this list has everything you need to take care of the most golden part of your life. Featuring a collar, leash, and waste bag dispenser, you'll be prepared for your walks and your golden will love all the compliments on how handsome she looks. This harness, with its padded chest and belly, is fully adjustable for a perfect fit with leash clips in the front and back. It comes in a variety of colors to coordinate with your dog's leash and collar, too. The adjustable height means the serving tray can grow with your golden, and the pads on the bottom prevent slipping while she eats and drinks. Place a mat under the bowls to catch any water droplets. The stainless steel bowls can be removed and popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Not only will she have to slow down to find the food, but she'll essentially work out a puzzle which keeps her mentally stimulated, too. Choose to purchase just the cover and fill it yourself with old pillows, towels, sheets, or clothes, or you can opt to purchase their eco-friendly fill made from plastic bottles or their memory foam insert. The extra-large size is recommended for full-grown goldens. Not only does the shampoo leave your pup fresh and clean, but it moisturizes and conditions so that after-bath brushings are tangle-free. It's terrific for dogs with sensitive skin, too. With a dense outer coat and thick undercoat, it can take some time to brush out all the layers, but this undercoat rake makes quick work of their luscious locks. One Chewy reviewer wrote that the medium-tooth rake was "so wonderful to get my two golden retrievers' undercoat combed out. Also, the gel grip is quite easy to hold on to. The non-slip handle works for both right- and left-handed users, and ensures you maintain control to avoid any mishaps. One reviewer says: "I stumbled across these supplements while trying to find some joint relief for my golden, Sandy. After only a week I already saw some improvement in her movement and she had an easier time getting up into and out of the car, which was becoming a struggle. Her coat is also looking healthier and she seems to be less itchy. Not only does this fleece-lined coat fit snugly for maximum warmth, but it's waterproof and has reflective strips to stay safe during nighttime walks and winter hikes. They can also help older dogs find traction on slippery floors. Tip: use the printable sizing guide to measure your dog's feet before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. And send us videos of your dog trying them for the first time! This seat cover is not only comfortable for your pup, but waterproof, too. When it's time to go, simply lay the cover over the seat, loop straps around the head rests, push the anchors in, and voila—you're ready to hit the road! One way to do that is to use a harness that doubles as a seat belt: simply attach the harness to the seatbelt using a carabiner, and you'll both be on your way safely and comfortably. Fill the bottle, twist on the top that doubles as a bowl, and when your golden's ready for a drink, squeeze the bottle and water will fill the bowl. Release, and the water disappears back into the bottle. Pop some treats in the holes, cover them up, and watch your pup work her magic to figure out the puzzle and find those tasty rewards. Just like a ball you use to play fetch , this one flies through the air but when she retrieves it, she'll spend some time figuring out how to get to her favorite treats inside. When your pup drops the ball into the top of the launcher, it'll throw it 10, 25, or 40 feet; choose the "random" setting to keep her guessing. Buy Now Change up your game of fetch with this fun Frisbee alternative. This flying squirrel is made of a double canvas material that is durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still agile to spin and tumble in the air, keeping your golden guessing and enticed in play. Shop now: Chuckit! The sturdy sole ensures you'll stay on your feet, and the bone-printed liner is a fun and unexpected treat. Embroidered on percent cotton canvas, and if it gets a little dirty, simply pop it into the washing machine, air dry, and it'll be back on your furniture in no time. The rubber backing prevents slipping when your guests wipe their paws before stepping inside. It's hilarious enough to be a favorite gift for any golden lover on your list, too! Perfect for the dog park, running errands, around the house, or really anywhere you please! The design can also be used on totes, hats, and more. Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. You May Also Like. However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!

Some dog breeds have higher risk of developing certain cancers and joint disorders if neutered or spayed within their first year of life. Until now, studies had only assessed that risk in a few breeds. A new, year study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found vulnerability from neutering varies greatly depending on the breed. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Some may have developed joint disorders but not cancer or the other way around. The joint disorders examined include hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears and elbow dysplasia. Cancers examined include lymphoma; hemangiosarcoma, or cancer of the blood vessel walls; mast cell tumors; and osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. In most breeds examined, the risk of developing problems was not affected by age of neutering. Breed differences by size and sex Researchers found that vulnerability to joint disorders was related to body size. One of the surprising exceptions to this was among the two giant breeds — great Danes and Irish wolfhounds — which showed no increased risk to joint disorders when neutered at any age. Researchers also found the occurrence of cancers in smaller dogs was low, whether neutered or kept intact. In two breeds of smaller dogs, the Boston terrier and the shih tzu, there was a significant increase in cancers with neutering. Another important finding was that the sex of the dog sometimes made a difference in health risks when neutered. Female Boston terriers neutered at the standard six months of age, for example, had no increased risk of joint disorders or cancers compared with intact dogs, but male Boston terriers neutered before a year of age had significantly increased risks. Previous studies have found that neutering or spaying female golden retrievers at any age increases the risk of one or more of the cancers from 5 percent to up to 15 percent. Discuss choices with veterinarians Dog owners in the United States are overwhelmingly choosing to neuter their dogs, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation, euthanasia or reduce shelter intake. In the U. This study suggests that dog owners should carefully consider when and if they should have their dog neutered. Read the full list here. As they got acquainted by e-mails, Hovan was impressed that Bultman wanted to be sure that Hovan would not require her to neuter or spay the dog at an early age. The possible health effects of early spaying and neutering is a topic Hovan, the research facilitator for the Golden Retriever Club of America, holds close to her heart. I'd look at them and wonder how they got so tall. Those sold to families as companion animals, or pets, were routinely neutered. Hovan, like most breeders, requires pet owners to spay and neuter dogs. She began noticing that the age at which dogs were spayed or neutered played a role in the way they looked as adults. Following the guidance of her mother, a board-certified canine and feline practitioner with a large number of Golden Retriever clients, Bultman presented her concerns to Hovan. The junior handler explained that early spay and neuter surgeries may contribute to cruciate ligament and other orthopedic injuries. Her mother, Terri Hartung, D. Then, people began neutering young puppies, and now most people seem to have settled on the age of 6 months for neutering or spaying. A balance needs to be established about what is best for an individual dog. However, recent findings give breeders reasons to think twice about the age recommendations they give puppy buyers for spaying and neutering pets. Among the concerns associated with spaying or neutering prior to sexual maturity are increased risks of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments, possibly decreased life span, some evidence for increased incidence of hypothyroidism, hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma. On the flip side is concern that intact bitches are at risk for mammary cancer. Beyond Behavioral Changes The health effects of neutering and spaying on Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers has been the focus of a recent study. Comparing data on disease incidence and a dog's reproductive status, the researchers have documented correlations that go beyond behavioral changes. The data analysis continues, with publication in a peer-reviewed journal expected in .Lead investigator Benjamin Hart, D. There is much misconception related to the impact neutering has on an animal and whether the age of neutering makes a difference. The veterinary database at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital provided information about diagnoses and tests performed on Golden Retrievers and 2, Labrador Retrievers. The comprehensive questionnaire gathered information from club members via mailed surveys, with the results posted on the parent club website www. The database included information about 1, Golden Retrievers from respondents. A clinical animal behaviorist, Hart has devoted his career to studying the behavioral effects of castration on dogs, cats and horses. Only about 25 to 30 percent of the dogs we studied show a major change in behavior after neutering. She estimates that among her clients with large breeds, about 75 percent of male dogs are neutered after 1 year of age and 50 percent of bitches after their first heat. For these clients, I emphasize the important of practicing obesity prevention. In countries where most bitches are left unspayed, the statistics are clear that intact bitches are at increased risk for mammary cancer. The question is how does spaying at 12 months, which is very different from leaving a bitch intact throughout life, alter the risk? I advise people to wait. After researching the topic, Hovan wrote a reference-supported article, titled "Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever," which she shares with puppy buyers and suggests that they share with their veterinarians. More research is needed to document the health effects of early spaying and neutering, Hartung says. If for some reason or another that wait is too long then please wait until your puppy is at least 12 months old if possible. It is very important keep the weight off your pup at any age but especially when they are young and still growing! When a dog gets fixed, especially early on in its life, it becomes easier for them to gain weight faster. Overweight dogs are a lot more prone to issues such as OCD, hip dysplasia, diabetes, cancer, lower immune system, etc. The study, which examined the health records of golden retrievers, found a surprising doubling of hip dysplasia among male dogs neutered before one year of age. This and other results were published Feb. While results of the new study are revealing, Hart said the relationship between neutering and disease-risk remains a complex issue. Dog owners in the United States are overwhelmingly choosing to neuter their dogs, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation or avoid unwanted behaviors. In the U. In Europe, however, neutering is generally avoided by owners and trainers and not promoted by animal health authorities, Hart said. During the past decade, some studies have indicated that neutering can have several adverse health effects for certain dog breeds. Those studies examined individual diseases using data drawn from one breed or pooled from several breeds. Against that backdrop, Hart and colleagues launched their study, using a single hospital database. The study was designed to examine the effects of neutering on the risks of several diseases in the same breed, distinguishing between males and females and between early or late neutering and non-neutering. The researchers chose to focus on the golden retriever because it is one of the most popular breeds in the U. The breed also is favored for work as a service dog. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for two joint disorders and three cancers: hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor. The dogs were classified as intact not neutered , neutered early before 12 months age , or neutered late at or after 12 months age. The study revealed that, for all five diseases analyzed, the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were neutered either early or late compared with intact non-neutered dogs. Specifically, early neutering was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and lymphosarcoma in males and of cranial cruciate ligament tear in females. Late neutering was associated with the subsequent occurrence of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma in females. In most areas, the findings of this study were consistent with earlier studies, suggesting similar increases in disease risks. The new study, however, was the first to specifically report an increased risk of late neutering for mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma. Furthermore, the new study showed a surprising percent increase, or doubling, of the incidence of hip dysplasia among early-neutered males. Earlier studies had reported a 17 percent increase among all neutered dogs compared to all non-neutered dogs, indicating the importance of the new study in making gender and age-of-neutering comparisons. About UC Davis For more than years, UC Davis has been one place where people are bettering humanity and our natural world while seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It seems that the more research I do, the more confused I become. It is VERY controversial. The biggest problem I run into is that most veterinarians are very strong on their stance and unwavering in their opinion. Because of this. I personally have a much stronger opinion on when to spay a female than when to neuter a male. From most veterinarians and multiple websites, I believe that a female should be spayed prior to having her first heat. Again, some veterinarians believe you should wait until the first heat, but the majority of theriogenologists reproductive veterinarians and practicing veterinarians agree that it should be done before the first heat. The reason for this is that studies have shown that females who are spayed prior to a heat have almost little to no chance of many types of reproductive cancers. For example, breast cancer Mammary neoplasia is very common in female Golden Retrievers. In fact, it is the most common tumor type in female dogs. Female dogs that are spayed prior to going into their first heat have a 0. Female English Golden Retrievers typically go into their first heat between months old. Our average English Golden Retriever goes into heat closer to months of age. Our recommendation is to have a female spayed between months of age. They are not themselves. They will do whatever they can do to get to the female, even if that means breaking out of their enclosure. If there is an intact female anywhere near where you live and she goes into full estrus, then beware because your male will do whatever he can to get to her. That could obviously be very dangerous, because he could get run over, stolen or produce a litter of pups. But most clients are actually quite surprised at how fast their dog recovers from the surgery. I am always amazed by how tough Golden Retrievers are. Usually they recover in a few short days. These procedures were typically performed before the dog reached six months of agethe accepted standard in the veterinary profession. The decision was never risk free, of course. By eliminating the dog's reproductive capacity you're also shutting down the production of hormones that affect metabolismthe reason spayed and neutered dogs are at higher risk for becoming obese. Still, the long-term health implications were believed to be overwhelmingly positive. In recent years, however, this picture has begun to change. Benjamin L. They tracked the histories of numerous other breeds as well. Specifically, they looked at the incidence of three joint disorders hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injury and four cancers hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. They also looked at the incidence of mammary cancer in females. What they discovered was surprising. In males neutered before six months of age, however, the incidence of joint disorders jumps to 23 percent, and in males neutered between six months and one year to 11 percent. The percentage of joint disorders for female goldens spayed in those time frames is about the same. The risk increases to 13 percent for males neutered before six months and to 12 percent for males neutered between six months and their first birthday. Based on these findings, the suggested guideline for golden retriever males is to delay neutering until they're beyond one year of age. Given these findings, Hart strongly recommends leaving female goldens intact or, if that's not possible, delaying spaying until after the one-year threshold and, in his words, "remaining vigilant for cancers. This preserves the hormonal "factory" while eliminating the possibility of pregnancy and the discharge associated with estrus. However, fewer veterinarians are qualified to perform this procedure than are qualified to perform a traditional spay. For Labs, there is good news in one respect. Hart and his team found no correlation between spaying or neutering and increased risk of cancers, regardless of when the procedures are performed. But while intact Labs of either sex have a 6 percent risk for joint disorders, the risk for males neutered before six months jumps to 9 percent and for females spayed any time before their first birthday to 11 percent. The obvious conclusion is to delay neutering until after six months, and spaying until after one year. And what of the conventional wisdom that spaying sharply reduces the risk of mammary cancer? The incidence of mammary cancers in intact females of both breeds is only about 1 percent. The hope is that our research will help to extend the working lives of Labs and goldens and promote their basic comfort. Still, every owner should make the decision to spay or neuter not only in light of our findings but in consultation with his or her veterinarian. As pet owners, we want to make sure that our furry friends are healthy and happy! Key Takeaways Timing of spaying or neutering should be personalized based on factors like age, gender, and individual health. There are alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, such as vasectomy and hysterectomy. What Are Spaying And Neutering? Spaying and neutering are common treatments that can help keep our furry friend healthy and happy and keeps them from reproducing! Spaying female dogs involves removing the ovaries and uterus while neutering male dogs involves removing the testicles. These operations are frequently performed by a veterinarian while the dog is anesthetized. The timing of when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into consideration various factors. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever: Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian is your best source of guidance. Consider Age: Traditionally, many dogs were spayed or neutered at a very young age, often around six months old. However, recent research suggests that for larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, it may be beneficial to wait until they are older months to allow for proper growth and development. Gender Matters: The ideal timing can vary between males and females. Male Golden Retrievers can typically be neutered around six to nine months of age, but consult your vet for the best timing. Your vet can help you weigh the pros and cons. If you intend to breed, consult with a professional breeder for guidance on the best timing. Behavioral Considerations: Spaying or neutering can have an impact on certain behaviors like aggression or marking. Discuss these concerns with your vet. Local Regulations: In some areas, spaying or neutering may be required by law. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations. Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering Spaying and neutering our pets can provide numerous benefits, such as population control, improved behavior, cost savings, and the promotion of excellent health. Potential Health Benefits of Spaying for Female Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Elimination of the risk of uterine infections pyometra Reduced risk of mammary gland tumors Decreased likelihood of ovarian and cervical cancers Potential Health Benefits of Neutering for Male Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Reduced risk of testicular cancer Lower incidence of prostate problems Diminished chances of certain behavioral issues related to intact males However, each dog is unique, and the benefits of spaying or neutering may vary depending on the breed, age, and overall health of the particular dog, so it is vital to consult with a veterinarian. The costs of spaying and neutering your Golden Retriever can vary significantly based on factors like location and the age and size of your dog. Keep in mind that actual costs may differ depending on your specific circumstances and geographic region. The risk of problems is normally low, but as with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications such as bleeding, infection, or severe responses to anesthesia. When it comes to spaying or neutering, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind, just as with any surgery. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Anesthetic risks: Your dog will be sedated throughout the procedure, and issues such as breathing difficulties, allergic responses, or unpleasant reactions to the anesthesia are possible. Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site following surgery. Your veterinarian will use sterile techniques and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics to reduce this danger. Bleeding: There is a small danger of bleeding with any procedure. During the surgery, your veterinarian will take efforts to reduce any bleeding and will follow your dog afterward. Pain: Some dogs may experience pain or discomfort following the operation. Your veterinarian will provide pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. Unpleasant reactions: Some dogs may have an adverse reaction to the surgery, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, in rare situations. Your veterinarian will take precautions to reduce dangers and will provide you with post-operative instructions to promote good healing and recovery. Tips After the Procedure Following a spay or neuter procedure, it is critical to provide your pet with extra TLC to aid in its recovery. Here are some things to remember: Allow your dog to relax and confine him to a small, quiet area for the time indicated by your veterinarian. This will keep them from getting overly enthusiastic and running around, which will slow down the healing process. Give it exactly as advised, and notify your vet if you discover your dog is still in pain. Keep their incision clean and dry, and keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge. Gradually increase their activity: During the healing phase, your dog should be restricted from strenuous activity, but you can gradually raise their activity level as directed by your veterinarian. Check-in with your veterinarian. Keep an eye out for them. Remember that each dog is unique, and healing times can vary. Most importantly, provide them with love and affection during their recuperation. There are a few spaying and neutering options, but they are not as extensively used or as effective as traditional spaying and neutering. Consider the following alternatives: 1. Vasectomy for males : Purpose: A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents a male dog from fathering puppies without removing the testicles. Procedure: During a vasectomy, the vasa deferentia tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are cut or blocked. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation but allows the male dog to maintain sexual behaviors and characteristics. Reversibility: Vasectomies are often considered reversible, but success rates may vary. Reversal surgery can attempt to restore fertility by reconnecting the vasa deferentia. Hysterectomy for females : Purpose: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus womb in female dogs while preserving the ovaries. This prevents pregnancy and eliminates the risk of uterine infections pyometra and certain reproductive cancers. Procedure: During a hysterectomy, the uterus is surgically removed, while the ovaries are left intact. This allows the female dog to maintain her hormonal balance and prevents pregnancy. Reversibility: Unlike spaying ovariohysterectomy , a hysterectomy is not reversible because the uterus is removed. However, the dog retains her ovaries and hormonal functions. Both vasectomy and hysterectomy offer alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, allowing dogs to keep some of their natural hormone balance and behaviors while preventing reproduction. Conclusion Deciding whether to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever involves weighing the pros and cons carefully. Alternative options are also worth exploring. Neutering may help reduce some behaviors associated with mating instincts, but individual Golden Retrievers may still remain playful and energetic. Do female dogs behave better after being spayed? Spaying can potentially reduce certain behaviors related to the estrus cycle, but improvements in behavior vary among individual dogs. What to expect after spaying a golden retriever? After spaying, expect some mild discomfort and restlessness in your Golden Retriever for a few days, but recovery is generally smooth. How do I comfort my dog after being spayed? Are dogs still playful after being spayed? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Shelters often perform the procedure to help reduce the number of homeless dogs. Some pet parents also do it to control aggressive or highly sexualized behavior, or to protect a dog from repeated and unwanted pregnancies. But while the procedure is common, it is not without risk. In particular, fixing your dog when they are too young can predispose them to a variety of serious health conditions in the future. Spaying is the process for female dogs and involves an operation that removes their reproductive organs. Neutering is the process for male dogs and involves removing their testicles. Dogs that have not been fixed are referred to as intact. When should I spay a female golden retriever and neuter a male golden retriever? Doing it earlier than this cuts off access to hormones that they need for healthy development and can lead to joint problems and hypothyroidism in both male and female golden retrievers, and a predisposition to various forms of cancer in female golden retrievers. Traditional advice has always been that dogs should be spayed or neutered before six months of age to diminish the chances of them developing uterine infections. But research now suggests that for at least some dog breeds, fixing operations should be delayed because doing it too soon can cause other health issues. Golden retrievers are one of the breeds that certainly should not be fixed before six months of age, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least a year old. Many vets are now also recommending not to spay female golden retrievers at all unless it is absolutely necessary. As we have already said, there are a variety of reasons you might choose to put your dog through this process. It protects against overpopulation in general and unwanted pregnancy on a specific level. It can help diminish behavior issues such as territorial behavior and humping. It can also help protect against certain health issues. For example, it significantly decreases the risk of testicular and pancreatic cancer in male dogs. You can learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering here. You should always speak to your vet to decide whether spaying or neutering is the right choice for you and your dog. What are the risks of fixing your Golden Retriever too soon? Joint Issues Research suggests that fixing any dog before the age of six months can lead to serious joint issues. They are four to six times more likely to develop joint problems such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears. Hip dysplasia is when the femur thigh bone does not fit together with the pelvis in the way that it should. It can cause both pain and difficulty when moving, which is likely to increase over time for your dog. Cranial cruciate ligaments are the main ligaments active in the knee joint, and these can be prone to tearing in dogs. The result is a lot of pain, and they may be unable to bear their weight on the affected leg. In the long term, this condition can increase the chances of arthritis in the knee. The theory is that sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of healthy joints, and therefore cutting off access too soon can undermine healthy development. This problem is a particular concern with certain breeds, such as golden retrievers and also Labrador retrievers, as they are already predisposed toward joint issues. So, spaying or neutering too soon significantly increases their risks. Hypothyroidism Another potential issue for all dogs when they are fixed too soon is the development of hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid is underactive, and therefore, slows down bodily functions. It often manifests in unhealthy skin and coat, lethargy, and weight gain. If they develop this condition, they are likely to need an operation and ongoing medication to manage it. Fixing before one year of age increases the risk of hypothyroidism in all dogs. Cancer Neutering male dogs significantly reduces their risk of the most common cancers for them, which are testicular and pancreatic cancer. But spaying female dogs have the opposite effect. Spayed female dogs are three to four times more likely to develop a form of cancer. The most common types are lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. The risks are high no matter what age your female dog is fixed, which is why many vets are now recommending only spaying female dogs if necessary, especially since it is not as necessary for controlling highly sexualized behavior as it can be in some male dogs. If spaying is necessary, delaying the procedure for as long as possible can help to reduce the risks slightly. By the way, we have this great article about dog pregnancy you might be interested in! FAQs Is spaying or neutering surgery dangerous? While both spaying and neutering are common operations, they are considered major, and therefore, your dog is put under with a general anesthesia. An anesthetic always comes with the risk of serious complications that could result in the death of your dog. Modern medications and monitoring equipment mean that the risks are relatively low, but they certainly exist. How long will my dog be in pain after a fixing operation? That is except for the discomfort of wearing a cone and not being able to jump around. They should be prevented from damaging their stitches for at least two weeks after the operations. Do dogs get depressed after being spayed or neutered? You should expect changes in behavior when your dog returns home from fixing surgery, both resulting from the trauma of the surgery and the changes in their hormone levels. Exactly how their behavior will be different varies greatly. You can expect aggression, or anxiety and clinginess. But this should only last for a few weeks as they adjust. Do spayed and neutered dogs get fat? Spaying or neutering your dog does not mean they will get fat! How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog? Exactly how much these operations cost depends on where you are and the type of surgery you go with. Neutering can help prevent excessive territorial behavior in male dogs and also reduce their risk for common cancers. But for female dogs, the benefits are far less clear, and the process can also significantly increase their chances of developing cancer, so you may choose not to spay at all. If you are neutering or spaying a golden retriever, you can significantly reduce the risks by making sure you do it at the right time. Wait at least a year before the operation so they have enough time to develop in a normal hormonal state. Of course, every dog is different, so always consult your vet. Do you have a fixed golden retriever? Do you have any advice for other golden parents? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article. Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever Faera Rhonda Hovan A focus on the serious issues of pet overpopulation and unwanted puppies has led to the common practice of neutering dogs prior to sexual maturity, often near the age of six months. While this clearly helps reduce unplanned breedings and thereby may serve the public interest, research is increasingly showing that it may not be in the best health interests of an individual dog with a responsible owner. Breeds of dogs vary considerably with regard to their rate of maturity and risk for specific diseases, and the interaction of these factors with natural hormones should properly be taken into consideration when deciding whether and when to neuter a dog. However, appropriately tailoring neutering recommendations to a breed requires awareness of the ways in which neutering and the age of neutering affect specific breeds, and it may be impossible for veterinarians to know this in detail for every breed. In some cases the findings have been substantiated across many breeds, but relative risk is also defined specifically for Goldens. Please note that there are both health benefits and detriments associated with neutering and various neutering ages, so decisions will need to balance these complex factors. It is relevant to consider what diseases are more and less common in the breed, and also what diseases have greater or lesser consequences to the dog, so that information is also provided. Health Consequences Associated with Neutering and the Age of Neutering Neutered dogs have a higher incidence of hypothyroidism than do intact dogs. Hypothyroidism is a common but treatable disease in the breed. Neutered dogs have a greater incidence of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments than intact dogs, and there is some evidence to suggest that this risk is most pronounced in dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity. Hip dysplasia is common in Goldens, and torn cruciate ligaments are less common but not rare. Both of these diseases can be treated surgically, but treatment is costly and success is variable depending on many factors. There is some evidence that the incidence of cardiac hemangiosarcoma is greatly increased times in neutered dogs, and that the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma may also be increased in neutered dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer in the breed, causing the death of approximately 1 in 5 Goldens. Most of these tumors occur in the spleen, with fewer but still a substantial number in the heart. This is a rapidly progressing and incurable cancer. Several studies indicate that the incidence of osteosarcoma bone cancer is significantly higher in neutered dogs than in intact dogs, but there is some evidence that this increase is not as great when neutering occurs after sexual maturity. Dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity grow taller than their natural genetic potential, and their bone structure is altered toward a more narrow, lanky appearance. Taller Goldens have shorter life spans than shorter Goldens. Among male Goldens, the shortest males live 2. Neutered females have a greatly increased risk of urinary incontinence as compared to those not neutered, but there is some evidence that this increased risk is less significant for dogs neutered after sexual maturity. Urinary incontinence is neither common nor rare in Goldens, and can often but not always be treated successfully. If detected early through regular mammary exams, most but not all mammary cancers can be treated successfully with surgery and sometimes additional therapies. Males with one or more testicles located in the abdomen cryptorchidism are at high risk for testicular cancer and should be neutered prior to 15 months of age, which eliminates this risk. It is not necessary to neuter these dogs prior to sexually maturity to avoid testicular cancer. Females that remain intact are exposed to a significant risk for pyometra a life threatening uterine infection that rises with every heat cycle, particularly after the age of five years. Pyometra is a common and rapidly progressing disease in Goldens that must be diagnosed promptly to be successfully treated. Males that remain intact frequently develop an enlarged prostate gland benign prostatic hyperplasia as they age, particularly over the age of seven years. This is not a serious disease, and while it can sometimes be managed medically, neutering affected dogs is curative. This is not to be confused with prostate cancer which is uncommon in the breed, although more common in neutered males than intact males. Taking all of the above factors into consideration, there is good evidence to support that it is in the best overall health interests of the dog to neuter female Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. This typically allows a female to have one heat cycle but not two, which keeps the risk of mammary cancer low while still providing her with some important health benefits gained by maturing with natural hormones. Of course, the female must be kept on leash or securely fenced away from males for the full three weeks of her heat cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancy, so this should not be undertaken unless the owner is able to be certain that there is no possibility of an accidental breeding. If a male is going to be neutered, there is good evidence to support that it is in the overall best health interests of the dog to neuter male Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. Neutering a male after two years of age has less impact on behavior, so if behavioral considerations are important to the owner, neutering should be done prior to the age of two. References Arnold S. Urinary incontinence in castrated bitches. Part I. Significance, clinical aspects and etiopathogenesis. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd ;.Development of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. Pros ;.A population study of neutering status as a risk factor for canine prostate cancer. Endogenous gonadal hormone exposure and bone sarcoma risk. Canc Epidemiol Biomark Prev ;.Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease. J Amer Vet Med Assoc ;.Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden. 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