barking german shepherd puppy
However, there are a number of things that will cause them to pant more than usual. Some of them will be a cause for concern and others will be less troubling. It is too hot The most likely reason that it pants a lot is because it is too hot. Add in the fact that German Shepherds have double coats and it becomes easy to see that they will get hot very easily. When dogs get hot they will naturally pant more than usual as a way to cool off. It has heatstroke Another reason that a dog might pant more than usual is that it has heatstroke. This would be caused by doing too much activity, outside, while it is hot. If you notice that your German Shepherd continues to pant after having been out in the heat for some time it would help to give it access to water and to give it access to a cool and shaded area immediately. If it does seem to have heatstroke then it would be important to take it to a vet as soon as you have helped it cool down. Fear German Shepherds may also start to pant a lot more than usual when they are frightened. This could be due to thunderstorms, a low flying jet, fireworks or it could be because you started to seem frightened yourself. It could also be the case that it is fearful of a certain person. This would be more likely if it only starts to pant more when that particular person is around. It might also be the case that it has some separation anxiety. This would be more likely if it only seems to pant more when you are about to leave. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? It has a heart-problem The reason that it has been panting more than usual could be that it has a heart problem or some other serious issue. If you think that this is the reason then it would likely be worthwhile for you to take your German Shepherd to the vet. Allergic reaction to something The cause of the panting could be that it has had an allergic reaction to something or it has been poisoned. Again, in this case, you should consider taking your German Shepherd to the vet to get it checked out. Exercise German Shepherds will begin to pant more than usual right after they have done exercise. This will be because they need to supply their muscles with more oxygen. Panting more than usual right after it has done exercise is a normal time for a German Shepherd to be panting unless it does it excessively for a long time. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Excitement German Shepherds may also start to pant a lot when they are excited. This is because they will become more active and because they will be supplying their muscles with more oxygen in anticipation. Again, panting more than usual when it is excited is a normal time for a dog to start panting a lot. When panting a lot is normal If your German Shepherd has been panting a lot then it may be quite concerning for you. Below, I will mention some instances where panting more than usual would be normal for a German Shepherd. It is hot If it pants more than usual when it is hot outside then this would be a normal time for a German Shepherd to pant a lot. However, if it has been out in the sun for a long time and it has started panting a lot more than usual then this would be a sign of heatstroke and you should cool it down and take it to a vet. It has just been running Another time where it is normal for a German Shepherd to pant more is right after it has been doing exercise. It is excited German Shepherds and most other dogs will pant more when they are excited and this should not be a cause for concern on its own. It is acting normally otherwise If your German Shepherd has not started to act differently suddenly then that would also be a sign that the panting is normal. However, if it is acting normally, it could still be the case that there is something wrong. This would be more likely if it does it in the scenarios that will be mentioned below. How to tell if it is abnormal While there are many instanced where panting a lot is normal, it can also be a sign that there is something wrong. Below, I will mention some signs that the panting is due to something abnormal. For example, if it does not usually pant so much but, in recent days, it has been panting a lot constantly even when in a cool, calm and shaded environment then it would be a cause for concern. It pants when you are about to leave If you notice that it only starts to pant more than usual when you are about to leave then this would suggest that it has some separation anxiety. In this case, you may want to get the help of a certified dog expert in your area. The panting is constant and intense It is normal for a German Shepherd to pant more than most dogs. However, if you notice that your German Shepherd pants intensely constantly then it would be a cause for concern and a reason to get it checked out. Again, in this case, you should get your German Shepherd looked at by a vet. It is behaving abnormally Another cause for concern would be if it has been panting more than usual and it has been acting weird. This would be a sign that it is sick or injured in some way and another reason to get it checked out by a vet. Things you can do There are a number of things that you can do to reduce how excessively your German Shepherd has been panting that I will mention below. Go to a vet if you think that the panting is abnormal The first thing that you should do is to get it checked out by a vet if you think that the panting is abnormal or if there are any signs of the panting being abnormal such as those mentioned above. Remove its undercoat Often, the cause of the panting will be because your German Shepherd is too hot. To reduce the panting, in this case, it would help to get help it to stay cool. One way to do this would be to de-shed your German Shepherd using a de-shedding brush. You can do this by following how it is done in the video below. Give it access to shade and cool areas Another way to help your German Shepherd pant less and to cool down would be to give it access to shaded areas. You can do this by letting it come inside when it wants to and by making there be more shaded areas in your garden. Give it access to water Another way to help cool your German Shepherd down would be to give it access to water. By doing this you will help your German Shepherd be able to stay hydrated and to reduce the likelihood of it getting heatstroke. Give it exercise on a daily basis Giving your German Shepherd exercise on a daily basis will help to keep your German Shepherd healthy and to reduce how much it pants when it is not doing exercise. Generally, it is recommended that you give your German Shepherd at least an hour of exercise per day. This is because German Shepherds are working dogs that are designed to be very active. Giving your German Shepherd can also prevent other problems such as aggression or destructive behavior. There are many ways that you can give your German Shepherd exercise. One way would be to just walk it for an hour per day normally. If you live in a hot area then try to do it in the morning or evening when it is cooler and there is less sunlight. Another way to give your German Shepherd a lot of efficient exercise would be to play fetch with it. By doing this you will be able to get it to do a lot of running which will wear it out quickly. If you are not able to give your German Shepherd exercise daily yourself then consider paying a dog walker to do it for you. There are apps that you can download now that you can use to find dog walkers in your area. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Finally Why Do Dogs Pant? It is established that German Shepherds pant a lot, mostly due to their size. Size is not the only factor as to why German Shepherds pant, as panting is something all dogs do to cool down. Panting is a natural, normal behavior in dogs that they instinctively use to control their body temperature, in response to the climate. Equally, dogs are not able to sweat through their skin. They do not have the efficient arrangement of sweat glands like we do as humans. Instead, canines cool down using the evaporation of moisture coming from their mouths, tongues, paws and nose. Panting helps dogs to exchange the warm air of their lungs for colder external air. With such few outlets to sweat, a dog can get very hot very fast. So, by quickly drawing in breaths of fresh air, they are able to stay cooler. Excessive panting can be a worry for many dog owners, but bear in mind; panting is not labored breathing. Labored breathing is often described as difficult respiration and is usually accompanied by distressing sounds like whining, crying, or whistling due to a blockage in the windpipe or the nostrils. As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are known to pant more than most other breeds of dog. This is for two main reasons. For one, the German Shepherd has a thick double coat that can be heavy and that naturally insulates heat. To help reduce the buildup of heat, panting is used to compensate. Secondly, German Shepherds are a relatively large breed of dog. They therefore have a higher energy level than most other breeds. Equally, because German Shepherds enjoy running, they can easily overheat — especially compared to dogs that are a lot more docile and calm. There are, however, several other factors that can make your Shepherd pant more than usual. Some of these factors are troubling, but there is usually something you can do about it. Some are to be expected whereas others are a little more serious. Your German Shepherd Has Just Exercised It is usual for German Shepherds to pant a lot after exercising or a period of activity; this provides more oxygen to their muscles. Of course, if your dog is panting for longer than expected, even after a sufficient period of time has passed since activity, it may be a good idea to speak to your vet. Equally, if you notice that even a small amount or moderate amount of exercise causes excessive panting, then this could indicate a potential problem. German Shepherds are sensitive to people and situations. These dogs can easily become frightened by loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, or can even be afraid of a certain person. They can also suffer from seperation anxiety when left alone for too long. In each of these situations above, your dog may suffer from excessive panting. As an owner you should monitor your dog in new environments and try to become familiar with their behavior in different contexts. This way you can identify whether certain situations are causing panting to arise and can then make suitable adjustments to help prevent the panting or support your dog during this time. Your German Shepherd Has Heatstroke Heatstroke is another common reason that a dog might pant more than usual. Heatstroke Is often caused by a dog doing too much activity outdoors when it is hot. Of course, a German Shepherd is a likely candidate for heatstroke due to their size and coat mentioned above. If you notice your Shepherd panting for an extended period after having been out in the heat, give him water to drink and place him in a shaded area straight away. If your dog has heatstroke, you should take them to see a vet once they have cooled down. Your German Shepherd Has Heart Problems If your German Shepherd has begun panting more than usual, then their is the possibility that they are suffering from a health issue. Usually, if this is the case it is a heart problem. German Shepherds are big dogs with powerful physiques, so you will hear them pant as a means of regulating their body temperature. Shepherds have double coats, which keeps them feeling hotter for longer. Loud and sudden sounds frighten the most nonchalant of us, so it hardly surprising that a German Shepherd would become frightened, causing them to pant. Fear will cause your German Shepherd to pant; this is normal. You should be concerned if the panting is sudden, deeper, and more extended than usual, particularly if your dog has no reason to pant. Here are some other things to look out for an when your dogs panting is more of a cause for concern: The temperature is cold — especially if your German Shepherd has not expended much energy. Excessive thirst and urination — coupled with panting means that your dog is not holding onto enough water. Panting is usually nothing to worry about, but it still indicates your dog is attempting to regulate their body temperature. It usually means that they are too hot, and their trying to cool down. The following are practical ways that you can support your dog and help them feel more comfortable during bouts of panting. Always make sure that they can do this on their own accord and never leave them outside in the heat of the day without the ability to cool off. Be cognizant of any steep hills or challenging landscapes too. This works particularly well if they are already very hot, and are in need of a wash anyway! Comfort Your Dog If your dog is panting heavily even if it is not hot or they are not exercising, it could be a sign that they are anxious, are in pain, or even stressed. In this situation, spend some time calming your dog. Give them a good stroke and divert their attention away from what ever is causing issues. Usually, their breathing will quickly return to a normal pace. Investigate The Environment, Monitor Meals Panting can be a sign that your dog has consumed something they do not agree with. Equally, they may have rubbed against something they are allergic to. Check all the foods in which you dog has eaten, and check up on areas your dog has been to ensure there is not something that has caused the panting. German Shepherds need at least one hour of exercise each day, to keep him fit, healthy, and to reduce panting. This is particularly effective in the summer months, or when you may be looking to increase their activity on a walking holiday for example. You can do this by using a de-shedding brush. The FURminator is one of the best brushes out there on the market. You can get it for a great price on Amazon and many German Shepherd owners swear by it. There are many videos available online demonstrating how to use the de-shedding brush correctly. Finally It is usual for German Shepherds to pant and even more so than other breeds. For the most part it does mean that your dog is hot and is attempting to cool down. As an owner, you need to remember that your German Shepherd has a thick double coat and they are a large breed of dog. Never make them overexert themselves or push them beyond their natural capacities. Equally, panting is not a sound that anyone particularly enjoys, but it is natural in dogs and this breed. It is never something you should look to stop. By putting a muzzle on your dog or yelling at them to stop, you will stress them out and cause further issues with overheating. Thankfully though, there are other things you can do to make your German Shepherd feel more comfortable and reduce their need to panting. If these things do not work, or you notice anything abnormal, its advised to take your dog for an examination at the vet. Excessive panting can mean something more serious — so you should be vigilant and better safe than sorry. Related guides you may want to read: Jeremy I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. In fact, it might seem like they pant too much. Fear not! Why does your German Shepherd pant so much though? Instead, dogs pant to cool off — a process known as thermoregulation. As a large dog with a thick coat, your German Shepherd will have a more difficult time cooling down and will need to pant more. But there are other reasons too. The 8 Likely Causes of German Shepherd Panting Most panting will be your German Shepherd trying to cool down, but there are sometimes other reasons they pant a lot. These include anxiety, being overheated, or just not feeling well. Because they have double coats, it will be easier for your German Shepherd to get hot. Image Credit: Pixabay 2. Heatstroke occurs when your pet has been active in extremely hot temperatures and can happen to any dog breed, but due to their thick coats and large size, German Shepherds are at greater risk. How can you tell if your dog is suffering from heatstroke? Other signs of heatstroke can include lethargy, thick sticky saliva, vomiting, and a bright red tongue. If you notice any of these, take your pet to a cooler, shaded area and give them water. They Just Finished Being Active German Shepherds have a lot of energy; they typically require at least two hours of exercise a day. However, if this panting lasts for a longer amount of time than is normal, you may want to speak to your vet. Likewise, if your dog is panting more even after short bursts of activity, it may be a sign that something is wrong. German Shepherd Excited Panting Maybe your German Shepherd is meeting a new person and is happy to have made a new friend. All that jumping and wriggling counts as activity, and they need to get more oxygen to their muscles. Image Credit: Pixabay 5. If your dog has become stressed, it may be panting more than usual. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to figure out what is making your pup anxious. Other times they could be reacting to your emotions. Fear can also cause more panting. While they may end up with digestive issues or reddened skin because of them, your German Shepherd may also start panting in a wheezing manner. Their allergies range from dietary-related, pollen-related, laundry detergents, and dust. Other signs of a reaction include itchiness and paw chewing. One sign of pain in German Shepherds can be panting without the catalyst of exercise or excitement. If you notice this along with other signs of potential illness, get them to a vet right away. Heart disease can manifest symptoms such as the onset of excessive panting. Other signs of heart problems include a swollen belly, loss of appetite, and paler gums than usual. German Shepherd Normal vs. Abnormal Panting Since German Shepherds do pant more than other breeds, how can you tell whether yours is panting an average amount or not? If your dog has been running about or has been outside in the heat, short amounts of panting are normal. Other signs to look for to tell whether your pet is alright are the temperature panting more in hot weather is expected , lethargy, extreme thirst, and hair loss. Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay What To Do About Panting Panting is a part of dog life, especially in our German Shepherd friends, but there are some things that can reduce the amount of panting they do. Another good way to help your pup stay cool is by removing their undercoat with a deshedding brush. This technique is particularly beneficial during the summer months. If it seems this is the case, try offering them some comfort. By giving them your company and some good pets, you may distract them from whatever is bothering them, helping their breathing return to normal. This can help you figure out if it is indeed a reaction and whether you need to go to the vet. Other common causes can be excitement, fear, anxiety, heatstroke, heart problems, or illness in general. The main thing you should know is how to differentiate between normal and abnormal amounts of panting by examining their recent activity and surroundings. Featured Image Credit: Pixabay. Other reasons include excitement, exhaustion, anxiety, reacting to unfamiliar events, or underlying health issues. Although heavy breathing can be a worrying thing to see, there are actually many normal causes for it. Panting is the primary way that all dogs cool themself down aside from sweating through their paws. The vast majority of panting can be explained by one of the causes above. If anything is causing your German Shepherd to be stressed either temporarily or chronically then excessive panting might be something you see on a daily basis. Many things can cause your GSD to be stressed or anxious, from being left alone too long, insufficient stimulation , and even in response to your personal feelings and emotions on any given day. Fortunately, it comes with additional signs to look out for aside from excessive panting. You may notice your GSD to have a bright red tongue, very thick or sticky saliva, weakness, and difficulty moving, lethargy, and may experience diarrhea or vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms along with panting in hot weather, call your veterinarian as soon as you can, and in the meantime encourage him to drink water. Allergies German Shepherds can suffer from a range of allergies that can cause panting. Allergies can be dietary and food-related or they could be from allergens such as pollen, dust, mites, certain fabric conditioners, washing powders, or even perfumes. If your German Shepherd has any known allergies this could very well be the cause. So how do you know if something is wrong? These are important questions you are likely asking. But please take your time to consider the situation and recent events before calling your veterinarian. Consider the many situations when panting can be expected as outlined near the top and think about the recent events leading up to when you noticed the panting. Another common question is when it comes to puppies. This leads to a lot of ups and downs with their panting volume. And even this, under the right circumstances, would be considered fast, but still normal. Thank you for reading! This would be more likely to be the reason if the room that it sleeps in is normally quite hot. In this case, it would help to let it sleep in a cooler room or to try to cool the room down itself. It has just been active If your German Shepherd tends to get exercise in the evening or it tends to become very active in the evening then it would be likely to be the cause of the panting. In this case, it would not be an issue to be concerned with. Anxiety The reason why it has been panting a lot at night could be that it is anxious. This would be more likely if it started doing it when something happened that might make it anxious or if there is something in its environment that could make it anxious. It could be that someone mistreated it, there tends to be loud noises such as wind or sirens or that it has recently moved homes and it is unsure of its environment. It is dreaming If it pants a lot during its sleep then it could be because it is dreaming. This would be more likely if it does not pant a lot constantly when sleeping and it only lasts as long as a dream would typically last. If it does not stop then it could be due to a more serious issue that gets discussed here. Illness or injury The cause of the sudden panting could be that it has an illness or injury. This would be more likely if it started doing it suddenly and it is not just panting more at night. It would also be more likely if it has been showing other signs of being ill or injured such as vomiting, behaving differently or being fatigued. In this case, the best option for you would be to take it to a vet. Age If your German Shepherd is very young then it will naturally pant more. According to Cuteness. Things to consider There are many things that you can consider when trying to figure out why your German Shepherd has been breathing fast at night. If it has always panted more at night It would help to consider whether or not your German Shepherd has always panted more at night or if it has started doing it more suddenly. If it has started panting more at night suddenly then it would make it more likely that it is due to illness, injury, a sudden change in the temperature or that it has been more active in the evenings recently. If it has always seemed to pant more at night then it could be because it is still young, it is its natural breathing speed or it could be that there is a medical issue. In this case, it would help to consult with a vet the next time you take your German Shepherd for a checkup. When it seems to do it more The timing of when it seems to pant more would also be something to consider. If it does not always seem to pant more at night then it could be the case that there is something that has been triggering it. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd has been panting more at night, it is constant and excessive or if your German Shepherd has been behaving abnormally in other ways then it would be very important to take it to a vet and to get it checked out. Give it exercise German Shepherds are meant to be an active breed and they are supposed to get a lot of exercise daily. When they do not get much exercise it can cause them to develop health issues. Generally, it is recommended that a German Shepherd get an hour of exercise per day. If your German Shepherd is not getting that much exercise then it would help to make sure that it does after getting the all-clear from a vet. You can exercise it by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. Give it access to a cool area Since it might be panting at night due to being too hot it would help to make sure that it has access to a cool area at night. If the weather is hot where you are it would also be helpful to help remove its undercoat by brushing it with a de-shedding brush. Keep it out of the sun during the day If the weather is hot right now then it would also be important to keep it out of the sun during the day. If it has been panting a lot at night after having been out in the sun for a long time then it could be due to mild heatstroke. If it is hot then it would help to give it exercise in the morning or evening when the sun is not up. It would also help to give it access to shaded and cool areas during the day. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Vomiting Temperature above degrees Fahrenheit If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, call your vet right away. Additionally, following the below treatment steps at the first signs can help cool the dog and provide life-saving care: Treating Heatstroke in Dogs The number one way to treat heatstroke is to avoid it in the first place. Never leave your dog in a parked car, because even with the windows cracked, temperatures can get up to degrees Fahrenheit. For a dog suffering from heatstroke, you want to cool them down slowly. Make sure not to drop their temperature too quickly since that can lead to constricted blood vessels, which can cause a stroke. Give your dog cool not cold water to drink. Give him ice cubes to lick. Note: Be careful not to spray your dog with a water hose; the water left in hoses can heat to almost boiling temperatures. Much like you get wound up for a big presentation at work or excited to meet a friend, your dog also experiences such emotions. They may be thrilled to see you get home for the day or get worked up when strangers ring your doorbell. Either way, some amount of panting from excitement is expected; however, if it is frequent or constant, it may mean your dog has a more severe form of anxiety. German Shepherds may be more susceptible to anxiety as they are a hyper-vigilant dog breed. They are protective of their humans and want to be involved in all aspects of life. This mentality can lead to heightened levels of anxiety as the dog feels the need to be ever-alert. In these cases, it is possible for the owner to calm them in the short term and keep them that way. This can be done with a series of training exercises and some diet changes. Chronic Illness Some dogs may contract a chronic illness or condition that causes them to breathe more heavily than average. Heart Disease or Heart Failure Heart failure is one of the most common illness that causes panting in dogs and cats. Animals show some of the same symptoms as people when it comes to heart failure, including heavy breathing, coughing, and fatigue. Excessive thirst, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance can accompany heavy panting. Treatment can include medication and ACE inhibitors. Respiratory Disorders Respiratory disorders can also cause heavy breathing, such as pneumonia, laryngeal paralysis, lung tumors. Contact a vet to rule out any of these dangerous conditions. As allergies affect the respiratory system the same way as humans, your dog may need to breathe more heavily due to a histamine reaction. Typically allergies cause noisy breathing or wheezing in addition to increased breathing rate. Luckily, though, allergies can be treated with medication or the avoidance of allergic triggers. They also can mask it behind normal-seeming behavior gestures such as tail wagging or panting. However, as their guardians, it is our job to notice these changes in behavior. Accompanying panting, you may notice restlessness, anxiety, licking or scratching an area excessively, or enlarged pupils. Medication Some medications can cause shortness of breath or excessive panting in dogs. While it may seem challenging to determine the difference at first, with a little practice, it will become easy. While this practice is essential for dogs with heart failure or other preexisting conditions, it can also be useful to know for healthy animals, too. This way, you are prepared if an emergency ever arises. Most dogs take between breaths per minute, though some can be lower, which is generally not a cause for concern. Higher than 30 breaths per minute is normal if the dog is hot or winded but should not be a sustained rate. However, if they are calm and resting, this works as well. One breath consists of both a rise and a fall in chest movement, which is an indication of an inhale and exhale. Use a stopwatch, phone, or another timepiece to measure 30 seconds as you count the breaths. If you are counting the breaths of a healthy animal, do this once per day so you can establish a baseline. If your pet is ill or experiencing heart failure, your vet may recommend monitoring this every hour. This is especially the case if your dog shows other signs of hyperventilation, such as: Rapid heart rate Collapsing or fainting Weakness If this is related to a physical health issue, the vet may recommend making an appointment or emergency visit. If the panting is determined to be due to stress or anxiety, your vet may offer recommendations on how to calm your dog. How To Calm Panting In Anxious Dogs Dogs, like people, can get stressed, nervous, or anxious in unfamiliar situations or due to changes in routine. Some dogs are extra sensitive, and even one small thing being out of place like a squirrel running around in the yard can cause them to get worked up. When dogs get worked up in such fashion, it could cause them to pant heavily and often. In doing this, the owner should also remain calm so their buddy can pick up on it. In training your dog to adopt calmness, positive reinforcement is the key; this comes primarily in the form of treats but also affirmations of good behavior work as well. Just ensure your affirmations are not too enthusiastic because that could cause excitement in the dog, thus counteracting your recent training session. Yogurt in a squeeze bottle, shredded chicken, or the soft sausage-rolled dog treats are some options you can try. You can also use finding treats as a distraction from whatever is upsetting your pooch. Sniffing is a natural calming action for dogs as it allows their focus to be on something tangible. It also dedicates breaths to the sniff, which can alleviate panting. If they need encouragement, look with them, and point out the tasty treats. Practice Calming Behaviors As an owner, taking your own deep breaths can help show the dog that calm is okay. You want to encourage your dog once they stop panting, even for a moment, and provide them with a treat. Use treats and a flat, upturned palm to slowly encourage your dog to move their chin closer to your hand. Spark their interest in the mat with treats and affirmations without telling the dog to go to the mat. Since it is supposed to be a refuge for your dog, you want it to be their idea when they goes there. At first, the mat will only be out as a special treat and hidden the rest of the time. Eventually, you can leave the mat out all the time and quietly reward your pet for lying on the mat on their own. If you see your dog sleeping or relaxing, quietly place a treat nearby without saying anything. This is the time where enthusiastic praise could actually be a detriment because it will get the pup wound up again. Always call your vet if you are unsure if care is needed.
Labradoodle Puppies for sale. Breeders of quality Australian Labradoodles, with helpful information about doodle dogs. Home Discover the joy of owning a fun-loving, exceptional Australian Labradoodle from GorgeousDoodles. Treat yourself and your family to the gift of a delightful and loyal companion today! Gorgeousdoodles is where happy wagging prancing soul-mates are found. Come find out why an Australian Labradoodle is an ideal family dog. Please contact us for current availability and info on upcoming litters expected soon! At GorgeousDoodles, our commitment to our dogs is unwavering. They are cherished members of our family, receiving love and care every step of the way. Our puppies are born and raised in our home, ensuring they are well-socialized from the start. We take great pride in providing them with a nurturing environment. After many generations of breeding the Australian Labradoodle, characteristics have been securely established. We have extensive knowledge about dog temperaments, nutritional requirements, health, social behaviors, and training. Join us in celebrating the joy they bring! Good Dog provides valuable educational resources for breeders and pet families. Our partnership with Good Dog highlights our commitment to the Australian Labradoodle breed and the incredible work we do. Current Available Puppies! Hello and thank you for visiting our site! We love our Australian Labradoodles!!! It is a privilege for us to raise these amazing puppies for you to add to your life as your best friend. We like to think of our business as a way of fulfilling your dream of a non-shedding companion that will experience life with you. Only the best Australian labradoodles we can find are a part of our Hilltop Labradoodles breeding program. We strive to advance the breed by health testing all of our parent dogs to allow our Hilltop Labradoodles Families a chance to experience these amazing dogs in their own lives. We live and raise our dogs in Northern Colorado but have placed and deliver our dogs throughout the United States. Enjoy looking through our site and viewing our fabulous dogs! Trained Christmas Puppies Life in my small piece of the world is on the edge of the great plains in Northern Colorado where the grass ripples across the land like waves in the ocean. I have been blessed with a man that is nothing short of the hardest working beau you've ever met and five ingenious children. Our animals have as much personality as the people in our family do. We spend a lot of days laughing, caring well for what we have stewardship over, and enjoying the gifts we have been given. I love beautiful things designed by God. I cherish peaceful, quiet mornings when the air is crisp and you can see life in your own breath. Anything family is a joy with the many diverse gifts we share with each other. I claim to be a good cook only when I follow the creative young soul from Half Baked Harvest, otherwise coffee with a little cream will do. Oh… and Fabulous is my favorite word. To Red Rock Doodles Red Rock Doodles is committed to breeding high quality multigen Standard size Australian Labradoodles that are not only adorable, but genetically sound. We have also been vetted and recognized by GoodDog www. We have focused our program on breeding only standard size Australian Labradoodles to ensure more consistency in coats and temperaments, and to reduce incidence of certain health issues. We are a serious small hobby breeder of multi-generation Australian Labradoodles. While the breed is the result of crossing several generations of Labradoodles that have the ancestry of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel either American or English , the Australian Labradoodle is more than a simple crossbreed — they are a breed in development with more than 4 decades of dedicated efforts to create a more consistent and predictable coat type, size and personality than the Labradoodle. We have found the Australian labradoodle to be the perfect blend of personality, intelligence, sweetness and curiosity along with a low-allergy low-shed fleece coat! We spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and biking and enjoying the lakes and streams in Colorado and northern Arizona. With homes in Arizona and Colorado, we typically will have a fall or winter litter in Arizona and a summer litter in Colorado. We would love to share our experience and love for this wonderful breed with everyone! If you are a dog-lover, and you must be since you are here, your dog is more than a pet. Adding a pet to your family is a big decision and we are glad you chose Red Rock Doodles. If you are interested in one of our puppies for sale or would simply like a referral to another reputable Australian Labradoodle Breeder, please contact us. We are a small home-based breeder of Puppy Culture raised Australian labradoodles in Southern Colorado. We breed medium and standard-sized Australian labradoodles. We only breed for the enjoyment of the puppies and to further promote labradoodles that are of excellent health, conformation, and temperament. Our Australian labradoodles are bred with responsibility and integrity. Our goal is to place these special dogs into homes where they will be loved and cherished companions. We stand by you, and offer continuous lifetime support. We do this because we love dogs, and the Labradoodle breed. Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, level-headedness, affection, sociability and cheerful disposition. They are loyal, friendly, eager to please, even-tempered, gentle and kind. This combination of traits makes them outstanding service and therapy dogs, as well as terrific family companions. We produce exceptional labradoodles because each litter is carefully planned. We keep two vital factors in mind as we make our selection: temperament and health. Each puppy born in our home is handled daily. Colorado Mountain Labradoodles utilize early neurological stimulation, as well as the puppy culture method which represents a gold standard in puppy rearing and early socialization. We also use both the Empowered Breeder, and Avidog Evaluation Test to evaluate the temperament of each puppy. A lot of doodle breeders are now claiming they raise their puppies using the Puppy Culture. There are lots of reinforcement based breeders out there who are doing a magnificent job but have never seen Puppy Culture, or followed the whole protocol. Make sure the breeder provides videos, and other information on their weekly updates. We follow Puppy Culture thoroughly, and by the time our puppies are 8 weeks old, they have been started on the commands: sit, down, watch me and go to your place. They have been conditioned with the clicker, and are excited to be trained. Our Australian labradoodles are highly intelligent and are simple to train. They quickly learn standard obedience commands, such as sit, down, come and stay. They thrive on being mentally and physically engaged. They love playing and interacting with people and other dogs, especially in games involving chase, fetch or hide-and-seek. Families also find that our labradoodles enjoy participating in competitive canine activities, such as tricks, agility and obedience. As with almost any breed, their socialization and training should start at an early age and continue throughout their life. They share a love of water with their field Labrador and Poodle ancestors and often will enter water without prompting. All of our puppies receive love and care from everyone in the family. By the time they are ready to go home with you, they will be used to children and other dogs, and ready to go home to be a loving member of your family. Our dogs are treated as family, and are included in our daily routines.
I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. We had our first litter in and French Bulldogs Joined our family in the rest his history we love both breeds. Most of our dogs also carry color s. So when needed we test puppies pior to selling. Our puppies are dewormed at 2, 4 ,6 and 8 weeks they will have their health check up, first set of shots and fecal examination, checking for parasites at 7 weeks old. Len Lucero located in Sumterville Florida. A Furever Friend Our goal is to find loving homes for all our bulldog babies. We have a contract that is to be read over and signed before moving forward with any puppy sale. This way we know our babies will be placed into loving homes. This also expains our health guarantee for any puppy produced here at Childs Bulldogs. We will take back any of our puppies at any point in their lifetime for any reason. We also provide lifetime support if issues should arise and you have questions. Please contact us if you have any questions. We are happy to help you find a new family member. If our puppies aren't for you or we don't have a puppy, we are happy to send you to another reputable breeder who holds health, temperament and structure to the same standard we do. We have an incubator complete with an oxygen concentrator and nebulizer. We also have fresh frozen plasma on hand along with all the necessary whelping supplies, complete with a scale to monitor their daily weight until they are about weeks old. We also work closely with 2 veterinarians that are avaiable 24 hours a day for anything we may need to help with the development of all our puppies.
Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. Their calm, confident demeanor paired with their recognizable looks makes them wonderful family pets and undeniably cool sidekicks. One even lives in The White House , so you know they're a big deal. Whether you're celebrating National German Shepherd Day May 10 or just need a pick-me-up with some smiling pups , you've come to the right place! Luna the Longhaired German Shepherd Luna's long mane looks absolutely stunning against the rocks. Plus, with a smile like that, this pup can steal anyone's heart. Who doesn't want to be lounging by the pool with a cup of coffee and getting some online shopping, er, work done? Just look at her stunning black coat and long tongue! Duke Enjoying a Pupsicle This German shepherd knows how to do summer right with a delicious homemade dog popsicle. Save some for us! Krut the Adventure Doggo What's more relaxing than hiking with your dog next to a beautiful waterfall? Krut's Instagram page is full of gorgeous pictures of his mountain adventures that have us itching for a weekend camping trip. Cliff's Boop-able Nose Now this is a snoot we need to boop! Cliff's Instagram always shows the smiling pup on tons of outdoor adventures. No wonder he's one of the happiest German shepherds we've ever seen! Koa's Beach Day This has everything you need in a cute German shepherd picture: a gorgeous background, floppy ears, and an adorably fluffy puppy with her tongue out. What more can you ask for? After only a few short minutes of brushing , it's like you have enough fur for a whole new dog! German shepherds have thick, double layered coats that are prone to shedding , so it's even more important for their owners to keep a regular grooming routine. You may just need to book an afternoon for the task. Sebastian the Birthday Boy Time to light the candles! Sebastian's first birthday bash included a matching bandana , banner, and birthday hat, as well as some adorable custom cookies. All he needs left for his big day is a dog-approved birthday cake. Flash's Floppy Ears German shepherds are known for their signature perked-up ears. But in their first few months, German shepherd puppies sport floppy ears until around the time they finish teething. So German shepherd puppy owners: take all the photos with those adorable floppy ears while you still can! But Odin here is clearly proud to be a German shepherd K.And based on his Instagram posts, this good boy gets the job done right. These good boys are clearly enjoying their day outside at the park and we couldn't be happier for them. Ace the German Shepherd Service Dog German shepherds are incredibly smart, making them wonderful service animals! When your job includes going to Disney, how could you not look as happy as this guy? Apollo Soaking up the Sun Apollo might be the coolest dog we've ever seen. From the effortlessly stylish sunglasses all the way down to his customized shoes, we know this good boy is living his best life. Was this page helpful? These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies Who Are Also Busy Bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. German Shepherd puppy in grass close-up of German Shepherd puppy German Shepherd puppy in profile German Shepherd puppy on rock German Shepherd puppy lying down on lawn German Shepherd puppy looking at camera German Shepherd puppy on snow German Shepherd puppy in yard Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Would you adopt a German Shepherd Puppy? Do you have experience with these adorable pups? Let us know in the comments below!
Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Our area has wide open spaces with majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. We are devoted to raising beautiful, healthy, well-balanced and socialized golden and labrador retrievers, goldendoodles, goldadors, bichon frises, cavaliers and cavachons. All of our foundation adults are free from hereditary problems and are backed by a health guarantee. Whether you are looking for a Golden Retriever puppy, Labrador Retriever puppy, Goldendoodle puppy, Goldador puppy, Bichon Frises puppy, Cavalier puppy or Cavachon puppy, we' would love to help you find the perfect dog. We combine excellent confirmation, exceptional good looks, intelligence and athleticism for the perfectly balanced dog. In order to achieve this goal, we begin with wonderful foundation bitches and sires that possess several generations of healthy dogs. Many of our dogs have several generations of clearances. Our puppies are bred for wonderful dispositions and temperaments to provide great companionship and use as family pets, service dogs, therapy dogs, conformation and hunting companions. You will not find more loyal, affectionate, and trustworthy companions. We look forward to hearing from you to tell you more about these wonderful pets and show dogs. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens.
Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild, and 5 being very loud and easily detected. When a dog is relaxed or sleeping, rates above 35 breaths per minute signify heart problems and warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. Count each rise during that period, then multiply that number by four to find out the number of breaths per minute. By the time you see visible signs of a heart problem — difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and collapsing — your dog may have heart disease. What are heart murmurs? There are two broad categories of heart murmurs in dogs: A congenital murmur is present from birth. Congenital murmurs are usually caused by a structural heart defect. Fortunately, most murmurs in young puppies turn out to be benign in nature. An acquired murmur is one that becomes apparent later in life. Acquired murmurs are usually due to heart valve abnormalities or cardiac muscle disease. Fortunately, most dogs with acquired valvular disease never develop congestive heart failure, as long as they receive proper care. The most common cause is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, which is a progressive degeneration of the mitral valve. The cause is unknown, but in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a genetic link has been identified. Larger breeds also sometimes develop murmurs associated with cardiomyopathy, which is a term for cardiac muscle disease. Learn more about dilated cardiomyopathy The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium upper chamber and left ventricle lower chamber of the heart. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes into the left atrium, where it is transported to the left ventricle, which then pushes the blood out to the rest of the body via the aorta. When the mitral valve degenerates, it becomes bumpy and irregular and no longer closes all the way, allowing blood to wash back into the left atrium. The heart becomes less efficient, making it work harder with every beat. Eventually, fluid backs up into the lungs. When that happens, the dog is in congestive heart failure and will require cardiac medications for the rest of their life. Monitoring is your best defense If your veterinarian tells you that they hear a heart murmur, they will likely recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function. Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and usually done without anesthesia or a sedative. A simple blood test, called pro-BNP precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide , is a useful tool for monitoring as well, as pro-BNP levels rise in the face of cardiac muscle stretch and stress. Obesity makes it harder to breathe, which strains the heart. It also makes it harder to exercise, and exercise is good for the heart. These diets are sodium-restricted, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and supports healthy blood pressure — both of which are important for cardiac patients. The nutrients include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other things that support cardiac function. If you are told that your dog has a heart murmur, you should schedule regular follow-ups to monitor its progression, help your dog lose weight through proper diet and exercise, and consider using a prescription diet for canine cardiac health. Your attention to cardiac management could be the difference between a dog who ends up with congestive heart failure and one that does not. If your puppy does not outgrow their murmur, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine the cause, cardiac status and prognosis. This is important whether your dog is intended for breeding or not. For dogs intended for breeding, the echocardiogram will help determine whether the dog ethically should be used for breeding. For dogs undergoing spay and neuter procedures, the echocardiogram provides your veterinary surgeon with important information regarding the risk of anesthesia. The ultimate prognosis depends on the type of congenital heart defect. Many puppies will live a normal lifespan. For other puppies, surgery may be an option. Stud Dogs Puppy Heart Murmur A heart murmur is a specific sound detected when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. This sound is a result of the blood flowing faster than normal within the heart itself or in one of the two major arteries leaving the heart the aorta and pulmonary artery. Instead of the normal Lubb Dupp, an additional sound is present that can vary from a mild pshhh to a loud whoosh! What is a heart murmur? Your vet will use a stethoscope to listen to all areas of the heart A heart murmur is a specific sound detected when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Your vet may use a grading system from 1 to 6 to describe how loud the murmur is e. Heart murmurs in dogs can develop at any stage of their life. However, the significance of the heart murmur can be very different depending on the age at which the murmur is first detected. My dog seems normal to me but my vet has detected a heart murmur. Is this possible? It often comes as a surprise to owners to be told that their dog has a heart murmur. Many dogs with heart murmurs seem normal to their owners and have no obvious symptoms of heart disease. However, it is important to remember that the presence of a heart murmur is just an indication that there may be underlying heart disease. In itself the heart murmur is not a diagnosis. If your dog has had a heart murmur detected but is not showing symptoms of heart disease, it is possible that the heart disease may not yet have developed significantly enough to affect the normal functioning of the heart. However, this situation can change and cardiac symptoms can develop rapidly. This is very important as it means that appropriate treatment to assist heart function can be started promptly if and when it is required. These disappear by 5 months of age If a heart murmur is present from birth or develops shortly after birth, it will probably be detected by your veterinary surgeon at the first or second vaccinations. In puppies, there are two major types of heart murmurs. This type of murmur is soft typically a grade 2 or softer and is not caused by underlying heart disease. An innocent flow murmur typically disappears by months of age. However if a puppy has a loud murmur grade 3 or louder , or if the heart murmur is still easily heard with a stethoscope after months of age, the likelihood of an underlying congenital heart problem i. Examples of congenital heart problems in dogs are patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis and pulmonic stenosis. Interestingly, some types of congenital heart disease in puppies have very characteristic sounding heart murmurs. If congenital heart disease is suspected, your vet will almost certainly want you to see a specialist for further assessment. Puppy strangles is especially problematic in Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Brittany spaniels, springer spaniels, and dachshunds. Signs Puppy strangles is a result of an immune malfunction. The skin, especially on the face, becomes infected with deep sores. These sores can become so involved that they reach the lymph nodes of the neck. This neck area swells with hard knots under the jaw until it looks like the baby dog will strangle—hence the name. Puppy pyoderma is characterized by pustules on the face, and painful swelling of the lips, eyelids, and face. This may also include swellings in the groin area, where the lymph glands are located. Infected neck lymph nodes often become abscessed, break open and drain. Signs of puppy strangles go beyond the facial sores. Puppies develop a fever, become lethargic, and stop eating, which can lead to low blood sugar that complicates the condition. The draining sores on the face must be diagnosed as pyoderma, as opposed to juvenile demodectic mange that looks similar. Treatment for puppy strangles such as steroids to relieve the inflammation could actually make the demodectic mange worse. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the condition, ask for tips on how to help your puppy heal. Some home treatment can relieve the discomfort, too. Home Care Apply hot packs to the sore face two or three times a day. Moist heat brings blood circulation to the area to help heal the wound more quickly and clean out the infection. Apply moist heat five minutes on, five minutes off, until the cloth has cooled, and then reapply. Soak with warm water at least once a day to soften the crusties, and then gently wipe them off. Follow up by washing the area with a 2. For the lymph nodes that have abscessed, clean the spots three to four times a day with warm water on a cloth applied for five to 10 minutes at a time. As with any abscess, these spots will be very tender, so be gentle. Rough cleaning also could increase the chance that the area will scar. Veterinary Treatment Your vet may need to lance abscesses that have not opened on their own. Flushing out the deep wound can be accomplished using a syringe without the needle or even a turkey baster or squirt gun filled with an antiseptic solution like diluted Betadine. Typically, several weeks of antibiotics from your vet will be needed to resolve any deep infection and prevent secondary bacterial infections in the draining wounds. Your vet may also prescribe steroids to reduce the inflammation. We look forward to serving our clients from our new location in Longmont, CO. Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that vets can hear by listening with a stethoscope. There is a wide range of causes for heart murmurs in dogs that can range from no impact on your pup's health to a more severe prognosis. Today, our Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology vets explain. What is a heart murmur? A heart murmur occurs when there is turbulent blood flow within the heart. Some murmurs, especially those found in young puppies, can be 'innocent' or 'physiologic' and will have no negative effects on your dog's health. Young puppies with innocent heart murmurs will usually outgrow them by about 5 months. Unfortunately, a heart murmur in an older dog is less likely to be deemed 'innocent' and can typically be categorized in two ways: pathologic caused by heart disease or extracardiac not caused by heart disease. What are heart murmur grades in dogs? Not all heart murmurs sound the same. When your vet listens to your dog's heart, they will assess the intensity, timing, and location of the murmur and grade it using the following scale: Grade 1: Barely audible - the least serious type of heart murmur Grade 2: Soft murmur, but easily heard with a stethoscope Grade 3: Intermediate loudness, most serious problems will result in at least a grade 3 heart murmur in dogs Grade 4: Loud murmur that can be heard on either side of the chest Grade 5: Very loud murmur Grade 6: Very loud murmur that can be felt by placing a hand on the dog's chest wall - the most severe type of heart murmur What are the symptoms of heart murmurs in dogs? The symptoms of a heart murmur largely depend on the underlying heart condition that is affecting your pup. There is a wide range of conditions and diseases that can cause a heart murmur in dogs. Most commonly, heart murmurs in small dogs are caused by a leaky mitral valve the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle. The mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle but does not allow for blood to flow back into the left atrium. Sometimes as a dog ages the valve degenerates which causes blood to leak backward. This condition is known as chronic valve disease, degenerative mitral valve disease, or endocardiosis. In larger breed dogs, heart murmurs are often caused by a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy with a subsequent leaky mitral valve. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the muscles in the pumping chamber of the heart to become weakened and decrease the contraction strength of the heart. While these are common culprits of heart murmurs, there is a range of other issues that can cause a murmur to occur. Your vet will be able to run the proper diagnostic tests to properly assess your pet's heart and determine the cause of the heart murmur. How can heart murmurs be treated? An innocent murmur will not require any treatment, but your vet will want you to come for follow-up appointments to ensure the heart murmur resolves itself. A heart murmur caused by cardiac disease or defect may require medication, a specialized diet, or surgery. At the very minimum, your dog will require vet visits every 6 months to monitor the murmur. What is the prognosis of a heart murmur? The prognosis of a heart murmur largely depends on the underlying cause of the murmur and ranges from good to severe. For innocent murmurs that don't require treatment, the prognosis is generally good to excellent. Heart murmurs caused by extracardiac disease or a functional problem that can be treated may resolve over time. For dogs that have a leaky mitral valve, long-term medication can help prolong their lives or improve their quality of life. The prognosis for a dog with dilated cardiomyopathy varies - if the dog is already showing signs of heart failure the prognosis is unfortunately not good. For dogs with congenital heart defects, the prognosis varies- if the defect can be corrected by surgery the prognosis is usually very good. Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. Is your dog showing signs of a heart condition? The veterinary cardiologists at Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology have extensive experience in treating heart disease and other cardiac conditions. Request a referral from your vet today or contact us for more information. Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Boulder and Denver companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment. This article aims to clarify common myths and misconceptions regarding heart murmurs in dogs so that any pet owner can understand the significance of this diagnosis and the next best steps. What is a heart murmur? Does a heart murmur mean my dog has heart disease? Not necessarily; not all dogs diagnosed with a heart murmur will suffer from cardiac heart disease. A heart murmur is a clinical finding—not a disease diagnosis. Some heart murmurs are benign or harmless and may go away on their own, particularly in puppies. Additional diagnostic testing, such as an echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart will likely be required. Some puppies can grow out of heart murmurs by approximately 16 weeks of age. These murmurs are usually low grade quiet and show no signs of affecting the animal. If your puppy has a louder murmur that has been heard at several vet visits, it is recommended that your pet be evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist to determine if intervention medicine or surgery is advised. What causes a heart murmur in dogs? Anything that changes the blood flow through the heart creating turbulence can cause a murmur to be heard. Not always. Murmurs are graded on a scale that refers to their loudness see below. Quiet murmurs may still represent severe heart disease in a patient, while conversely, loud murmurs may not impact a dog lifelong, depending on the diagnosis. This is why further investigation into the cause of the murmur with a veterinary cardiologist is useful to guide treatment recommendations and provide prognostic information. Grade 1: heard inconsistently in a quiet room with a quiet animal Grade 2: easily heard but quieter than the normal heart sounds Grade 3: same intensity as the heart sounds Grade 4: louder than the heart sounds and heard on both sides of the chest Grade 5: loud with a thrill vibration that can be felt with the hand against the chest Grade 6: very loud with a thrill and can be heard with the stethoscope off the body wall My dog is acting normally. Does that mean the heart murmur is harmless? Again, not necessarily. Dogs may be asymptomatic for their heart murmur but have significant heart disease already present that warrants treatment. Since acquired heart disease usually presents in older patients, owners often think they are slowing down due to age when heart disease is truly contributing to their change in energy. In other cases, asymptomatic dogs with heart murmurs may not require heart medications, but they may have the early stages of heart disease present that warrant other precautions. For instance, general anesthesia for a surgery or dental procedure is only recommended if a dog diagnosed with a heart murmur has been evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist and deemed to be a safe anesthetic candidate with appropriate protocol precautions in place. What are signs of cardiac heart disease in dogs? Signs of cardiac disease in dogs can include: Difficulty or labored breathing. My pet was diagnosed with a heart murmur! What does that mean? It is caused by abnormal turbulent blood flow. Abnormal turbulent blood flow can occur when blood passes across abnormal heart valves or across abnormal structures within the heart. It can also occur when blood flows very fast across normal structures such as when an animal is excited. An echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart is a non-invasive test that is performed to determine the cause of the murmur. In some instances, the louder the murmur, the more significant the abnormality within the heart. They are soft and usually go away by 14 weeks of age. This may indicate that congenital present at birth heart disease is present. The cardiologist will perform an echocardiogram as well as other tests EKG, blood pressure, etc. Depending on the disease present, some congenital diseases can be fixed or made better with an interventional catheter procedure, traditional surgery, or administration of cardiac medications. If you have an older, small breed dog: Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that these dogs have a leaky mitral valve the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve degenerates as dogs age and when it does, the older valve allows blood to leak backwards. We refer to this disease as chronic valve disease, endocardiosis or degenerative mitral valve disease. Mild chronic valve disease that leads to small leaks across the mitral valve usually does not create a problem for a dog. The disease is slowly progressive in most cases and the leak will continue to worsen over months to years. If the disease becomes severe, the dog is at risk for developing congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure means that the leak across the heart valve overwhelms the heart and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine the stage of chronic valve disease present. The presence or absence of congestive heart failure is diagnosed by X-ray of the chest. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life. Some dogs can do well with these medications for years. Bernard, Newfoundland, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian or Portuguese Water Dog : Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that they have a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy with a subsequent leaky mitral valve. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber ventricle of the heart where the muscle becomes weakened and the contraction of the heart is decreased. When the ventricle is unable to pump blood to the body, fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. This is known as congestive heart failure. In addition, because the heart is not pumping effectively, these dogs can develop profound weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and fainting. Unfortunately, they can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats arrhythmias from the diseased heart chambers. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if dilated cardiomyopathy is present in susceptible breeds. Oral medications can be initiated in the preclinical asymptomatic phase of dilated cardiomyopathy and in some cases, these medications can delay the progression of the disease to the development of congestive heart failure. If a dog develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. Some dogs can do well with these medications for a period of months to years. If you have a middle-aged to older cat especially a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Sphynx or Devon Rex : Heart murmurs in cats can be due to the excitement of the veterinary visit physiologic heart murmurs or due to underlying heart disease. An echocardiogram is necessary to differentiate between a heart murmur that is just due to excitement versus a heart murmur from underlying heart disease. Heart murmurs or other abnormalities heard with a stethoscope may indicate that cats have a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is the most common acquired heart disease seen in cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber of the heart where the muscle does not relax well after it contracts. Blood is then unable to fill the heart normally and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. Signs of congestive heart failure include a fast breathing rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, hiding and a decreased appetite. Unfortunately, in addition, these cats can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats from the diseased heart chambers. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or other structural heart disease is present in susceptible breeds and in cats that have abnormal heart sounds on physical examination. The progression of disease is different in every cat. Some cats develop congestive heart failure soon after their disease is diagnosed by echocardiogram. Other cats remain asymptomatic for their hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years before they develop congestive heart failure. Still others never develop congestive heart failure or any symptoms of their heart disease. Recheck cardiology visits and echocardiograms are necessary to determine the progression of disease in each patient. If a cat develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life, and some cats can do well with these medications for a period of months to years. Jordan Vitt, a veterinary cardiologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says the three types of congenital heart defects seen most often are patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, and subaortic stenosis. Saki Kadotani, who is completing a residency in veterinary cardiology. Vitt explains. However, each of these heart problems has its own cause and treatment. Patent Ductus Arteriosus Patent ductus arteriosus PDA is a condition in which a blood vessel that should close at birth fails to close. This problem can occur in any breed of dog. When puppies are born, this ductus should close and all blood flow through the ductus should stop. Vitt, when this happens, blood that should flow to the body goes back into the lungs through the PDA. This can result in heart enlargement, leading to congestive heart failure if the problem is not detected and addressed. To prevent this abnormal blood flow, the PDA should be closed. This can be performed by a surgeon by tying off the PDA through a surgical incision in the chest or minimally invasively by a cardiologist, like Dr. The minimally invasive technique is performed by placing a heart catheter through the femoral artery to place a device that will occlude, or close, the ductus. This narrowing of normal passages makes it harder for the blood to move from the heart to the lungs or from the heart to the body. Stenoses may affect the pulmonic valve or the aortic valve. Vitt says. This procedure involves using a heart catheter to place a balloon at the stenotic valve. The balloon is then inflated to widen the valve opening and improve the flow of blood. The balloon is removed after the procedure. A newer technique for repairing subaortic stenosis begins with threading a smaller balloon, which when inflated exposes small surgical blades, to incise or cut the scar tissue before using a larger balloon to open up the narrowed valve region. All of these minimally invasive techniques are performed by the cardiology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Early Detection Because congenital heart defects are something puppies are born with, there is no way to prevent this disease. However, early detection and treatment improve the prognosis for the patient. Most puppies have soft murmurs at a young age, and most murmurs go away on their own by the time the puppy is four to six months old. A murmur that is characterized as a grade 2 or less is very likely to resolve; on the other hand, Dr. Vitt advises that a heart murmur at grade 3 or higher should be evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist as soon as possible. Any murmur that is still present at six months or that is getting worse should also be evaluated. The earlier the detection, the sooner the problem can be evaluated and potentially fixed for the best long-term outcome. If a problem is detected in any of the puppies, the owner may opt to have an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart as well. In addition, the cardiology service will soon offer breed-specific screening days. On these days, dog breeds predisposed to certain heart diseases will be evaluated at a discounted price to encourage early detection and potential treatment. To find out more about breed-specific screening days, contact the cardiology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Whether you want a good family pet or an AKC show dog, this breed is the perfect choice. Our Labrador puppies in Michigan come in all three recognized colors — chocolate, black and yellow. We breed the classic English Labrador, known for its stocky appearance and otter tail, and all our adult dogs are AKC pure English lines. Because of this, many of our Labrador puppies for sale in Michigan have excelled in rally, obedience, conformation and agility. This is all on top of being loving family companions. Our available puppies are great choices for multiple needs and tasks. To learn more about the breed and breed standards of our Lap puppies, visit this helpful American Kennel Club resource. Interested in purchasing one of our Labrador retriever puppies for sale in Michigan? Check out the individual page for a specific litter. You can also contact us to be put on the deposit list for picks, and to also hold a puppy. Our puppy Price is for limited registration. Deposits are non-refundable. Full AKC Registration breeding and show rights contact us for an additional fee. Finding the right Labrador Retriever puppy can be mind boggling We here at Rozey K9 Farm provide a convenient and efficient means of selecting and purchasing the perfect Labrador Retriever puppy or Labrador Retriever puppies from your home through videos and pictures or on a visit to our farm. Take advantage of browsing our puppies or adult dogs. We are known as reputable Labrador Retriever dog breeders. Take a look at our individual Labrador Retriever puppy for sale listings with photos and detailed descriptions. We also offer shipping for our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. As one of the trustworthy Michigan Labrador Retriever dog breeders with puppies for sale we offer a health guarantee. With several Labrador Retriever puppies for sale and numerous Labrador Retriever dog breeders, you're sure to find the perfect Labrador Retriever puppy with us. We are located close to Grand Rapids, MI. You can have your new family home soon. Check out the different Labrador litters and give us a call at to get started. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are trusted and experienced Lab breeders in Michigan, priding ourselves in raising Labrador puppies that make wonderful companions for your family. Fabulous puppies are produced from our quality lineage. Most importantly we breed to better the quality of the English Labrador to preserve fabulous bloodlines. As a result of this they all have wonderful, gentle and friendly personalities. Therefore according to AKC standards our parents also meet and have great build and conformation. Because of these outstanding qualities, our Labradors excel in AKC performance and many also hold therapy titles. Consequently, we are always working above and beyond to bring out the best in all of our Labrador Retrievers. We pride ourselves in raising Labrador puppies that make wonderful companions for your family. Each puppy leaves here ready for a lifetime of love, loyality and companionship with their new families. Our thrill especially comes from seeing our puppies bring joy and happiness to their new homes. Our daily dedication of hard work and love makes happy puppies and families. Moreover, your new puppy is hand-raised, above all, with much love, personal care and attention. We raise our puppies with constant positive socialization and gentle handling from birth. Because of this quality care, one of Rozey's Labrador Retriever puppies will be the perfect match for your family. Our lab puppies for sale, are also known to be intelligent, easy to train and excel in their obedience classes. We especially make sure that your new puppy will exceed all of your expectations. You will, truly, not go wrong with one of our puppies. Call us today for your new furry family member. Branch Family This is Lola.She is the best. She enjoys boating on Lake Michigan summer weekends and retrieves like a super star. She can catch a basketball midair!! She is such a sweetheart and so smart. Thanks so much for breeding such quality pups!!! We can't get over how calm he is and he just likes to lie by our feet and follow us around. I must say you are doing a great job with their disposition. We have had so many compliments on him. Jerry and Teresa P. Thought I'd send you a picture of Mackinaw a one year old. We couldn't ask for a more sweet, loveable and loyal pet. He has quite the personality. We absolutely love our gentle giant. Wish we could have more! Ashley Just wanted to send you an update saying how much we adore Eva. She has really warmed up and loves to run around chasing anything! She loves walks and knows sit and lay down already. Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful pile of chocolate into our lives! We are so happy! Mike I just wanted to let you know that I took Gracie for her first vet appointment. The doctor said that she is very healthy. Also I received a lot of compliments on not only how good she looked but how well behaved and her temperament. One of the technician asked for your website. She said that she has been looking and thought Gracie was the best looking puppy she has seen. I believe she will be getting a hold of you. Here, our dogs enjoy the fresh country air and open spaces with us. Contact us today, for more information on our lab puppies for sale in michigan and on how to add your wonderful puppy to your home. Call us at .We will surely be able to fulfill your request for the perfect puppy. All Rights Reserved. Phone: .We are the proud parents of the smartest, sweetest, most laid back lab, Gracie. Steve Karp and family are incredible to work with and truly care for their puppies and the families who adopt from them. If I could give stars, I would! If you're searching for a lab, look no further. Kara Bunbury We cannot say enough great things about M. Steve is very hands on throughout the entire process- sending weekly updates until the pups come home and remaining in contact thereafter. Everywhere we go people ask what breeder he came from. We got many very cute updates on our soon to be little puppy. We feel honored to be apart of the Michigan Elite Labrador family! Jill Price We were looking for a pure bred lab but were very skeptical about many breeders until we found Michigan Elite Labs. We knew after our first contact with them we found the breeder we were looking for. Stan is 10 months old and we love him to pieces. If you are looking for a pure bred lab you have found the perfect breeder. We would never think of going anywhere but Michigan Elite to get a Lab. Steve is always just a phone call away if you have any questions. Steve is very knowledgeable about his Labrador Retrievers. If you want an amazing Labrador puppy check out Michigan Elite Labradors you will be glad you did! From the first contact with Steve, you are reassured with their dedication to the breed and the MEL family that you become a part of. It's said that one of the best signs of a "good product" is repeat customers. We're proud to be an example of that, with 2 MEL dogs in our home. Temperament, physical health and the characteristics of MEL dogs are perfection. The added benefit of the MEL owners group is also a great perk. We've made amazing friends through the group, which is reinforced each year at the annual reunion. I would not hesitate to recommend Michigan Elite Labradors to family and friends! We looked at all of the photos and knew we would get a beautiful pup but didnt expect all of the wonderful traits they would have. We ended up getting 2! They are beyond my wildest dreams of what a pet should be.So intuitive! When ive had issues, steve has been a phone call away with the answers. Best babies around.You wont be sorry! I believe we were part his second litter and his biggest litter with Cocco and Chopper 14 pups. Both of the parents were beautiful and on site when we went to pick out our first "Pink Collar" girl. We picked up our second "Pink Collar" girl in late .They have become best friends from the beginning. They have never fought or growled at each other and play very well together. The Karp's are very caring and knowledgeable about the Labrador breed. Any questions I have ever had Steve has always been there to guide me and teach me. His extended MEL family has been very inspiring and amusing as we all watch the pups grow into beautiful pets. Kris Thompson Michigan Elite Labradors are wonderful. We had a great experience working with the Karp family. Our little black lab has brought us so many blessings! They are the most wonderful family and breeders. They are extremely reputable and involved with every pup. Steve is always available to you. I called so many times. He is conscientious and really cares about where his puppies go. He is beyond gorgeous. As a matter of fact, I can honestly say that I have never seen better looking labs. Elite labs are very intelligent and have excellent temperaments. Jax was potty trained right away. When I got a trainer, He learned everything immediately. She was so impressed with him and shocked how well he did. She trains Leader of the Blinds dogs so it was a huge compliment coming from her. We have people stop us everywhere to ask if he is a show dog. One of them was a breeder. Another huge bonus is the all the relationships we have made amongst the Elite family. I love all the stories and pictures. Many of us got together for a Michigan Elite Lab's Reunion. All the dogs were gorgeous fun and well behaved. Even all the parents were a blast. I could go on and on about Michigan Elite Labs, but most important is the fact I would never get a dog from anyone else! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Today, they are some of the most popular companions that families have. Not only do they socialize well with others, but they are intelligent and easy to train. We have compiled a list of some of the top Labrador Retriever breeders in Michigan. Scan this list to find potential breeders near you. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Michigan 1. Over time, they started growing their kennel and are becoming even more dedicated to providing purebred dogs to families all over Michigan. Michigan Elite Labradors provides puppies certified through the Bred with H. T Breeders with AKC. All their dogs go through extensive health screenings before coming home with you. They were established in and focus on temperament and structural soundness that helps put their dogs into shows or simply become your new best friend. They only breed a few litters per year and often keep some dogs to show, train, or further build their breeding program. They have been a quality breeder since , and most of their dogs are successful competitors in derby, field, and hunting. Oldsquaw focuses on personality as much as they do DNA. These dogs have a reputation for being excellent companions. They pride themselves on providing people quality, champion-pedigreed puppies with recognition from the AKC. Rozey K9 Farm is known by customers for its excellent bloodlines that go through health-testing before being sold. Many of their dogs are involved in several activities and compete in dog shows throughout the year. They sell Black, Yellow, and Chocolate labs, though their yellow range from fox-red to cream. This breeder has a thorough selling process. Expect to answer in-depth questions about your experience with dogs and the environment they are going to be living in. Each dog is socialized and goes through many tests before going home. All their dogs have clearances for elbows, hips, eyes, cardiovascular health. They socialize their labs before allowing them to move to a new home and expose them to regular household living. After a few weeks, Endeavor Labradors exposes their dogs to bird wings and start to crate-train them. They are also micro-chipped , dewormed, and given vaccines as six weeks old. As the years passed, she was able to breed more generations of her champion bloodline. The great thing about this breeder is that they care for their dogs as pets should be. All dogs stay inside the home and are trained to become excellent companions and show dogs. Related Read:. Benefit from a Stronger Dollar. Save hundreds when you exchange your money We take care of everything for you so you can return to Michigan or another state in the USA with everything you need to easily cross the border with your new Lab Puppy. We have focused for the past twelve years as a chocolate Lab breeder and have experienced great success with our chocolate lab puppies in Michigan. Although our focus has been mainly on chocolate Labrador puppies , we also have black Lab puppies and silver Lab puppies for sale at times. We have a couple male studs who carry yellow and a few of our chocolate females do as well. Needless to say that yellow lab puppies for sale to Michigan will be a future topic in our home. Puppies come with a vet examination, free puppy health insurance, microchips not tattoos , and lifetime Labrador breeder support. We also provide a generous discount to the online training website www. If you do not end up getting your puppy from us, we will let you in on a little secret. So please visit the rest of our website and learn more about who we are as Professional Labrador Breeders, the services we have to offer, see pictures of our chocolate lab puppies or possibly our black or silver lab puppies, visit our Facebook page so you can look through hundreds of posts of happy families with their Labradors. We have helped many people from Michigan and the Detroit area find their new Lab puppy. Our goal is to exceed your expectations for adopting simply the best Labrador dog possible weather you are interested in Labrador puppies as a pet, a chocolate Labrador for hunting, or an adult Labrador. We breed both American Labrador retrievers, English Labrador Retrievers yes we know the difference between English and American Labs and also mixes between the two types of retrievers. Field Labradors, a lesser known third type of Lab are also available. Rather, search for the best Labrador retriever breeder in Michigan. Or if you are searching for American Lab breeders in Michigan. Or even chocolate lab puppies for sale in Michigan. We pride ourselves in our work, we love the recognition we get for being a top Labrador retriever breeder and even though we are not in Michigan, we are extremely close to the border. We are a short ferry ride across the border at Algonac Michigan, a 45 minute drive from Port Huron, or about an hour drive from Windsor Labrador Retrievers for Sale Please click the link below if you would like to visit our Lab Puppies for sale and upcoming litters. If you would like to apply you can find our puppy application form at the bottom of our home page where you will also find a map to our location.
Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Prevalence: Common Pugs are members of the toy group despite their solid appearance. They range in height from 10 to 11 inches and in weight from 14 to 18 pounds six to eight kilograms. They are square dogs with substantial limbs. Pugs are the sturdiest dogs of the toy group, befitting their mastiff heritage. Pugs are known for their large, round heads, with the shortened muzzles and extensive forehead wrinkles. The vertical wrinkle on the forehead is said to resemble the Chinese character for "prince" and thus known as the "prince mark. The tail curls tightly over the hip. They have a short, but very dense double coat. Colors can range from apricot to fawn, silver and black. All but the black dogs have a dark mask and ears with a trace of darkening down the back. The ears feel like black velvet. Personality: Pugs are not the lively socialites that some of the toy breeds are. They are a bit more serious, with a dry sense of humor. The breed motto is "multum in parvo," meaning a lot in a little, with plenty of dog in a small package. Pugs can be stubborn but normally want to please. These are fairly laid-back dogs, not usually given to extensive barking, digging or chewing. Pugs tend to get along well with other dogs and are sturdy enough to get along with children. They enjoy company and can be quite affectionate. True to their grouping, they are good companion dogs. Living With: Pugs are extremely easy to keep and have a serious tendency to become obese unless their diet and exercise are watched carefully. With the short muzzle, they do not do well in hot, humid weather and must be observed carefully for heatstroke. Pugs do tend to snore, again a result of the short muzzle. The prominent eyes are easily injured and care must be taken to keep them moist. Pugs are fairly robust and often live to 14 or 15 years of age. Pugs do best with some daily exercise to help with their weight problems. Despite their heroic alarm years ago, they are not usually great watchdogs, preferring instead to greet newcomers with a wagging tail. Pugs should be socialized to keep that outgoing temperament, and they do well with other pets. Grooming is important, both for the shedding from the dense coat and to keep facial wrinkles clean. A quick daily grooming, even a swipe with a hound mitt, usually suffices for the coat and a gentle wiping with a wet cloth for the face. History: While the pug is often associated with Holland, the breed originated in China, probably bred down from one of the local mastiff-type dogs. The little dogs with the round heads and expressive facial wrinkles were then transported to Holland via trading ships of the Dutch East India Company. In , a pug sounded the alarm that saved Prince William from the approaching Spanish soldiers, and the breed forever after was tied to the royal House of Orange. Napoleon's wife had a pet pug, and the duke and duchess of Windsor had a pug as a royal companion. Victorian England took on pugs as the latest rage in canine fashion and many pugs can be spotted in paintings of that era. The word "pug" may come from the Latin "pugnus" for fist, possibly describing the round face and head. The name does not fit the breed's temperament, because these are not really guard dogs, but designed first and foremost as companion dogs. Related Pet Care Articles. They thrive on attention and can get pretty worked up and excited if fun things are happening. These are amiable little dogs who want to participate in your activities, too. Pugs with kids and babies are often a great combination since Pugs are fun and enjoy playtime. Finally, when it comes to a career, Pugs may have the best job in the world: being a companion to their loving family. They are average barkers not too quiet, not too much and make fairly good watchdogs. The biggest challenge to Pug care is probably their health needs, which are high. Grooming Guess what—Pugs shed! Black Pugs might shed a bit less than fawn-colored pups, but both shed year-round and not just in the fall and spring as with other breeds. Be sure to clean those wrinkles and skin folds every day with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations; this will help prevent irritation and infections. If you see redness or swelling or smell an odor your pup may have an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe medication to clear it up. A bath about every month is also a good idea. Be sure to dry those delicious folds completely! Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Get the how-to here. If nails are left too long on older dogs, it can make it painful to walk. And be sure to talk with your vet for advice regarding dental health and the use of dental chews. Have your vet professionally clean their teeth every year. Regular dental care will help prevent serious issues later in their life. Pugs are people pleasers, so they want to do a good job for you. You can do this in part by taking your dog to group training classes or becoming involved in a dog sport like agility, obedience or rally. Obesity leads to other health problems down the road. Consider feeding your pup a well-balanced, high-quality commercial diet formulated specifically for toy breeds. Those treat calories count! Finally, consider getting a doggy- Puggy? They are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs. Exercise All dogs need appropriate exercise, and your Pug is no exception. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed flat-faced with a short nose , some may have a compromised airway caused by the extreme facial characteristics in their nostrils, palate, larynx and trachea. Instead, aim for shorter exercise sessions, broken up throughout the day. Pugs have pretty low energy levels, and their exercise needs are also fairly low; they typically need less than an hour of exercise every day. While some Pugs do enjoy doggy sports like agility, a short walk or fun indoor playtime will be plenty. Ideal Environment Pugs are wonderfully adaptable to many types of home settings and will be happy wherever you live. No problem for Pugs. Small homes? Big homes with room to roam? You bet! Country homes with huge backyards? Your Pug will love that too, although they may not need a yard of that size to be happy. Pugs are usually open to meeting strangers, even though they may bark to let you know your guests are here. Pugs really do prefer the indoors. Back to Top Pug Health Toy dog breeds tend to have longer lifespans than large dog breeds, and the Pug is no exception. Pug life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years. However, there are a few health issues you should be aware of, so you can help your pet stay healthy throughout their life. Eye Issues: Since Pugs have such prominent eyes, they are more prone to eye issues. Treatment usually consists of medicated eye drops. Weight reduction, physical therapy and surgery are options for treatment. Patellar Luxation: This is the condition where the knee slides out of the joint. In milder cases, pain medication and weight management are treatment options. Surgery is often needed in more severe cases. Pug Dog Encephalitis: This is an inflammatory brain disease and is fatal. Within a matter of weeks, a dog will experience seizures, circling, blindness, then coma and death. At this time, there is no known treatment for the disease, nor are experts sure how they get it. Skin Issues: Keeping your Pug clean helps minimize skin issues. In particular, the skin folds require special attention to avoid irritation and infections. Ear Infections: Those floppy ears are cute, but they may harbor infections. Check their ears every day and gently wipe away any debris. Signs of infection include redness, swelling or a bad odor. Your vet can prescribe medicated ear solutions to get rid of an infection. Allergies: Pugs can be affected by skin allergies. These can be caused by something in the food they eat or their environment pollen, mold, etc. Thankfully, your vet can treat allergies with either dietary changes or medications, depending on the cause. Back to Top Pug History The history of the Pug dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents. But their not so humble origins began as the beloved companions of Chinese emperors , and they were highly prized and valued for centuries. Some Pugs even had their own guards! By around the s, Pugs began to travel abroad, and they arrived in Europe, where they became quite popular with royalty in Holland. Over in England, Queen Victoria was said to be especially fond of the breed; she shared her home with as many as 38 Pugs. They may be small dogs, but they pack a lot of personality into their small size! The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in , but the popularity of the Pug breed in America declined somewhat around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Pug enjoys steady popularity, currently ranking 28th of the most popular dog breeds in the US. You can also reach out to Pug rescue organizations to adopt a Pug or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. A bit goofy and rambunctious, pugs have also earned a reputation as a canine class clown. Pugs are ideal house dogs thanks to their stable temperament and loving disposition. Although you'll need a quality vacuum, as they shed profusely! Playful but not requiring lots of activity, pugs are content to do whatever their owner wants to do, whether that be watching a movie or going for a walk around the block. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups who remain very loyal to their owners. As a brachycephalic breed, that adorable smooshy face can also be the source of common health problems for pugs, which potential owners will want to understand before they choose to become pug parents. Pugs come in two standard colors with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. The fawn or tan coat color can range from a warm apricot to a cool and rarely seen silver. Their heads feature their signature short, flat, black muzzle covered with deep wrinkles. Their prominent eyes dominate their comical, wrinkly face and showcase a range of emotions, from surprise and happiness to curiosity. They sport moles on their cheeks, called "beauty spots" and a clearly defined "thumb mark" on their forehead. Their short coat is actually a double coat, and they shed like crazy, especially during the summer months. According to the AKC standard , the perfect pug tail has a double curl. Temperament A pug's favorite place to be is right by your side. Bred to be companions, they are completely content snuggling up on your lap and lounging the day away and aren't afraid to hop right into bed with you. But be forewarned: Pugs wheeze, snort, and snore so you may want to invest in some ear plugs. They will be quite unhappy—and will let you know it—if you don't shower them with affection or if you leave them alone for long periods of time. You shouldn't expect a pug to hunt, guard, or retrieve. A pug will have nothing to do with such activities. A funny little dog, pugs often find ways to create their own silly entertainment—but please for their sake pay attention to the show they are putting on—while maintaining a dignified manner when necessary. While they are a toy breed, pugs are a bit tougher than other similar-sized pups and are up for playtime. Avoid disappointment and make sure the kids know pugs aren't likely to play fetch or chase a soccer ball though. Pugs are pretty amenable to getting along with anyone, including other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pugs also make great companions for those living in apartments and older individuals because they don't require too much indoor space for activity. We're not necessarily saying pugs are lazy, but they are known to sleep up to 14 hours per day! They also don't bark much because breathing is a bit difficult for them. Their breathing challenges combined with their short legs make them poor swimmers, too. Although they'd likely benefit from a dip in the pool on hot summer days, as they don't tolerate heat—or the cold—well. So be diligent in helping manage their intake—limit their treats and don't feed them table scraps no matter how cute and pleading their stare may be—because their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly. You should also encourage exercise, although they don't need much in a day. They find creative ways to burn off energy on their own. Bathing about once monthly and regular brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove help manage significant pug shedding. And those sweet facial wrinkles need extra attention because they are a breeding ground for infection if they are damp and dirty. Dry your pug's wrinkles thoroughly after bathing and wipe them out in between baths—a dry cotton ball will do the trick. Pugs also need their nails trimmed regularly, as they don't naturally wear by spending lots of time outdoors. Regular teeth brushing is a must as pugs are susceptible to gum disease. Training can be a challenge, Nichols says. Remember their ultimate goal is simply to spend time with you. If those surgeries are not done, expect a lifelong loud snoring dog. These are symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , which can also cause saliva disorders, sleep issues, and difficulties with regurgitation. Pugs can face a fair amount of other health issues, including back problems, epilepsy, allergies, hemi-vertebrae or misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , patellar luxation,and nerve degeneration later in life. A variety of skin conditions may affect pugs, including yeast infections, staph infections, or demodectic mange. While their big, dark eyes are adorable, they are especially vulnerable. Pugs sometimes face corneal ulcers, proptosis , and dry eye, among other ailments. Skin conditions such as walking dandruff—caused by a small mite—need to be treated by your veterinarian. Pug parents also need to watch that their pugs maintain a healthy weight; obesity can exacerbate their breathing problems. A study released in comparing the health of pugs to other dogs found "many critical health-related welfare challenges to overcome for pugs. Conversely, according to the study, pugs had significantly reduced adjusted odds of having heart murmur or lipoma tumors. One affliction unique to pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis , afatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing. History Pugs are an ancient breed—perhaps the oldest dog breed, in fact—that originated in China. Going back some 2, years, flat-faced, or short-nosed toy dogs like the pug were popular with Chinese emperors and lived lavish lives because of it, the AKC says. They were only given to those outside the Far East as gifts. But in the s and early s, Dutch traders arrived in Europe with the breed and thanks to popularity with royal households they quickly gained popularity across Europe. Their long history reveals a number of different names for the breed including lo-sze Chinese , mopsi Finnish , doguillo Spanish , and mophonds Dutch , among others. The name pug is supposedly derived from the Latin word "pugnus"—which means "fist"—to reflect the fact that a pug's face looks like a clenched fist, the AKC writes. Pugs were also very popular during the Victorian era, featured on postcards, in paintings, and as figurines. For years they remained largely pets of the aristocracy. Queen Victoria had many pugs and bred them , and Marie Antoinette also had a pug named Mops. They were standardized as a breed in the early s. Upon taking over the Chinese Imperial Palace in , the English discovered several pugs and began breeding them back in England to improve the breed. It wasn't until after the Civil War that pugs came to the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Initially very popular, pug ownership and breeding waned until the s when the, the Pug Dog Club of America was created and recognized by the AKC. Fun Facts One legend says the pug became the mascot of Holland's royal House of Orange after a pug barked a warning to save the life of the Prince of Orange before an attack by Spanish troops, the AKC writes. Another legend holds that some pugs were prized in Chinese culture because their wrinkles resembled good luck symbols in the Chinese language. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Not surprisingly, pugs' cute mugs have graced the big screen. In recent years, many pugs have become insta-famous on Instagram as well. Doug the Pug is undeniably the most popular of the bunch. With more than 13 million social followers, the celebrity pup rubs noses with stars like Joe Jonas and Shakira. Pug owners and enthusiasts are just as quirky and loveable as the breed, often dressing up their pups and hosting get-togethers and pug parades. Pug Dog Behavior Overview Every dog is an individual and will have his or her own quirks and character traits. With that said, each breed does have certain personality traits that while not found in every dog, are general behaviors that one can expect. And when it comes to lovable behaviors and even temperament, the Pug places high on the list. This section will discuss what you can expect with the Pug dog and tips for owners to deal with some of the more, well, let's just say, "interesting" aspects of this breed. Most owners will agree that the Pug knows what he wants.And he'll use a few different techniques to see if his owner will cave in. For the right owner, this is not necessarily a bad thing.In many cases, what the dog wants is attention. Can who can blame him! This is not an independent breed. Zeke Photo courtesy of owner Virginia Vaughn Zeke Photo courtesy of owner Virginia Vaughn Throughout generations, the Pug was bred to be a very valued companion and for quite a while this breed was kept by royalty. Pugs were even dressed up in clothing mostly ruffled shirts and pantaloons to sit at the front of horse-drawn carriages. He was put on display and revered. Statues were built and artists spent time paining portraits of this unique breed. Being a brachycephalic breed, the Pug was never extensively used for hunting and was only briefly used as a guard dog. Throughout history and up until today, Pugs have been and are indoor companion dogs. They crave the company of their humans. What will a Pug do? It's not uncommon for his to plant his feet down and refuse to go outside with you.He may try and make you work for it a bit. If you are both resting on the sofa, he's sprawled half across your body and you want to get up to get a drink, your Pug may groan a bit and make you roll him off. Most of his behaviors will be amusing, if you have a good sense of humor and if you are the type of owner who wants a dog with tons of personality. Hard to Train? Pugs are no harder to train than any other dog and most do excellent with both housebreaking and commands. It is important to note that any type of training is not accomplished in a day or even in a week. The 2 elements that will help you train your Pug will be ones that compliment and play off of his personality. You'll need to work a bit to keep him focused and you'll need to follow proper guidelines in regard to praise and reward. In some aspects, a Pug dog does better than some other breeds simply because his desire to please his human and his love of tasty treats makes for a motivated dog. There may be some quirks that make certain elements in need of extra attention. The Pug's easy going temperament and somewhat clingy personality can cause the dog to suffer with Separation Anxiety having a difficult time staying calm when left home alone. Taking time to prepare a really good indoor environment can help quite a bit. Adding isolation to the problem of feeling panicked when left alone only compounds matters. For this reason most Pugs do well with a good sized indoor gated off area that is set up in a main room of the house. The living room or kitchen are good choices. There should be space for toys and chews , a water dispenser, a food bowl, a comfortable sleeping area and a spot with newspaper or pee pads for bathroom needs. You can read more about this in the House Training section Begging Pugs do tend to have begging behaviors. If an owner gives in to this during the first year of puppy-hood, it can set up a foundation of begging behavior down the road. It is really difficult to not give in to those "puppy dog eyes" however, setting up rules and guidelines, with feeding in particular, lends to better health. While some "human" foods are perfectly fine for a canine to consume, it is the manner in which a dog is given that food that will either reinforce or discourage the begging. While home cooking for this breed is highly recommended, any food given off of an owner's plate is not a good idea. Once a dog is given any morsel, he will repeat the begging behavior again. A dog metaphorically thinks, "If I begged and received, surely all I need to do is keep up this behavior and I'm sure to eventually receive a treat again! Once this is learned, a Pug will obey commands, listen to the word "No" and show better manners. Meals should be scheduled, and a Pug should be commanded to sit before his bowl is placed down. Treats and snacks should be reserved for training and once a Pug is fully trained, snacks can be reserved for reinforcing good behavior. Note: If a Pug always seems hungry without good reason, reassess the quality of meals and snacks. Worms and other health issues can cause increased appetite, so bring this to the attention of the vet if you cannot resolve this. Chewing Chewing is usually a behavior that is triggered by something as opposed to being an inbred trait or part of a dog's personality. Teething certainly brings strong urges to chew and boredom or anxiety also causes a dog to chew. For teething, offering ice cubes either plain or flavored can help to sooth sore gums. Chilling teething toys in the freezer can also help. Be sure to choose sturdy ones with different textures that promote good dental hygiene and healthy teeth. During this brief phase that all puppies go through, keeping personal items out of reach can prevent the destruction of shoes, pocketbooks, wallets, etc. Keeping a close eye on a teething puppy allows an owner to quickly stop undesirable behavior: Clap your hands to get the pup's attention, take away any object that is not a toy and offer a good chew toy instead, offering praise as the puppy mouths it. Temperament with Other Dogs The Pug generally gets along well with other dogs. Some can be skittish of larger dogs and some will engage full force to be the life of the party. It is rare for a Pug dog to be overly dominant to any other animal and his friendly nature may make him vulnerable to large, more aggressive canines. When out at dog parks or if visiting friends who have pets, it is always a good idea to keep watch. Puppies, in particular, are very inquisitive, sometimes charging ahead into a situation in which they are not prepared. The Pug is by no means shy or submissive to all other dogs, it is more a matter of this breed being a bit more curious and friendly as opposed to what may be other somewhat serious dogs. With Children This breed usually gets along very well with kids of all ages. In a household with younger children who may tend to get rowdy and noisy, it can be helpful to have an area set up in advance, that a Pug dog can retreat to if he is feeling overwhelmed. Often, this can just be a dog bed or other resting area, set back a bit in a quiet corner of a main room. Even though the puppy or dog may want to take a break, he will still want to be able to see and hear his humans, therefore placing him in a separate room is usually not a good idea. Tank St. Bernard and Pugsly 20 weeks old Photo courtesy of the Caywood Family Mimicking One of the best personalty traits of the Pug dog breed is his tendency to mimic his owners. Always aiming to please, a Pug will tend to be more laid back or more outgoing, depending on his owner's nature and habits. This is a learned behavior and it can change over time. This breed is very adaptable, as long as his basic needs are met and he is in a healthy environment. Energy Levels Puppies will be more independent, exploring to find out the answer to "what is this? It is normal for Pug puppies to scamper around, sliding on floors and sniffing at just about everything. It is also normal for pups to mouth objects, since that is one of their main methods of exploration and learning. For this reason, homes should be periodically "puppy proofed", removing any and all small objects off the floor and placed out of reach. An adult will be more relaxed, often content to sit beside or on his owner in front of the TV. One or two 15 to 20 minute walks per day will help to keep this dog healthy.They tend to pick up cues from their humans and then follow along, so an owner should take the initiative to take breaks and never push the dog to go beyond what he can handle Sensitivity This breed is sensitive to his environment and to those around him. In regard to environment, not only does he physically react to temperature he may shiver in a cold house and have trouble breathing in a hot, humid house and how comfortable or not his living quarters are, he also does best in low-key, positive atmosphere. In regard to the interaction he has with his owners, Pugs are rather sensitive to harsh words and tone of voice. How you discipline your Pug will have lasting consequences in both how well he listens and how he reacts to you. If a Pug his yelled at, he can emotionally back away and it can take quite some time for his hurt feelings to mend. Pugs should be rewarded for good behavior, not punished for misdeeds. Without tons of non-judgmental love, this breed can become emotionally withdrawn. While it is recommended to speak in a confident, firm voice when training, be sure to show enthusiasm for things done right and respectful correction for misbehavior. Just about every resource lists one of the Pug dog's traits as being "comical", but what does this mean? Sometimes, the dog is just being a dog, but his appearance can make normal behaviors seem amusing. Other times, it is a matter of a Pug wanting attention.In this regard, command and trick training is often successful, since a Pug will crave those "good boys" or "good girls", a happy pat and a yummy treat. One element to keep in mind, is that even though this breed is known as a "joker", he is not always turned "on" and cannot be the entertainer all of the time. Just like any other pet, a Pug needs downtime to rest and relax. Punk 7 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Miranda Kuney Noises Many, but not all, do exhibit some rather amusing noises. If you are seeking a quiet dog, the Pug may not be the best choice. The most common noises are: burps, flatulence, snorts and snores. Most of this is expected and normal, however if your dog has a sudden or severe increase in breathing related noises, a veterinarian checkup is recommended. Since snores can be quite loud, some owners find it helpful to obtain a white noise machine which can muffle out night time snores. As a Whole This is a well-rounded breed, good in just about any sized household and most certainly a close canine companion that is loyal and extremely friendly. Pugs love to play, learn and be part of the family. Good with other pets, including cats, the Pug is a true family dog. Sometimes wary of strangers, if an owner has regular visitors to the home, they will be accepted over time as long as the Pug does not feel excluded. Most have a very deep bond with their owners, wanting to sleep in their human's bed. Since this is the largest of all toy sized breeds, an adult can take up a good amount of room and may snore in his owner's ear, but will be much happier than if left in another room. This breed does best when the following is offered: A well rounded, healthy diet of wholesome foods A good selection of interactive toys Treated with affection, respect and tolerance A warm, comfortable place to sleep that encourages a feeling of safety and security Plenty of interaction with family members, not having any prolonged periods of isolation Kept inside, except when outside with owners during non-severe weather conditions to exercise and play Brought for regular check-ups with an experienced and reputable veterinarian preferably with previous or current Pug patients , including dental care This is a perfect dog to have for singles or a family who can offer an inside environment with daily outside bursts of activity. Please remember that this breed is not an outside dog. A Pug should never be left outdoors, unattended, for any amount of time. If you are a sucker for a cute face with wrinkles , a dog that shows emotions and an affectionate companion this breed is for you. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Sometimes calm and dignified. Always sturdy and stable, good-humored and amiable. This is the Pug. Though peaceful with all the world people and other animals , the Pug will sound off with his rather odd-sounding bark when visitors arrive. Then he will welcome them inside with snorts, snuffles, and grunts. As is the case with most short-faced dogs, his large expressive eyes, wrinkled forehead, cocked head, innocent expression, and strange sounds bring out parental feelings in many people. Indeed, a Pug is very childlike and always wants to be with you. If not spoiled too much, he can be depended on to maintain his sweet, comical, charming personality. Though stubborn, Pugs seldom get into real mischief. Adults spend much of the day sleeping. Gassiness can be an embarrassing problem, and housebreaking can be a challenge, especially in the rain, which Pugs detest. The biggest concern with this breed is their many serious health problems. If you want a dog who.Is small, yet sturdy and blocky Has a short face with large expressive eyes Has a short coat Is usually polite with everyone, including other pets Doesn't need much exercise Seldom gets into real mischief A Pug may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, snoring, some slobbering Gassiness flatulence Slowness to housebreak Constant shedding — every day! Lots of potential health problems due to his deformed build — yes, it might look cute, but it is badly deformed A Pug may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Pugs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. More traits and characteristics of the Pug If I was considering a Pug, I would be most concerned about.Health problems. Unfortunately, breeders deliberately breed these good-natured dogs to be deformed. As such, they suffer more than their share of health problems — not only with their breathing, but also eye diseases, joint diseases, and a devastating fatal neurological disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis. Read more about Pug Health. Gassiness flatulence. All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. Pugs who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness. Constant shedding. It usually comes as a shock to new Pug owners just how much a Pug sheds. Most dog breeds have two shedding seasons per year where they shed the majority of their dead hairs. But Pugs are constant shedders who drop a moderate amount of hair all year. You need to be sure that you're okay with this! Pug "sounds". Pugs snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. Pugs can be slow to pick up the concept of housebreaking. Expect several months of consistent crate training. Read more about housebreaking your Pug. Though they seldom get into real trouble, most Pugs are at least mildly stubborn. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Food is a great motivator with this breed, but too many cookies equals a fat Pug. Also you don't want a dog who only obeys when you're waving a biscuit at him. Instead you should establish the right relationship between the two of you, where you are the leader and he is the follower. In other words, you must teach your Pug to respect you. Read more about Pug Training. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Pugs have very distinct physical traits that may prompt you to take one home to your family, but before bringing a Pug home, it is important to consider their personality and temperament. Pugs may be well known for their wrinkled faces, stubby legs, and compact frame, but the personality and temperament characteristic of Pugs is vital to understand before choosing one to bring home. During this initial time in their history, Pugs were only allowed to be owned by members of the Chinese imperial household and Tibetan monasteries. Pugs possess a lineage steeped in respect and adoration. They were first brought to Europe around and quickly became a favorite of the wealthy. Pugs are considered one of the oldest canine breeds in existence today. In recent years, they have grown in popularity and now are a well-known and recognized dog breed around the world. Pug Characteristics Pugs are small in stature and are part of the toy breed. They weigh on average between pounds and measure at approximately inches at the shoulder. Despite their petite stature, pugs are full of personality. They are most well known for their short snout, curly tail, large head, and protruding eyes. Unlike many dog breeds, Pugs were not bred to perform a task. They are not hunters, guard dogs, or retrievers; instead, they are companion dogs. Pugs can have a stubborn streak, but though they may be stubborn, they are not aggressive and are eager to please. They can be trained with dedication , patience, and the use of treats as motivation. Pugs are a suitable dog for families with children because of their small stature and love of attention. Because of these qualities, Pugs thrive in homes where they will receive copious amounts of love and attention with very little time alone. Pugs are often an easy-going dog that prioritize pleasing their owners above all else. Pug Behavior Pugs are a calm dog breed that enjoys spending their days napping. Their low energy level means it is easy to keep a Pug in good physical health with just a small walk or quick playtime. Pug behavior is often seen as silly because they are often quite lazy until they get a quick burst of energy, which is then often followed by a nap. Since they are food motivated, Pugs often develop the frowned upon behavior of begging for food. However, with some training and dedication, this habit can be trained away. Pugs are typically a vocal dog breed, which includes barking, yapping, grunting, snorting, or other noises. This may be seen as an undesirable quality depending upon the owner and their lifestyle. Because Pugs snouts are very short, they often wheeze after excessive exercise. If these vocal qualities are unwanted, training can also be used to correct these behaviors. Pug Personality Traits Pugs are intelligent and playful, but also extremely affectionate. Because they are intelligent, they can be mischievous, especially when left alone for extended periods of time. Pugs are a friendly breed, which makes them behave well around other pets and small children. There are many qualities that comprise the unique composition of a Pug personality, but chief among them is their love of sleep. Pugs are wonderful family dogs that love their family unconditionally and will want to spend their entire life by the side of their owners. If you decide a Pug is the right breed for you, it is likely you will be soon sharing your bed with your new family member.
We love these playful, intelligent, yet even-keeled dogs who are known to make wonderful family pets. So, great choice! Your next step will be to choose the right place to acquire the new addition to your family. Where to buy a Goldendoodle puppy? The most popular ways to get a Goldendoodle puppy are through a breeder or an adoption organization. However, even within those two choices, there are multiple ways to approach finding your new furry friend. Breeders Families who are looking to bring a puppy into their home usually utilize a breeder. The pedigree and temperament of its parents, its family history of illness, and other facts can help you understand and care for your new pet well. However, not all breeders are equal. There are a few different types, and there can be good and bad apples in each. Certified Breeders Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles If you are looking to purchase from a breeder, then a certified breeder is often a great place to look. Because certified dog breeders must participate in audits for Canine Care Certification and take courses on best practices, certified breeders are generally a safe place to purchase a healthy and humanely bred pup. We would recommend choosing a trustworthy and certified breeder to ensure that you have a great experience. Especially for those choosing to buy a Goldendoodle pup as first-time pet parents, there are several essential things to consider about a breeder before making your decision. Consider these questions and more when making your final choice of certified breeder. See our detailed breakdown of how much a Goldendoodle costs over the first year. While an amateur breeder may offer added convenience, you will have to be much more vigilant in vetting them for yourself. In a best-case scenario, the perfect amateur breeder would be an already-close family friend or neighbor whose practices you are well-familiar with and who you know can be trusted. These sorts of encounters can often be a scam , leaving you out several hundred dollars with nothing to show for it. Of course, not all Facebook advertising breeders are looking to trap you. Adoption Unfortunately, there are so many unwanted and discarded dogs who need a second chance at a loving family. Fortunately, this is where you can come in! We recommend continuously checking shelters and adoption organizations before deciding to utilize a breeder. This is a valid desire for families with children or with plenty of extra time to spend raising a dog. However, puppies are often available to adopt if you look in the right places! Local Humane Societies and Shelters Regardless of where you live, you likely have a Humane Society or shelter in your local area. If you are close enough, you can visit to see what kind of dogs are available. Shelters are also very meticulous about health standards, so you can be sure that your new friend is vaccinated when adopting. Pets are also often microchipped and spayed or neutered if not already. As an added plus, adoption is often far less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. If you are open to adopting an adult dog, shelters are a perfect place to begin your search. You can never be certain of what kind of dogs will be abandoned or given up at no fault of their own. Designer dogs, like puppies, are in high demand and move through shelters quickly. See the best Goldendoodle rescues in North America A Mini Goldendoodle sitting on a park bench However, many breed-specific rescue groups can make your search for where to buy a Goldendoodle much easier! These groups specialize in re-homing specific breeds. Because of this, they are often run by breed enthusiasts who are knowledgeable and experienced at not only working with Goldendoodles but helping you find one with the right temperament to fit your family. Another bonus is that many breed-specific rescue groups, because of their specificity, employ a vast network of volunteers to make transportation easier. If you are not in the vicinity of the rescue itself, transportation options are often available. Most other countries have Poodle mix rescues. Make sure to ask upfront or research transport, specifically if the rescue is not in your local area. Even if you are willing to travel to collect your new furry friend, some rescues might have rules about the radius in which they are willing to adopt out. There are also website databases designed to help you search across multiple rescues and shelters for precisely the kind of dog you want. This is the perfect resource if you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of searching out a specific rescue. You will always have the issue of not knowing the parent dogs, so there is risk of temperament issues, or hereditary health problems like hip dysplasia. But you are saving a life and most resuces are fanatical about protecting and ensuring a healthy puppy. Goldendoodles will require regular grooming and upkeep. Final Thoughts Adding a Goldendoodle to your family is a great choice that you are sure to be happy with for years to come! When deciding where to buy a Goldendoodle , always check your local shelters and rescues first. There are so many dogs waiting for a second chance at a fur-ever home who can bring you a lifetime of joy and fulfillment. If you decide to go with a breeder, make sure to vet them and examine their credentials thoroughly. We recommend never purchasing from a pet store or a puppy mill, even though these may sometimes masquerade as backyard breeders. Doing your pet owner homework beforehand, whether you choose to adopt or buy, will ensure that you end up with a happy, well-adjusted Goldendoodle who will be a perfect fit for your family. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. We are Cindy and Jeff Suit, and we strive to produce puppies with the very best temperaments and personalities, and the health and overall condition of our Goldendoodles are a top priority. All of our puppies come with a two-year health guarantee, have been vet-checked, have received their first shots and have been wormed on a regular basis. The care we take in breeding to create the best puppies is matched by the thorough socialization we give them after they are born. After more than two decades of producing exceptional puppies, our reputation speaks clearly about our breeding methods, the level of care we provide and, most importantly, the great love we have for these wonderfully sensitive and intelligent dogs. We take great care in matching you with the right puppy. So, if you would like more information about our puppies, please fill out the puppy application on our website. We will call you to discuss your preferences and our available litters. Available Goldendoodle Puppies The health, beauty and temperament of a Blue Ridge Goldendoodle puppy is second-to-none. This page features the stunning selection of pups we currently have available. Learn More Meet Our Dogs The secret to continually producing great puppies is to always use the very best breeding pairs. We carefully select our sires and dams for health, temperament, beauty, size and coat type. Visit this page to learn more about the exceptional dogs we use to create our second-to-none Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. They are up-to-date on shots and have been wormed regularly and thoroughly checked by our vet. We send a detailed vet record with every one. Each puppy also comes with a blanket or toy that was played with and rubbed on the mom and the siblings. This helps in the transition from our home to yours. We also test them for problems with the elbows and heart, check for patella luxation and make sure that their eyes are cleared for Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA , a degenerative vision disorder. In addition to these checks, our breeding dogs are DNA tested for a battery of genetic diseases. Blue Ridge Goldendoodles is a member and recommended breeder at Goldendoodles. About Goldendoodle Puppies Goldendoodles are the result of calculated crossbreeding between pedigreed Golden Retrievers and any of the three officially recognized Poodle varieties standard, miniature and toy. Exceptional breeders like Blue Ridge Goldendoodles are able to produce puppies with the best attributes of each lineage — physical beauty, loving and loyal personalities, high intelligence, a strong desire to please and a size range that suits apartment dwelling, farm living and everything in between. Their patience and gentle spirit make Goldendoodles especially good with small children. If acquiring a Goldendoodle is the right choice for you or your family, start by locating a top-quality breeder. All puppies should be examined and okayed, too. These exams are standard operating procedure at Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. No, all dogs shed a little, that is nature. There is low shedders and high shedders. A low shedder would have more texture of the poodle coat. Where as a high shedder would have the lab texture. Most Goldendoodles are low shedders. What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? Cindy Suit T What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? The differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles depends mostly on the breeding stock chosen for the parents. With that being said, there really is no difference between our Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Most people cannot tell the difference between the two breeds. Please feel free to look at my Doodle Hall of Fame and see if you can tell the difference. Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and motivated to please, this makes them outstanding pupils for housebreaking, crate training, learning tricks and more. What is the difference between and F1 and F1B? It depends what genes they inherit. What is an F2? Cindy Suit T What is an F2? In genetics, an F2 means a second generation cross, or a cross that is 2 generations away from the original parent breeds. There are 2 ways to get to the second generation. The second way is described above, as an F1B. So breeding an F1 Labradoodle or Goldendoodle back to a Poodle to get an F1B, is resulting in a second generation of the hybrid. Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Yes, Goldendoodles are a very adaptable breed that can thrive in all residential settings. All they need is proper love and care from you to flourish. Plus, potential owners have the option of choosing a standard, mini, toy or teacup Goldendoodle based on the ideal size fit for their living conditions. While this is an impossible question to answer with any specificity, the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is calculated to be between 10 and 15 years. Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Cindy Suit T Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Goldendoodles are extremely affectionate dogs who love to give and receive outward signs of love. They have the propensity to become more attached to one person, but their drive for attention prevents them from limiting their interactions in this way. To the dog, anyone willing to spend a few minutes giving a belly rub is worth an abundance of licking. Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Whether your canine companion is a five-pound teacup or a pound standard, they will see themselves as equally small and act accordingly. If that sounds the least unpleasant, know that new owners quickly get used to having their entire laps swallowed and grow to love these times of bonding. Still have more questions about Goldendoodles? Check out our reference pages below:.
barking german shepherd puppy - Breeds The link has been copied! If you are a newbie intending to purchase a Labrador retriever, one of the salient questions that will cross your mind is: How long do Labradors live? But while some consider lifespan an important variable for their dog selection decision, several other factors, including intelligence, help make Labrador retrievers the most popular dogs in the US since to date, according to the American Kennel Club. How Long do Labradors Live? The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever ranges from 10 to 12 years. But with good diets and adequate care, many Labradors can live a few more years. Dog lifespan is determined by a number of factors, such as size, breed, and overall health. Small dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds like Labrador retrievers. Scientists cannot convincingly explain why this is the case, though it is thought that larger dogs suffer age-related diseases earlier than smaller breeds. An overweight dog is more likely to die younger than otherwise, making the need for a balanced diet essential. Studies of Labrador retrievers indicate that even a moderate amount of additional weight can reduce life expectancy by a couple of years compared to puppies who have healthy weight throughout their lives. The oldest Labrador retriever lived for 27 years. Known as Adjutant, he was born in August , died in November , and lived in Lincolnshire England. Short Background on Labrador Retrievers Labradors are thought to have had their origins in Newfoundland, rather than Labrador— Canada, around the s. They have excellent retrieving abilities, especially in water. These affectionate, sporty, friendly, and loyal dogs make great duck hunters and family pets. They can also work as search and rescue dogs and scenting dogs, among others. Labrador retrievers have a nice temperament and are easy to train and socialize with. Their most abundant colors are black, chocolate, and yellow. Labrador Development Newborns Labrador puppies are born after a gestation period of about 63 days. At birth, they can neither see nor hear and rely on their sense of smell and touch to interact with their new environment. They also have no teeth. At this very early stage, newborns are wholly dependent on their mother and human caregivers for warmth, sustenance, cleanliness, and overall survival. But that does not mean newborns are absolutely helpless. With their tender front feet, they can drag themselves around in search of milk from their mother or a source of heat to keep their frail bodies warm. Being very young, extreme temperatures are bad for their delicate bodies since they cannot regulate their body temperatures. So, they should be kept in a warm enclosure with moderate and stable temperatures. By the second week of development, the young puppies gain more weight and begin to see and hear, either partially or completely. They also become a bit more mobile and gradually learn how to stand up. Some people start growing teeth after three to four weeks. By the eighth week, they are fully weaned and ready for adoption, having learned several necessary skills for living independently from their mother. Puppyhood Between 8 and 12 weeks of age, a Labrador puppy will usually arrive at its new home. Body weight at this time is around 15 to 18 pounds. They are often vaccinated before arrival, but you can have your vet examine them to be sure. Ensure they are vaccinated within the first 48 hours of arrival if they are yet to receive vaccination. The early arrival period is one of significant excitement for the puppy as he happily adapts to his new owner, living conditions, and environment. But adaptation can also be challenging, so be sure to offer your puppy all the care and support it needs. This is the same time when you should think about getting your Labrador puppy a good fitting collar. You can intensify basic training and socialization when your puppy becomes three months old. Potty training should focus mainly on positive reinforcement methods and should often be brief, and interesting. Dogs can misbehave at times, so ensure you evolve potent ways of enforcing disciplinary measures for undesirable behavior, e. Intelligent dogs like Labradors will quickly learn that not giving them attention is a consequence of bad behavior. Adulthood Labrador puppies attain adulthood when they are between 1 and 2 years old. At this stage, they are now at their peak when it comes to growth and maturity, though some may still be growing. A fully grown Labrador retriever can be introduced to adult food at around 12 months old. But before this switch, you may have to rely on your vet to determine whether or not he is due for an adult diet or is still growing. Because a Labrador is at its prime around this time, it is essential to subject it to sufficient mental and physical exercises to ensure it is well-conditioned. Ensure it goes on a brisk walk at least once a day in addition to playing regularly in a spacious location. Senior Years At the age of seven, your Labrador is now a senior citizen in the world of dogs. Male Labradors are usually larger than females. A typical male has a weight not less than 80 pounds while a female will usually weigh from 55 pounds up. From the age of seven, a Labrador may start contending with a variety of health challenges, but many will remain healthy long after their seventh birthday. It was mentioned above that Labradors may be prone to health problems at a certain stage of their adult lives. Here are some leading Labrador killers. Tumors Scientists are yet to completely understand what causes tumors and cancers in Labradors and other dog breeds. However, UV light, teratogens, and other DNA-altering substances have been identified as possible causative factors. Tumors are common among Labradors and even more common among female species. Skin tumors on the legs and chest are the most common kinds of Labrador tumors. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors are not cancerous but may still require medical attention. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biopsy, among others. Arthritis From the age of 8, the risk of dogs becoming afflicted with arthritis increases significantly to 80 percent. Arthritis will usually not hinder them from living happily but may leave them finding it difficult to cope with rigorous exercises. Like tumors, arthritis is also common among Labradors, especially seniors. This is because the older dogs become, the weaker their bones and joints tend to be. Some signs that your Labrador may have arthritis include swollen joints, difficulty in movement, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, limping, and sleeping more often than usual. You can take certain preventive measures to help your Labrador avoid arthritis, especially if it has advanced in age. For instance, you can feed them in a way that ensures they do not become overweight because the more they weigh, the greater the pressure on their joints and the likelihood of arthritis. Heart Disease A lot of causative factors can be responsible for heart disease in Labradors. Some of them include genetics, diet, and weight. Symptoms of heart disease include fatigue or tiredness, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing, among others. A healthy diet program will help check excess weight but may not prevent genetically predisposed Labradors from suffering heart problems. Kidney Failure Both acute and chronic kidney failure can be fatal or tragic for a Labrador. Your dog may suffer acute kidney failure if it ingests substances that may be poisonous to it, for example, antifreeze and raisins. Bacteria infections and some drugs - including pain relievers such as aspirin, are also acute kidney failure causal factors. Acute kidney failure leads to a quick collapse of the kidney. In contrast, chronic kidney failure progresses slowly with the passage of time and can be caused by several factors, including a lack of adequate dental care and aging. Nutrition and genetics have been identified as the major reasons for hip dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. Hip dysplasia is a kind of degenerative joint ailment. It can result in either old age or excess weight, or a combination of both. In this condition, your Labrador retriever will find it difficult or reluctant to play, jump and run as previously. There may also be hind leg lameness, limping, or stiffness, among other symptoms. Diet is crucial when it comes to preventing CHD. Hence, do not overfeed your Lab puppies in their growth years to avoid obesity, which can strain the joints and cause puppy hip dysplasia. As noted earlier, the average lifespan of a Labrador is 10—12 years. Labradors often have a shorter lifespan than smaller dog breeds but compare favorably with large popular dog varieties. Average Dog Lifespans. Chocolate Labradors have shorter lifespan than rest of the breed Published: 22 Oct Last Updated: 10 Aug Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have a significantly shorter lifespan than their black and yellow counterparts, according to the results of the largest study ever done of the breed in the UK. The median lifespan for chocolate Labradors is just .Chocolate Labradors suffer the most from ear infections, with .Obesity and joint disorders were also found to be major afflictions for Labradors, with 8. Meanwhile, the most common cause of death was from musculoskeletal disorders, which lead to the death of .The research will help breeders and vets to prioritise approaches for tackling health concerns within the breed and guide prospective owners to the top health issues they need to be aware of. Other key findings from the study include: The popularity of the Labrador has dropped by over a third in 10 years, from 9. On average male Labradors weigh .Because chocolate colour is recessive in dogs, the gene for this colour must be present in both parents for their puppies to be chocolate. Breeders targeting this colour may therefore be more likely to breed between only Labradors carrying the chocolate coat gene. It may be that the resulting reduced gene pool includes a higher proportion of genes conducive to ear and skin conditions. The RVC offers undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. The RVC also provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals; the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in central London, the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals Europe's largest small animal referral centre , the Equine Referral Hospital, and the Farm Animal Clinical Centre located at the Hertfordshire campus. Immune-mediated polyarthritis Cranial cruciate ligament rupture While musculoskeletal disorders do not typically cause death in Labradors directly, they can cause pain and immobility to the point that euthanasia becomes the most humane option. Other frequent causes of death Cancer and musculoskeletal disorders are the Big Two causes of death in Labradors, but of course there are many other possible causes, of which these are the most recurring: Kidney disease including kidney failure induced by Lyme disease contracted from tick bites Heart disease Parvovirus Trauma for example being hit by a vehicle Something clearly observable but not well quantified at the moment is that what Labradors are most likely to die from changes over the course of their lifetime. For example, puppies are most vulnerable to parvovirus, traumatic injuries are more common in adolescent and young adult dogs, and cancer is most often diagnosed in senior dogs. On average, black and yellow Labs on a healthy diet, with an active lifestyle and access to regular preventative veterinary care live to about 12 years of age. However, chocolate Labradors have a shorter expected lifespan of around 10 years. Labrador Retrievers are classified as a medium to large dog breed. In general, the larger the breed, the shorter their average life expectancy. The majority of large dog breeds live for 12 to 13 years at most. And the average life span across all dog breeds of all sizes is years. Yet while the vast majority of Labradors only live up to 12 years, there are some positive exceptions. Some Labs have lived as long as 15 or 16 years and one extraordinary Labrador even lived 18 years! Research studies have identified that longer-lived Labs tend to have more lean body mass muscle mass and a lower body fat percentage than Labs that die earlier. So if you can keep your dog at a healthy weight, you can potentially add precious extra time to their life. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world. This is both a good and a less good thing. Some good things about that, from a health and longevity perspective are: It means there is a big gene pool to breed from. A large gene pool usually means more genetic diversity, and a lower likelihood of experiencing some inherited health problems. There are lots of Lab breeders. This makes it as easy as possible to find a litter of puppies from health tested parents, without having to travel far. Any study of pet dog health is likely to contain a lot of Labs. Many papers have been written solely on Labrador health. Which means we know a lot about them, and how to keep them well. Armed with this information, you have a much better chance of choosing a puppy from a reputable Labrador breeder who participates in the CHIC program. Watch cute Labrador puppies growing up! Check them out at the bottom of this article, but make sure you have a tissue handy! What Controls Labrador Retriever Lifespan? Some Labradors live a good deal longer than twelve. So what controls how long your Labrador will live? And the life span of any dog. One is the genetic information you dog has inherited from his parents. The other is the events that happen to your dog during the course of his life. Through puppy hood to old age. Things like accidents, injury, and disease. Life span statistics for dogs are often wildly inaccurate and based on outdated information. But luckily we no longer need to guess. We can give you accurate Labrador life span information, as we now have data from scientific studies. Labrador Lifespan Surveys Two surveys were carried out in and .The earlier study showed the median age of death in over Labradors was .The later study gave a median age at death in a group of over dogs as .A bigger and more recent study published in looked at over 30, Labradors. This one found a median longevity of 12 years in Labradors overall. So the average Labrador lifespan seems to work out at around 12 years. Is Labrador Lifespan Getting Longer? But there is some good news. There is evidence that the Labrador lifespan might be increasing. One recent study, although it only looked at 39 dogs, suggested that the average could be getting closer to 14 years. The longest lived Labrador we can find official confirmation for was over 19 years old. So, can you help your dog to reach these high numbers? And which set broad limits to the life span of your Labrador. They also control aspects of his temperament and susceptibility to disease. Labrador Body Shape To some extent Labradors are lucky. They inherit a basically sound conformation or body shape. Their bodies are nicely proportioned and designed for athletic ability — running and jumping. Labradors have not been bred with shortened faces that can cause breathing problems or small skulls that can damage their brains. Nor do they have excessive skin or a massive amount of fur. This is great because a good body structure makes a dog naturally healthier than a dog with poor conformation. And his ability to carry out certain tasks, like running and hunting, or fetching things. Temperament, including tendency to fearfulness, is influenced by genes. But it is also strongly influenced by environment. One study showed that fear and anxiety has a negative effect on life span in pet dogs. And some dogs are euthanased for aggression or behavior problems. So temperament is also a factor to consider when looking at life span. Some dogs inherit a number of favorable genes that improve their chances of good health — reduced risk of cancer for example. They then pass these favorable genes on to their puppies. It will also affect how healthy each dog will be during that lifetime. For some of these diseases, hip dysplasia for example, and CNM, we have tests that can and should be carried out on adult dogs before they are used for breeding. We just know that in some cases, Labradors may be more susceptible than some other breeds of dog. Which is slightly higher than the rate of cancer in dogs overall. How Size Affects Longevity Little dogs live longer than big dogs. Of course, there are many exceptions to the rule. But in general the longevity of dogs is quite strongly linked to body size. This is the reverse of what we often find when we compare large species of mammal. The elephant for example, with smaller species — such as the mouse. When we look at individuals within a single species, in this case the domestic dog, being larger seems to be a disadvantage. As a medium to large dog, size is therefore a limiting factor in the lifespan of your Labrador. In short, the average Labrador is probably never going to live as long as the average toy poodle. Labrador Lifespan and Inbreeding Like all pedigree dog breeds, there are certain genetic diseases that have become established within the Labrador breed. This is due to breeding between dogs that are closely related. The average coefficient of inbreeding for Labradors is 6. Another factor influencing longevity in dogs is size. This is another area where Labrador are slightly disadvantaged. Do Purebred Labs Live Longer? A study published in The Veterinary Journal in showed that mongrels live on average 1. Comparing Pedigree Dogs When we consider pedigree dogs as a whole, there are differences in longevity between the breeds. Not just in terms of size, though this is important. There are also differences between different breeds of a similar size. Sometime shorter life spans are linked to poor conformation. Many very tiny dogs have hormone problems, brain problems through skull compression, and a range of other health issues. In comparison, Labrador conformation is pretty healthy. The recent discovery that Chocolate Labs live shorter lives than their black or yellow cousins. Color vs Lifespan For a long time it was believed that coat color had no influence on Labrador life expectancy. With the exception of color dilution alopecia in silver Labradors, it was thought that inherited diseases were not linked to any particular color or type of Labrador. A recent study of over thirty three thousand dogs has thrown that assumption into doubt. It shows us that black Lab life expectancy and yellow Lab life expectancy is around .While chocolate Lab life expectancy is quite a bit shorter at .But the Chocolates in that study were more prone to ear and skin problems. The study was a very big sample of dogs. So it is likely that the results represent the wider Lab population as a whole. Apart from your ability to be selective over the parents of your puppy, genetic factors are largely outside your control. But as your Labrador grows and matures, there will be life events that happen to him which may influence his life expectancy. Some of these are events that you can control. And many of those could have been avoided. Accidents are far more common in dogs that are allowed to spend time outdoors unsupervised. Fencing your property or a small part of it securely will help to prevent your dog from roaming. Plus, training him to come quickly when you call will help you to bring him to you in an emergency. Neutering At one time is was believed that neutering increased life expectancy. One of the reasons that some older studies show a higher death rate for dogs that have been neutered is because if dogs are not properly controlled. Those that have the urge to mate will roam further from home and have more accidents. Recent studies have however linked neutering to some serious health issues including joint disease and cancer. Both leading causes of illness and death in Labs. The neutering issue is not clear cut any longer. These two principles — training and control — will help to ensure your dog lives out his allotted years to the full. Recall is fundamental for most Labradors safety. So make sure that you take the time to teach him to come when he is called. Whatever distractions may be surrounding him. Vaccination In some parts of the world there are still many serious diseases that kill unvaccinated dogs and puppies on a regular basis. Serious infections and diseases have the potential to kill your dog. But they also have the potential to make him generally less healthy should he survive them. So, where you live, and whether or not you vaccinate your dog may also affect his longevity. Overfeeding Decreases Labrador Lifespan Obesity is increasingly common in dogs generally and in Labradors in particular. It is a direct result of overfeeding. Labradors are greedy and friendly dogs that are very good at persuading people to hand over the treats, and to refill that food bowl. Added to which, many Labrador parents find it hard to judge how much their dog should have to eat. And whether or not he is overweight. We can help you with that. Check out our guide to Labrador weight to make sure your dog is at the right weight for best health. But feed your dog according to how he looks and feels. That article will help you. If you have a greedy Lab then you might find a slow feed bowl helpful, like this one What Do Studies Say? Studies have shown that reducing calorie intake in dogs, can increase life expectancy by a significant amount. But it is a message that is being ignored by a great many dog owners. A study published in showed that Labradors are capable of maintaining a consistent lean body mass throughout their lives. Hungry Labrador Eyes! Keeping your dog slim can help him live a long and comfortable life. It can defer the onset of, and reduce the impact of, conditions like arthritis in older dogs. Elderly dogs that retain their youthful waistline have a more active and happy retirement. Being firm about the quantity of food that your dog eats each day will also help to ensure you have the benefits of his company for the longest time. Is Longevity In Dogs Inherited? Yes, to a certain extent, it is clear that longevity is inherited. In that some dogs will have an inherently higher potential for long life than others. Being a Labrador, being purebred, being a largish dog, all go against your dog when it comes to life expectancy. On the other hand, being athletic, good tempered, and well structured go in his favor. So, for these reasons, the Labrador falls into the medium range of life expectancy when compared with other dogs. And quite a few that are much shorter lived. If you are choosing a puppy, choose his parents wisely. Make sure that they are health tested and bred by a responsible breeder. Consider choosing a black or yellow Lab. And make sure the parents have great temperaments, and have been well cared for. Socialize your puppy thoroughly when you get him home. So that he is confident and views the world as a happy, friendly place. Above all, keep your dog slim. Really slim. A Basset hound. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark But compared with other labs, chocolate labs appeared to suffer certain non-life-threatening ailments more frequently. This doesn't necessarily mean that the pigment genes are linked to a shorter lifespan, researchers caution. The chocolate color is a recessive trait, meaning that to produce a chocolate lab puppy, both parents must have the gene that produces the color. Related: Why Siberian huskies have those beautiful blue eyes. This narrows the gene pool and may result in a higher proportion of genes conducive to ear and skin conditions, he said, and could ultimately affect longevity. These are self-inflicted wounds caused when the dog reacts to irritation from pests such as fleas or lice, or from being trimmed with clippers. For example, some researchers suspect that the gene that causes black fur in wolves could also be related to reducing inflammation and fighting infection. Overall, labs were also one of the most obese dog breeds, the study found. Nearly nine percent of the U. Notably, male dogs who had been neutered were more likely to be obese .The researchers concluded that the finding might help vets more quickly identify potential health problems, and ideally, affect breeding practices to produce healthier, longer-living dogs. By Tom Massey Feb 19, When you first welcome your new labrador retriever puppy home, the last thing that may be on your mind is life expectancy. After all, your dog is still a wee pup! Saying goodbye to your furry friends is one of the most heartbreaking things any family will have to do. So the key is to help your pups mature into happy and healthy adult labradors who live as long as they can. In general, experts agree that labrador retrievers will live for around 12 years of age. With preventative care, your labrador retriever may even advance to 13 years of age. However, labs with health problems tend to have shorter lives and live to reach 10 to 11 years. The good news is that both male and female labrador retrievers live around the average lifespan of 12 years. However, there is something you can do with female dogs that can help them live longer. These differences include traits like: Females are a little more demanding of physical affection than males — whereas a male labrador would be happy to sit at your feet, female labs want to be petted and cuddled. Males display territorial behavior like urine marking and displays of dominance. Though all labs love their food which is one reason they can have health problems , males are just a tad more food-motivated than females. However, another related genetic characteristic causes a shorter life expectancy in a certain type of lab. Which Types of Labs Live the Longest? You may hear that chocolate labs live a shorter life and have many health conditions that increase as they age. They may only live up to 10 years of age. Now, coat color might, at first, seem to be a matter of aesthetic. Chocolate is a recessive gene, which means that both parents of a chocolate labrador retriever would need to be that color. A breeder would have to breed only labs with that gene, which would mean a much more limited gene pool. This is an inflammation of an ear canal, which makes your pooch more prone to infections. Fortunately, this particular disease is not serious or life-threatening. Brown labs are more likely to contract other skin diseases, such as hot spots. This is a form of acute moist dermatitis and can cause your dog to constantly lick, bite, and scratch an inflamed area until it becomes a painful skin lesion. You may be wondering: What do labs usually die from? Obesity is, in fact, the number one cause of arthritis, diabetes, bloating, and flipped stomachs, which can then cause your lab to suffer needlessly. The best way to keep them healthy on this front is to make sure they get plenty of age-appropriate exercise and control their diet. Joint and Hip Issues Due to Overfeeding A lab has a predisposition for a condition known as hip dysplasia. This is a form of degenerative joint disease, which affects around 5. A lab is also more prone to arthritis — and additional weight will only create added pressure on the joints of a large canine. Hip dysplasia is a rough diagnosis for a labrador. Yet, they need the exercise to keep the weight off, so it can be tricky managing this issue. At Snowy Pines, for example, our guarantees offer a full replacement against genetic defects in labrador puppies for five years. Though it does affect some of the oldest dogs, diabetes is still fairly common among a wide variety of breeds. As in humans, diabetes in dogs comes down to the balance of insulin and glucose. The swollen stomach can start to press on blood vessels, blocking blood and oxygen, and your dog may collapse. Cancers Cancer in dogs is quite a bit like cancer in humans. There are a variety of factors that may contribute to your dog developing this condition. A particular type of cancer that affects labradors more than other breeds is lymphoma. If your lab experiences this form of cancer, the prognosis is good! Tip 2: Neuter or Spay Your Lab Having a spayed female and a neutered male reduces the incidence of certain types of cancers. It also eliminates the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy, which, in young dogs, can cause quite a bit of stress leading to inflammation. Choose an age-appropriate food formula with the right nutritional value for their health. With labs, less is always more, and regular, once-a-day feeding is enough. While exercise is important for keeping an overweight dog healthy, you want to be careful not to overdo it. Furthermore, some young lab pups are born with a condition known as EIC or exercise-induced collapse. Once again, the right breeder should make you aware of this and screen dogs before breeding. Tip 5: Add Supplements to Their Diet Dog food is formulated to give your puppy everything they need throughout their life in most cases. It can help prevent simple health maladies and keep your dog happier, longer. Use these tips to help your black or yellow lab live a high quality of life with minimal health conditions. Share on.
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barking german shepherd puppy - These original Goldens were bred to hunt and withstand the harsh winters of Scotland. Over the last years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family dog we all adore. American vs. Canadian vs. The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Adult males stand at the height of inches, while females stand at .Male American Goldens can weigh as much as pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at pounds. American Golden Retrievers are well-loved by all, showing loyalty and friendly nature to everyone. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please. With that said, American Goldens are known for being a little more energetic than other breed variations. They make an excellent pet for younger couples who enjoy many outdoor activities or families who can spend a lot of time playing with them. These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in the shade. They stand at the same height as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males being inches tall and females being .Canadian Goldens are also the same in weight, with males being pounds and females pounds. Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different locations. While very similar to American Goldens, they do have some subtle differences. The British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. The standard weight for British Golden Retrievers is not specified, but most weigh anywhere between 55 to 70 pounds. British Golden Retrievers are highly devoted, friendly, and intelligent. Many breeders report that British Golden has fewer potential health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. Still, there are no studies to confirm this. The English Cream Golden has a very pale cream to white coat shorter and thicker than standard American Goldens. They have a stockier build, with males standing around inches tall and females standing approximately inches. Adult male English Creams can weigh anywhere between pounds, and females weigh about pounds. English Cream Goldens have lovable personalities with a calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly smart and easy to train, as well. With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information. They are highly motivated working dogs that enjoy sporting activities like hunting. These Goldens range in color from dark golden to red, with shorter to mid-length coats. They have a smaller stature than other Golden Retrievers, with adult males standing at inches and females at inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 50 and 65 pounds. Field-bred Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you while fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be an excellent match for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot provide daily exercise. See our Field-bred Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Red Goldens get their name from their distinctly red coat. That is often a deep, bright red that distinguishes them from other kinds of Goldens. Their hair is often thinner and longer than other types of Goldens, as well. They tend to stand smaller in size, with males topping out at around inches and females .Adult males can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds. With most red Goldens actually being Field-bred Goldens, they are highly driven and motivated to work. These dogs will have high energy levels and benefit from being given tasks to assist with. Check out our Red Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Show Golden Retriever Show Golden Retrievers are a style that is bred to meet exact breed specifications to be shown in competitions. With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite remarkable in appearance. They are large-boned and thick in stature, with a wider, more broadhead than average Goldens. Show Golden Retrievers have all the same wonderful characteristics as other types of Goldens, being friendly and well-natured. However, since Show Goldens are bred to meet very specific breed standards, they are often costly. They are ideal for owners who are looking to exhibit their dogs in competitive dog shows. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality show Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There is some debate about whether mini Golden Retrievers should really be considered a type of Golden, as they are technically crossbreeds. Since mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they have no actual breed specifications. Their coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variations in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches tall, males and females. Their weights can vary as well, typically staying anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for anyone who desires certain personality traits of a Golden Retriever without the medium-to-large size. With that said, mini Goldens do not always take on the friendly, happy-go-lucky nature of purebred Goldens. Since they are crossbred, they can have attributes of other breeds. Purebred Black Golden Retrievers do not exist but can essentially be created by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breeds. The coat, height, and weight of a black Golden will vary because it is actually a mixed breed. Since many Goldens are bred with Labradors, they would likely be of medium-to-large build, with males or females anywhere between 50 to 75 pounds. Some Goldens may even be mixed with Newfoundlands, which would result in a much larger dog, weighing 80 to pounds or more. Determining which type of Golden Retriever is best for you depends on your unique lifestyle. All kinds make a great family pet, but some have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for specific homes. Each Golden Retriever puppy has a different cost too, so make sure you know the golden retriever price before deciding. To know which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult with a reputable breeder or trusted veterinarian! Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale and from our high quality golden retriever breeders. Both can show moderate signs of being territorial, but more so in females due to their motherly instincts. What is the best color for Golden Retrievers? Standard gold has been shown to be more popular out of the colors of Golden Retrievers. Each color type has specific characteristics. A lighter shade tends to look more white in the light while the darker Golden Retrievers consist of more deep reds and blacks. The most obvious difference lies in the shades of color. Aside from color differences, the head of an English Golden retriever is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are leaner and taller. What color is a Canadian Golden Retriever? All of them have their signature styles in either light, dark, or natural golden coat colors. 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. Golden Retrievers are beautiful pets with an enormous capacity for love and loyalty. Their warm personalities make them a wonderful addition to a family or for an individual who will return the love. Highly recommended: at least 2 years of either Zignature or The Honest Kitchen dog food or other Windy Knoll Goldens approved dog foods listed here. We are located in Bradford, Maine. We want our puppies to thrive and live happy lives! We know they will return the love tenfold, and you will both be very happy! We will only place our puppies with individuals or families who will provide the appropriate love, housing, and care they need, so please see the form below to tell us about yourself. All Windy Knoll Golden Retriever puppies receive thorough 9 point examinations by a licensed, reputable veterinarian, and are wormed multiple times before leaving. They also receive their first vaccinations before they leave our premises. Please read our Sales Contract for complete details. We also offer delivery in Kittery Maine which is near the seacoast area of New Hampshire for a nominal fee. If you want to get a puppy from one of these litters, or future litters, please fill out our puppy reservation form by clicking here or the button below. Current Litters Do you want an older, trained golden? On a VERY limited basis, we are now offering older puppies that are available as pre-trained puppies! Check out the video of our first trained little guy and his Aunt, Snowflake! If you are interested in another trained puppy, we take reservations ahead of time. Go to our reservation page for more details! No more openings available for this fall! Clover and Charlie: Had a dozen puppies! It is rare that a single litter is comprized of that many puppies. But they are all fat and healthy with a very capable mother. Charlie and Clover have had a few litters together in the past and they make great puppies! These puppies will be going home on the 19th of September. Only 3 males available! Spice and Charlie puppies will be born in second week of October and will be going home in the first week of December. Spice is a wonderful mother and has made beautiful puppies. Male and female puppies available. Lance, our newest English Cream golden, has a beautiful fluffy white coat and a wonderful personality. These puppies are ready to go home in November. Reservations are open! Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever. In fact, the American Kennel Club ranks goldens as the third most popular breed. Golden retrievers are loving, intelligent, active dogs that make great family pets and excellent show dogs. If you would like a golden retriever puppy for your family, contact us to learn about our available or upcoming litters. Meet Our Goldens Our dogs are all healthy and qualified to act as service dogs — which is how we got our start. Our daughter, Hailey, needed a service dog and we had a difficult time finding one. The search led us to our first golden, Hunter. Hunter is one of our top sires and has passed all of his tests and health evaluations with flying colors. Choose Your Puppy When you are looking at American golden retriever puppies for sale, you should have at least some idea of what you want. If you are familiar with the temperament and traits of goldens, you will have an easier choosing a puppy that will fit in with your family. Goldens are active, hard-working, and intelligent dogs. A healthy golden will live years. Goldens are a sporting breed and need plenty of exercise, though some have more mellow attitudes than others. Because goldens are loving and eager to please their owners, they are easy to train, which makes them great family pets, show dogs, and service or companion animals.