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Lifespan Sociability As puppies, Labradoodles look like tiny, fuzzy teddy bears. In reality, this cross-breed can be a great deal to handle for first-time dog owners or those looking for a more hands-off canine companion. What does this mean? The Lab Poodle mix awkwardly straddles the worlds of purebred and mutt. On the one hand, Labradoodles are purposely bred and sold for tons of cash. On the other, the cross-breed is not recognized or regulated by any major dog organization at least in the United States. Many breeders also turn to in-breeding to achieve desirable puppies. Yes, Labradoodles can make incredible pets, and there are countless well-intentioned breeders out there. Unfortunately, this also means many Labradoodles end up causing discomfort for misinformed households. The Labradoodle might boast a Poodle-like coat, but hair type has nothing to do with canine allergens. Instead, your allergies are probably triggered by the dander a. If you or a family member requires a hypoallergenic dog, then the Labradoodle might not be the best option! While the regular Labradoodle is just a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Australian Labradoodle includes genetics from the Cocker Spaniel and other unknown breeds. Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, from stark white to tri-colored. In this regard, the Labradoodle definitely takes after the Poodle. Despite what many lovers of the cross-breed believe, Labradoodles can also have more than one type of fur. While the most popular coat texture is wavy, you can also find puppies with extremely curly and straight fur! With consistent socialization and training, though, these traits can be easily managed. A well-adjusted Labradoodle is friendly, mellow, and ready for anything the world has to offer. Labradoodles who have not been taught to manage their excitement, especially around strangers and other dogs, can quickly cause issues. Before bringing home a Labradoodle puppy, take note that poor genetics often lead to behavioral and temperamental issues. While this is true for any dog — purebred, hybrid, or full-on mutt — it is a well-documented problem within the Labradoodle community. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Most Labradoodles are fairly large, reaching up to 65 pounds, so these eager playmates will easily mow down small children. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and relaxed around strangers, making them terrible guard dogs. Because of its generally low prey drive, the Labradoodle is a great option for households with cats or small dogs. Please reference the feeding guidelines of your chosen food — every formula has slightly different serving recommendations. You should also aim to go on two long walks per day. While puzzles are a great way to meet these needs, adventure walks meandering walks or hikes where your dog can sniff and explore a new environment are also an excellent choice. A lack of room to run around and burn excess energy can rapidly breed destructive habits. The combination of high intelligence and overall friendliness makes the Labradoodle great for experienced and first-time dog owners who are willing to invest in lifelong training. Even naturally friendly dogs can suffer if not properly socialized from an early age. Like Poodles, Labradoodle coats can be cut in a variety of functional and fashionable ways. However, the lack of standardized breeding and immense popularity means many Labradoodles carry poor genetics. Labradoodles are most affected by conditions common among Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Regular vet visits can help keep your pup healthy and catch early signs of disease. Here are the most common health conditions known to affect Labradoodles: Minor Conditions. And the most common health problems of Poodles are: Hip dysplasia The autoimmune skin condition sebaceous adenitis Hypothyroidism Bloat Problems with eyesight Some of these conditions are inherited, and tests are available to screen dogs being considered for breeding. A Labrador and Labradoodle mix puppy should always comes from parents who have been health tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, eye disease, thyroid disease and exercise induced collapse. Examples include allergies, eczema and sebaceous adenitis. Finally, ear infections, obesity and bloat can be largely controlled by lifestyle choices. Labradoodle Labrador mix grooming Pedigree Labradors need relatively little grooming. Their medium length, straight coat is too short to tangle. But, a regular habit of brushing, and occasionally bathing, your Lab can help a lot with managing shedding. It needs daily brushing from root to tip, to remove dirt and debris, and prevent painful mats forming. Is a Labradoodle Labrador mix hypoallergenic? Dogs of all types produce allergens in their saliva and to a lesser extent their sweat and urine , not their hair or dander. In fact, non shedding coats can be more problematic than shedding coats, because of the time you need to spend up close with your dog brushing them every day. If you have allergies, ask to spend time with a puppy on several occasions before you bring them home. Do Labradoodle Labrador mixes make good family pets? The first deliberate Labradoodles were bred as service dogs, but more recently they have surged as companion dogs for families of all sorts. Labradors and Poodles are both affectionate and devoted to their human families, and known for their patience with children. Very young children should be supervised with dogs at all times, but a Labradoodle mixed with Labrador is a great fit for a household with older kids and teenagers. Since they are very playful and thrive off lots of interaction and engagement every day, a household with lots of people to help out, or a retired household with plenty of free time is their perfect environment. F1b Labradoodles are not well suited to being left alone for several hours a day. Labs and Poodles were both bred to be team players and very focused on their handler. Withdrawing the target of that instinct you! Finding a Labradoodle Labrador mix puppy Labradoodles, second generation Labradoodles, and even backcrossed Labradoodles are increasingly popular with pet buyers, and they are getting easier and easier to find. The Labrador Labradoodle F1b combination is a little unusual though. Puppies reared on puppy farmers are more likely to have chronic hereditary health problems that require expensive lifelong treatment. And they are more likely to have behavioral problems as a result of inadequate socialization, or being separated from their mom too early. This article can help you identify and avoid puppy farmers. Have documents proving their sire and dam were health tested. Want to know all about you, and how you picture a puppy fitting into your life. Cons Unpredictable coat Needs a lot of mental stimulation and physical activity Popular with puppy farmers, so you might have to discount a lot of bad breeders before you find a good one. Pros Likely to be friendly and affectionate Easy to train Labs, Poodles and Labradoodles are all popular for a reason — they tend to be all round good dogs! What kind of owner would you recommend them to? Let us know in the comments section down below! But, occasionally, some may backcross a Labradoodle with a Labrador, to create the Labradoodle Lab mix! This mix will usually have a straight, double layered coat. They tend to be moderate shedders, but their fur can be less prone to tangles than a curlier Labradoodle mix. Some breeders will backcross Labradoodles, creating f1b or f2b mixes. In most of these cases, the breeder will backcross a Labradoodle to a purebred Poodle. Most breeders will choose to backcross to a Poodle in the hopes of passing on the genes that cause curly, low shedding fur. Backcrossing to a Labrador increases the chances of a mix puppy having Labrador traits. But, the outcome of mixed breed dogs is always a little unpredictable. So, Labradoodle and Labrador mix puppies can still be quite unique! A Labradoodle Labrador mix will usually be a medium to large dog. Their height will most often range between 18 and 24 inches, whilst their weight tends to be anywhere from 50 to 80 lbs. Labradoodles are usually smaller than Labradors, and puppies will most often fall between the sizes of their parents. On top of this, females are usually smaller than males. But, if you want a large dog, look for a male puppy. Coat Type and Colors Labradoodles are usually described as hypoallergenic, but no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic! However, a Labradoodle with curly hair is less likely to shed as much around your home, thanks to the Poodle influence. A Labradoodle Labrador cross will usually have a straight, double layered coat like their Lab parent. Their coat might be dense like a Lab, or slightly thinner. Colors can vary in this mix. Though Labradors come in three standard colors black, yellow, and chocolate , Labradoodles have a very wide variety of colors. Take a look at the Labradoodle parent to see what your mix puppy might inherit! Labradoodle Labrador Mix Temperament Like appearance, temperament can vary in a mixed breed dog. But, there are plenty of traits that we can predict in a Labrador Labradoodle mix. Both parents are known to be energetic and people-oriented dogs. This mix is likely to get along with everyone, as long as you socialize them properly from a young age to new experiences, animals, and people. They are eager to please, and have plenty of energy to burn every day. This mix is very intelligent. Given their intelligence and eagerness to please, they often take well to training. But, they can also become easily bored. And, a bored Labradoodle Labrador mix may display unwanted and undesirable behaviors like digging, chewing, barking, stealing things, and so on. And, dedicate time every day to playing together. But, when your puppy is older, you can really get creative with the types of exercise you try. This mix will usually enjoy retrieving games, like fetch. But, they may also enjoy swimming, hiking, scent-work, running with you, rally, agility and more. Ensuring your Labrador Labradoodle mix gets enough exercise each day will go a long way towards keeping them happy and healthy. Training a Labradoodle Labrador Mix Since this mix is eager to please and intelligent, they will usually pick up new cues quickly. A Labradoodle Lab mix will usually be very eager to work for training treats! Keep your training sessions relatively short, and always consistent. And, remember that every dog will be different, so some may take a little longer to grasp some cues than others! As a medium to large dog breed, basic obedience is a must. This will prevent any jumping up at potentially fragile or nervous visitors! They often have double layered coats, but the density and length of their fur will vary from one dog to the next. Generally, this mix will shed moderately all year round, and slightly higher in summer months. Since their fur is straight, any shedding hairs will fall straight out, so you may have to clean them from your house more regularly than you would with a typical Labradoodle mix. Regular grooming can help you keep on top of shedding. You may want to increase the frequency of this during heavy shedding periods. The best grooming methods will depend on the type of coat your mix inherits. Many owners prefer going to a professional groomer for this! Studies have shown that mixed breeds live, on average, longer than purebred dogs. Labradors live an average of 12 years, so you can expect a healthy Labradoodle Labrador mix to live to around this age, if not longer. However, a Labradoodle Labrador mix can still be prone to a number of health conditions, including those common in the parent breeds. Here are some of the major issues that this mix could be prone to: Arthritis. Those with Lab-type coats are lower maintenance than those with wavy coats. Wavy fur is more likely to knot and tangle, particularly if it grows long, like a fleece type Labradoodle. No matter what fur type your mix has, the Labradoodle Lab mix will likely shed more than a standard Labradoodle mix. Shedding hairs are less likely to get caught in straight fur. But, no matter what type of fur your mix has, grooming can help to control and remove shedding hairs. Start grooming from a young age, to ensure your mix is comfortable with all aspects of the process. Are Labradoodle Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic? However, studies into hypoallergenic dogs draw mixed conclusions. But, others find no different between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breeds. Generally, Labradoodle Lab mix dogs will not be hypoallergenic dogs. The best way to see if a certain dog triggers allergy symptoms for you is to spend time with them before committing and bringing them home. You can also enforce a strict cleaning regimen, and recruit someone else in your home to complete grooming tasks. The Labrador and Labradoodle mix can make a great family companion in the right home. These dogs are people-oriented, eager to please, and playful. They are very social dogs that do best in homes where they have lots of company. This is also a very high energy dog. Daily training and exercise are a must. But, since they are likely to have a more Lab-like coat, they may not suit people who suffer from dog allergies. Finding a Labradoodle Lab Mix Puppy Labradoodles are popular dogs, so finding a Labradoodle breeder who backcrosses their dogs is not likely to pose a challenge. However, finding a breeder who backcrosses to the Labrador is going to be harder. Most breeders will backcross to Poodles in order to achieve a low-shedding, curly coat. Some breeders may have litters, or will at least be able to point you in the direction of someone who can help. Puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders tend to jump on trends like the Labradoodle to make a quick profit. But, the puppies they sell are often poorly cared for and much more likely to have health and behavioral problems. So, above all else, you should prioritise finding a reputable breeder. Puppy prices will vary from one location to the next. Factors like demand for a certain breed, puppy colors, coat type, and so on, can all influence puppy price. The Labradoodle Labrador mix is less common than a Poodle backcross. And, much less popular. So, whilst they might be harder to find, they also tend to cost less. Rescuing a Labradoodle Labrador Mix An alternative option to buying a puppy from a breeder is to search for one in rescue centers. Puppies from rescue centers are often cheaper than those from a breeder. They might be slightly older, but this can be an advantage, as many will have some basic training. The major disadvantage of rescue center mixed breeds is that staff might not know exactly what parentage the dogs have. These dogs are best suited to families that have plenty of time for training, exercise and mental stimulation. They may be too energetic for apartment living, unless you have access to an open, safe space to give them exercise and a chance to stretch their legs a few times each day. Do you have this uncommon backcross at home already? Or are you still considering whether this mix is right for you? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Readers Also Liked. I went to meet Mike to talk about an upcoming litter and Bailey was sitting by herself. I pretty much changed my mind and wanted her immediately. She was introduced to a 6 year old cocker spaniel with and IVDD condition and they became best friends. Great Temperament, Incredibly smart and absolutely beautiful addition to my family. Mike has been following up since I got her checking to see if I had any issues. His training packet was detailed and if you follow the crate training and feeding regiment you will have no problems. Angelica I brought home an F2 labradoodle from here. My pups has already learned several commands within a few weeks of having him. The breeder has plenty of space for the pups and you can tell that there is a lot of care put into the environment. My dog has a great temperament and deals with people well. Upon the first meeting my pups was excited to greet people you can tell he had been socialized well. Mike does well with communication and answers any questions. Highly recommended! Javier Sanchez Got my black lab from Mike trained. He is very good and is comfortable with a crate, walking and great temperament. Overall an awesome dog from a great breeder! Maura Eaton My 12 year old son did all the research on Mike and his company. He had 5 star reviews across the board. Once we saw the picture of Zoey, a Chocolate Labradoodle, we knew we had to meet her. Mike's business is clean, the dogs are all loved by him and well trained. Zoey was Stage 1 trained. This is my first dog as an adult and Mike was excellent in providing advice and recommendations. After we adopted Zoey, Mike would periodically check-in on how Zoey was adjusting to her new family and home. As you can see in the pictures, she is very happy. Mike knew her personality well - smart, sweet and social. A perfect fit and addition to our family. He worked on training with the puppy before we brought him home, which was a big help in the adjustment! I would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a labradoodle puppy. Our puppy has been the best addition to our family and we have enjoyed working with Mike. John Schmadeke We were looking for a labradoodle puppy from a reputable and experienced breeder. Mike was super helpful, and we really appreciated that he cared so much about things like genetics and DNA testing for the dogs. Mike has always been available to answer our questions and to give advice. Tom Riniker We found Mike to be very professional, knowledgeable, and helpful when we purchased a puppy from him. His kennels are clean and organized, and his puppies are well cared for. He really loves his career and it shows! He has followed up with us on numerous occasions regarding the health and well-being of our puppy, and I always know I can reach him if I have questions. Thanks for everything, Mike! Yunhua Chen I have bought a stage 2 F1 labradoodle from Mike. His name is Zen, and just like his name, he is a well-behaved and well-trained little man. He only cried about 15 - 30 minutes during the first few nights and later he was sound asleep. I highly recommend Mike as a breeder because not only he deeply cares about the dogs, but also he has the expertise to make the dog the perfect match for you. Michelle Balchunas Mike was absolutely wonderful to deal with and very helpful with adding a new puppy to our family. If you are looking for a lab to add to your family we would highly recommend working with Mike. Charles Arnold Mike was a great help with our new puppy, Archie. Great experience… and a great dog. Junie is gentle, kind and very loving. She's also extremely athletic and smart. Working with Mike was a very smooth process and his "dog siting" service has proved helpful as I do travel on occasion. Having someone I could trust to care for Junie is super helpful. Mike James I recently had the fortunate privilege of working with Mike to find my next pup. For multiple reasons, the breed is perfect for me - the temperament, lifestyle often on the water , and hypoallergenic fits a tough lifestyle. I without hesitation recommend you work with Mike if you are looking for an amazing pup and great support network. Charlie is so gentle. He was just outside getting petted by his fan club, the neighbors. He licks. I got him the week of July 4th he was outside during that noise. He looks at noise. One of his other puppies was the same way, gentle. Day one he knew the trail through the woods back to our house. Charlie is a beautiful Chocolate lab with the softest hair. I got him at 16 weeks. You have no idea how helpful that is. Of course you want a healthy dog. Took the shots like a champ. The Vet remarked how firm his joints were. Yes he lets you brush his teeth! He goes to the door when he has to go. Another reason I wanted a 16 week pup. Peanut butter to continue gentle licks on my fingers. He always gets small chicken or liver for COME. You should see him come. Is Charlie gentle because some hunting dogs have a gentle mouth or is he gentle because Mike treated him right? Oh do exactly as Mike says on the take home instructions, he knows his dogs! Highly recommend! We brought our pup home with all the documentation of his superior genetics. Mike also sends several handouts which help prepare you for puppy ownership and ensure a smooth transition for your pup to his new home! In addition to his exceptional breeding he is exceptionally well-trained. We opted for a stage 2 puppy and not only does he sit, lay down, stay, he has an incredibly calm demeanor and his additional exposure to other dogs was also incredible. He is so well-tempered and well-behaved due to his additional training. We are so happy and in love with our sweet boy! Brent Viditz-Ward We were looking for a chocolate lab puppy for a long time from a reputable breeder and our experience with Mike was wonderful. He took time to get to know us and make sure that the dog was going to a good home and is always available to answer questions, give advice, etc. I highly recommend Mike and his puppies! M Fowkes Mike is a fantastic breeder. We got an F1 puppy from Mike. She is a sweet beautiful girl. Before she was born Mike knew what the puppies would look like generally, and was really easy to communicate with. He is very responsive when I had a lot of questions. He is like that even now that my puppy is 4 months old…available to answer questions and be supportive. Josie Palma-Aurelio We stumbled on this website when we were looking for our next fur baby. All the reviews speak truthful about Mike. He calls us to check on Nala for updates and gives us pointers on how to take care of her. Nala is such a lovable puppy and we are so happy to have her. We highly recommend! Juan Tellez Mike was a great helping my family and puppy get adjusted to our home. You can tell Mike has a lot of dedication and love towards his dogs. Snoop has been a great addition to our family! We are first time pet owners and Mike handheld us through the entire adoption process. His reference material, responsiveness and his genuine care for the puppies has helped us navigate the critical period of 12 weeks smoothly. The puppy is super smart outwitted me in a game of hide n seek when he was 10 weeks old! He is a bundle of joy! We are first time pet owners and had a lot of questions! He is always enthusiastic in answering any questions we have and supporting us before and after getting the pup! He cares about his dogs and pups and it shows in the research he has done and the knowledge he has about them! He has a lot of information on his website about the breed, food, toys and snacks! He also gives a couple of handouts when we book a pup with him and some when we take them home! Those helped a lot in the preparation for our pup! When you take them home, he also gives you details about the breed, vaccination records, and DNA testing done for the litter! Our girl, Shuri, is very energetic and curious! She does really well when we train her and has already learnt so much! For anyone looking for a labradoodle, Mike is the best! Jocelyn I highly recommend Mike. We are first time dog owners and he made the process so easy for us. Our labradoodle has made an excellent addition to our family!

All of our breeding dogs are also our family pets. Our dogs are like people, having different personalities and talents. Some love to go to town and have people pet them in the stores. Some love to play ball, run with the kids; others run with the horses when we go for a ride. They run with the horses in the riverbed chasing rabbits and coyotes for extra fun. Some love the show ring and obedience trials. Their personalities and talents are glowing when they strut their stuff. Still, others enjoy just laying back and being pillows for the kids while watching TV. Our dogs bring great joy to our lives, and we hope to share that with you. Our puppies' goal is to be placed as companions, loved and loyal members of a family. Some of these families have taken some of our exceptional dogs and become part of "Search and Rescue " groups, children's 4-H projects, seeing eyes dogs, herding dogs, bomb and drug detection dogs working with police officers and living with the family, pet store models and travel companions. We have OFA certified our adult breeding dogs, doing our best to stop the terrible hip dysphasia that seems to plague our fantastic breed. As you look through our site's pages, you may have questions. So, please e-mail or call us. We are always happy to talk about our dogs and help people get just the right German Shepherd for them. Southwest German Shepherds is a family owned kennel located in North Scottsdale on three acres. At Southwest we breed only West German Show Bloodlines because they deliver a strikingly beautiful dog that exhibits intelligence, confidence, and an agreeable temperament. He is an amazing, super fun guy with the best temperament and pedigree. We love having him in our breeding program. Daenerys vom Sudwesten comes from our own breeding program. With these bloodlines and her exquisite looks, sweet temperament and high drive, we expect that her offspring will be amazing. Thank you! What beautiful boys! The SouthWest Difference At Southwest we breed only West German Show Lines because they deliver a strikingly beautiful dog that exhibits intelligence, confidence, and an agreeable temperament making them exceptional family companions and protectors. We select only the best males available from some of the most prestigious kennels in the US and Europe to produce our top-quality litters. We will only breed our females to proven sires with Sieger and Schutzhund titles. These champion bloodlines produce and enhance the desired qualities and traits of great temperament, intelligence and correct structure in our dogs, making them some of the finest German Shepherds in the United States. At Southwest our puppies are raised in our home by us from the time they are whelped until they leave to become members of their new families. They are handled and socialized daily to ensure a healthy, level-headed, confident and friendly temperament. Our puppies are sent home with a veterinary evaluation, up-to-date vaccinations, microchipped, full AKC registration, and a health guarantee. We also provide a puppy starter box and life-long support for our new owners. We have spent years developing one of the best breeding programs in the country. Our quality bred puppies have proven they can excel in all areas: family companion, protector, working, showing, service. Thank you Mark and Marlene - Oro Valley for sharing this wonderful photo. We did a lot of research before deciding to purchase our next dog at Southwest Shepherds. We are glad we did. Our puppy Jack is now 5 months old. He shows the three characteristics of a GSD that are critical. He must be calm, confident and intelligent. Without any one of these three things your dog can be a real disappointment. Jack embodies all these things. Having been around the breed for more than three decades we know the difference. Some of these characteristics can be nurtured by a loving owner who is a skilled trainer, but only to a very minor extent. Breeding is critical. Absent solid breeding a GSD will potentially not have these critical characteristics. Southwest Shepherd's thoughtful approach to breeding ensures that your GSD will have them. Yes, they have to be nurtured by you but if not present in the dog's breeding you will be disappointed. All puppies are cute. Jack is now 5 months old and I can clearly see the superior breeding. He is supremely calm, confident and intelligent. Not only that, he is stunningly beautiful. We get compliments everywhere he goes. I hope Kitty and Marc will post the pictures and videos I have provided of Jack. They will demonstrate what quality their breeding program produces. Additionally, it will give you an idea of what you might expect of your dog at 5 months. GSDs require good owners. Ensure you understand completely how to train and socialize your new family member. Doing so in combination with the excellent breeding at Southwest Shepherds will provide you a dog you can be proud of and enjoy for many, many years. They are the most amazing dogs. Marc and Kitty know what they are doing. These dogs are not only beautiful, but their temperaments are phenomenal. So calm and friendly, confident and smart. They are the best as are their dogs. Linda Anderson - Elgin, AZ. German Shepherds for sale in Arizona Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Arizona with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Arizona. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Arizona There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Arizona, from Phoenix to Tucson, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in AZ! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in AZ We like to think we've made a lot of people in Arizona happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. The day we picked him was wonderful.We are taking our Wolfie to AZ to live, we will receive training here before we leave and in AZ via internet. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a healthy, beautiful addition to their family. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 resultsPage 1 - 26 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. CKC purebred registration is available if you wish to.Family friendly orientated style. Our dogs are large, with a high croup rear end. We try to breed our dogs for health and longevity.They are friendly and good with children. They are black, tan and redish. Our German Shepherds are eager to learn, easy to train, Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable for show, Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable.Dad is not.We have 4 females and 2 males One male and 1 female up for your consideration. Mom is an all black with.Ready for their forever home October 8th. They will be CKC registered, microchipped and first set of shots before going to their new home. We have 1 more female that need a home. Pups have been vet checked, have first shots, dewormed and.Visit Website Below to Order Now! We are a reputable breeder with high quality dogs and experience with the breed for over 30 years. We have a stunning litter of 11 registered liver and Isabella German shepherd puppies. Sire is a CKC.He came from a reputable breeder. No health issues and up to date with his vaccination. He is.Browse other categories in All Categories in Ontario. Showing 1 - 40 of 63 resultsPage 1 - 63 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. CKC purebred registration is available if you wish to.Ready to go now! We are offering purebred German.Family friendly orientated style. Our dogs are large, with a high croup rear end. We try to breed our dogs for health and longevity.Not CKC registered but her mom is. No health or bones issues. Active, loves kids and dogs. Bess is an exceptionally intelligent Shepherd that has been professionally trained. We need the perfect home for her to give her the best possible.They are friendly and good with children. They are black, tan and redish. Our German Shepherds are eager to learn, easy to train, Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable for show, Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable.The litter consists of 5 girls and 4 boys. German shepherd health warranty ready to go Winnipeg Born July 6, all sable, 2 male 4 female Will have big bones, strong, really high drive, serious dog, good for experience handler. They have a plush coat and are extremely strongly built boys! The pups have the personality to.Longcoat solid black female is 3 years old. Sable male is 2 years old. Please Contact Please contact. Dad is not.We have 4 females and 2 males One male and 1 female up for your consideration. Mom is an all black with.Not CKC registered. Vet checked, first shots, dewormed, etc. Text or email for more info. Ready for their forever home October 8th. They will be CKC registered, microchipped and first set of shots before going to their new home. We have 1 more female that need a home. Pups have been vet checked, have first shots, dewormed and.We have a few select dogs.Pups have big heads nice disposition strong bone just like their parents. Pups will be good for. Law enforcement, Sport.Ready to go home September .Parents are from working bloodlines. Mom Luna is an 80 lb CKC reg.First shots, de-wormed, vet-checked, and micro-chipped with CKC chips. These pups have been raised in a family environment and are.Albert Beautiful Sable puppies wth cute black faces, purebred German Shepards. Very loving and playful looking for their forever homes. Grandparents and great grandparents are CKC.She is CKC reg'd with the ckc so she will come with papers. She will be sold on a CKC non-breeding contract and cannot be bred. This is not an.We are a reputable breeder with high quality dogs and experience with the breed for over 30 years. Albert Purebred sheppard looking for their forever home, first and second shots, ckc registered, comes with micro chip. Females, .Males, 2 females and 4 males left. We have a stunning litter of 11 registered liver and Isabella German shepherd puppies. Sire is a CKC.There are 4 boys 2 all black with bits of white and 2 tan and black and 4 girls 2 all black with bits of white and 2 black and tan. Very smart. Natural gaurd dog. They had first vet visit all healthy with first vacine,and will be micro chipped. CKC registered. Available July .Grand father of.He came from a reputable breeder. No health issues and up to date with his vaccination. He is.I have bred more than American and Canadian Champions. Our dogs are successful in all venues including but not limited to, conformation, competitive obedience, agility, service dogs, film industry dogs as well as search and rescue. We are always striving for the absolute best in health, temperament and breeding resulting in well rounded family companions as well as top quality, high title winning show dogs. Our dogs and kennel have been featured in numerous publications over the years. Please visit our facebook Marketing Page or Woodside's Personal Page for the most up to date photos and puppy news or call anytime toll free for an appointment to visit the kennel and meet our dogs: or .Please inquire by phone or email for availability. Quality boarding facility available year round for your pets as well, providing the absolute best for your companions. International Shipping is Available. Woodside also has champions and breeding dogs available to local companion homes. We will not ship these dogs. Please contact us for more information.

Some final words There is a little bit of leeway in their feeding schedule as all standard poodles are not the same. Each individual dog will require different amounts of food at different times of the day. The following information is a guideline as there is no set rule on when or how much to feed your pet each day. Before they are 6 months of age, you can feed your little pet up to 4 to 5 times. After they reach the age of 6 months, you can lower that total to 3 times every day. Just because you serve them multiple times throughout the day, it does not mean their serving size is huge. You are looking at feeding your puppy about 2 cups of dog food each day. This serving size can be equally measured out so that your little feller or gal gets enough food at each meal. It will take a little research to find the perfect food for your pet. If you are in doubt, you can always ask your vet what is the best type of dog food to use. The key to feeding your dog its food is that you cannot change it from week to week or day to day. You must pick one and stick with that brand. Changing the food often and without mixing it with their old dog food will upset their stomachs and cause accidents to happen. If you are worried about the number of calories your puppy is eating, those are listed on the side of the package under the heading kcal. Just look at the number next to that box to get the actual number of calories your dog is receiving. Also, the amount of food you feed your pet depends on how active they are. If they are not very active you can cut their portions down a little bit. This will help avoid your pet from becoming overweight. If he or she is very active, then you should feed them a little bit more food than the recommended amount. Puppy Food Tips There are some guidelines to help you find the right pet food for your puppy. Here are a few of those guidelines to direct your search: 1. Try to Avoid Fillers and Additives- Look for those options that contain more meat and vegetables 2. Grains are Good- Unless your vet recommends against it. Grains help your pet have more energy. Be Heavy on Glucosamine and Chondroitin- These ingredients will help your pet if it has a family history of dysplasia or joint problems. Make Sure the First Ingredient is Meat- The first ingredient tells you that it is the dominant ingredient and the more meat the better for your puppy. Look for Vegetables as Well- These ingredients provide needed nutrients your puppy needs to grow healthy. Provide a Mix- A little wet food on the dry dog food will help your picky eater build their teeth and get needed nutrients. Wet food alone will not do this but it does help with dry dog food consumption. What Foods Not to Feed Your Poodle There are some ingredients you should avoid so that your puppy gets the healthiest meal possible. MSG- It is not good for humans, and it is not good for pets. In fact, not only can it give you a UTI, it can do the same for your dog. Artificial Colors and Preservatives- These are hard to avoid but try if you can. Foods with Animal By-Products- The reason to avoid this ingredient is that you do not know where those by-products came from. Some final words Be careful when you feed your pet. There is always the danger of over-feeding them. If they act like they are always hungry, give them something else to do. They could have just arrived in your home, have a toothache, upset stomach , or they do not like the taste of the food. When you give your pet a bone, there is always a chance that bacteria may be on it. So be careful when raw feeding your pet any food item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Pups weaning from mom to her kibble that she drops Of course Pups don't learn proper Table manners until they are 6 weeks of age At three weeks of age they are introduced to softened Kibble , which is soaked and made into a warm gruel. What a sight, the first few feedings have the little pups "wearing" more food than eating it. They learn quickly though. Now, what do you do? This is, in part, due to the change from our home to yours. Do not worry, the puppy will begin eating normally. You may choose to continue with a bit of softened food for the first week, to aid puppy in adjusting to their new home Just remember what is not eaten will spoil within hours and will need to be thrown out. Of course our feeding schedule of 3x a day at certain times, is not cast in stone and you will come up with your own schedule. We do recommend the final feeding to be approximately hours before your bedtime allowing you to get puppy outside immediately after eating see "Housebreaking" and again well before your bedtime. The morning feeding should be after you've taken the pup outside, let it have it's pee and poo, and a little play session. Time the middle feeding at a halfway point between the morning and evening feedings or as closely to that as your schedule allows. After puppy is toilet trained.We have found that "free feeding" a well trained puppy one that knows who the leader is prevents bloating, prevents gorging of food, prevents fussy eaters well the list goes on and on on the benefits. No matter what your Vet says or believes, our Poodles do not and will not over eat! Chicken products from China causing intermittent vomiting and Diarrhea and killing dogs. Glycerin in dehydrated jerky type treats, dehydrated Chicken Breasts, dog treats, greenies. According to the FDA, they have found that dogs who consume varying amounts of Glycerin can exhibit the following symptoms: decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption urination. With blood tests, the dog may have an increased BUN, Blood glucose which is evidence of glycerin's negative affects on the kidneys. In hundreds of dogs kidney failure and death has been reported. A puppy does not need treats. Praise and play work wonders to motivate. Keep in mind that treats are not a substitute for a meal… we use teeny tiny pieces… We don't give our pups or dogs treats routinely. If I wish to bribe my Poodle then I will resort to chicken wieners or sardines. Another odd phenomenon we see so many times, is that anxious owners, or owners with stomach or digestive issues themselves, have this same disorder manifest within their puppies. Do not make food or treat time an anxious time. Do not get them worked up over food or treats. NEVER keep switching foods for different flavors or brands, this creates a nightmare of a fussy eater A dog views food as a part of survival. Dogs do not use food to feed emotions the way us humans do. In summer when there is extreme heat and especially humidity, it is not uncommon to see dogs eat grass to settle their tummies and sometimes vomit as a result. Dogs can easily get overheated, so if you hear "humidity warnings" don't go outside to play with your puppy wait until it gets cooler in the day or evening, to venture outside for a game of play. Please always remember, that cool, fresh water should be available at all times except during crating times. If you restrict water puppy can develop a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection. At first offer your puppy about 2 cups of food. Your puppy should always have kibble left over in their bowl at the end of your feeding time. Do not starve your puppy just because you are following the directions on the bag or your vet said to feed "x" amount… Let the pup have access to the food for about 20 minutes. What they have not eaten after this time, you take away until next meal time. Continue this through the scheduled feeding times. As poodle puppies grow, so too do their appetites. If your puppy consistently finishes all of the food offered during the feeding time, increase the amount of food, just removing the contents after 20 minutes. Growing puppies can eat what seems to be a phenomenal amount. We have seen so many of our adults basically starving with hips sticking out and just too thin because owners want to control their dog's food intake! The heart is a big muscle that will be adversely effected including but not limited to rhythm irregularities Starving your Poodle sorry I mean "controlling your poodle's diet will also cause GI upset and sensitivity. Your poodle should eat enough that it is leaving food behind in the dish. If it is not.This Poodle male was 50lbs and should have weighed 75 lbs The owner listened to the Vet and fed what they were told to do, ignoring common sense!! This is abuse! This Poodle's body would be eating muscle in order to survive. The heart is a muscle. There is no excuse for this. Free feeding also aids in avoiding bloat and or torsion like we do. At some point between weeks your puppy will no longer require three feedings a day. A lot of puppies will let you know when that is. They will begin to pick at one of the meals. If you find your puppy is consistently not interested in a meal often the mid feeding , take the same amount of food you have been feeding in a day and divide it into two feedings. Puppy is eating the same amount, just twice a day instead of three times a day. We feel this aids in preventing bloat and making fussy eaters. In we decided to try our dogs and puppies on this food as it is poultry and grain free and limited ingredient and more dogs of all breeds, have been having sensitivity to poultry and or diets with grain. New as of - the public found out that a lot of dog foods were being filled with Whey acid by-product of the Greek Yogurt and that this is counted as Protein It could be coincidence however there are more and more puppies of all breeds and mutts having GI upset and bladder issues, so we tend to not believe in coincidences. Since starting on this food our pups have not had loose stools and their bladders have been healthier. We can't deny all the amazing reviews of this quality product. If puppy eats all their food in the alotted time then you should be feeding more. Unlike humans, or other less "refined" dog breeds, Poodles will not over eat. So make sure that puppy has enough food. Do not substitute food with giving treats all day long either. How much should your puppy weigh? My standard for my pups, which are over 8 wks. If a puppy is 8 weeks old it should weigh around 8 lbs. This formula is fairly accurate until the dog reaches the age of 3 months. Basically your puppy should have left over kibble in their bowl every meal time during the alloted time limit. If the kibble is all gone in the first few minutes, just add more kibble and know for next time the proper amount. The following amounts are for EACH feeding. Do not worry if there is food left over. Food and Weights for Puppy 7 weeks. Raw or cooked homemade meals When you bring home a new puppy, you might want to switch her food to a brand you prefer. Wait until your dog has been with you for at least a few weeks. This is a time of big changes for your puppy, and you should minimize the trauma coming all at once. Plan to make the dog food switch over the course of a week or so, and watch for signs of digestive upset. Poodle Puppy Diets Many diets today are age- or stage of life-specific, even breed-specific. But does this really matter, or is it marketing? The truth is, it actually does. Brands that make dog foods pay attention to research to formulate the best nutrition for different stages of life and for different sizes of dog. A good puppy formula will include extra nutrients, such as calcium, and extra calories per pound of body weight. It will also have the right number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats for the right amount of growth. The right amount actually includes the restriction of certain nutrients. Having too much of a good thing can actually be bad for dogs. In large breeds like the Standard Poodle, the ingestion of excessive amounts of energy and calcium as puppies can lead to a higher likelihood of developmental orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia. Poodles are genetically prone to joint problems like this, so diet here is very important. For kibble, you can even dish up the daily meals at the start of the day. Personally, I always make one extra bowl to use as training treats. Allowing me to reward my pup for good behavior throughout the day without messing with my ratios. Over the first couple of months, I feed four meals so I make up five bowls first thing in the day. Spread the formal meals evenly throughout the day time, making sure the last one is at least two hours before you want to go to bed. This will save you getting back up again to let your puppy out to open their bowels! An adult dog food should have less protein, calcium, fat, and omega-3 acids than the puppy version. Once your Poodle gets to about 80 percent of his expected adult size, feel free to switch to the adult brand. Every dog is different in terms of metabolism and body type. In that case, it might be time to switch to the adult corollary. Look for meat-based protein sources in the first few ingredients listed on the package. Be sure to start off with apuppy formula if your dog is under 12 months old. Feeding a Poodle Puppy Wet Food Many canned dog food options are digestible and full of balanced nutrition. Not all wet foods offer a balanced diet, so make sure to read labels. If your dog needs better hydration or has problems with her teeth, wet food might be a good option. Canned food often has 75 percent moisture content compared with percent for dry. Canned food has more fat and protein and fewer carbs, along with more animal products. Also, do your research! Learn about safe handling and storage of meats. This works because some foods provide more nutrition and taste better! Others are better raw. So this diet can be more flexible and easier to deal with than the raw diet. And you can avoid some of the pitfalls of uncooked meat, too. However, some of the same nutritional issues must be addressed. Weigh your puppy frequently and use a Poodle growth chart, then adjust food amounts as needed. If you can see them without having to feel for them, your dog may need more food. Look for other symptoms of problematic weight, such as exhaustion and difficulty turning around, or bowel and gas issues. Poodles are prone to obesity, and obesity comes with plenty of health issues you do not want to deal with, such as metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease, and joint problems. Instead, find ways of helping your pup eat slower, or feel full faster. A slow-feeder bowl can help reduce the rate at which your dog scarfs down his meal, for example. A puzzle feeder or other toys may also help. Play with her to distract her, or take her out! If you really think you need to adjust food amounts, talk to your veterinarian and get professional advice. Poodles tend to be a slower-maturing breed. The different sizes of Poodle mature at different rates. Smaller dogs mature more quickly. Miniature poodles will be fully grown between months but may take a bit longer to fill out. Standard poodles may take up to 2 years to mature. You can start feeding Miniature and Toy Poodles adult foods at around months. Category : Puppies When you take your puppy home usually around weeks of age they will need to eat 3 or 4 times a day. At 8 weeks old we feed small meals 4 times a day at 7 am, 11 am, 2 pm and then at 5 pm. We allow them free access to water until 7 pm in the evening. An alternative is to feed 3 times a day at 7 am, 12 noon and at 5 pm. If your puppy is hungry split the meals to 4 times a day. By the time they are 10 weeks old they can go to 3 meals a day. If your puppy feels thin you can feel all the ribs and backbone easily increase the amount of food. If your puppy feels fat you should be able to feel some of the ribs reduce the amount of food. Some puppies are very active and burn up every calorie they eat, some are prone to being a little rounder and their food intake needs to be carefully monitored. Research has shown that dogs that are not overfeed have a much lower risk of developing hip dysplasia. Keep your puppy thin and healthy. We do not recommend free feeding of puppies as this makes it more difficult to housebreak your poodle and regulate their diet. Better to move to free feeding after housebreaking if you choose to. It is harder to monitor how much food they eat when free feeding and a glutunous puppy may quickly become fat. Remember a thin puppy is less likely to develop hip dysplasia. We strongly encourage you to keep your puppy on the same food we provide for the first month. Both coccidia and giardia may live in the gut of a healthy poodle and they never have an outbreak. When their bodies are stressed they are more likely to develop an unhealthy balance and the result may be a sick puppy. Moving to a new home, leaving their Mother and siblings and diet changes are all stressful. We encourage you to make as few changes as possible to your puppies diet the first month. Changing to a different dog food — go slowly. It may take a month or longer to switch foods. If at any point your puppy develops an upset stomach go back to the level of food mix that they were doing well on. Should your puppy develop bloody diarrhea take them to the veterinarian, they have most likely developed gastroenteritis and may need some medication or possibly fluids. Go slowly, new protein sources require time for the stomach to adjust. This is true not only in puppies but also adults. We continue to feed our puppies 3 meals a day until they are 6 months old. Our belief is that in keeping food moving through the puppy it allows for better consistent growth and health. At 6 months of age we start to feed 2 times a day with snacks throughout the day. We continue to feed our dogs 2 times a day throughout their life. We feed snacks several times a day to both puppies and adults which may be carrots, green beans, eggs or chicken or pieces of their kibble. We feed our poodles both kibble and home cooked food. Bully sticks are given occasionally for chewing. No Comments.

According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America the coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out off-colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. These colors make Show Line German Shepherds truly stand out. Good balanced diet, daily NuVet, addition of carrots and Salmon oil benefit the Genetics. Many times when we are in public we are asked what breed our dogs are and when we say that they are "German Shepherd Dogs", people are surprised and say, "Wow! But they are so red! We are amazed by all the scientific research that is done in breeding and continue to learn! In a classic German Shepherd genetic table - black is a recessive gene and to produce a solid black puppy BOTH parents must carry a black gene. Owners of Solid Black dogs are extremely proud of the color of their dog and many call it "rare", as not always you can produce a Solid Black dog. Solid Black puppies are born completely black and have no tan anywhere on their body. Small patches of white can be present at birth on chest or on the paws , but they will disappear as puppy grows. It is an off-color as far as the breed standard goes and is a highly undesirable color. The darker - the better and when you see the "RED", you know it. We also see more "Black and Tan" dogs being short-stock. This is a serious fault. There are actually three variations of a blue German Shepherd Dog as they come in blue and tan, blue and sable, or blue and black. The nose of a liver GSD is brown leather as well. This is an off-color and is a fault as far a breed standard goes. Image from the web - SABLE The sable is classic pattern of a GSD and is described by gray coat that looks very similar to the coat you would expect to see on the wolf. Even with a sable, you can see variances in the color of the pigment. Sometimes you will hear people say they own a red sable. Sometimes you will hear them say that they own a gray. So you can find black sables, tan sables silver sables or red sables. This is how much the coat of a sable can vary. This is major fault as far as breed standard goes and a white dog will be disqualified from a show ring. Image from the web BI-COLOR The bi-color is a classic pattern when the saddle part of the dog covers most of the body leaving markings on the feet and sometimes on the face like having eyebrows. Image from the web Below this text is a popular image that is circulating on the web. Many off-color breeders are using it as a proof that their dogs are German Shepherd dogs of AKC recognized "rare" color. Even so, we here at Vom Geliebten Haus, go by the German Shepherd Breed standard and only respect the desired colors of the German Shepherd Dog, that include: black, tan and red. These colors can be present in any of the standard patterns: solid, bi-color, blanket back, sable and saddle. The coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Image from the web. Lifespan Sociability Difficult to find, the silver German Shepherd puppy can cost more than a standard color. Their rarity means that it is unusual to find this coloring in shelters. As they are still used as guard dogs, you must meet a rescue dog before you consider adopting them. Check with the Kennel Club for recognized breeders and be prepared to ring around to find silver or grey German Shepherds because they are rarer. Meet the puppy and at least its mother before buying and taking your new dog home and ask for evidence of health screening to ensure that it has less chance of hereditary conditions that the breed is prone to. The dog was first bred in by Max von Stephanitz. He wanted to create the ultimate herding dog. Von Stephanitz believed that the dog should be bred primarily for herding but their purpose soon evolved. Many critics say that the modern breed is too far from his ideas to be considered a true German Shepherd. The word dog is included in the breed registry to differentiate from German Shepherd people. In Germany, it has the breed name Deutscher Shaferhund and in parts of Europe it is also sometimes known as the Alsatian, a name which was given to it after World War II when its popularity waned and breeders wanted to reinvigorate its popularity. Following the formation of The Seeing Eye in , the breed was trained and used for the purpose. It was later decided that the German Shepherd was better suited to police work while the friendly demeanor of the Lab and the Retriever meant they were better as blind dogs. It tests the ability of the dog but was also designed to identify those that were untrainable. The sport is more inclusive now and allows dogs of other breeds to compete. They found many uses during the conflicts, from running messages to identifying danger and alerting their handlers to the presence of those dangers. They are still used in conflicts around the world, today. A post shared by Fenris Fangs fenrisfangs 6. Rin Tin Tin the Movie Star The recognizable image of the breed and its ability to follow commands even under great pressure has seen the breed used in a wide variety of occupations and settings, including on set as movie stars. Most people have also seen the black German Shepherd and some may have even seen the white. There are 11 recognized colors including the tan and black, white, and black variations. Silver is one of the other colorations that is considered acceptable. Although liver and blue are recognized colors, these are considered to be faults. They Rank as the Third Most Intelligent Breed in the World Bested only by the hyper-intelligent Border Collie and the equally smart Poodle, the German Shepherd is ranked as the third most intelligent breed in the world. They are well known for their loyalty, watchfulness, and their energy levels, but they are also renowned for being highly intelligent animals. This has pushed their popularity as a working breed. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world, and especially in the US where they are ranked as the 2nd most popular breed. This is, in part, because they are not only popular as pets but also as working and service dogs. They have a very loyal following of owners and fans that swear by the breed, as well as many people that dream of one day owning the breed. Related Reads:. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. The banding of color on each and every individual hair leads to a variety of shades and colors which can vary extremely from sable dog to sable dog. Agouti the correct term for Sable is the genetically dominating pattern in the entire German Shepherd Dog breed. I have never owned a sable GSD until just recently however I have been told by many other sable owners that Sables tend to get darker with age - especially over their back. So I guess I'll see how my puppy turns out. It is also easy to say, that as a general rule of thumb, a sable keeps developing his final color up until the dog reaches the age of three or so - so unlike other German shepherd colors you'll never really know what the final color of sable German Shepherd will really be until the dog is completely mature. These dogs may appear in many shades of silver, gray, gold or mahogany colors. Most fall somewhere in between these extremes. Often times they also have the dark mask as well. Agouti German Shepherds can also go through many stages of coat development, both lightening and darkening, before they reach maturity. Color categorization of sables can be quite difficult when the dog is tattooed or photographed early in its life as the choice of color is often incorrect when you see this dog later in its life because the coat color can change so dramatically as the dog matures. Sable GSDs are born all tan in color. The characteristic black tipping starts coming in after a few weeks of age and then continues until the puppy is a few years old. Sable puppies color changes immensely as they grow up. Oftentimes the German Shepherd puppy will end up either darker or lighter than they were as a small puppy. The sable GSD often closely resembles their two-toned counterparts, such as the black and tan saddle back GSD's, but the sable dogs individual hairs have more than one color on each of them creating a very unique pattern specific only to that individual dog. There is quite an array of hues in the Sable German Shepherd colors, ranging from the lightest tans to the darkest blacks. German Shepherd eye color should be dark, or at least blend in well with the color of the dog. Any nose color other than black is a disqualification. Any Sable GSDs coat shade is acceptable but the richer hues are always preferred. Pale washed out colors, shades of blues and livers are considered serious faults. It is important to note that the guard hairs look as though they are banded in various shades of color and are then tipped in black. Generally speaking, there are many more of these sable German Shepherds in the U. It is also important to note that this type of coat coloration is dominant over all the others. Another name for this type of coloration is called agouti or wolf gray, and it can vary a great deal from dog to dog. Tell us all about your Sable GSD! Do you have a great story about your Sable GSD? Share it with us right here! Just type! Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Upload Pictures or Graphics optional [? Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Select it and click on the button to choose it. Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Your Name. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. 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Choosing a reputable breeder is important for a number of reasons. For one, responsible breeders take good care of their dogs and puppies, and they only breed healthy dogs with sound temperaments. Here are a few things to help you with that. With that being said, responsible breeders will also back their programs with one or two-year genetic health guarantees, usually covering any severe genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. This can help you weed out the bad apples and find a Goldendoodle breeder in Maryland that you can trust. We recommend you look for reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Or, you can check out user submitted Doodle breeder reviews here at Doodle Doods. Located in the neighboring state of West Virginia, Fox Creek Farm specializes in all sizes of the amazing Goldendoodle — from the smallest Petite and Mini Goldendoodles and up to the largest Standard Goldendoodle pups. Fox Creek Farm specializes in Multigenerational Goldendoodles, as their traits and characteristics are more predictable. This means that these pups are more often than not very low-shedding, making them ideal for people with allergies. What Makes This Breeder Unique? As a responsible Goldendoodle breeder, Fox Creek Farm follows and stays up to date on the most current ethical breeding practices. They introduce the puppies to potty training, crate training, basic manners, and socialize them with people of all ages and other pets. Waitlist: Yes. There are multiple reasons why you should get a Goldendoodle puppy from the 5 best Goldendoodle Breeders in Maryland. They have a stunning coat and are available in colors varying from red and cream to black and gray. In addition to their physical features, the following are some of the traits that make Goldendoodles one of the most desired dog breeds and why you should get them. Goldendoodles are rarely aggressive and love the attention they receive from other people and animals. Also, Goldendoodles are prone to getting separation anxiety when left alone for a long period. Therefore, even if you prefer staying indoors, Goldendoodles would happily stay with you if you play with them and keep a check on them at regular intervals. Also, you would probably get your Goldendoodle puppies in Maryland pre-trained with the ability to follow basic commands and socialize. In addition to it, you can also teach them basic tricks as they are quick learners and stress-free to train. Therefore, if you or someone staying with you is mildly allergic to fur, especially dog fur, you can still get a Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles have a thick undercoat and need a haircut every seven to eight weeks and additional grooming of nails. However, you should avoid bathing your Goldendoodle puppies frequently as it would result in them getting dry skin and infection. Also, the hypoallergenic trait of Goldendoodles would reduce the irritation of cleaning your house to remove dog fur. However, they are prone to various genetic health problems that affect mainly their knees, hips, and eyes and can be detected under genetic health testing. Apart from this, Goldendoodles are health conscious as they need a minimum of half an hour of playtime daily. In addition to it, they love swimming and also make the perfect hike companion if you like to explore new places. Read further to know from where you can get the best Goldendoodle puppies in Maryland. Goldendoodle Puppies For Sale In Maryland We have listed below the 5 best Goldendoodle breeders in Maryland from where you can get healthy and active Goldendoodle puppies. These breeders strictly adhere to the set of rules and ethics required to breed cruelty-free Goldendoodles. PuppySpot Looking for a Goldendoodle puppy in Maryland? PuppySpot is here to help! Plus, PuppySpot provides personalized guidance from their team of dedicated puppy managers, access to a network of veterinarians and trainers, and a comprehensive health guarantee for each puppy. So why not make the ethical and socially responsible choice by choosing PuppySpot for your Goldendoodle puppy search in Maryland? The breeders at Maryland Doodles treat their dogs and puppies as family members. They are fed on time, groomed, trained, and socialized. After all, being in the breeding business for generations, they know how to raise their sweet Goldendoodle puppies well. The socialization of the Goldendoodle puppies from an early age helps them adjust to the new family more efficiently. Most importantly, all of the Goldendoodle puppies at Maryland Doodles are hypoallergenic and can be taken care of by people having allergies to fur. Maryland Doodles Details. Rocks and Roses Doodles Rocks and Roses Goldendoodles With over 4 years of breeding history, Rocks and Roses have been able to earn a decent reputation as top breeders of the Goldendoodle. Rocks and Roses Doodles are located in Street, Maryland. They are a blue ribbon breeder of the miniature Goldendoodle under the Goldendoodle Association of North America. They are also a recommended breeder by Good Dog. Their Goldendoodle pups are raised in the family home where they are provided with enough space to run and play to their satisfaction. They get to sleep in a clean and temperature-regulated area and are provided with the right supplement and food to foster strong growth. Each Goldendoodle is exposed to basic puppy training and is also exposed to a wide variety of enrichment protocols like puppy culture and Early Neurological Stimulation. All their puppies are bred to high standards and stay with them until 10 weeks. They are multigen puppies so they come with hypoallergenic coats. In addition, the puppies all come from a healthy, impressive bloodline. To achieve this, careful, selective breeding must be done. This is why they spare no resources into researching the right sire and dam for their program. The dogs are tested for genetic health issues that are common to the Goldendoodle breed. They also have their hearts, patellas, hips, and eyes tested and certified by licensed professionals. Your Goldendoodle puppy should be exposed to basic potty and crate training. They also come with a 2 years health guarantee. They are health checked by a licensed vet and are each properly vaccinated and dewormed with records to show this. Marley is a curious puppy who loves adventures and seeking out new places to explore. She would love a home with lots of hikes and exploring new things. We are a premier breeder of Golden Retrievers and Golden Doodles, and all of them are raised by our family! Raised With Love Raised on the farm in Western Maryland, all our puppies are raised by our family since .Kid-friendly Your new puppy will be used to having children around. Our children actively help with feeding and socializing the puppies from the day they are born. Trusted Since We started raising puppies in , and have had many happy customers over the years. Including many repeat buyers. We Love Raising Puppies! It gives us a deep sense of satisfaction to see one of our pups grow into a friendly, sociable, and obedient companion. Our pursuit of a complete puppy breeding recipe from socialization to general habitual behavior will probably never end, but our pups are consistently bringing happiness to families abroad! High standards for both health and behavior have always been in the front of our minds, and we have built consistency in meeting those standards. We truly want your new family member to bring you happiness for years to come! Our Reviews. They were helpful from beginning to end and answered any questions we had. Parker is absolutely the best pup in the world. Angela F. Good communication was kept and our puppy is perfect. Coley D. December We are more and more in love with our Gracie Mae as each day goes by. She has been such a good girl from day one. She has slept in her crate from the first night with not so much as a whimper. She eats well and pees and poops on demand. She is so smart, loves to play and is very cuddly. The Dr said that Gracie is very healthy. Everyone there commented on how beautiful she is. She has been pure Joy for us. Thank you so much!! Lisette G. January Milo has been a tremendous blessing to our family and we love him fiercely! He is calm, sweet, eager to please and super quick to learn. Our experience with Copper Oaks was amazing. Becky was more than willing to answer any and all questions I had before purchasing Milo. Highly recommend!!! Adel R. He has brought our family such joy and is an amazing and fun loving little guy. He was super easy to train and is great with people and other dogs. Our experience with Copper Oaks was excellent: Duncan is our first dog, and we would definitely choose them again in the future. Daniel S. We love Copper Oaks mini Goldendoodles so much. We received a girl puppy from one of their fall litters and she is the best dog. Bea was spunky and loving right from the start. She bonded with us so quickly! She loves walks, meeting new furry friends and people, and playing fetch! Bea is super smart too and excelled in her puppy classes. She got a clean bill of health at all her puppy visits and the vets just love her. Everywhere we go people stop us to ask what kind of dog Bea is and where we got her from. I tell everyone she is from Copperoaks! From beginning to end Becky was informative and very helpful with the transition from her home to ours! She has continued to stay in contact and check on sweet Bea! I want to get Bea a sister soon! We love her so much! Amber G. April Wonderful breeder! They provided great information and resources and they truly care about the pups! Penny is the sweetest dog and is so smart! I already want to get my sweet Penny and sibling Aimee J. July Barkley is a wonderful addition to our family! He is energetic, smart, playful and cuddly! He picked up potty training quickly and loves to go camping and play on the beach! Big thanks to Copper Oaks and the amazing job they do! Our sweet Barkley is perfect! Krystle S. August Our little mini goldendoodle from Copper Oaks is the best little dog! She has been super easy to crate train, and is so sweet. You can tell these puppies are loved as family when you pick your pup up in person. I kind of want another one already!!!! Jada B. May Choosing Copper Oaks mini Goldendoodles for our puppy was the best decision. Stoli is such an amazing puppy - he loves people, playing fetch, he is super smart, fun, and all around great. Becky was amazingly patient and kind through the entire process. There is no doubt Becky and her entire family love the doodles, every one of them - the kind nurturing nature of the family continues to shine through via the follow ups since we brought our puppy home. To top it off, the puppy parents have a wonderful demeanor and are so kind and well behaved. Highly recommend Copper Oaks - we are thrilled to be a part of the family. Lisa R. March Payton is the sweetest little dog! Payton was one of Ivey's puppies and we picked him up from Copper Oaks at the end of September. Becky was so wonderful in responding to all of my questions. When we met Becky, her husband and their adorable children, I knew that Payton was coming from a loving place! Payton is now 4. He always wants to be around people and other dogs and is great with children too. He is kind, playful, smart and looks like a little teddy bear. He loves to play fetch, go on walks and go to day care with his dog friends. We can't thank Copper Oaks enough for helping us find the perfect addition to our family! Kate F. December Santa delivered a mini golden doodle this year! Becky was very helpful in answering all my questions regarding the purchase of a puppy and so many more questions about the breed. Willow and Tucker are super sweet puppy parents! I also loved that our puppy was surrounded by children. Dasher has been a playful and cuddly puppy! Our vet has been pleased with his puppy well checks: I have an allergy to dogs and Dasher has joined our family with no problem. I highly recommend Copper Oaks! Marianne N. February We got our sweet Teddy Bear a couple of days before Christmas, and we are so in love with him already! Amanda D. December My precious little mini golden doodle Savannah loves to go on rides in our pick up truck- she has her own little seat- the best one in the house! She is the smartest puppy we have ever had. She has learned so many tricks since bringing her home 3 months ago! She loves playing with the grandkids- played on the slip and slide- funny sight - loves Pwnn State football with her own little tee shirt, and loves going out and about meeting new people every day! We are hoping to be able to take her into nursing homes to meet the residents and cheer them up. We are so happy we found Copper Oaks mini Golden Doodles! Julie A. September We had a very good experience purchasing from Copper Oaks. Our puppy, Ginger, is a wonderful addition to our family. She is very smart and sweet. Her veterinarian commented on her confidence, how comfortable she was being handled, and the documentation we brought with us and said they were all signs of a good breeder. Tracey R. March Princess Hazel has adjusted very well into our family which is not a surprise because she came from a loving home to begin with. She is super sweet and doing fabulous in her obedience classes. I am so happy I was able to meet Becky and my husband and I were able to bring Hazel into this family. We would like to thank Becky and her family for raising such sweet dogs and being so loving and helpful. We cannot wait to see what Hazel has in store for us in the future. We will be sure to keep you updated. Elizabeth B. December Maple is turning 8 months and has been great from crate training to playing fetch. Would definitely recommend Copper Oaks. Some of her favorite things.Matt M. July We love our mini golden doodle, Bear! We highly recommend Copper Oaks! Sama G. March Our little Coco just had her half birthday and is now 6 months. We just love every moment we have with her; she brings so much joy into our lives. Copper Oaks is a great place to find a furry family member. Their whole family shows so much love to each and every puppy. This breeder is very knowledgeable and has lots of advice to share when it comes to the breed. When we are ready to add a little boy to our mix, we will definitely go through this breeder again! Helaine H. June Becky and her family provide so much love and attention to their pups.She is a responsible loving breeder who treats each litter like family. Our sweet boy Rowan is just perfect in everyway.If you've done your homework on Doodles and breeders.Jennifer M. We loved the experience with Copper Oaks from start to finish. Becky was always so warm and helpful. She always responded to my emails right away. I highly recommend purchasing your mini golden-doodle from Copper Oaks Mimi M. February Absolutely the best experience. Our puppy is perfect! Becky is so knowledgeable and great at answering our questions very quickly. Our pup flew across country and Becky made the transition very smooth. We were always informed. His personality is adorable. We can tell that he came from a warm loving environment. He is very social and paper trained. If you are considering a mini golden doodle copper oaks is a must to check out! Ramona B. He quickly adapted to our family and has been happy and cuddly since we brought him home. He is so smart and has even learned to ring a bell when he needs to go potty. Thank you Becky for making the transition so smooth for us. I highly recommend Copper Oaks!! Kimberly G.

A puppy can be the perfect addition to a home to give and receive love and build a strong mutual bond of devotion. Welcoming a new puppy into your forever home is an exhilarating time, but it also brings a wealth of responsibilities. At Almond Blossom Doodles, we want this homecoming to be a beautiful and joyous occasion, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We ensure that these adorably perfect family companions receive an abundance of love and affection from the moment they enter this world. Our hands-on approach helps socialize the puppies while also aiding in the development of their loyalty and trust. We put a piece of our hearts into each puppy that we raise and share with you so the transition into their forever home will be seamless. Our sweet and lovable puppies are ready to come home with you eight weeks after birth, and all puppies come with the following services: Two-year health guarantee A Start on crate training-one week before you take them home ENS Early Neurological Stimulation Age-appropriate shots and worming with records included Collar and leash Almond Blossom Doodle Swag Bag. Windsong breeds Goldendoodle puppies that are healthy, happy, and well-socialized. We help each family select the right puppy for their lifestyle while keeping the individual needs of each puppy in mind as well. Love Our babies receive round-the-clock care from birth until they join their new family at 8 weeks. In fact, our babies spend the first weeks in our master bedroom as this makes for easy nighttime checks! They are loved on from their first day of life by children, cats, and most of all me! At 4 weeks they move to my living room where they can observe and interact more closely with our family. Health A high-quality diet, proper supplements, and the necessary genetic testing is our key to raising healthy puppies. We are passionate about health and are proud to offer a 2-year health guarantee on all our puppies. More info Happiness The happiness and well-being of our moms, dads, and puppies are extremely important to us. All of our breeding dogs live in our home or in loving guardian homes with their forever families. We believe there is a right and wrong way to breed. We are not a kennel, all of our dogs are well-cared for and cherished family members. We have the tremendous opportunity to raise these little mini goldendoodle nuggets of joy for Sacramento, California. These mini goldendoodles have the deep wiring to find joy in almost anything. Familiar person; joy. New person; joy. New toy; joy. Sunny day; great. Rainy day; awesome chance to play in the mud. They have been intentionally bred to make beautiful companions for families, so that they can flourish and enjoy great health in Sacramento. We also know that these joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies - and adults - raise the joy of the people who meet them. These beautiful mini Goldendoodles end up becoming a dear part of the family unit, and get their own particular piece of our hearts. We do not take this lightly. As a breeder, all of these different clubs, groups, and programs are aimed at raising as much joy as possible in our mini Goldendoodles for Sacramento. Happy and Healthy Sacramento Mini Goldendoodles We know that there is much more to breeding healthy, confident, flourishing mini Goldendoodles than just getting a dam and sire together at the right time. These organizations serve as a source of accountability for us, in order to help us breed for mini-goldendoodle puppies with the puppies health in mind. So our mini goldendoodle parents must pass hip, elbow, patella, cardiac, eye, and genetic screening in order to be a part of High Desert Family Doodles. Our mini Goldendoodle parents - Brownie and Rosie - have passed their health-testing and are ready for a litter of puppies in the next couple months. These puppies will be in the pound range, and we will have a variety of coat colors and textures in the litter. Your mini Goldendoodle puppy would be a day trip away, if you wanted to drive up to pick them up. We can meet you at the airport with your mini goldendoodle puppy so that you can just enjoy the brief flight north to Oregon. We look forward to our joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies joining you in Sacramento, California. From that point, we begin to integrate different exercises and exposures that help the mini goldendoodle puppies with overcoming fear responses to become both brave and confident. We give them practical problems to solve - such as navigating obstacles in order to get to their meals - in order to nurture problem solving and trouble-shooting. Mini Goldendoodles come from the hybridization of two intelligent breeds- poodles and golden retrievers - which tends to lead to a highly intelligent puppy. Our hope and desire is to encourage this intelligence as much as possible, and to to teach the mini Goldendoodle puppies that the world - especially Sacramento California - is a trust-worthy place that is safe. In the final weeks we have these mini Goldendoodle puppies, we begin to work with crate exposure, and potty training. We help them begin to understand that their crates are safe places for them as well. They begin to quickly pick up on potty training. The mini Goldendoodle puppies also get a large amount of early socialization with different people in order to help them trust the wide array of humans. Hat: yep. Beards; oh yeah. Tall people; indeed. Kids; all the way. We do all this stuff so that these mini Goldendoodle puppies can handle all the Sacramento California has to offer. Our mini Goldendoodle puppies go home when they are 8 weeks old. The next month is an important window for you to continue to work on exposure with new situations and people to help them continue to grow confident and brave in Sacramento, California. Wine Country Goldendoodles exclusively breeds first-generation Miniature Goldendoodles. You can meet and reserve our available puppies, learn about our adoption process and get to know the Wine Country Goldendoodle Family. Send us a message for event info! A Miniature Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a miniature poodle between inches. Their average weight is 30 lbs with some being as small as 22 pounds or as large as 45 pounds. Hybrid vigor is a phenomenon in referring to that fact that the pups produced from a first generation cross grow to be healthier than either of the parent lines. In other words, the best traits of both parents are passed down. This unique approach guarantees non-related parentage, ensuring healthier and temperamentally consistent puppies. The use of a smaller Poodle father results in a unique size range of Goldendoodles, averaging between pounds, with some as small as 20 and others as large as 40 pounds. This selective breeding method ensures superior quality. Plus, our puppies are well-tolerated by families with allergies, marking another level of consistency in our breeding program. While other breeders opt for multi-generational breeding F2, F3, F4, and F5 or backcrossing to the Poodle F1B, F1BB , these methods often yield uncertain parentage and larger-sized puppies. We firmly believe in preserving the quality of the Goldendoodle breed and refuse to engage in overbreeding practices that could jeopardize it. I know we all feel blessed to have these sweet pups in our families!!! Email Address. Their dames and sires undergo extensive medical and behavioral screenings. How to Choose a Mini Goldendoodle Breeder in California We have performed extensive research and trust all of the above breeders for miniature Goldendoodle puppies in California. If you live in an area of the State that is not near any of the breeders mentioned above, check to see if the breeder can bring the dog to you. Trust your gut if any red flags stand out to you when looking into a breeder. Do the prices seem comparable to other breeders? If you find a breeder selling a Goldendoodle puppy for significantly less, that may be a red flag. Learn more about Goldendoodle puppy pricing here. Does the website seem legitimate with information that is up to date and wording that accurately matches photos? Do they ask for the total amount upfront? Most breeders require a deposit but will not expect to be paid in full until you come to pick up your new puppy. Do they have a puppy contract? After adopting one of their puppies, most breeders will expect things from you, such as proving that you got them spayed or neutered at an agreed-upon age. Learn more about puppy contracts here. How many types of dogs do they breed? If you notice any of the above red flags, proceed with caution when looking into a breeder. While it would be great for there to be a single price tag associated with getting a mini Goldendoodle puppy from a breeder, the truth is that the price varies based on the breeder you go with. Factors such as papered vs. Goldendoodles with curly hair are usually more desirable than those with straight hair, making them more expensive. In addition, specific coat colors can increase the price of the puppy. Miniature Goldendoodle puppies tend to cost more than medium or standard-sized puppies, and buying from premium breeders could result in a higher price point. Looking at breeders in California may also hike up the price point, as there is higher demand than in more rural areas such as the midwest. What to Do to Prepare for Your New Puppy The biggest thing you can do to set yourself up for success is puppy-proof your house before bringing your new pet home. Ensure you have all the appropriate gear collars, leashes, puppy pads, etc. Talk to your breeder about what they recommend you have ready to go and the types of puppy food you can have on hand to make sure the transition goes smoothly. Where to Get Your Puppy Luckily, this step in the process is what this entire article is about! Finding a responsible breeder is half the battle when getting your new mini Goldendoodle puppy, and the right breeder will be a wealth of knowledge and an excellent resource for you. They will also care for the long-term success of your new pup. In case of unavailability of Goldendoodle puppies within California, you may try to look for trusted Goldendoodle breeders in some other nearby states, like New Jersey , Iowa , and Los Angeles. The best thing to set you and your new pet up for success is to focus on appropriate outlets for their energy and start training early. Consider researching effective ways to potty-train and crate train your new puppy. Look into appropriate training methods to keep them from barking or jumping up. The benefit of getting a puppy is that you get to work on all of their socializing and behavior training from an early age. The work you put in at their beginning stages of life will ultimately save you trouble down the line. Final Thoughts We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to your top 7 mini Goldendoodle breeders in California! Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Mini Goldendoodle via sullytheminigoldendoodle How To Find A Reputable Mini Goldendoodle Breeder Selecting a breeder is a major decision that everyone who wants to bring a Mini Goldendoodle into their home has to face. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Mini Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Mini Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Mini Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Mini Goldendoodles these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Mini Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Mini Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Mini Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Mini Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Mini Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today! Design: Liked the theme and the toys were definitely durable. Health: Treats were made in the U. I mean, I love celebrating Halloween early as much as the next person, but in March? Mostly I was just weirded out by feeling like I'd been sent a Halloween box in March? Happy early Halloween, y'all! But in addition to that, everything in the box felt extremely high quality. Design: Both dog toys here felt very high-end and durable. Neither one was hideous, and I liked that there was a subtle St. I also loved that the rope toy is created through Fundacion Mitz which gives jobs to women in vulnerable communities. Health: I appreciated that the Loving Pets treats were made in the U. Customer Experience: I canceled my subscription via email, and it was easy. The customer service representative was pleasant and I liked that I got an email warning me that my subscription was renewing before I was out of the cancellation window. Summary: I was skeptical of this box going in because subscribing on the Greater Good site felt a little jenky, but I was actually really wow-ed by the quality of the items in the box and the value. I loved the products, and loved even more knowing that my purchase was feeding shelter animals. And our pick for the best Dog subscription box is… Okay, I lied. I love that it gives back, and everything in it felt really high-quality and thoughtfully-curated. I loved seeing a Fair Trade toy in the box, too. It felt good to buy an indulgent treat for our pups that also helped pups in need. Thanks for reading! Pin It The Dapple sometimes receives a small affiliate income when you shop using links featured on our site. Never Miss a Pupdate Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Email Address.

The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.