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View All Articles in Training When to Start Training Your Pup While training may not be the first thing you think about when collecting your cute new bundle of floof from the breeder, it should certainly be up there on your priority list. Chances are, if you picked a good facility, your puppy will already have a leg up on the training ladder. Either way, the very best way to quickly make your new pet feel at home is to establish the boundaries of their behavior in a firm but fair manner. Take them outside to pee frequently and praise them when they do what you want them to do, but never punish any accidents. Every dog learns at their own speed, and training takes patience. Yet, the rules need to be in place from day one. If you let your pooch sleep on your bed one day but banish them from the bedroom the next, they are going to end up very confused. Routines that are established in these first few weeks will stick with your Berne. After all, these super-intelligent dogs learn fast. Compared with more excited, energetic Doodles, they can be a breeze to handle if you pick the right teaching method. Here are four of the best as recommended by canine experts: Positive Reinforcement Early ideas on dog training focused heavily on the owner asserting dominance over their pet through positive punishment shouting, hitting, and hurting. We have moved far away from these today. Such treatment often backfires, creating an anxious, aggressive dog that is liable to lash out when provoked. Now, most trainers make use of positive reinforcement methods. Instead of reacting to unwanted behaviors, they focus on rewarding the wanted ones. They do this through the use of attention, praise, toys, and treats. The idea is that if the dog associates a particular behavior with a reward, they are more likely to repeat that behavior. A potential issue with this technique is that sometimes bad behavior is its own reward. Say your dog likes to steal food from the counter or escape from the garden. In these instances, a negative punishment removing a favorite toy, treat, or simply your attention is recommended to let them know this is not acceptable. Clicker Training Based on the same principles as positive reinforcement, clicker training is the method most often utilized by doggy trainers. Secondly, it can be used at the exact moment your pup displays the wanted action. In this way, the positive behavior is very clearly marked. Of course, with this method, you first have to train your pal to associate the clicker with a future reward. Do this by encouraging them to obey a command they are already familiar with, using the clicker, and promptly feeding them a treat. With time a link will form between the two. Eventually, the clicker may even become the reward itself — the signal of a job well done for your dog. This desire to mimic as a way of pleasing the leader is a natural behavior among pack animals in the wild. They are given the freedom to engage in dog-like behaviors within reason. Training often occurs off the leash and focuses on promoting actions associated with hunting, defending, and retrieving. Socialization plays a crucial role in mirror training. Owners are encouraged to include their pooch in all aspects of their lives so as to build a strong bond with them. Getting out and about with other dogs is also vital. Pack-animal mentality means that positive behaviors are also acquired this way. Relationship-Based Training As the name suggests, relationship-based training is also highly focused on the bond between pet and owner. The idea is that any training built on a solid and trusting relationship is likely to be far more effective. You are looking to learn everything you can about your pup and their specific needs. The aim is to be in tune with their emotions, be able to accurately interpret their body language, and understand what motivates them. Positive reinforcement methods are then used to shape behavior. At the same time, the environment is closely controlled to set the dog up for success. So, for instance, you try not to leave temptation in their way if it can be avoided. This training takes a little longer than other kinds but can offer more success in the long run. Training Items You Absolutely Need for Your Doodle Depending on the method you opt for, you will need a few tools to guarantee success. For instance, with each one, you will require reward items such as treats and toys. Here are some toys that will work for Bernies. Aside from that, you will want a good quality collar or harness and leash for outside training. Opt for a harness if your puppy likes to pull. These are generally better for bigger, more powerful dogs such as Bernedoodles, anyway, as they give you a little more control. Many owners also choose to crate train their pup. This has a number of advantages, including giving your dog a place that is all theirs, a place where they can feel safe and secure. Check out our dedicated articles on leash training and crate training for more specific advice on each one. However, it also increases the likelihood of them snatching food from tables and counters if not closely supervised. When they obey, offer pets and praise, and they will soon get the hang of it. Avoid mixed messages by never feeding your pup from the table. Jumping While Bernedoodles tend to be cautious with strangers, the opposite is true with those they love. They may demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping up to say hello — not ideal if your Bernie is on the larger side. It can be challenging for owners who appreciate all the loving to discourage such behavior, but not everyone enjoys being sent flying. While the natural response might be to push your pup down, they will likely view this as part of the game. Instead, the best thing to do is withdraw your attention. Turn away from your dog without a sound and cross your arms over your chest. If they keep jumping up, then simply turn around and leave the room. If you are having problems with a noisy hound, try to identify what might lie underneath the behavior rather than simply trying to control it. Barking can signal an array of issues — everything from boredom to anxiety. So, pay attention to when it occurs. Bernedoodles, being highly sociable dogs, are prone to separation anxiety, so if your pup is disturbing the neighbors when you are away from the house, this is likely the problem. Find out what you can do about separation anxiety here. Early and thorough socialization is the best preventative measure for this. Pulling on the Leash A common issue among most young pups, pulling on the leash can be a serious problem with Bernedoodles, though — especially when they are on the larger side. This behavior usually occurs simply because your pup is excited to be outside, and that enthusiasm translates to them wanting to get to the dog park as quickly as they can. Mastering walking on the leash mostly just takes practice. You need to be firm and not let them get away with doing it at any time. If your Berne starts to get ahead of you, simply stop, make them sit if you can, and begin to walk again only when they are a bit calmer. See here for more leash training tips and tricks. Digging Just like barking, digging tends to be a symptom of an underlying problem like boredom. The thing with Doodles is that incredible intelligence makes them less likely to be satisfied with merely hanging out in the yard all day. They need to be kept both physically and mentally stimulated. If they are not… bring on the destructive behaviors! Digging is a firm doggy favorite. The trick is to divert their attention to something else. If they are getting enough walks and plenty of affection, try throwing a few toys into the mix. Puzzle toys have been designed specifically to keep clever canines entertained for longer. Finally, try giving your dog a designated space in the garden to dig far away from the fence and your favorite plants and flowers. Biting and Mouthing While common in young pups, especially when teething, aggressive biting is not a Bernedoodle trait. Herding dogs such as Bernes might nip to get you to go where they want to go a behavior they can easily be trained out of. Still, if your pup is getting a little vicious for no reason, you could have a problem. If it is just puppy teething — not fun in any way when they are having at you with those needle-sharp teeth — consider investing in a high-quality teething toy such as one of these. They could be feeling particularly anxious about something — a new person or other kinds of changes in the household. Alternatively, they might be sick and in pain. If you are confident that they are getting enough nutrition for their weight and life stage, chances are your hound is just looking for something fun to chew on and taking it to the extreme. Again, chew toys are the best answer. They will keep your pet occupied and help them to fulfill their natural instinct for mouthing. This is what keeps their teeth clean and their jaws healthy, after all. The issue should resolve itself in no time at all. Especially because most breeders begin this process long before you pick your new puppy up. Just keep things consistent, and you will get there fairly quickly and painlessly. A few things you can do are: take your pup out to the place you want them to go on a regular basis. Designate a specific command and offer lots of love, hugs, and praise when they do what you ask of them. Never punish any accidents — this could actually set your dog back. Some owners recommend crate training for puppies who are having a slightly more difficult time getting the hang of it all. When To Get Professional Help If your pup starts or continues to display behavior issues such as aggression, food aggression, excessive barking, destructive chewing, mounting, or separation anxiety, it is likely that he will need special attention to address them. The best way to deal with Doodle behavior issues is to hire a trainer, or a behaviorist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! See Also: Click the image Amy helps you set up your home, get your family all on the same page and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success. You can also schedule LIVE! Office Hours for one-on-one help with Amy and participate in weekly online puppy classes right in your living room! Need help with training? We recommend this on top of group classes. By the way, the skills they teach works for any dog at any age. Bernedoodles, with their incredible intelligence and people-pleasing manner, are relatively easy to train compared to other dogs. Keep things light, fun, and interesting, and you should be able to teach your pal to do just about anything within reason. How do you train a Bernedoodle puppy? There are various training methods. The one you subscribe to will be the one that works best for you and your pup. How do you discipline a Bernedoodle? Discipline is a tricky business in the world of canines. Experts agree that shouting and hitting simply do not work in the long run. Bernedoodles are awesome dogs, and you will never regret adding one to your household. However, they do take a fair bit of looking after. Sniffing Taking self to a corner or isolated area away from crate or owner There is a chance the puppy can bark. Not all Bernedoodle puppies will bark to indicate they need to use the bathroom. They often learn this will get your attention when they get older. Persistence is everything in how to potty train your Bernedoodle puppy. Each of these cues can trigger a bowel movement or pee — so take the opportunity each and eveytime to educate the puppy about your expectations. Bernedoodles descend from the giant, majestic, and sometimes very stubborn Bernese Mountain Dog! This Step Shows You How To Potty Train a Bernedoodle Properly Now that you understand the physical and time cues, plus have an understanding about the importance of consistency and praise — it is time for the most important step. The key element of potty training a Bernedoodle is creating a schedule and sticking to it. We are blessed with intelligent puppies like Bernedoodle crosses. Their brains and nature primes them to learn how to be house trained to suit our modern lifestyle. All the elements are there from an early age. You need to create a schedule and stick to it. Here are the rules on how to potty train a bernedoodle. We feed on a schedule. There is no grazing or meals on demand for a puppy you want to housetrain. Set a morning and evening meal, and as close as humanly possible stick to this schedule As per the temporal cue list above — after eating and having water it is time to take your Bernedoodle outside to toilet Bedtime and Wakeup time Stick closely to the schedule if possible. Take the puppy to the toilet straight after retrieving from the sleep area Similarly take the puppy to toilet prior to bedtime as well this will eliminate unfortunate accidents in the sacred crate space Puppies Nap — this cannot be planned in detail You need to be acutely aware of when the nap is happening though, as immediately afterwards the puppy should be taken out to toilet Plan regular playtimes as part of the routine Stimulation mentally and exertion physically are both triggers that can lead to toilet time Plan these to keep your puppy entertained and then maximise on the opportunity to potty train immediately after Away for a time? Do this. Try not to let the time you are ware interference with the waking or sleeping time for the puppy. Crate or isolate the puppy see advice above without food or water Limit to as few hours as possible Remember to toilet immediately on return I know, such a strict schedule approach can be inconvenient. However a few weeks of strict adherence is a minor inconvenience once the Bernedoodle is successfully toilet trained. How to Potty Train a Bernedoodle in an Apartment Toilet training in an apartment can be trickier than in a home. It is often easier in a home to give the dog fast access to the outside to use the bathroom. If you need to travel down stairs or an elevator — you will need to be more prepared than most. Routine and schedule is everything for your dog. You are going to need an indoor dog toilet or a porch potty. Most apartment dwellers choose to stick with this option permanently so their dog has no distress if left alone in the apartment. Life is unpredictable, having a safe option is a good idea. Rinse the three layers of the dog potty tray with soapy water and clean-up is complete. Color: Green and Black. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Check out the video. It is self draining, we can wash it with a hose, and our dog loves it! Here we review 7 DIY or affordable porch or indoor dog toilets to consider. Even a well trained Bernedoodle might make a mistake every now and then. It is important to handles these toilet mistakes appropriately. Managing these unfortunate events is a vital part of how to potty train a Berendoodle. These tips let you know how to approach the stinky problem. If you catch your Bernedoodle peeing Act quickly! Move towards the puppy and pick them up. We are alerting the dog that something is not right — not yelling at them. Pick the dog up and move them to the correct spot that you want them to go to toilet. Take the puppy to the toilet area. Even if they finish before you get there — linger at the toilet for some time with the dog. If the puppy does finish in the correct spot, reward your Berendoodle with both the vocal praise pick one phrase and stick with it — see above and also have some treats handy! If you catch your Bernedoodle mid-poo This one is much tougher. If you catch the dog early and the toilet is nearby — you might succeed in moving the dog to the correct location. Usually this is not feasible. Let it happen, then deal with it. Express disappointment in a measured voice. Use the same word when things are not welcome. A sound or consistent word avoids confusion. There is no merit in scaring the dog mid-poop. There is little merit for most dogs in yelling at them or showing them their mistake. Do not make a big deal about cleaning up the mess. Get it sorted and go from there. It can be frustrating, but look for the temporal and physical signs of pooping next time and try to get ahead of the problem. Only an enzymatic cleaner will clean up the hidden smells. When you are trying to figure out how to potty train a Bernedoodle, your first step should be to pick up some cleaning goods. There will be some mess. If not, the dog will return to the same spot and mess there again. This is the single most important product to make house training your dog possible. IF there is a lot of poop to clean off your Bernedoodle, start with a thorough clean using water and dog shampoo. In these circumstances washing the dog in a sink or shower is typically the best bet. Dwelling in a bath is not a great idea! If it is a once off then your regular dog shampoo should do the trick. We took a deep dive and thoroughly reviewed the 5 Best Shampoo For Bernedoodles here. It has rave reviews from the Bernedoodle owners and a groomer! I spoke to. In our test it washed really effectively and lathered up with not too much shampoo required. If used properly, they can be a wonderful safe haven for your pet. At Premier Doodles, we start this process early on and all of our puppies from weeks will have multiple crates available in their kennel kept in our master bedroom. They learn what we call a Positive Conditioned Emotional Response PCER which means they come to learn that the crate is a great place to be and have to train this. The crate should be big enough for your pet to stand up, lay down and turn around. Don't worry about dividers as most all of our bernedoodles are great in the crate. Should accidents begin to appear on one side of the crate you'll have to creatively reduce the amount of space they have inside the crate. IMPORTANT NOTE: you will need to purchase two crates, one at the back door with a connected x-pen or other type of portable fencing that is clipped onto the crate to make a small play area, and the other next to your bed if you want maximum success. We have a YouTube channel called Premier Doodles where we have a short video showing what this setup looks like. The crate should be used to safely confine your pet when you are away from home, at night and for short periods of time when you are unable to watch them. We do not recommend keeping any type of collar on your pet while in the crate or in your home.It is important that from the very beginning, you never use your crate to punish your pet. You must make it a positive experience from the start. We want to create a PCER. You most definitely can confine your pet for short periods of time when they are misbehaving, but you never want to place your pet in there in a harsh or negative manner. If your pet develops a fear or dislike to their crate, it can be a very difficult situation to turn around. The crate should be a safe haven for your pet. It is an area that they should be able to go to and feel secure and comfortable. Use softer chew toys as they are more quiet at night time especially while you're sleeping. This includes bedding. We will attempt to put old towels or perhaps even an old sheet in my dogs crate but if they start to chew them, out they come. It is not worth the risk to have a pet ingest something that literally can kill them or cost a hefty price to have surgically removed. We usually keep our pets in their crate at night until they are able to hold their potty all night and they understand that we sleep at night, we don't "party". We want our dogs in the bedroom at night so we will then use a baby gate to keep them in there with us at night. They are typically crated during the day while we are gone until they are approximately 2 years of age. That is the average for dogs to mature especially bernedoodles. This may seem like a long time, but it is well worth the patience. Dogs that are well socialized are a pure pleasure to be around. They are far more "stable" than an un-socialized pet. They are much less likely to get themselves into trouble, which could ultimately get you into "big" trouble. This couldn't be further from the truth. They should always be socialized with safe, healthy dogs that are tolerant of obnoxiouspuppies. It is a common misconception that a lot of people believe that in order to have a "protective" dog, you must keep it away from people. You must praise or encourage inappropriate behavior, i. In reality, a dog that is well socialized is every bit as likely to alert you, or perhaps even defend you in the face of danger. The critical difference is: An un-socialized dog is going to assume that every single person, child etc. They have a much higher ability to "perceive" what is a true threat than the unfortunate un-social dog. The un-socialized pet is actually one that is running on fear of the "unknown". The reality is this: You should be getting a pet for a "pet". They should be a well-loved, properly cared for member of your family. To get a "pet" solely for "protection" is usually a recipe for disaster. We all can take comfort in the fact that all dogs usually alert us to something "different" in or around the house. That in itself is a huge deterrent to someone who is up to no good. To rely on a pet to keep us totally safe from harm, is not fair to the dog, nor should it be "their'' responsibility alone. A final note: To allow a dog to pick and choose what they perceive as a threat, to not socialize your dog, to not properly train and provide care for your dog, to not allow your dog to be a member of the family, is almost ALWAYS a disaster in the making. Insurance companies, Boarding Kennels, Hotels, Apartments, etc. There are certain Breeds of dogs that are not "welcome". There are no "bad" breeds in my opinion, but unfortunately, there are literally thousands of "bad" owners. Expose your pet to all different types of people, noises, environments etc. Do not force your pet to accept strangers, nor do you want to coddle fearful behavior. Do be mindful that your new puppy is not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks of age. Until then, you can still get them out and in car rides and with a rubbermaid tote can put into a cart at Lowe's and let them hear and see new people. Do yourself a favor and socialize your pet. You and they will be glad you did! They need to be corrected the instant the unwanted behavior occurs. They live in a world of cause and effect. Dogs live in the NOW. Corrections have to happen in the NOW. The quickest way to teach your dog that you are not trustworthy is to punish your dog with physical violence or to reprimand him for some action that he is not presently engaged in. Abuse is never acceptable, hitting a dog is never acceptable. You cannot use fear as a means of making an animal behave; it doesn't work. Showing an animal strong leadership and giving rules is not the same thing as instilling fear and administering inappropriate punishment. Never correct an animal out of anger of frustration. When you try and correct your dog out of anger, you are usually more out of control than your dog is. You are fulfilling your own needs, not the animals. Negative attention is better than no attention at all This is something that most parents can relate to as well. Whether this is laying down napping, playing with appropriate toys, sitting before being allowed outside, greeting people, etc. My number 1 rule for solving behavioral problems is to NOT reinforce them. Extinguish them or better yet work to not let them creep up into their pattern of life. Simply put, if your dog is acting out inappropriately and you react to it, you are very likely reinforcing that behavior. You may be reacting negatively, but you are reacting. However; if you re-direct your pet to something appropriate and then reward them for that, you will usually end up extinguishing the behavior that you do not want. For example: If your dog is jumping on you and you scream, yell, push or otherwise acknowledge the pet, you are reinforcing that behavior. Have you ever seen a "sane" dog repeatedly attack a telephone pole for no reason???? Having said that, you must also use common sense. If "Fido" is chewing on an electrical cord, you can not simply ignore it. What you should do is very quickly but calmly get up and with a sharp "NO" correct the pup and then immediately re-direct the pup to something appropriate. Reward for correct behavior. But it doesn't have to be! And with our Premier bernedoodles you'll find them to be one of the easiest puppies to housebreak because we have already started this process well before you bring your new puppy home. The following tips are helpful, if followed, in making a great and fun time less stressful for you and your pup! Once your puppy is a little bit older, they almost always can hold their potty overnight. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to standup, turnaround, and lay down. Our bernedoodle puppies do great in a Midwest XL wire crate. Puppies should be fed 3 times per day, at the very least they need to be fed 2 times per day. Please talk to your Veterinarian about your abilities to feed your pet and follow their advice. We personally do not recommend "paper'' training a puppy. No matter how you look at it, it is giving the puppy permission to use the bathroom in the house. It, of course, is a personal choice and some people's work schedule does not allow for anything different. Just keep in mind, it will be more difficult to change the "way of thinking" for the older puppy and you need to be patient Young puppies need to potty much more frequently than older puppies. Take that into consideration when housebreaking. We typically take our puppies out every minutes the first week after coming home, whether we think they need to go or not. This will be increased to hours after a few weeks. The first order of business should always be to potty when first going outside. Take your puppy to the area you want them to go and give them just a short amount of time to take care of business. When they are outside we start using potty commands Go Potty for 1 and Go Poo Poo for 2 at about 4 weeks of age and we even start using these phrases the first weeks. We repeat these phrases until they posture to do their business, at which time we shut up. As soon as they are done like the millisecond! We also do this in the wee hours of the morning but without this excitement and never with the lights on. Then take them back out to the potty area and try again. Once they have pottied, they have earned some time to play, explore, etc. Puppies are like small children, they need to be watched at all times, they need to learn right from wrong and they need a chance to be puppies! Get the puppy outside immediately while somebody else is cleaning up the mess. We use OdoBan to take all odors out so that it does not become a place that smells like an area to relieve themselves. You must use common sense when taking water away. If it is hot, the puppy has been playing hard, etc. You can also give ice cubes. Make sure you take your puppy outside right before you go to bed. If they immediately start crying you need to ignore them - they are seeking attention, and giving it to them even negative is teaching them that "this is the way to get attention". Place the puppy down and let them take care of business. Again we are saying quietly "Go Potty". Once they've gone potty, quietly praise them "Good potty" and take them right back to their crate. Do not play with your puppy, or otherwise encourage them to "wake" up, or that very well may be their incentive to "party" at 3 a. Once your puppy has developed a little more control, you will find that they start sleeping throughout the night in no time. In the beginning, they physically cannot hold their potty all night, once they can however; it is not in their best interest to get up in the middle of the night unless it has been made "rewarding"to them. We always get our puppies out immediately after eating and drinking. If after 15 minutes they don't go potty we will bring back inside and place in a crate. About 5 minutes later we will take back outside and repeat this process until they have relieved themselves. This is so common that most puppies will go through this at some point in their early part of their life. The best thing you can do is to try to avoid doing those things that seem to bring this behavior about. This is normal. If this behavior continues best to have a veterinarian check for a UTI. Here are some tips to help: Use a crate when you cannot supervise. Put his crate near a door allowing him to get outside quickly, potentially avoiding an accident. Keep quiet but relaxed. Ignore his behavior. Build up gradually to new things. Do basic obedience training. Make it fun and confidence building. Using lots of obedience commands and praises helps distract. Take him out regularly to do his business so his bladder will not build up pressure every 15 minutes. Do not go straight to his crate when entering a room. Allow him to calm down first, before letting him out. Just ignore the dog and walk past. When you go to the crate to let him out do so quietly. When out in the yard, do not call him up to you but walk slowly around with him. Give him a command to urinate and praise him calmly using voice only when he does. Do everything slowly and work at making your body language calm and unconcerned. Keep verbal volume low. Get down at ground level. Or sit on a low chair. Be non-threatening. Spend time sitting with him by your side on a leash. Take him for walks where he can gradually be exposed to the situations that trigger his urination. Ask friends to practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact around him. Avoid situations and people that you cannot control until your dog is learning to control himself and gain confidence. Submissive urination can be annoying, but exhibiting your frustration to your dog only makes it worse way worse as this is the very reason why they will sometimes do it. With a little planning and adjusting your attitude, you can minimize and overcome the problem which will disappear anyways but mine as well help along the line. However,there are rules that must be followed. If you ignore the rules, you should not play at all. If played properly, these games are some of the best anti-aggression exercises you can practice with your dog. Rule 1 While playing tug-of-war, most dogs will make a mistake and grab fingers or a hand instead of the toy. Because we are playing a game and feel that the mouth or bite was accidental, people tend to ignore it. This is a BIG mistake! If you allow rough housing or tug-of-war, you MUST never allow the dog to mouth or bite for any reason. The very instant the dog's tooth or teeth touch you or your clothing, you must immediately reprimand the dog and STOP playing. Dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. Rule 2 The dog should never be allowed to initiate the play session or grab for the toy without invitation. Only when you give a command such as "take it". Especially with puppies, if you allow the dog to grab things without invitation, then you can find yourself playing while trying to get dressed, put on socks etc. You start the game, you end the game. Rule 3 It is always a good idea to stop the game every 30 seconds or so. When you stop the game, give your dog the command to "give or drop it". Make your dog sit or down. Praise and release. If you want to continue to play, give the dog the command to "take it" and continue. If the dog does not respond to the commands to give, you must immediately take the toy away and stop playing. This would clearly tell you that your dog either does not understand the command, or you are absolutely NOT in control. If you are not in control, you should never play this game with your dog. What may be a "soft" bite to you very well may not be to a child or an elderly person. When bites occur in play, in greeting or as an accident, we tend to ignore or excuse it dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. What happens is the dog learns that they can act recklessly around us. We have taught them that there is no need to exercise caution around us or be respectful. They learn that biting is acceptable. Dogs do not do this to each other. They don't rationalize or make excuses. Biting and disrespect are swiftly and effectively reprimanded and it very rarely, if ever, happens again. Puppies are going to mouth you.We want them to learn an appropriate ABI or in other words how much force can they bite down that is deemed acceptable ie doesn't hurt. We need to first work with this component and then work on reducing the frequency. But bite force first. As you're playing with your puppy just keep screeching "OUCH" when it's too hard and at the moment they cease or bite softly praise them big time. This will go back and forth and forth and back like a ping pong match well at least played by two competent players! This will not be a one session deal. This will take weeks and weeks of being very consistent in your "OUCH" every time they either bite you or your clothes too hard. We do want to promote gentle bite behavior as this reinforces the bonding and teaches them an appropriate ABI which is imperative for producing a stable adult dog. DO NOT take the mouthing behavior away but lets just shape it so that the puppy knows when it's too hard. If your puppy is clearly highly energized and not responding then the play session is over and you walk away. That's it. Never ever hit or smack your dog to correct or thump them on the head as this will only produce head shy dogs. Remember…It is natural for dogs to bite, it must be understood that biting human flesh is the problem and will never be tolerated when it's too hard. The good news is that puppy mouthing behavior aka puppy biting almost always goes away between months even if you let it go. We just prefer the process of teaching boundaries early on while still allowing for some gentle mouthing behaviors. Just remember this will take a LONG time and will make up a big part of your early puppy training. Remember, dogs repeat behaviors that are in some way, shape or form rewarding to them. If you can remove the reward negative punishment , the behavior usually will decrease and then disappear. You need to figure out what the "reward" is and then remove it. Obviously, some behavior will not be able to be extinguished. For example, if the dog enjoys rolling in feces or mud, chewing, barking or anything that in and of itself is rewarding and you cannot "remove" it, it will continue. Yes there are some more invasive ways to extinguish these behaviors thru negative punishment e-collars, putting dog feces in holes being dug in the backyard and filling it, etc. Extinction can work great for nuisance behaviors such as barking, whining for attention, jumping, begging, controlling play, etc. If you attempt to use extinction, be prepared for the behavior to escalate before it starts to decrease. For example: If your dog is used to jumping on you and receiving attention and you decide to ignore it, the dog will become confused - "Hey.Very often, they will try harder to get the desired attention. If you stick to your guns and refuse to acknowledge the dog, the behavior will usually decrease and eventually stop. If you pay attention or reward it even one time or even slightly, it will be all the more difficult to extinguish in the future. The only thing you will accomplish is to have the dog work harder to get what they want. The type of reaction depends on the individual personality of the puppy, his overall resilience, and your reaction. We do fear recovery response training during the first 8 weeks to make sure they have a fast recovery to new novel noises and objects and situations. The how and when of fear periods also depends on the individual puppy, so you may or may not see it in your puppy as described. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood. The first fear phase comes when the puppy is just months of age. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period. Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. What you have to do is just keep everything FUN! Puppies look to you as a security buffer and want to see how you react in a situation. Carry super yummy treats with you everywhere you go. Ask people to give your puppy a treat. Give treats with lots of praise in situations where you see your puppy is a little unsure. Carry a favorite toy with you and play squeaky toys or tug of war. This helps a puppy feel more comfortable. It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. The second fear phase comes later in puppyhood. These puppies normally become worried about novel things, or you may see your puppy express fear over something that never bothered them before. The key to this phase is to not force your puppy into situations, and just like before, remember to keep it fun. Instead, give a few treats, talk to him, and then YOU walk up to statue and touch it. YouTube is littered with videos of dogs being forced to interact or even being chased! This type of interaction can be seriously distressing for your puppy. Remember to keep it fun and positive, and he will move through the phase without any problems. A More Thorough Response.There are windows of time when certain types of behaviors e. We have done our part, but this training must continue long after they go to their new homes. Fear-based periods can include fearful responses to noises, dogs barking, music, really anything that could be interpreted as a threat. Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time, they still carry DNA from their wolf lineage and that includes protective puppy behaviors such as quickly scampering to cover when a threat is perceived. Between months these types of responses can be manifested by cowering behavior but can also include barking, growling, ears back and tail down, and in some cases just a bit of unsureness about the stimulus causing this reaction. Keep in mind that these behaviors manifest from a genetic basis that likely came with wild populations of dog ancestors e. Well, there are several key socialization periods as well and the first one occurs during the first 8 weeks, and this is when puppies begin to bond and trust their human family. Without a thorough socialization program, you will be battling that on top of puppy-fear based responses at a whole new level. Trust me fear-based training does make a difference when started in the first 8 weeks and research corroborates this and that early puppy training the first 8 weeks helps to temper these responses, but every puppy is different, and every home and environmental conditions are different as well. Just keep all of this in mind during the training period that these genetically programmed responses helped the puppies survive before becoming household pets that we have today. Unfortunately, they carry the genetic baggage from their past ancestors, and we just need to work around this. Understanding this is the first step toward puppy training… Ok so what to do!? Is there hope? Absolutely and the above information just sets the stage for how to train the puppies and help them thru these two fear-based periods. This can be extremely overwhelming and can manifest itself in many ways wanting to be with you all the time, depressed immune responses, etc. The main thing is to use the first fear-based period between weeks to absolutely bond to your new puppy and make sure they feel secure, protected, and not frightened. Many families have young kids and although they were raised with kids of all ages this first 8—week fear-based period can kick in and when chased by a young child, grabbed, pulled, or petted and handled can induce a fear-based response that may be hard to detect at first but can slowly creep in. Make sure that whoever is interacting with the puppy is doing so in a very friendly and non-threatening way. But remember kids can induce a fear-based response as can other dogs during this initial fear-based period. Allow the puppy to initiate contact with new people. Early traumatic experiences to a hostile child or dog can have a lifelong impact on the puppy and in many cases, this can cause permanent behavioral changes and why we do not advocate for dog parks or other situations where lots of dogs are together without proper supervision. You can also use a Bluetooth speaker and occasionally play novel noises during the day search in YouTube for Puppy Culture noises. During these very positive training episodes you can again play novel noises but very brief and have lots of treats ready to redirect their behavior. Such as they are fearful of going into the back seat. Your job is to create a positive experience by getting into the back seat. Maybe get some raw meat and put into a Ziplock bag and let your dog smell it. Then if they put one foot up onto the back seat treat them. Then two feet only gets a treat etc. Keep it fun. But you must be abundantly patient during this time. Dogs that routinely go thru basic obedience training school during this time seem to fly thru it with flying colors, but patience and praise is the key. The bottom line is that training and socialization is going to happen the rest of their lives. Certainly, it gets easier! Your investment now will have a lifelong impact on the well-being of your fur baby. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. Therefore, this article is dedicated to establishing some Bernedoodle training ground rules to make training as smooth for both you and your dog. Even though they are designer dogs, they are not meant to be trained for dog shows. If you like partying, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. If you like lying around, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. The breed is moderately active. Therefore, they can take on any activity you would want them to take on, as long as you give them enough rest. Since a Bernedoodle will always want to accompany you, it is best to train them according to your schedule and lifestyle. If you lead a super active lifestyle, we suggest you train your dog to be docile in the outdoor environment. However, if you like to stay at home, you can teach them basic household chores such as bringing a towel, etc. Try not to put too many irrelevant commands in their minds because their goofy minds might end up getting confused. Train Them Early Train them early to reap the fruits in the long run. Bernedoodles tend to get too comfortable in their surroundings and, as quick learners, adapt to habits in no time. Before getting a puppy, we suggest you plan a mini-vacation for the first week of your companionship. You can devote this first week to bond with your Bernedoodle puppy and training them diligently. Teach them a few obedience commands right when you get them. When a puppy is given too much time to themselves before training, they pick up naturally bad habits and are generally crate trained. Therefore, they get stuck learning only the basic commands for most of their life. However, if you train your puppy early, they will adopt a curious and adventurous mind. Therefore, they will learn how to do advanced tricks and abbey special commands in no time. After all, a Bernedoodle is a companion dog and will adapt to the way you live. Therefore, if you live a train dedicated to active training, they will live that way too. However, if you get lazy with training, they will slack off in picking up commands. Always Use Positive Reinforcements Dogs are sensitive to your behavior — so tread carefully. Something to be careful about — not only with Bernedoodles is how sensitive they can be towards your behavior. If you show them anger — they will either reciprocate it or feel stressed about your negative emotion. Dogs — like humans — cannot learn and perform while they are under stress. Therefore, it is best to make them feel welcome during their training session. Many dog trainers in the past used to punish dogs for not performing the desired command. However, doing that to a Bernedoodle can lead to anxiety and long-term bonding issues. The best way to train a Bernedoodle is to use positive reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are the act of awarding your dog for good behavior instead of punishing him for bad ones. Positive reinforcements allow the dog to create a stronger bond with you. Moreover, it allows the dog to be happy with his training sessions instead of dreading them. Laser-Sharp Focus Dogs get distracted easily, but they will not learn any complex commands unless they can focus. Much like humans, dogs need to be idle to focus on the task at hand. Whether you want to teach your dog new commands or want them to stay quiet for a while, they cannot do it until they are focused. The best way to teach your Bernedoodle to focus is to teach them the sit and stay command combination. Once your dog knows how to sit on command, move a little away from him and continue commanding him to sit. Add the stay command and slowly increase the duration of each stay session. When your dog knows how to stay until further notice, they will learn how to do nothing even when there might be some distractions around. Unless the dog learns not to do anything, he will never learn how to stay focused and learn new tricks. Take Them Outdoors — Learn from Experiences Outdoors is the perfect place for your dog to learn many visual cues and boost their sensory development. When you take your dog outdoors, two things happen — they interact with the world around them other than you, and they get physical exercise. When a dog gets to interact with a world other than you and your house, they learn several visual cues. Moreover, being outdoors with your dog is the perfect opportunity for you to gauge how he responds to other animals, strangers, and children. Most Bernedoodles are likely to be friendly and docile with other animals and strangers. Therefore, you will not have to make them undergo extensive training. However, some might get aggressive and will need specialized training to be friendly. Being outdoors also gives the dog the physical stimulation it needs to go about his day properly. If dogs have too much pent-up energy in them, they tend to develop destructive and aggressive behavior. Give Them Mental Games to Play Physical stimulation is important, but so is mental stimulation, which is why brain training for your dog is vital. How well your dog is mentally stimulated makes a huge difference in how well he can be trained. However, the same is true too. The more mentally stimulated the dog, the more intelligence he is likely to develop. The more intelligent the dog, the easier it will be to train him. Bernedoodles, in general, tend to be highly intelligent dogs — therefore, they like to be mentally stimulated and like to learn new things every other day. If a Bernedoodle is not adequately mentally stimulated, he will become sad and aggressive. The best way to mentally stimulate your Bernedoodle to keep his mind sharp enough for rigorous training is simple. You can get your dog to try a new command every three days. This will give them enough challenge to feel stimulated but not too much to overwhelm and distress them — which brings up the next ground rule. Training can be very difficult for your dog to wrap his head around. Therefore, while continuous training sessions are vital, it is necessary to keep each session short. Therefore, it is best to keep them happy about training for only minutes a stretch and let them imbibe the commands you teach them. An overworked dog will end up feeling too tired to obey the commands they have learned. Therefore, the best way to keep them from burning out is to teach consistently but gradually. If you are teaching the basic sit command to your dog, make sure you only make a few repetitions in one go. Too many repetitions will make your dog resist the training and resent the next session. Allow your dog at least two days to learn a command as simple as sit. Reinforce their training with the first few repetitions and slowly do away with the treats once they start to get the hang of the command — even if it takes a few days. Bernedoodles are companion dogs and love to spend all their time with their family. However, they are also very sensitive and need to learn how to be alone at an early age. If your dog is used to being with you at all times as a puppy, not having you around for even a short duration can be a cause of significant distress and sadness for them. When your puppy is only in his socializing stage, make sure you give him time to himself. Therefore, he will learn to feel comfortable in your absence. The best way to do so is to let the puppy move around in your house while you stay out of their sight for a while. Begin with 10 minutes of solitude, and you can gradually increase the time to hours at a stretch. This resonates with the ground rule of training your Bernedoodle in accordance with your lifestyle. If you need to go out to work for most of the day, train your puppy to learn your schedule. When you return home, make sure you spoil him with a lot of treats. This will let the dog understand that even if you leave them alone for a while, you will come back and shower him with love when you return. Use the Leash Wisely The leash is the first and last control you have over your dog. Therefore, it is important to use it accurately. Your dog will learn to associate the leash with training and walking, which should induce excitement in him. You must never use a leash to get strict or punish a dog. Otherwise, he will associate the leash with negativity. Dogs tend to associate places and objects with emotions. Therefore, once they have associated the leash with negativity, they will never be happy to be on a leash even while training and walking. Using a leash while training your dog is very important. This is especially true for Bernedoodles because even as intelligent dogs, they tend to be very distracted. If your dog is not on a leash while training, it will become difficult to keep him in one place. You can start walking your dog on a leash and teach him to stay at your heel. Once you are confident enough that your dog will not run off towards distractions and will listen to you if you call him, you can try walking him without the leash as well. However, the transformation from with to without a leash should be done very slowly and carefully. It is best to start the transformation within the confines of your home so that your dog will still be in reach if he runs off. However, their loyalty can cause problems when not trained properly. However, mixed with Poodle traits, the dog might not have any chill. If your dog is also aggressive in nature, he is likely to be too protective. This leads to them being suspicious of anyone who comes to your house. They might even have a tendency to bite. Therefore, you need to teach him the boundary between loyal and aggressively loyal. Loyalty is an inept trait in Bernedoodles. Therefore, you have to focus on training him not to be aggressive to anyone in your house. The answer is not to tie him up when someone visits — that will only make him more aggressive. You must make sure the dog is comfortable with people entering your house. To do so, you can walk your dog on a leash to the door when guests arrive. When your guest arrives, give the sit command and allow the guest to give him a treat — but only if the dog is sitting and not being aggressive. Once the guest is inside, you can allow your dog to roam freely and give him treats whenever he is not aggressive. This will teach him to trust having strangers in the house in your presence. Biting Training Dogs can nib — but teach them not to bite. As mentioned earlier, dogs are very receptive to your emotions. We will use that dog characteristic to our advantage. You can allow your dog to nib on your hand. This will let your dog know that they hurt you by putting pressure with their jaws on your hand. Eventually, with enough treats and repetitions, the dog will learn not to apply pressure to avoid causing pain. Make sure your dog is well-adept to not apply pressure while nibbling. Once that is done, you can ask your family or friends trusted by your dog to follow the same command sequence. This way, the dog will eventually learn not to bite either you or any other human around him. Every time your dog refrains from putting pressure while nibbling, award him with a treat. You will end up with a fierce dog who is not afraid to scare but will not cause harm unless he senses danger. Summing Up Bernedoodle is an interesting dog breed. With high intelligence, loyalty, and goofiness, they are extremely adorable. Their curiosity also makes them easy to train as long as you start training them as soon as you get them. With the right blend of positive reinforcements, accurate tool usage, scheduling, and patience, you can train your Bernedoodle to be the best companion dog there is. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. February 7, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? When it comes to having the best of both worlds, Bernedoodles are it! These mixed breed designers pups were bred to be the perfect companion dog and quickly rose up in the ranks of popular puppy breeds over the last two decades! How do you know if a Bernedoodle is a right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Bernedoodles! Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels claims to be the very first breeder that purposely cross-bred two purebreeds: Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Since this breed is only approximately two decades old, the American Kennel Club still does not consider the Bernedoodle a purebred. Nevertheless, the rise in popularity has also led to many more breeders producing these pups. If you were interested in bringing a Bernedoodle home, while there are many reputable breeders that specialize in these pups, you can also find these pups in shelters or rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, to potentially find these mixed pups! What are Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics? When it comes to range, few breeds can beat the Bernedoodle! These pups come in a variety of sizes and coat colors. Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes: tiny, miniature, medium, and standard. They can range in weight from ten pounds in the tiny category all the way to ninety pounds in the standard category. Along with variety in sizes, their coats can be within a range from completely black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colored with patches of either black, white, or brown. Probably the most common coat and markings people seek when looking for a Bernedoodle puppy is the tri-color variety that is in closer resemblance to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Depending on which side of their genetic makeup your pup takes after, some Bernedoodle pups coats can be curly, or wavy like the Standard Poodle and not shed as much making them a good candidate for parents who suffer from allergies. Other Bernedoodle pups can have straighter coats that have a tendency to shed more and are not hypoallergenic. What are Bernedoodles Personalities like? The Puppy Academy student, Hamilton! Goofy, smart, loyal to their families, and friendly, these pups have the best personality traits from both sides! Most Bernedoodles parents pick these pups because of their good demeanors and temperaments. Your puppy may lean toward the Standard Poodle side, depicting traits of high intelligence, hard-working, and loyal. Or your puppy can lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog which is good-natured, confident, and affectionate. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn, in particular during their adolescent phase, and a bit aloof or standoffish toward strangers. With good basic obedience and early socialization, any Bernedoodle can make a great fit for a family and develop friendly demeanors toward new people. While these pups are considered to be working dogs and do require daily exercise, they are also content with hanging out with you at home. Moderate exercises such as one to two longer walks, with play sessions in between, a day is sufficient to burn off energy and keep your pup content! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles are better equipment for urban environment living whereas Medium to Standard sized Bernedoodles would need more space to exercise and play. No matter the size of your Bernedoodle puppy, they are going to need adequate exercise, which is why they do really well with active families! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles will require a bit less activity and can adapt to tighter living spaces that come with urban environments such as apartments or condos. As for Medium to Standard-sized Bernedoodles which are taller and wider and can grow upwards of ninety pounds, they may be bumping into more coffee tables and have trouble fitting in the same hallway as you in smaller dwellings! For all sizes, access to either a fenced-in yard or a nearby park you can take them to is ideal for this breed! How to Care for Your Bernedoodle Puppy! When it comes to caring for your new Bernedoodle puppy, start off by scheduling a first veterinarian visit within the first week of bringing your puppy home! Like many large breed working dogs, Bernedoodle may suffer from joint dysplasia. Bernese Mountain Dogs have been known to suffer blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, Bernedoodles are healthy and sturdy especially if they come from a reputable breeder. General care for your Bernedoodle puppy will include brushing their teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Floppy ears means they may be susceptible to ear infections so regularly check and clean them to avoid these from happening. Because their coat types can vary, depending on your puppy, if they have a curly coat you may need to frequently brush them to avoid matting. We recommend that you take your puppy to a professional groomer every few months to get their fur trimmed. The Puppy Academy student, Cali! Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule Bernedoodle puppies are smart and easily trained but they can have a stubborn streak as they get into their adolescence. Creating early structure at home can help mitigate this stubbornness by establishing daily routines your puppy can expect and also establish you as leader. Since Bernedoodles are made up of two intelligent hard-working breeds, basic obedience training with food positive reinforcement will benefit their behavioral growth! Socialize Your Bernedoodle Puppy with People, Children, and Other Pets Bernedoodles have friendly dispositions and make great family dogs, however, they can be standoffish to new people as they get older. Use Play to Help Train Them Tap into their playful nature and use your playtime sessions together to teach good manners! For example, use Fetch to teach your Bernedoodle how to come to you, Drop-it to give the toy back, then ask them to sit to teach polite manners as they learn to wait until you toss the toy again for them to get. Although Bernedoodles love to work, they sometimes need a bit more motivation! This can come with the aid of food rewards, and providing variation to their training routines to keep them engaged. Enrolling your puppy in training classes, or working with them by yourself at home using a program like our online puppy school will give you a plan to follow with basic training routines to teach your Bernedoodle good manners, as well as keep challenging them along the way so they never get bored, and advance their skillset! Did you recently bring home a Bernedoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! This will help temper the Berner side of aloofness. If he takes after the Poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, retrieving and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help satisfy his needs and prevent boredom. Dog breeders typically try to cross dogs that have the most appealing characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have a curly coat similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-colored black, brown and white. There are three sizes of Bernedoodles The standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a standard Poodle and a Berner. He ranges between 50 to 90 pounds and 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. The mini Bernedoodle is a cross between the mini Poodle and the Berner. He ranges between 25 to 49 pounds and 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. The tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a toy Poodle and a mini Bernedoodle and is between 10 to 24 pounds and 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The mini and tiny Bernedoodles may have slightly higher energy levels than the standards do. Bernedoodles can make great family members for people who want an intelligent, easygoing companion. But be aware that your puppy may take after his high-driven, friendly Poodle ancestors or his aloof, headstrong Berner side in appearance and temperament. Start early and use plenty of positive reinforcements. They will be more happy and confident if they understand that you are in charge. Mini Bernedoodle pups are intelligent, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them. Here are a at home training tips for Mini Bernedoodles — there are also many good resources online. This will be home to your MiniBernedoodle pup when they sleep or when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough that your pup can comfortably lie down, sit, and stand up. Place some comfortable rags or mattresses for them to sleep on and lure them inside with their favorite toys. Every time they pop into the crate willingly, give them a treat or play with them to show your appreciation. Many pups come to see their crate as a safe place to go when they want to rest or need a break. Potty Training One of the most challenging parts of the training is teaching your MiniBernedoodle pup to do their job at the right place. You will need to be patient and use many positive reinforcements while showing them the right place to do their business. Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and after every time that they eat, drink, or play. Make sure you reward them when they poo or pee at the proper place. Socializing You need to start socializing your mini doodle puppy as soon as possible. Although these puppies are quite even-tempered, they can also be anxious around strangers. To avoid unpleasantness later on, when guests come around, start training your pup to socialize when they are still babies. You have to train your pup to socialize with not just humans but with other dogs as well. Many people tend to think that dogs get along with dogs. Frequent walks and visits to doggy daycare and dog parks are great training tools. The more they see and interact with other pups and people the better their social skills will be. A well-behaved, friendly dog is a pleasure to be around since they are safe and loved by all. Barking Training Another problem you might face with your Bernedoodle pup is barking — this is their way of expressing themselved. The will most often do this for food, when they need to go outside, to alert you of strangers, or to get your attention. Try to understand the reason behind their barking so you can find a solution. For instance, if your pup mostly barks for food, have their feed ready at their place at fixed times every day. They will quickly learn that there is a time and will wait more patiently. Again, reward them the first few times they wait patiently for the food without barking. It will help them to understand what they are expected to do. Outdoor Walks - Leash Training Start out by introducing your puppy to their harness or leash. Let her wear in around the house for short periods of time while you are playing. Teach you puppy to come to you for treats around the house when you ask them to. Progress to holding the leash and asking them to follow you for the upcoming treats. Practice inside first, then outside as they become more comfortable. Here is a great leash training article from the American Kennel Club. Discourage Nipping Puppies playing with other pups will nip out of sheer playfulness. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy might do the same when playing with you. But you have to train them that nipping is not allowed. The point to note here is that nipping is not the same as mouthing, a typical dog trait for showing affection. The difference lies in the force. So, you have to teach your Mini Bernedoodle pup the difference between mouthing and nipping. Eventually, your pup will understand the difference between nipping and mouthing. They will learn that nipping will not get them anywhere and learn to control the amount of force they use when play-biting. Verbal Cues Every dog understands a few human words. You, too, can train your Bernedoodle pup to follow verbal cues of things that you want them to do. For instance, when potty training your pup, you may use the word potty. Just make sure you use the same word every time. When your puppy poos after you say the word reward them, to show that this is what you are asking of them. You can use similar simple words for eating, going out, playtime, treats, and so on. If you are consistent they will learn to associate the word and will follow your verbal cues. Final Words Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a pleasure to be around. They are wonderfully friendly, active, and playful family-friendly dogs. Early and proper training will head off many difficulties. You will have a fantastic companion for life whose love is irreplaceable and completely unselfish. Pleasant Creek Mini Mini Bernedoodles puppies are socialized and positive behaviors are encouraged from the start! Laura: .This type of dog can come in various colors, patterns, and sizes, each more unique than litters before. Although they are intelligent dogs, the Bernedoodle is not without its challenges regarding training and obedience. As a result, some pet owners will find specific struggles with their new Bernedoodle puppy once they bring it home. For example, Poodles are a high-energy breed devoted to their owners, while Bernese Mountain dogs have a calming nature but prefer to keep busy by working on a task, like protecting their yard and home. Anytime two dog breeds cross, there can be challenges. Some challenges of training Bernedoodles can be: Stubbornness Exhibit sensitivity Stubbornness Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are highly intelligent animals, making the Bernedoodle a smart hybrid breed. However, even intelligent dogs can be stubborn when going through training. These dogs may push the boundaries to see what they can get away with before receiving a correction from their owners. Unfortunately, this stubborn streak can also appear often if you are inconsistent with their training or if multiple household members use different training techniques. Easily Distracted High-energy dogs can appear easily distracted, especially during training. Bernedoodle puppies have exceptionally short attention spans, making it more challenging to train for long periods. Exhibit Sensitivity Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are incredibly social animals and love to please their owners. Although this characteristic can be an advantage for training methods, if you are prone to scolding or using punishment, your pet may exhibit sensitivity and retreat from you, hindering your training efforts. Using proper methods and techniques when teaching your dog how to behave is critical, especially for sensitive Bernedoodles that may cower if you raise your voice or make threatening movements. How To Train a Bernedoodle the Right Way The most important thing to remember when training a Bernedoodle is that each dog is unique and can take anywhere from four to six months to adapt to your obedience commands. Of course, some ways will help make your methods easier for them to understand and follow. Some tips for Bernedoodle training include: Start training as soon as you bring home your new pet Be consistent with commands Enlist in short spurts of training, multiple times a day Ensure your pet receives enough physical and mental stimulation By recognizing some simple tricks, pet owners may have an easier time getting their dogs to follow commands and learn desirable behaviors. How To House Train a Bernedoodle Many dog owners will want to begin house training as soon as they bring home their new Bernedoodle puppy. No one wants to clean up messes that a dog leaves in the house, so having your new pet house trained is vital for sanitary living conditions. Puppies typically eliminate urine approximately every 15 to 20 minutes because of their small, immature bladders. On average, a Bernedoodle puppy will have a bowel movement 20 to 30 minutes after eating a meal and after exercising. One of the best ways to have a headstart on practical house training is to minimize the instances your pup will pee or poop inside. The best way to house train your Bernedoodle puppy is by following these steps: As soon as you wake up, take your dog outside for a chance to go to the bathroom. Provide your pet with water and food for the morning, then set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes for the next outside potty break. Follow a strict 15 to minute schedule for potty breaks throughout the day. In addition, watch for potential cues your pup needs to go, including excessive sniffing or circling in the house. This way, your Bernedoodle has a better chance of going outside than indoors. You should remove any water source from your new puppy in the early evening. This schedule will give them enough time to eliminate their bladders before bedtime and reduce nighttime accidents in the house. Each time your pet successfully goes to the bathroom outside, reward them with treats and praise to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior. If your new puppy has an accident indoors, refrain from punishing them. Tell your dog a stern, No, then pick them up and take them outside. Do not make a big production of any accidents indoors as this gives the dog attention, and they may interpret it as a way to get recognition from you. Avoid eye contact during this time, and clean up their mess quickly. How To Leash Train a Bernedoodle The next phase of training a Bernedoodle will be ensuring that you can take them out for a walk on a leash. Because Bernedoodles are moderately active breeds, they require one to three daily walks ranging from 30 to 60 minutes or more. Nothing is more frustrating than a dog that pulls constantly or gets tangled up in their lead with you or other dogs. Showing your new Bernedoodle puppy how to walk on a leash will give them the structure they need each time they leave the house for daily walks. In addition, proper leash training will come in handy when meeting new people and unfamiliar dogs. Leash training should regularly occur in your home with your new Bernedoodle as they mature and settle into their new family. The best way to leash train your pet will incorporate these steps: Always make leash training a positive activity, so your pet associates its walks with a pleasant experience rather than punishment. Remember to bring high-value treats to reward your dog as you go through the training process with them. Some dog owners find it easier to leash train their Bernedoodle using a harness rather than a collar. You can try both methods to see which works best for you and your pet. However, using a harness can minimize pulling or accidental harm from sharp jerks on a collar if your pet suddenly tries to run or pulls too hard. Keep the leash in both hands with one hand at your hip, providing only enough leash to reach your dog comfortably. Do not allow excessive leash distance where they can roam far from you or tangle up during the walk. Ensure your dog always stays by your side while consistently providing positive feedback and treats to them as they walk beside you. Give your dog lots of eye contact and verbal praise during good leash walking behavior. If your Bernedoodle puppy tries to pull aggressively or tries to wander away, immediately stop walking. By restricting the ability to stray from your side, your pup will soon learn that the walking stops if they are not beside you and paying attention to your cues. Some dog owners find that the short attention span of Bernedoodle puppies can work in their favor during leash training. For example, if your new pet suddenly wants to run off during a walk because it spotted a cat, you can use redirection instead. Rather than stopping and waiting for your dog to look for obedience cues, try switching directions and removing your pet from the area of distraction. This change of scenery may be all your dog needs to reengage into their positive walking behavior. How To Eliminate Nipping or Biting One common occurrence with Bernedoodle puppies is their constant need to mouth, nip, or bite people, other animals, and objects in their surroundings. Puppies are baby dogs that use their nose and mouth to explore the world around them, making nipping or biting an instinctual behavior. Suppose your Bernedoodle puppy does not receive the proper training that discourages nipping or biting early. In that case, it may grow to continue this negative action into adulthood and unknowingly cause harm to people or other animals. Training a Bernedoodle to stop nipping or biting is simple once you recognize some tips to use, including: As soon as your pet mouths your hand, fingers, leg, etc. If you catch your puppy chewing on off-limits items, like shoes or furniture, immediately intervene with a swift no command, remove them from the area and provide an appropriate chew toy to resume their chewing behavior. Offer your Bernedoodle toys that allow treats inside to promote chewing and grab their interest more than your hands or personal items. This way, your dog will want to chew on toys that provide them with treats and reinforce good behaviors. Suppose redirection does not work with your puppy. In that case, some dog owners find that avoiding eye contact and immediately leaving their pet is an effective way to get the message across after biting. If you leave the room every time your dog nips at your fingers, they will soon realize that this behavior sends you away, which does not give them the attention they seek. Remember to never bite or strike your Bernedoodle puppy as punishment for nipping or biting you. Your pet might be trying to get your attention, may smell food on your fingers, or is not aware that this is negative behavior. By following these tips, remembering to use positive reinforcement, and being consistent, your new dog will quickly learn their boundaries and what behaviors are acceptable in your home. You will also like:.

Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. They share aspects of their temperament, working style, and physical characteristics. You can think of them as one dog for all intents and purposes. Belgian Shepherd vs. They both possess similar drives and instincts on an instinctual level, but how they express them can vary greatly. For example, the German Shepherd is more prone to being territorial and protective of their family and property. Appearance: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that has a lot of characteristics of both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. They can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds and have a height of 22 to 26 inches. They have a long, silky coat that can be black, tan, or red and black. They are also known as Belgian Shepherds. Life Span: Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can live for anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, depending on their genetics and any health problems that they may develop. Training And Exercise Requirements: As with any dog, training and exercise are key to a happy, well-adjusted Belgian malinois german shepherd mix. Because of their high energy levels and intelligence, these dogs need a lot of both. Daily walks or runs, plenty of interactive playtimes, and structured obedience training are essential. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become destructive or hyperactive. They will need moderate exercise, between 30 and 60 minutes per day. This could include walks, runs, or playing in the yard. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive or hyperactive. Working dogs, these energetic breeds need jobs to do. Owners of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix often use their dogs for competitive obedience or herding. If a family is spending a lot of time in the yard or at home doing chores. At the same time, the dog is left alone in the backyard, looking into other good breeds with kids but not quite so high energy! The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that makes an excellent family pet when given the proper training and exercise. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family with the right home. Grooming Requirements: For a dog with a dense double coat, the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix sheds fairly little. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. They need occasional bathing and ear cleaning, as well as nail trimmings every few weeks or so. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix has a dense double layer coat that requires some grooming attention! Daily brushing is required at a minimum. The nails must be trimmed about every weeks for proper foot care, and a professional groomer should give the dog a bath every few months. Ear cleaning is also necessary every weeks to keep those long ears healthy! Health Problems: As with most purebred dogs, common health concerns for the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye disease such as distichiasis where eyelashes grow inwards towards the cornea or entropion where eyelids roll inwards. They are also prone to diseases that affect similar breeds like epilepsy and urinary stones. However, because these dogs are so intelligent and learn commands quickly, they can often be easy to train and manage when it comes to basic health care. As mentioned above, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are often used as working dogs. As such, they may be more prone to health problems that develop due to their frequent activity and high-energy lifestyle e. As well as this, make sure your dog gets plenty of regular check-ups and exercise throughout his life to help prevent these conditions from developing in the first place! Living Conditions: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a hearty breed that can adapt to most living conditions. However, they prefer moderately active families who will take them on plenty of walks and runs. They are not suited for apartment living and should have a large yard to run. These dogs are fairly active and do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If left alone for extended periods, they may become destructive or hyperactive. However, some generalizations can be made about the temperament of this crossbreed. Belgian Malinois mixes are often high-energy dogs who love to play and need plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. On the other hand, they can also be quite independent and strong-willed, so it is important to start training early and be consistent to ensure good behavior. In general, Belgian Malinois mixes are good-natured and affectionate with their family. Still, they may not hesitate to defend themselves in case of a threat. They can also be somewhat protective around strangers or other animals, so socialization is important when they are still young. Since both breeds are highly energetic and very intelligent, Belgian Malinois Shepherd mixes need physical exercise every day. It is also important for them not to get bored; it is recommended that you give them plenty of mental stimulation and their physical activities. This can be done through obedience training, puzzle toys, and plenty of interactive playtimes. However, shelter dogs are also often available for adoption; they may be even cheaper if you can find one in your area! Also, bear in mind that some breeders or shelters may not allow you to adopt or purchase a dog under certain age limits e. Nutrition Requirements: Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mixes are active dogs that require a balanced diet that is rich in protein. Dogs of this breed mix should have a diet of at least 25 percent protein. This can be found in both plant and animal-based proteins. Some good sources of plant-based proteins include beans, lentils, peas, and quinoa. Good sources of animal-based proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In addition to protein, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix also need plenty of carbohydrates. Complex carbs such as whole grains are best for these dogs. Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamins and minerals form an important part of a healthy diet for these dog breeds. Vitamin-rich foods include meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, while potassium helps with heart function. Magnesium aids in blood circulation and energy production, while iron supports red blood cell health. Zinc assists with growth and wound healing, while copper supports the proper production of red blood cells. Other Dietary Requirements: In addition to a balanced diet containing plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix also needs clean water as well as quality exercise to remain fit and healthy. An inadequate diet can lead to health problems such as allergies, brittle bones, digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation, dental problems like plaque buildup or gum disease, eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma, obesity-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , heart conditions including dyspnea shallow breathing or cardiomyopathy weakening of the heart muscles , neurological problems such as epilepsy or seizures, respiratory issues including pneumonia or kennel cough, skin conditions like mange or yeast infections, urinary issues including cystitis inflammation of the bladder and stones in the urethra to name a few. Socialization: Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix is a great breed for those who want to have a working dog. They are very active and need a lot of exercises. They also require good socialization. Proper socialization will help your dog be well-adjusted and friendly with other people and animals. It is important to begin socializing your Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix puppy as soon as possible. Start by introducing him to many different people, dogs, and places. Expose him to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. Be sure to keep interactions positive and rewarding. Puppy class is a great place to start socializing with your pup. If you have an older Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix, it is never too late to socialize him. Just be sure to take it slowly and always keep things positive. You may want to consider enrolling him in a training class or taking him for walks in different areas. Potential of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a family pet: Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a potential family pet because of its friendly nature and intelligence. They can learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. These dogs also have high energy levels and like to be active, so they need plenty of exercises. Suppose you are looking for a companion that will keep you active. In that case, a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix may be the perfect pet for you. When considering whether or not to adopt a Belgian Malinois german shepherd mix, it is important to remember that they can be quite destructive if left alone for long periods. They may chew on furniture or other belongings if they become bored. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes also require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. However, as a general rule, these dogs are very active and high-energy. They require a lot of exercise and plenty of stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are also very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. With the right training and plenty of exercises, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can make great family pets. As with all mixes, this is not set in stone and can be somewhat different depending on which traits are more dominant in each individual dog. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a very smart and highly trainable dog. They are built for high-energy performance activities, thus their temperament is also driven to achieve much. This makes them a strong candidate as working dogs because of their strength at such a young age, but it can also be their biggest downfall. Working with your dog from an early age will teach ideal behaviors that you desire from them, whether they are obedient or perform work-related tasks. Families with small children or elderly members should carefully consider whether a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is the right pet for them. Pros of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They are very loyal and protective of their family and home. They are active and need plenty of exercises, making them great companions for outdoor activities. They have a high energy level and are always ready for a good game or a walk. They are good with children and make great family pets. Cons of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They require a lot of attention and training, so they may not be the best choice for those who work long hours or cannot spend enough time with their pet. They can be quite territorial and bark or growl at strangers or other animals. They need a lot of exercise and can be quite destructive if not given enough activity. They are not always suitable for households with small children due to their large size and active nature. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. So, whether you are thinking about getting a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a pet or are just curious about what they are like, these are some of the things you should know. They make wonderful companions and are sure to provide many hours of enjoyment for their families. Still, they do require a lot of care and commitment. If you think you can meet these needs and provide a loving home for a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix, then they may be the perfect pet for you. The most common colors for this mix are yellow, black, tan, and red. This is a relatively new breed of dog; it was developed in the late s by crossing German Shepherds with Belgian sheepdogs. These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts filled with milk, which they could do very efficiently due to their superior instincts towards herding and working with humans. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs have a high rate of intelligence. They are quite easy to train, making them prized by many dog owners. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs often become very attached to their families and protective of them, which can cause problems if someone is attempting to harm the family in any way. These breeds require a great deal of attention from their human companions. However, they can still be left alone for short periods every day so long as they receive enough training and exercise to keep them happy during their time by themselves. Although this breed does enjoy playing with other animals, it is recommended that even well-mannered Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs not be allowed to mix with other animals. At the same time, they are still puppies, as this can lead to fighting and injury. Despite their working heritage, these dogs are comfortable in almost any kind of environment; they do very well in hot or cold climates both indoors and out and enjoy spending time alone or hanging around with the rest of the family. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix-breed dogs have a high prey drive and should not be left unsupervised around smaller pets that might look like prey, such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, etc. While training is important for every dog breed, it is especially important for Belgian malinois german shepherd mix puppies so that you can ensure they develop good habits and understand their place in the family hierarchy. This is a great breed but does require a lot of attention and training. With the right preparation, you and your Belgian malinois german shepherd mix can live happily together for many years to come! Final Thoughts: Overall, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are great pets. They are intelligent, active, and loyal, and they make wonderful companions for people of all ages. However, they do require a lot of attention and training, so be sure you are prepared to commit to taking care of one before bringing one home. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain, but the benefits of having one definitely outweigh the costs. If you think a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is right for you, then go ahead and adopt one today! FAQs: Is a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix the right pet for you? However, remember that these dogs can be quite large and powerful, so make sure you have enough space for them and that everyone in your household is prepared to handle training and exercise them properly. Are German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois a good mix? The Malinois X hybrid canine, being the result of breeding a Belgian Malinois with German Shepherd Dogs, has made this loyal dog one that will fit into any lifestyle. Post navigation. Belgian Malinois are intelligent, protective, playful, and energetic. They tend to make great family pets. Should a Belgian Malinois Mix take after this parent, you should be able to expect something similar. A Belgian Malinois is known for their intelligence and prized for their hardworking nature and protective instinct. Their high energy and playful personality means they tend to retain a puppy-like demeanor until they are about three years old. They get along well with children as well as other dogs and pets in the household as long as they are socialized with them. Because of their protective instinct, socialization and training early and often are particularly important. The other parent breed could introduce some potential traits that could affect temperament. So, you do want to ask the other breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in person to see what sort of temperament she is modeling for her pups. Belgian Malinois are moderately adaptable dogs. Their high energy tends to make them a better fit for homes with securely fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as sufficient time is dedicated to giving them the exercise and training they need. As long as the other parent breed has similar adaptability traits, you should be able to expect the same in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A mixed-breed dog can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit none of the potential health conditions common to either parent breed. At the same time, they could inherit potential conditions common to one parent or both parent breeds. From the Belgian Malinois side, potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, thyroid disease , and progressive retinal atrophy. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing issues on to puppies. Although the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and picks up on things easily, they are also high-energy dogs with an independent nature and a strong will. This means they are generally not a good fit for first-time dog owners. Puppy training classes are recommended, even for an experienced owner, as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Belgian Malinois Mix can inherit a coat similar to one parent breed or a coat that is a blend of both, so grooming requirements will be different depending on coat type. Should they inherit a Belgian Malinois coat, they will shed moderately year-round and heavier when seasons change. A weekly brushing and the occasional bath are usually sufficient for this coat. And, you will want to brush them more often during seasonal changes. When checking ears, you are making sure they are clean, dry, and free of debris or pests. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. But, many dog owners skip or overlook this, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy, athletic dog breed. They need daily walks, playtime, and extra activity every day to stay happy and healthy. They also need a job to do and are good candidates for dog sports like flyball, agility, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Belgian Malinois Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. But, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Belgian Malinois tends to be inches tall and pounds once fully-grown. The other parent breed could affect this, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about it. You also want to pay attention to which breed is the mother as this will also affect the size of the puppies, especially in a mixed-breed dog. Belgian Malinois tend to live for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Featured Belgian Malinois Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Malinois originated in Belgium in the late s and was bred to guard and herd livestock. The Belgian Malinois is one of four different types of Belgian sheepdogs, including the Tervuren , Laekenois, and Groenendael. Of the Belgian sheepdogs, the Malinois is the most common and widely recognized. Although they were originally bred for herding, the Belgian Malinois excels as a military or police dog. The Belgian Malinois was used for military purposes as far back as World War I with many soldiers bringing their Malinois dogs home to the States after the war ended. Following that time, the AKC saw a large increase in registrations of this breed. Today, the Malinois is more commonly found as a working breed. Some facts about Belgian Malinois are that they are versatile working dogs and popular military dogs. These dogs are exceptional at finding explosives, narcotics, and tracking fugitives attempting to avoid apprehension. The Malinois is a protective and highly intelligent dog breed. As one of the most active dog breeds , the Malinois is a hardworking dog that may be serious when on task, but will also likely exhibit a puppy-like playfulness and energy until around the age of three. As long as they are properly socialized and trained, Belgian Malinois tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective instinct, they will be initially wary of strangers. But, if they are well-socialized, they will tend to warm up once introduced. They tend to bark to alert, which can become a nuisance if you unintentionally encourage the behavior or do not train your dog to stop barking early on. The Belgian Malinois is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments if enough time is dedicated to daily exercise and mental stimulation, they are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run. They do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Because they bond closely with their families, have a lot of energy, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Belgian Malinois include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, and thyroid disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As one of the smartest dog breeds , the Belgian Malinois picks up on training quickly and is generally eager to please. However, they are also energetic, get bored easily, have a strong herding instinct, and can be strong-willed. First-time owners are encouraged to enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a trainer. Belgian Malinois have short, waterproof coats that will shed a little year-round and will shed heavier as seasons change. Brushing weekly or a few times a week and the occasional bath are usually enough to keep them comfortable and their coat looking great. Cutting nails once or twice a month is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal dental care for dogs. Belgian Malinois are high-energy working dogs. They need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are usually enough, but they will also usually be up for more activity if you are. These dogs are versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a variety of activities with them. Playing frisbee , running, hiking, swimming, and more can all be fun activities to do with your Mal. Fully-grown Belgian Malinois usually stand inches tall and weigh between pounds. Belgian Malinois generally live for years on average. The Belgian Malinois is a world-renowned military service dog. A life-size bronze statue of a Belgian Malinois is featured in the memorial to military dogs in Fayetteville, North Carolina. There are also many dog movies featuring them, like the film Max, which features a great and heart-touching story about a former U. Marine Service Dog. Featured Belgian Malinois Article. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.

Most F1 Brittanydoodles will have loose wavy gorgeous curls, but tight curls are possible as well. Puppies will not typically have straight hair with this cross. Although, it's important to note that most F1 Brittanydoodle will start out as newborns puppies with the appearance of straight fur and their waves and curls develop as they mature. Their appearance can range from Brittany features or those of the Poodle or somewhere in-between. The first generation benefits the most from hybrid vigour. Tighter curls are more predominant in this type of F1B Brittanydoodle, but looser curls and straighter coats more like the F1 do show up as well. Their appearance will lean more towards the Poodle features, but again, Brittany features can be present. A Double Doodle is the fusion of two hybrids with complementing attributes bred together to create a new hybrid with more hybrid vigour. Their appearance will be most like the F1 Brittanydoodle with wavy to loose wavy curls. The benefit of such a cross is that they are "second best" for retaining hybrid vigour. Generations Explained. Brittnepoos are a hybrid between two historic hunting breeds and carry over that desire to work. The Brittnepoo acquires this trait from its Poodle lineage. This makes them a great breed for those who suffer from allergies and want less shedding around the house. The Brittnepoo can have multiple coat types. Brittnepoo puppies often have their appearances modified. When Britnepoo puppies are still young, their tails are normally docked to less than 4 inches, and their dewclaws may be removed. And while many intelligent dogs have stubborn, independent streaks, the Brittnepoo is very eager to please and just loves to see their owner happy. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They just love having a playmate they can go on adventures with. These pups are very energetic and need their exercise. The Brittnepoo is a very sociable dog and just loves making new friends wherever they go. Leaving the dog park may become a chore, though. These are some active and robust pups and must be cared for accordingly. The food you choose for them should have a high protein content to build lean muscle, moderate fat content to store energy, and healthy complex carbohydrates to provide clean fuel to burn. Your Brittnepoo will require between cups of food per day, depending on their size and activity level. The amount of exercise these pooches need will easily offset extra calories. These buggers are full of energy! They love to run, play, and explore. Britnepoos need a minimum of 10 miles of exercise a week—sometimes more, depending on your dog. And they love being put to work. This will help keep them both physically and mentally engaged to prevent stubbornness and destructive behavior. Anything that can keep them positively challenged is a perfect activity for them. Just like most highly intelligent pups, Brittnepoos have a bit of an independent streak in them which, in other dogs, makes for a difficult train. However, such is not the case with the Brittnepoo. Their desire to please is much greater than their stubbornness and will generally take to training very quickly. Instead, lavish them with praise and rewards. The hardest part about training a Brittnepoo is leash training. Due to their long family history of hunting dogs, this breed can have severe wanderlust. Just remain firm and your pooch will learn to better control those urges. The combination of smooth, feathery spaniel hair and fine, curly Poodle hair will require multiple brushings a week to keep from matting. Also, the floppy nature of their ears leads water to be trapped within and promote bacteria growth. Be sure to give them a good cleaning to wash out any foreign material or microbes. Just be sure to take them to the vet for regular checkups and keep an eye out for the following conditions. Minor Conditions. This mixed breed canine closely resembles the Brittany spaniel with its long front legs. However, it also has that proud stance commonly seen in standard poodles. A Brittnepoo is a medium-sized crossbreed. It can grow as tall as 20 inches and weigh as much as 50 pounds. It is bred from two hunting and retrieval dogs, making it a great companion when trained well. Its lineage makes it a great house dog that should be kept on a leash during walks. Like its parent breeds, the Brittany poodle mix is friendly, very active, and quite trainable. It has a mild temperament that can be maintained with regular physical activities. It is highly intelligent and can be trained at a very young age. As a poodle crossbreed, the Brittany spaniel poodle mix is known as a smart and energetic pet. It should be trained in a stern but kind manner. Rewards and compliments are the best way to establish rapport during training. Brittnepoos face several major health issues, such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and insulinoma. Proper tests and grooming are needed to keep a Brittnepoo healthy. A Brittnepoo litter is comprised of about 4 to 8 puppies. For mixed breed puppies, the price will depend on various factors, including its generation and pedigree. This cross-bred dog is acknowledged by several canine breed registry and organization including the American Kennel Club AKC. Brittany Poodle Mix Appearance The Brittany-poodle cross breed showcases the best attributes of the Brittany spaniel and standard poodle in one charming and loving furry friend. The Brittany spaniel poodle mix takes a lot of the physical attributes from the Brittany spaniel. It is squarely built with a long muzzle, a rounded head, and a pair of slack, wide-set ears. Its size and dense, wavy fur are also from its French parent. Brittany poodle mix dogs come in a wide variety of colors, including black, white, silver, or brown, depending on its genetic makeup. However, most of them sport a combination of two or three colors, with orange and white or silver and white as the more common ones. For the Brittnepoo, it can vary between deep pink, black, brown, and tan. Most of these cross-bred pets also have long and straight front legs with a slight feathering, much like its Brittany spaniel parent. It also has little round feet and arched toes that are protected by thick pads. This dog has dark and oval eyes that vary from brown to black. Its tail which is often naturally short is situated higher up its bottom. For some of these dogs, the dewclaws are removed. Male Brittnepoos have a height ranging from 15 to 20 inches and weigh between 45 and 50 pounds. Females, on the other hand, are often slightly smaller and lighter, with a to inch height and to pound weight. However, looking at the background of its parent breeds can give you a significant insight into how this adorable canine came to be. Both poodles and Brittany spaniels are known as hunting and retrieval dogs. While this may make the mixed-breed canine seem unfavorable if you wanted a house pet, it is actually the opposite considering that Brittnepoos are known as very friendly animals that are keen on pleasing humans. Originating from France, Brittany spaniels have been used as working dogs for low-class families in the European country. The first account that describes this bird-hunting dog dates to when a clergyman wrote about how he hunted with bobtailed little dogs that had rougher coats. Poodles, on the other hand, were originally bred as working dogs that served as water retrievers. Although its exact origin cannot be exactly pinpointed,, some records claim that it descended from the Hungarian and the Barbet water hound. Then, in the middle of the s, poodles became the most popular dog breed in the country and continued to be for the next two decades. .Brittnepoo Trainability Brittnepoos need at least 10 miles of walking every week. It should also have some vigorous physical activity for about one hour every day to keep it healthy and fit. In fact, poodles and Brittany dogs are both considered as two of the most obedient breed of dogs in the world. For poodles, their gentleness, intelligence, and overall docility have become one of their biggest assets in becoming the most popular dog breed in the United States. Standard poodles are a bit more reserved than their smaller cousins, but they are still very active. In fact, they love having a task to keep them occupied. At its tallest , this type of poodle can reach more than 15 inches at the shoulder. As for Brittany dogs, they are also energetic and have a learning ability that surpasses almost any other canine breed known to mankind. They are considered as the breed with the quickest learning pace and can already be trained as early as eight weeks from birth. Brittany Poodle Mix Temperament Brittnepoos are quite sociable in nature, mainly because its poodle parent is gentle and friendly. It also tends to be bright, upbeat, and fun-loving, thanks to its Brittany bloodline. With these characteristics, these dogs are known as creatures who are eager to please, especially when it comes to completing highly physical activities such as running, walking, or fetching. This is the reason why you need to keep them on a leash to keep them from running off. Doing this will also help you gain their respect as their owner and leader. On the other hand, this mixed breed also has a sensitive side. They respond better to firm but kind words. It is also better to train them using rewards and treats combined with generous compliments, especially when they accomplish tasks well. This should be done to ensure that Brittnepoos behave well around them. They are affectionate dogs, but they still need to be guided accordingly. While their behavior needs to be monitored, they are typically easy to care for and can bring life to your otherwise empty household. While it is good to feed your dog ready-to-eat processed food because of the convenience they offer, you may still opt to go natural by giving them a taste of the actual thing. As water-oriented hunting canines, its poodle parent consumed a variety of fish and poultry found in their hunting grounds to help them grow and reach their full potential. However, it is important that you avoid feeding your Brittnepoo the following foods, no matter what the situation may be: Alcohol — Alcohol is bad news not just for humans but also for dogs. Accidental consumption of beer or wine can leave a dog with breathing problems or worse, a coma. Avocado — Avocados contain a harmful chemical to dogs called Persin. While this may be safe for humans, it is toxic for dogs. Animal Bones — Animal bones, while widely portrayed as treats for dogs, are not recommended for their consumption because of the risk of a splinter that can damage their teeth and wreak havoc in their digestive tract. Apples, Cherries, Peaches, Persimmons, and Plums — The seeds of these fruits contain cyanide, a chemical that can harm both humans and dogs. Chocolate and Anything with Caffeine — Chocolate, coffee, and other foods with caffeine contain methylxanthines, a chemical that may cause your dog to experience tremors, heart palpitations, dehydration, and seizures. Worst of all, it may also lead to unexpected dog death. Raisins or Grapes — Dogs can die from eating raisins or grapes, although the result may not be the same for different kinds of grapes. This can cause liver failure that is signaled by vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy. They cannot digest milk and may experience diarrhea when fed milk. Chives, Garlic, and Onions — Dogs that consume these spices may experience red blood cell damage, especially when large quantities are involved. Tomatoes — Tomatoes may cause heart arrhythmias and tremors in your dog. Raw Dough — While bread can be fed to your dogs, uncooked dough made with yeast may cause damage to their digestive tract. Even so, you should remember that there are certain issues that you may face when caring for this crossbreed. One of the most common major concerns for Brittany Poodle mix dogs is hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by loose joints early on. It may lead to when left untreated. Brittnepoo mixed breeds may also experience other major health issues like hypothyroidism that cause a lack of hormones and inadvertently lead to thinning fur, reduced activity, and a lower tolerance to cold. They may also be diagnosed with insulinoma , which are malignant cancer cells that grow on the pancreas characterized by extreme weakness, seizures, loss of consciousness, and other symptoms that appear when there are low glucose levels. Another major health issue these cross-bred dogs face is progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This genetic disorder is more common in male dogs in both purebred and mixed breeds. To avoid these major issues, it is important that you bring your Brittany poodle mix to the vet at least twice every year. Some of the common tests conducted to monitor their health include x-rays, imagery tests, urinalysis, and eye tests. Still, this can only be attained through regular and proper grooming of your adorable canine pal. Make sure to use a pin brush and a slicker brush to untangle it and avoid matting. If he has a poodle-like fur, have it trimmed regularly to ensure that it is neat and shed-free. For a healthy set of teeth, get him used to mouth examination and cleaning. You can also have him chew on dental sticks to avoid fishy breath. Having his nails trimmed at least once in two weeks is also advisable. You should also check its inner ear for seeds that may have attached to it to avoid inflammation. The answer to your question can be a little complex. As far as the Guinness World Records is concerned, the biggest litter any dog ever had consisted of 24 pups. For medium-sized dogs like spaniels, the litter is usually comprised of 4 to 8 puppies at the same time. Another factor to consider when estimating the number of puppies to be born in one litter is the age of the dog. Typically, those aged 7 years old and below have smaller litters compared to older bitches. It is also common for dogs that are bred for the first time to have fewer pups. Other factors that may influence the litter size includes: the age of the male dog; A stud aged 5 years and younger during breeding are more likely to breed a larger litter compared to when the male dog is older. This is because its sperm count decreases as he ages. The female dog should be healthy and slim to get a bigger brood. Feeding high-quality dog food combined with meat and cottage cheese has been tested and proven effective in a study conducted by Ohio nutritionist Russ Kelly. This is effective for both natural conception and artificial insemination, provided that froze semen is used for the latter. This means that cross-breeding produces more puppies than reproducing purebreds. However, it is important to note that heritability is only pegged to be between 10 and 15 percent. If you want to breed your Brittnepoo, it is important to note that all these factors should work in harmony. Keeping the dogs well-fed, nourished, and healthy may be your best bet to having a bigger litter. Learn more about another poodle and spaniel mix here — the cockapoo. The most popular, however, is the breed. In most cases, purebred have heftier tag prices because of their conformity to a certain breed standard. However, there are mixed breeds that are sold at a higher price compared to their pure parents. The Brittnepoo is categorized as a designer mixed breed, and is typically sold in the U. This can change depending on the generation of the Brittnepoo as well as its gender, age, color, size, bloodline, champion background, and pedigree, among other things. Breeding a purebred Brittany with an untainted poodle produces a first generation Brittnepoo. However, it is still considered first generation breed if a Britnepoo is matched with a purebred poodle or Brittany. The second generation begins when both mother and father are mixed breeds. The breed is also registered with the AKC. Why Choose the Brittnepoo? A Brittany poodle mix is considered a great choice if you are looking for a dog with a sociable personality and classy background. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts. Because there is little history about the Brittnepoo, checking the parent breed can provide vital information to the character and nature of the new hybrid. Both parent dogs — the Poodle and the Brittany Spaniel — have a history of hunting and retrieving in their blood. It would be fair to say that the Brittanydoodle has inherited the hunting instinct from these dogs. The Brittany was named after the French province of Brittany. The Brittany is one of the most popular dogs for bird hunting. The Poodle originated in Germany but developed into its own distinctive breed in France. There are several suggestions about its ancestry, but whichever is right, it is an old breed. The French used the larger Standard Poodle for duck hunting, the Poodle to sniff out truffles in the woods, while the main job of the Toy Poodle was to serve as a companion. The Poodle often travelled with Gypsies who discovered it was excellent to train as a circus dog. Poodles were fairly rare in the United States until after World War ll. By the mids it had become the most popular breed in the country which was a position it held for more than 20 years. The Brittanydoodle seems set to carry on the popular lines of these dogs and is making a place for itself in dog owners hearts. When you are walking the dog, keep them on a leash as they may wander off following their noses, leaving you behind. They are intelligent dogs who learn quickly, and they respect a strong leader. These dogs need mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep them happy and healthy. The Brittanydoodle is an affectionate dog yet can be independent which provides a balance and they are easy to care for and are good-natured dogs. Their enthusiasm to go for a walk or have a game will bring a smile to your face, as they just love life. You will find that the Brittanydoodle gets along quite well with most other dogs because of the Brittany's sweet and gentle influence, however, proper socialization must still continue once the puppy is in your home as you would with any breed. A puppy can be socialized with other older dogs that have already had their vaccinations, and later socialized with other puppies once they have had their second vaccination. When training this breed, use firm but kind language, and reward achievements with lavish praise and small treats. The Brittany and Brittanydoodle respond well to positive reinforcement with both verbal praise and treat rewards. As with any dog, consistency is key to all training, but the Brittanydoodle has definitely proven to be a fast and enthusiastic learner! The Brittany is usually only vocal during play-time where they will vocalize their excitement. And the Poodle is known for alerting their owners to a strange sound or someone at the door. With the combined traits of the Brittany and the Poodle, the Brittanydoodle is commonly a quiet dog in their daily routines, however, you can expect them to alert you to something happening around your home. The good thing about the Brittanydoodle mixture is that with the Brittany's influence of being quieter and their desire to please, this trait is usually at the forefront, and if your Brittanydoodle does inherit more of a vocal side from the Poodle, they are easily trained to "hush" with positive reinforcement. The Standard Poodle by nature is far less vocal than the Toy Poodle that is known for it's yappy tendencies. The Brittanydoodle is sweet, sensitive, and care-free and is a breed that will enjoy participating on some level in whatever activity you love, simply because they love you! They love a good daily walk or run, but are also happy with a simple active game with the family in the backyard -- a walk or run isn't always required if they have a good-sized fenced yard. They love to retrieve a ball, splash about in water, or take the challenge for an obstacle course. The Brittanydoodle is a highly intelligent dog who loves a mental challenge. If you have a fenced yard, they will keep themselves happy with one eye on you to see what you are up to, because they are people dogs and love to be part of the family scene. While they can be kept in an apartment, they do need to be exercised daily to make that successful. These dogs enjoy being walked times per day if you don't have a fenced yard space for them to romp! Life Span Did You Know? A Brittnepoo is a cross between a Brittany Spaniel and a Poodle. Although a mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents, a Brittnepoo tends to be an energetic, fun, and loving dog that makes a great family pet. The Brittnepoo is a sensitive dog with a sweet disposition and a fun-loving, energetic personality. They love spending time with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They do have a high prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with smaller pets in the household. They do tend to do well with smaller pets they have been raised with, but will often retain the urge to chase smaller animals outside of the home. The Brittnepoo is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Because of their energy, they tend to be a better fit for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate plenty of time throughout the day to make sure they get enough exercise. Although this dog tends to have a fluffy-looking coat and does well in most climates, they may need some winter dog products to stay warm through cold temperatures. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. You can also ask to see relevant health clearances or test results. The Brittnepoo is also one of the dog breeds at-risk for developing bloat. Although they are high-energy, the Brittnepoo is a highly trainable dog breed that can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and tend to be in-tune with their owners. This means they pick up on things quickly. They respond best to consistent training focused on positive rewards. They tend to strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. In general, the Brittnepoo coat sheds moderately or not much at all. Brushing is daily or every other day to prevent mats. Bathing is on an as-needed basis and professional grooming may be necessary every weeks. Trimming nails monthly can sometimes be enough to keep them from growing too long. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt and moisture, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections. Dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, you can help prevent dental diseases later in life. The Brittnepoo is a high-energy dog breed. Daily walks plus at least an hour of time to run and play every day are usually sufficient for this dog. But, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. They tend to be athletic and versatile dogs that can handle a wide range of activities once they have finished growing. A fully-grown Brittnepoo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds A Brittnepoo generally lives for years. Although Brittnepoo tends to be the most popular name, these dogs are also sometimes called a Brittany Spoodle, Brittanypoo, or just a Brittany Poodle Mix. Featured Brittnepoo Article.

This comes at no extra cost to you. This is peak puppy biting time and it will get better soon. So to prepare you and help you be the best puppy parent you can be, this article will show you: What to expect from a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy How big a four-month-old Golden is How much sleep a puppy needs at this age What kind of exercise a four-month-old Golden Retriever needs How to train your four-month-old pup How much a four-month-old Golden Retriever should eat How to deal with teething and chewing 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behaviors Oliver at 4 months old! At four months old, your puppy has had a couple of months to learn how things operate around the house. This can make things easier for you because your puppy is likely falling into your daily routine. Now that your puppy is a bit older, they may experiment to see what they can make happen for themselves. This does not mean they are a bad pup! You might observe that your four-month-old puppy has even more energy than when they were three months old. This is normal as they gain better coordination and stamina. Always remember that energy is both physical AND mental. What 4-Month-Old Golden Retrievers Look Like Your week-old Golden might start looking a little gangly with long legs that seemingly sprouted overnight see the video below of Oliver. They might also begin losing their cottony puppy coat, which can cause them to look a bit funny as their more coarse adult coat grows in. The picture above is Oliver at four months old, as is this video below. He was so lanky and goofy! Ideally, you were getting your puppy out and about safely, and giving them positive experiences that will prepare them for life as an adult dog. Remember to keep outings with your puppy fun and positive, and avoid things that might be scary or overwhelming. As your puppy shows more signs of physical maturity, it can be easy to start expecting more from them. Be consistent in teaching them how things work, how to act and what to expect. Keep showing them that you are a kind, trustworthy person who meets their needs and keeps things fun and safe. While your puppy may have been a cute round ball of fluff at two months of age , they should be kept nice and lean at this age. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can be prone to joint issues. You should be able to easily feel their ribs without having to dig around too much. Four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies need about 18 hours of sleep per day. Sometimes it can feel like they have tons of energy that you need to burn and it can be tempting to keep them really active to try to wear them out. While they definitely do need exercise and fun activities, too much go-go-go can actually backfire and push the puppy into an overtired state. A puppy that is overtired might be really wild — bouncing off your furniture, barking a lot, and biting you more than usual. Creating a routine around nap time and bed time can really help your puppy relax and fall asleep more quickly. They ate, they pooped, you took them on a nice stroll and played with their favorite squishy ball. You even did some fun training games and they worked on a puzzle toy. Your puppy parent sense tells you that they are ready for a nap, so you take them outside for a final potty. When you come back inside, you grab a frozen stuffed Kong or toppl for your puppy to enjoy in their crate. Puppy goes in the crate and you give them their frozen treat. Then you cover the crate, and turn on a white noise machine to drown out noises while they rest. Any time your puppy is making you pull your hair out, ask yourself when their last nap was. So often, an obnoxious puppy is actually a tired puppy and the solution is sleep! Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training much easier! Fifteen to twenty-minute walks are best for four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies, but a general rule is to let your puppy set the pace when it comes to exercise. If they need a break and flop down in the shade, let them take a breather. So while you may hope your Golden Retriever pup grows into a great running or cycling partner one day, keep things short and easy for now. And by four months of age, your puppy probably has all their necessary vaccinations, which is such a relief. This can open up their world a bit more, which means you have more options for exercise. Get a well-fitted harness and a long leash , and hit up a local trail or open space with your puppy. Unstructured time outdoors is ideal exercise for this breed. That means your pup is free to sniff and frolic around, rather than being in a perfect heel position by your side. Golden Retrievers were historically bred to spend a lot of time outdoors, running through the fields and bounding through water. Modern Goldens still love these activities and giving your four-month-old pup some nature therapy will set them up for physical and mental wellness. Neighborhood walks can also be a nice outlet for a pup of this age. Always allow your Golden to stop and sniff on walks. In addition, you can also work on:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! But to develop properly, your puppy needs your help and encouragement. This is because the biting peaks at about 4 months old. The exercise needs of a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy Training for a four-month-old Golden Retriever Feeding four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies How to deal with chewing and biting What to Expect From a 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever By now your puppy has been in your house for a couple of months and has learned about the rules and the way things work in their environment. This means that your puppy is getting comfortable and falling into step with your daily routine. Because of this, things are a little less chaotic in dealing with your pup than they were when you first brought them home. When your pup pushes boundaries and does new things, this is actually a sign of intelligence and mental development, neither of which are bad things. Your puppy will also have more energy, stamina, and coordination than they had in the previous weeks. Their coat will also look a bit odd. This will result in some random patches of fluff. At 4 months old, your golden should be roughly half of its adult height. When it comes to how much they should weigh, the average is around lbs. There are different types of Golden Retrievers and they come in all sizes. Heredity plays a part, as well. If your pup had small parents, then your pup will likely be a little smaller. And if your puppy was seriously ill for a prolonged period of time, then it may have inhibited its ability to grow properly when compared to healthy puppies. But usually, once the worms have been eliminated, the puppy will start to grow normally again. This means that your puppy will have already learned a lot of the socialization skills it needs to develop properly. The socialization your pup experienced prior to their four-month milestone will affect their behaviors and temperament going forward with their lives. Hopefully, you let your puppy go on adventures into the world and they had safe positive experiences. You should still take them out in public and teach them how to be well-behaved. You still need to keep your socialization light-hearted and safe. Your puppy is a baby animal, and they can become traumatized the same as human infants can. You also need to be more patient with them during this time period. Your four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy will sleep somewhere between 11 and 18 hours per day. While your puppy will be really energetic and hyper and your instinct may be to give them lots of exercises to burn off the extra energy, this can actually backfire on you. To avoid an overly- tired puppy, make sure your pup is getting naps in. You can use a crate or pen to help confine them to their sleep area. Developing a nap time routine is quite easy. Once your puppy has eaten, played, and went potty, you can put them in their crate with a soft toy to chew on. Puppies chew to soothe themselves to sleep. Intense exercise and prolonged repetitive motions can even cause injury to their developing joints and muscles. Not to mention the fact that when puppies are over-stimulated and exhausted it causes them to act up. So, how much exercise should a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy get? Your pup has more energy than they did last month, so they can now go on walks for 20 minutes at a time. In general, you should let your puppy decide how much exercise they can handle. If your puppy stops and decides to lay down in the middle of the walk, let them. They obviously need a break. By the time they reach this age, golden puppies should be up to date with their vaccinations, which is great because they love the outdoors. The type of exercise that your Golden Retriever puppy will likely enjoy the most involves unstructured play outside. Originally, Golden Retrievers were bred to hunt and do fieldwork, and your golden puppy will likely love the outdoors because of this. You can gently put them in the water, or allow them to get in themselves. People who live in more urban environments will find that their golden pups will enjoy walks around the neighborhood. Smells will engage brains and provide mental stimulation. You should be focused mainly on teaching your puppy to be comfortable with alone time, as well as potty training. Keep treats with you when you take your pup out on walks to reward positive behaviors and a good job on their leash. For instance, if you typically give your pup a treat when they come back inside from going potty, then you can use this opportunity to work with them to sit and stay and wait for their treat. To work with them about being comfortable with being alone, you should put them in their crate or pen and then gradually stay out of their sight for longer and longer each time. This takes practice. So this training is important. For more information about separation anxiety, check out our article about goldens and separation anxiety. For more information about training, check out our article about training golden retriever puppies. Your four-month-old golden pup should be eating 3 meals a day , spread throughout the day. They should be eating about 1 cup of food at each meal. Golden Retrievers have a major problem with overeating. Like us, they find food enjoyable and comforting too. A good rule of thumb to determine whether your pup is overweight is to pick them up. To find out for certain whether your pup is the right weight, you should take them to the veterinarian and follow their recommendations. Four months old is typically the peak chewing and biting period. This makes their gums uncomfortable and painful. You should also make sure that there are lots of chew toy options and chewy treats in your house so that your puppy can get the chewing out of their system without doing anything destructive. Using pens and gates can be really useful during this time. Just walk to the other side of the pen. If you missed the other articles in this series, you can find them here:.

GSGRR is a c 3 nonprofit organization run by a small group of volunteers. We provide our dogs with veterinary care including spaying or neutering as necessary, evaluate their temperament, and socialize them by having them live with foster families. Then the dogs are matched with loving, carefully selected adoptive homes. We place our dogs in adoptive homes in the Gulf South. Each GSGRR member, officer, and foster care provider is a totally unpaid volunteer with family and work commitments. We strive to respond quickly to every inquiry received, but more importantly, we want to place the right dog in the right home. Should you not receive a timely reply, please click here for our main email address. If you would like more information on a dog available for adoption, please click on petfinder website. Yes, we get youngsters! Please note that we take in dogs of all ages. Because we typically have a waiting list of approved clients, many dogs are adopted before they have a chance to get onto the website. So if you don't see exactly the dog you're looking for listed here, please fill out an application and let us know what you're looking for. We will do our best to find the right dog for you! Here is some information on the Darlene Fund- for special needs dogs. They will help defray the costs associated with our Golden Retriever rescue program. Click below to make a secure payment via Paypal, or send a check to the address below. We are exempt from federal income tax under section a of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section c 3. Your donations are considered tax deductible. Thank you! Located just 7 miles north of Covington, LA. For over 40 years, we have been providing the people of Louisiana with some of the finest Golden Retrievers. Fifteen years ago, we integrated Golden Doodles into our breeding program. If you are looking to add a member to your family, contact Hunnington Farms today. We have puppies for sale that are looking for that perfect home. Hunnington Farms is a breeding facility that believes in breeding the finest animals. We are a family-owned farm that started breeding dogs purely out of love for the animals. The way our dogs have always enriched our lives and assisted in running our farm made us want to breed the same dogs. We firmly believe the best possible dog breed for a single owner or a family with children are Golden Doodles and Golden Retrievers. No matter what trait you are looking for in your next pet, Hunnington Farms breeds the perfect dog for you. If a loyal, fun loving, ultra obedient and a true lifelong friend is what you want, we have the finest Golden Retriever puppies in Louisiana. If you? Thank you for visiting our website. Here you will find valuable information on the breeds we provide and the puppies we have for sale. We are a full service farm that has transformed a small portion into our breeding haven. We follow all AKC breeding requirements and go the extra mile to provide every home with the highest quality pet. All of our breeding dogs are OFA certified for hips, patellas, elbows, dental, and heart. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn About The Breeds.

Goldendoodles are also a healthy breed in general. Common health problems include Eye problems, Predisposition to some cancers Hip and elbow dysplasia Both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle have a similar life span of between 10 to 15 years. The smaller the Poodle mix the longer the lifespan. Miniature Goldendoodles and Miniature Labradoodles can live for even longer than the year average. Food Consumption Comparison for Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle The decision of which diet to feed your puppy is for you to make. The advice of your vet or fellow breed owners may help guide you. There are no strict rules about which diet is best for your dog. Breeders I interviewed believe that both dog breeds will do well with good quality dry food. It will meet all their nutritional needs. It will also help keep their teeth in good condition. Both dogs will have different requirements for total food volume based on their weight. Typically a Goldendoodle consumes cups of dry food per day. Labradoodles have the same guideline. If a Goldendoodle coat is curly, you can look for a few early signs to help tell the coat type of your Goldendoodle. Owners suggest that Labradoodles on average consume slightly more food than Goldendoodles of the same weight. Every dog is different however so I would not put too much emphasis on this factor when choosing a dog breed. Both breeds tend to eat a lot if given the opportunity. If you have a miniature dog then pick up the dog and step on your bathroom scales. Then weigh yourself again without the dog and figure out the difference. For large dogs visit a large pet store or your local Vet. They usually have a pet scale you can use for free. Some owners report that their Goldendoodles are prone to food allergies. For these dogs creating a diet that is free from wheat, corn, soy, and dairy products is important. The best option for them is often dry grain-free foods. A key to consider is that the first ingredient on the list should be meat. Food allergies often present with skin irritation for Goldendoodles. A commonplace for irritation and itchiness from allergies is the soft skin in-between the paws. If your Goldendoodle is licking its paws or biting its paws this can be a sign that a food sensitivity is occurring. Which is better for families? There is a reason why the two breeds are very popular, that is because they are intelligent, adorable, and family-friendly. We all want to get a perfect dog for our family, and it is natural to be concerned about making the wrong choice. The age of any children that the puppy will be in contact with can be considered when comparing Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle dogs. Although both breeds are similar — some owners of both breeds report the following Goldendoodles may be better with younger children, particularly visiting toddlers and strange younger kids Their enthusiasm and love for life suits active young children Labradoodles can be an excellent energetic match for young teenagers and older teens Goldendoodles are sometimes too energetic for shy children and this must be considered. Goldendoodles also sometimes share their excitement by barking — which can either startle children or disrupt sleep. These traits are true of all dogs of any breed and should be taken with a grain of salt as anecdotal experiences though a quick browse of the Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle subreddits show the same trends repeating. Are Goldendoodles or Labradoodles better with Separation anxiety? Separation from owners is an issue in the busy modern world. Picking either a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle requires a time investment. You need to be there for your dog or arrange some company. Separation anxiety is common for both breeds. It is a dead-tie between the two. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are prone to barking, panicking, crying or whining if left alone for long periods of time. There are strategies to limit excessive barking from separation anxiety. The only real solution is keeping your dog company. Labradoodles are social animals and should not be left outside for extended periods of time. So Which Pet Is best? Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle? It is obvious that both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are great pets for individuals and families. They are loyal, loving, intelligent, and friendly. They are willing to please, which helps enormously with training. Each Poodle Mix will present different kinds of personality traits separate to the physical traits. These guides can help you make a decision between two very similar breeds. Based on your experience — which dog is your preference? Who wins the Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle showdown? Do you have thoughts on which would suit your family best? How do you decide which is the best Doodle dog for you? When I was trying to decide if a Doodle dog was the right fit for our family, I had many questions about the similarities and the differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. I weighed the Goldendoodle pros and cons and the Labradoodle pros and cons because I wanted to make the best decision for our pack. From my experiences and research, these two lovable Doodle breeds will respond to your positive parenting and make great family dogs. You want to wrap your head around the differences and similarities…so you can some day wrap your arms around a little teddy bear pup of your own. Wondering about Goldendoodles vs Labradoodles? First, the key difference between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle is this… The Labradoodle is a hybrid or crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle left and Labrador Retriever right. The Goldendoodle is a hybrid or a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. In other words, the biggest difference between the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle is the parent breed heritage on one side of the family. A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle left image and Golden Retriever right image This brings us to the biggest similarity between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have a Poodle parent on one side of the family. More on this in a minute. A hybrid or crossbreed is an intentional mixing of two different breeds to produce an offspring that is a blend of both. In other words, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have distinctly different parents. This is unlike purebred dogs who have parents of the same breed. These dog shows are conformation events for purebred dogs only. Also, because neither breed is a purebred dog it means they are not on the AKC breed registry. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are crossbreeds Also, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar in that they may be some combination of the two distinct breed types. This combination is commonly called an F1B Goldendoodle. These numbers and letters are simply a way to distinguish the generations of Doodle dogs. This is the designation for crossing a first generation F1 back to a purebred dog. Basically, Goldendoodles are some combination of Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage. For more information on characteristics between generations, check out my article on F1 vs F1B Goldendoodles. Labradoodles are some combination of Labrador Retriever and Poodle heritage. The breed is classified as a sporting dog by the AKC—a group of dogs who are active and have natural instincts in the outdoors. Labrador Retrievers definitely shed coats, so many parents of Labrador Retrievers embrace the pet hair because there is plenty to spare! Labrador Retrievers are athletes—strong and sturdy. They require daily exercise for both physical and mental health. By understanding the Labrador Retriever characteristics—working, athleticism, affectionate—you can gain insight into the Labradoodle. A happy Golden Retriever The breed, which was originally intended to retrieve water fowl, often has a natural love for swimming and fetch. Among other qualities, sporting dogs tend to be naturally active and have natural instincts for the outdoors. For this reason, Golden Retrievers require daily exercise. Golden Retrievers have high-shedding coats in colors of golden—from light golden to reddish golden. As a reminder, the Golden Retriever is the parent breed of the Goldendoodle. By understanding the Golden Retriever characteristics—retrieving, playful, joyful, active—we have insight into the Goldendoodle. Poodle The Poodle parent breed to both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles is highly regarded for being highly intelligent, having amazing athletic ability, and sporting a distinctive low-allergen, low-shedding curly coat. In his urgent quest to find a guide dog for pet allergy sufferers, he crossed the low-shedding, allergy-friendly Poodle and the highly trainable, friendly Labrador Retriever. This is the widely accepted origin story of the Labradoodle. According to my research, there are a couple of different stories on the origin of the Goldendoodle. The other origin story credits Monika Dickens yes, related to the famous author, Charles Dickens with introducing the Goldendoodle in the s. However, the Goldendoodle did not grow in popularity until the s. Of course, as with all things related to hybrid dogs, everything can be taken with a grain of salt. This is because, there is more variety when crossing two very different breeds. In fact, if you have your heart set on a very specific size, color, coat type, weight, and personality of dog, you may find that a purebred is more your style. Labradoodle Health comparison: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar in that they both may be susceptible to inherited or genetic conditions from their parent breeds. What conditions? According to Embrace Pet Insurance claims analysis on Goldendoodles and Labradoodles… Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles share hip dysplasia as a common health issue. Elbow dysplasia is a common health issue in Labradoodles. As a slight caveat, this information is not the result of a substantial scientific study, but rather based on claims. So, I rounded up three helpful tips for you: Choose a reputable breeder who is committed to the future of the breed. Reputable breeders use the latest health testing and genetic research methods to make sure their puppies have the best chances for living a happy, health life. Help your Doodle dog maintain a healthy weight. Establish a great relationship with your veterinarian. As part of your new puppy checklist , plan to take your pupper to the veterinarian within a few days of bringing him or her home. This way, you can start your puppy off on the right paw with the vaccinations and care they need. Then, plan to take your dog for yearly physical exams and well checks. Now that we have an overview of the similarities and differences in Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle health, what about personality? Temperament and personality: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle A well-bred Labradoodle sometimes referred to as a Cobberdog is typically a smart, loyal, family dog. Due to their loyalty to their owner from the Labrador Retriever lineage , they tend to make better service dogs i. Labradoodles enjoy daily romps The Goldendoodle or Groodle is generally known as a smart, eager-to-please, and rather comical family dog. The Golden Retriever heritage typically makes Goldendoodles natural retrievers. They may like nothing more than to play a game of fetch in the backyard. They are ideally suited for a fenced in yard or place where they can enjoy energy burns. Due to the social nature of their Golden Retriever heritage, they tend to make better therapy dogs—dogs who provide comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. Many Goldendoodles enjoy fetch Neither Goldendoodles nor Labradoodles make good guard dogs. Also, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles do well in homes that have fenced in yards, or a place where they can get daily exercise. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are smart , which means they are quick to learn and enjoy mental stimulation and dog enrichment activities, toys, and games. If you give these dogs a job such as agility training, nose work training, or simply teaching them tricks, they will flourish. On the flip side, intelligence also means they are smart enough to come up with their own interests if they are bored. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can vary greatly in size. The Poodle side of the family gets most of the credit for bringing such a wide variety of sizes to the mix. Purebred Poodles range in size from miniature to standard. This is why both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can range greatly in size. This is logical when you consider that the parent breeds the Golden Retriever for the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever for the Labradoodle are good-sized dogs. In very general terms, the smaller the dog, the longer the life. The good news is that there are things that you can do to help your pupper have the best chance to live the best life now and for many years to come. This makes sense if you think about the parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a long coat while the Labrador Retriever has a short coat. Also, be on the look out for the Doodle puppy coat transition —a time when the coat changes over from fine puppy hair to the adult coat. BTW…you may want to check out my hack for using cornstarch for matted dog hair. That said, at adulthood the Labradoodle may have a slight edge over the Goldendoodle when it comes to a shorter, slightly easier-to-maintain coat. No dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles tend to be more allergy friendly than high-shedding dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. However, the purebred Poodle is the most allergy-friendly breed of all. For more, check out my article: Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles sport a variety of coat colors due to the Poodle heritage. The Poodle parent brings 11 official standard colors and 16 other color combinations to the mix. This is according to the AKC breed outline. Popular Poodle colors More specifically, here is a list of popular Poodle coat colors that Poodles bring to the family: Red. Usually sociable and friendly, but can be wary of new people DIET: Around 1, calories per day depending on weight Around 1, calories per day depending on weight EXERCISE: High: 12 miles per week and 60 minutes of outdoor time each day High: 12 miles per week and 60 minutes of outdoor time per day. Enjoys swimming. Size And Weight The two breeds are very similar in size and weight. Standard, adult Goldendoodles are usually between 22 and 25 inches long and weigh anywhere from 45 to pounds. Labradoodles are possibly a bit smaller, being between 21 and 24 inches long, and they do not tend to weigh more than 70 pounds. However, size and weight varies greatly on an individual basis. Coat And Color Whether a Doodle will emerge with the coat of a Poodle or not is a game of chance, though most do seem to inherit the curly poodle coat, which leaves them looking a bit like oversized teddy bears. These coats tend to be low-shedding and take the form of a double coat, which means that they have a dense under layer and a thin outer layer. While this differs greatly from litter to litter, as a general rule, Goldendoodles tend to have longer, wavy hair and Labradoodles tend to have short, wiry hair. Both dogs can come in a range of different colors. Common colors for Goldendoodles include black, white, brown, cream, gold, red, silver, and sable. You will often see Labradoodles in chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blue. Health Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have a life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years and tend to suffer from similar health issues. Like most large breeds, they can suffer from Hip Dysplasia, when the cartilage in the hip is incorrectly formed, or Patellar Luxation, when the knee joint is incorrectly formed. Both issues may need to be managed with pain medication or, in serious cases, they require an operation. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles also have a tendency to develop eye issues, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which will eventually lead to blindness. Intelligence Both breeds of dog are highly intelligent, which in turn, makes them highly trainable. This means that they make great service dogs as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, or medical assistance dogs. They are particularly popular among people who need service dogs but suffer from dog hair allergies , as their low-shedding coat means that they give off less of the dander that triggers allergic reactions. Both breeds, but especially the Labradoodle, enjoy retrieving and will happily play fetch with you all day if you let them. This makes them ideal for search and rescue type work, which may require dogs to seek out objects over vast distances and difficult terrain for several hours. Temperament Both dogs have a friendly temperament and are never aggressive. They are very unlikely to bark or snap at people if they have been properly raised and socialized. This makes them great family dogs to have around children, but terrible guard dogs! While they are generally very friendly with children, they can be a bit unconscious of their size and weight, and they may want to flop down on you or your kids. For this reason, kids should still be supervised when playing with either breed. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles also tend to get on well with other pets, as long as they have been properly socialized together. Goldendoodles are a little bit better in this respect, and Labradoodles can sometimes be a bit more stand-off-ish with new pets or new people. This means that if you are looking for a pet to fit in with you family, including children and other pets, Goldendoodles can be a slightly better choice. Bear in mind that neither breed likes to be left alone for long periods of time, and may act out if left in the house alone for several hours. Diet And Exercise These two dog breeds are very similar in terms of their dietary and exercise needs. Their exact calorie intake depends on their size, but the average sizes Goldendoodle or Labradoodle will need about 1, calories per day, which should be split over two or three meals. Lively animals, both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise. At a minimum, they will need 12 miles of exercise per week, including 60 minutes outside every day. Key Differences As can be seen, the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are very similar dogs, but there are some key differences. First, Goldendoodles tend to have longer coats, while Labradoodles have a short wiry coat. But the main difference is in their personalities. While both are friendly, Goldendoodles tend to be more enthusiastic and excitable and more easy going with people and other pets. Labradoodles display very similar behavior but can be more wary when coming across new people and animals for the first time. While both breeds are also very intelligent and highly trainable, Labradoodles tend to be more tenacious when it comes to completing tasks and love the stimulation of working. This tends to make them better working dogs in terms of activities such as search and rescue. Benefits Of A Doodle Breed Whether you decide to go for a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, there are a lot of benefits to getting a Doodle breed: Being part Poodle, Doodles tend to be low-shedding, which means that they leave behind less of the dander that triggers allergies. This makes them as close to a hypoallergenic dog as you are likely to get. Plus, less dog hair to be cleaning up! Labradoodles, and especially Goldendoodles, are family friendly and will enjoy playing with the kids and will get along with other pets in the home. Both breeds love the great outdoors and will love accompanying you on your hiking, trekking, and even boating adventures. Doodles are highly trainable, so they are great if you are looking for a working dog or just want a dog that can do cool tricks. Both breeds need lots of exercise, so you need to make time in your busy schedule to take them out to play. The Verdict Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles make excellent dog choices, especially for anyone who has issues with dog hair as they tend to be low-shedding. Both are intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable. This makes them great pets for families as they will fit in with kids and other pets quickly, and will appreciate always having someone to play with. Their trainability and docile nature also makes them great service dogs, easily able to comprehend the required tasks and able to venture into public spaces without causing a nuisance. Both breeds also need a lot of exercise and attention, so make sure you have enough time in your schedule to care for them properly. While the decision on whether you should get a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle is down to personal preference, by a small margin, Goldendoodles are probably better as family pets, and Labradoodles better as service dogs. Labradoodles tend to be more tenacious when it comes to learning tasks and love always having something to do, but they can also be more wary or strangers. Goldendoodles treat everyone they meet as their best friend and have the right temperament for being in the home. Make sure you do your due diligence when looking for one of these dogs and find a breeder who knows exactly what they are doing with their doodles. Do you have a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle? What are your thoughts on the showdown: Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle? Tell us about your dog in the comment section below. Related Article. Goldendoodle What's the difference between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are both designer dogs brought into the world with the perfect mixture of qualities from their parents. The main difference between the Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle Labradoodle vs. Well the parentage of these fluffy cuties can vary quite a bit, what with Goldendoodles being the result of a Golden Retriever and either a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle. Goldendoodle looks, size differences, coat and colouring. Labradoodle vs. The slightly trickier part of the Goldendoodle parentage is that they can have a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle parent alongside the Golden Retriever side. Standard Goldendoodles i. Those mixed with Miniature Poodles can weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, and those mixed with Toy Poodles can be as iddy as 20 pounds - cute! To make things simpler, we can refer to each of these Goldendoodle types as Standard, Miniature or Toy Goldendoodles. Any Labradoodle weighing under 13 pounds and growing up to 11 inches tall is often classed as a Teacup Labradoodle. The second smallest is the Toy Labradoodle, growing to between 14 and 16 inches tall, weighing in at a very cute 15 to 20 pounds. Then we have the medium Labradoodle, who can weigh up to 40 pounds and grow up to 20 inches tall. The largest Labradoodle, i. Goldendoodle Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle coat differences Like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are born with different coat types with varying consistencies. Curly-coated Goldendoodles Goldendoodles with a curly coat are more likely to be hypoallergenic, like many Doodle dogs which also means less hoovering. Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle As with many Poodle mixes, the Labradoodle coat varies a fair bit as well, and when it comes to full grown Labradoodles vs. Labradoodles can be found with a hair coat which is straight , and like their Australian Labradoodle cousins, they can also be found with wool and fleece coats. What do these all mean, though? Hair-coated Labradoodles Hair-coated Labradoodles are less common and tend to resemble their Labrador Retriever parents more than their Poodle parents. Labrador Retriever and Labradoodle Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle coat colours. Two of the most popular doodle crossbreeds are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, both of which make excellent additions to the family. The Labradoodle combines the traits of a Poodle with the playful temperament of the Labrador Retriever, while the Goldendoodle blends the qualities of a Poodle with the affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever. Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, which Doodle breed is best for you? Temperament Looking for a lovable companion? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are two poodle mixes that fit the bill as they inherit desirable characteristics from both parent breeds. Since the Labrador is often calm and affectionate, the Labradoodle has the same traits. As a pet, the Labradoodle is bound to make you smile with its extroverted personality and strong desire to spend time with human family members. Both breeds are highly intelligent making them great family dogs, but this also gives them the potential to be trained as service dogs or therapy dogs. Labradoodles also have a sixth sense about what is happening, making them well-suited for busy homes or homes that get a lot of visitors. The standard Poodle and Golden Retriever are among the most intelligent dog breeds, so the Goldendoodle is a smart pooch capable of figuring things out quickly. Due to its intelligence and extroversion, it is important to set boundaries for this breed early on; otherwise, the Goldendoodle may have difficulty reigning in its energy level and enthusiasm. Coat When comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, the most distinctive difference is the coat. Purebred poodles have tightly curled hair, which gives them their distinctive appearance. In contrast, the Labrador Retriever has a coarser, thicker hair follicle. Golden Retrievers have a thinner hair follicle, but more hair overall, so they tend to have a fluffier, wavy look. Golden Retrievers naturally have cream, caramel, gold, or red colored puppies, but Poodles come in all colors, so Goldendoodle puppies can be those colors plus black, chocolate, parti, brindle, merle, etc. Popularity Due to their attractive appearance and desirable personality traits, both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are extremely popular. They are especially popular among people with allergies, as with proper breeding, they should shed much less than other breeds. The lack of shedding means these dogs are far less likely to trigger allergic reactions or symptoms. Grooming Labradoodle Grooming Due to differences in their coats, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have different grooming requirements. Labradoodle puppies need to be brushed regularly, as their adult coats often do not grow in until they are approximately a year old. Labradoodles should be groomed in a specific way, especially if you want your dog to maintain its trademark Labradoodle appearance. For example, the groomer should use a long blade to trim the bulk of the coat. The Labradoodle is meant to have full-looking legs, so the groomer must be careful not to trim off too much hair. Goldendoodle Grooming Goldendoodles also need regular grooming. When trimming the coat, you have a few options when it comes to length. A short cut is also more comfortable during the dog days of summer. You could even give your Goldendoodle a layered look by cutting the hair so that it tapers down to the legs. Training Labradoodle Training Their high level of intelligence makes Labradoodles fairly easy to train, as a Labradoodle puppy is quick to learn new commands and has a strong desire to please its human companions. Initially, Labradoodle training should focus on building a positive relationship between you and your dog. Your Labradoodle needs to know that it can trust you, so avoid yelling or making gestures that could be interpreted by the dog as threatening. During the first training session, establish yourself as the leader of the pack. One way to establish yourself as the leader of the pack is to be careful not to give your dog too many treats. A treat should only be given when your Labradoodle follows a command. Otherwise, your dog will not understand its place in your family, and you may have trouble getting it to follow your rules. If you have children, make sure they know how to handle a puppy. Otherwise, your pup is likely to display undesirable behaviors as a response to stress. Setting expectations helps ease anxiety and ensures that your canine companion knows what to expect while living with you. When you start training your Labradoodle, one of the most important things you can teach it is to wait patiently. If you teach your dog to wait, you can avoid jumping and other undesirable behaviors in the future. The best way to accomplish this is to show the Labradoodle you have a treat and then ask it to sit and wait. If the dog runs toward you, paws at the treat or jumps on you, take the treat away. Only give your Labradoodle the treat if it sits and waits for you to take action. Otherwise, your dog will think it can get what it wants by displaying undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodle Training Due to the similarities in their personalities, the training methods for Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are fairly similar. To socialize your Goldendoodle, take it to a local dog park or look for a puppy playgroup in your area. In a pinch, you can also invite friends and family members to come to your house and meet the dog. Just make sure everyone you invite knows how to interact with a puppy without scaring it or coming off as overly aggressive. Once your dog is comfortable, start introducing it to new people and new circumstances. A hiker with a backpack, a person on a bicycle and someone wearing a hat are all people your dog should meet, as your puppy needs to get used to people who look and smell different from you. Like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles are usually quick to catch on when it comes to learning new commands and following the rules. Just be sure to establish that you are the pack leader or your Goldendoodle may decide that it would rather have fun than listen to you when you tell it to get off the couch or stop jumping on people. Goldendoodles need consistency and structure, so try to do a training session at the same time each day. Once your Goldendoodle has been socialized and learned basic training commands, try walking or hiking together to help the dog use up some of its energy. The size of a doodle depends on whether you have the standard, miniature or medium version. Standards typically range from 21 to 23 inches high for females and 22 to 24 inches high for males. Miniatures are tiny, as they are typically 14 to 16 inches high. Mediums are slightly smaller than the standard version, with females ranging from 17 to 19 inches high and males ranging from 18 to 20 inches high. The miniature version can weigh as little as 15 pounds or as much as 30 pounds, while the medium Labradoodle typically weighs anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. Follow the link to read our guide to learn how big do Goldendoodles get? Lifespan As a mix of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, a Labradoodle can have health problems that are common in either breed. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles often develop hip dysplasia. With proper care, the typical life span of a Labradoodle is 15 years, making this breed an excellent choice for a long-term companion. Our guide on the lifespan of a Goldendoodle will be really helpful to understand that breed. Since Goldendoodles are part Poodle, they may also develop hip dysplasia as they get older. Eye conditions and a narrowing of the aortic valve are also possible, as these conditions are associated with Golden Retrievers. Again, working with a reputable breeder can help you reduce the risk of these problems, as quality breeders are vigilant about using only the best dogs for breeding purposes. Goldendoodles have an expected life span of 10 to 15 years. Quality is important, as good breeding practices can help you avoid common health problems and ensure you get to enjoy many years with your new companion. This is why you should always work with a reputable breeder. Feel free to contact us today to learn more!

Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles.

How big do Teacup Labradoodles get? Usually, the full grown Teacup Labradoodle size is around inches tall and weighs in at about 13 pounds or lighter. A decent guide to how tall they will be is a standard sheet of printer paper. JJ the Teacup Labradoodle is 10 pounds. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Janine on Facebook. These little pups are typically the result of breeding the Toy Poodle with a Mini Labradoodle. The Toy Poodle stands around 10 inches in height and weighs in at around 6 and 9 pounds. The Mini Labradoodle stands around inches in height and weighs between 20 and 40 pounds. How big do Toy Labradoodles get? On average, a full grown Toy Labradoodle is around inches tall and weighs around 13 to 20 pounds. Mia the Toy Labradoodle is 18 pounds. Photo courtesy of Lina Fridman on Facebook. The first parent breed, the Mini Poodle, stands around inches in height and weighs in between 12 and 20 pounds. The second parent breed, the Labrador Retriever, is a much larger breed in comparison—they usually stand between 22 and 24 inches tall, and weigh 55 and 79 pounds! How big do Mini Labradoodles get? On average, the full grown adult Mini Labradoodle size is 16 to 20 inches in height and pounds. Typically, they fall on the smaller end of that scale between pounds in weight and inches in height. Murphy the Mini Labradoodle is 27 pounds. Photo courtesy of Terra Schulz on Facebook. It is often used to describe larger Miniature Labradoodles or smaller Standard Labradoodles. How big do Medium Labradoodles get? Delta Belle the Medium Labradoodle is 39 pounds. Photo courtesy of Kayla Dear on Facebook. The Standard Poodle is anywhere between 18 and 24 inches in height and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. The Labrador Retriever is just slightly larger and stands between 22 and 24 inches in height and on average weighs between 55 and 79 pounds. How big do Standard Labradoodles get? The full grown Standard Labradoodle size ranges from inches in height, and usually weighs between 40 and 75 pounds. Cooper the Standard Labradoodle is 61 pounds. Photo courtesy of Scott Watson on Facebook. There are so many aspects that contribute to how big your Labradoodle will be when fully grown! Some of the main components include their gender, the height and weight of the parents, and which generation of Labradoodle your puppy is. The combination of all of these factors make it somewhat difficult to predict exactly how big your dog will be, but it can help us come up with a general estimate! First, their gender plays a role in answering the question of how big do Labradoodles get. Before getting a puppy, many ask themselves the question: should I choose a male vs female Labradoodle? On average, the height and weight of a male Labradoodle will be slightly larger than a female Labradoodle. In smaller breeds like the Peekapoo and Pomapoo , it may not be as noticeable, but in larger breeds such as the Labradoodle, you could expect a ballpark estimate of the size difference to be inches in height and around 5 pounds. The genetics that are passed from the parents to their offspring play a role in how large a Labradoodle will get. Finally, which generation of Labradoodle your pup is will be a big part of how big they will get! Dog generations can be confusing! For more information, check out our article on Labradoodle generations to learn more! In simple terms, a Labradoodle puppy that has more Poodle than Labrador Retriever could be slightly smaller than a Labradoodle that has more Labrador Retriever than Poodle. This is because on average, the Poodle is smaller than the Labrador Retriever. For example, if a dog is estimated to be .In simple terms, the higher percentage of the smaller dog, the smaller the dog is likely to be. When Do Labradoodles Stop Growing? These puppy days will fly by, so savor them while you can! Labrador Retrievers are generally finished growing by 2 years of age. Standard Poodles can take 1. On the other hand, Miniature and Toy Poodles are generally finished growing by months of age. Standard Labradoodles will usually take slightly longer to reach their full size than Mini, Toy, or Teacup Labradoodles. This is because bigger dogs grow slower over a more extended period of time in comparison to smaller breeds. A Standard or Medium Labradoodle will likely grow like a weed for the first year and a half of their life, but may continue to grow and completely fill out until 2 years of age. Considering the mixes that create the Mini, Toy, and Teacup Labradoodles, they should be finished growing closer to months in age. Related Doodle Size Articles:. What Is A Mini Labradoodle? The difference is that the Labradoodle is mixed with a standard-sized Poodle, not a mini one. Some puppies will have more Lab in them, others will have more Poodle. A distinctive feature of multi-generational puppies is their ringlet coat, which happens to be super soft and almost rug-like. The Mini Labradoodle comes with many coats, either white, tan, black, apricot, caramel, chocolate, red, silver, cream, and grey. It almost sounded like we were naming off desserts for a while. When it comes to Miniature Labradoodles, the options are endless. When compared to its parent breed, the Mini Labradoodle has a heavier body than the Poodle with more muscular forelimbs. It has a more narrow snout and muzzle than the Labrador. As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Mini Labradoodle is 12 — 14 years. More research needs to be done on the distinct illnesses or diseases that could affect this dog. The Labrador, for example, is prone of hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, eye disorders, and cruciate ligament injuries. Poodles, on the other hand, have their set of issues, including patellar luxation a knee injury of sorts , cataracts, sebaceous adenitis, and other skin problems. Mini Labradoodles are the America or, actually, it was the Caribbean islands of dog breeds. This breed can be found in a lot of pop culture memorabilia. Labradoodle Monopoly token Even some of the biggest celebrities in the world have Mini Labradoodles at home. The Prince and Princess of Norway are big fans of this breed. As mentioned above the smallest version of a Mini Labradoodle ranks between 14 — 16 inches 35 — 40cm at the shoulders. But what if a Miniature Labradoodle takes after its Labrador mom or dad? Mini Labradoodles can get as big as 21 — 24 inches 53 — 60cm if there are a lot of Labrador genes mixed in. One size does not fit all. In terms of weight, a smaller Mini Labradoodle will be between 15 — 25 pounds 6 — 11kg. A lager Mini Labradoodle will weigh between 50 — 65 pounds 22 — 29kg. This breed is full of surprises. Is The Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? Want to know a secret? There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. All dogs shed to some extent. This breed is considered allergy-friendly and hypoallergenic. That being said, we can never promise that you or someone you know will never get a reaction. It could be its saliva or dander. Because their parents are so different in size, temperament, and appearance characteristics, your life as an owner becomes a box of chocolates. The general temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle is silly, playful, and fun. These dogs are a safe choice because they tend to be friendly to everyone. Strange people, strange dogs, cats, babies, toddlers — you name it, they love it. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule. And it all depends on genetics. If your Mini Labradoodle is more Labrador, it may be wary of strangers. Poodles are more aloof. Labradors are prone to boredom but more playful and sweet. They like to run around and swim. Poodles are smarter and more relaxed around the house. Less active and need less exercise. In China, for example, the first gene-edited dogs from were reported to have muscle enhancements and better running ability, making it optimal for hunting or police applications. They were two Beagles named Hercules and Tiangou. Here are other Poodle and Labrador mixes that qualify as designer dogs. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. While everyone typically knows Labradoodles for their friendly, intelligent nature and low-shedding coats, there's often some confusion surrounding their size, particularly regarding the "mini" variety. As with any hybrid, the size of dogs of the same breed can vary depending on a number of factors, including genes, generation, diets, and even exercise routines. However, in general, Standard Mini Labradoodles are smaller than their full-sized counterparts but larger than the Toy or Teacup Mini Labradoodle varieties. A Standard Mini Labradoodle typically weighs between 16 and 30 pounds and stands around 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. However, it's worth knowing that there can be some variation in size within the breed, particularly when it comes to first-generation crosses. Additionally, some breeders may use slightly different criteria to determine what constitutes a "Standard Mini" versus a "Toy" or "Teacup" Mini Labradoodle. The toy variety is achieved by crossing a Labrador with a Toy Poodle. The size of these adorable toy dogs is given by both parents to a point but is more often dictated by the size of the Poodle parent. In this case, with the Poodle parent being toy-sized, the Toy Mini Labradoodle will be smaller than a Mini Labradoodle that has a Miniature Poodle parent. In terms of size, Toy Mini Labradoodles typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds and stand around 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. These compact little dogs are a great choice for owners who are looking for a smaller labradoodle with the same personality and features as a standard-sized one. Teacup Mini Labradoodle Size Teacup Mini Labradoodles are the smallest variety of the popular hybrid breed and are known for their tiny size and adorable appearance. The teacup variety is also very rare given how difficult it is to create such a small size in this breed. While their small size can be appealing to some, it's important to note that there are potential health risks and special care requirements that come with owning a Teacup Mini Labradoodle. In terms of size, Teacup Mini Labradoodles typically weigh less than 10 pounds and stand around 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. This means that they have a higher likelihood of inheriting the non-shedding coat and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle parent along with their smaller size. F1b Mini Labradoodle size can vary depending on the size of their parents. More often than not, F1b Mini Labradoodles tend to be smaller than their first-generation counterparts. They typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds and stand around 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. However, there are a few things that you can try to help you estimate your Mini Labradoodle's adult size. Look at the parent breeds: One of the most important factors in predicting your Mini Labradoodle's size is the size of their parent breeds used in the mix. Labradors typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, while Toy and Miniature Poodles generally weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. If your Mini Labradoodle has a Labrador parent, they may end up being larger than if they had a Miniature Poodle or a Mini Labradoodle parent. Consider the generation: The generation of your Mini Labradoodle can also impact their size. First-generation Mini Labradoodles are the result of breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Miniature or Toy Poodle and can vary in size, while second-generation F1B and beyond f2, F2b, etc. Monitor their growth: Keep track of your Mini Labradoodle's weight and height as they grow and compare it to the average size range for their age and gender. This can help you estimate how much larger they may grow in the future. Consider their diet and exercise: Proper nutrition and exercise are important for your Mini Labradoodle's overall health, but they can also impact their growth and development. Be sure to feed your Mini Labradoodle a well-balanced diet appropriate for their age and size and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise. While predicting your Mini Labradoodle's size isn't an exact science, considering these factors can help you get a general idea of how large your furry friend may eventually become as an adult. Remember, every Mini Labradoodle is unique and will develop at their own pace, so be patient and enjoy watching them grow into the perfect size for your family. Whether they are standard mini, toy, or the rare teacup variety, these dogs fit wonderfully in any setting. They thrive in both large and small homes and make fantastic little companion pets for any dog lover. Elena R. About The Author Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics. We also answered a few questions about the Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Havapoo, and Maltipoo breeds. Read More Since their first paw-steps into the world, Designer-mixed Breeds have conquered the canine popularity charts with their unique appearance, fantastic personalities, and hypoallergenic qualities. Designer Breeds come in all shapes and sizes, personality types, and.Mini Labradoodles are generally smaller than standard-sized Labradoodles, but whether they stay small or not depends on various factors such as genetics, crossbreed generation, parents, and overall lifestyle. How big is a Mini Labradoodle at 8 weeks? At 8 weeks old, Mini Labradoodle puppies typically weigh between 5 and 10 pounds and stand around 7 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. How small can a Labradoodle be? Standard-sized Labradoodles can range in weight from 50 to 90 pounds and stand around 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Mini Labradoodles can weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand around 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder, while Toy Labradoodles can weigh less than 15 pounds and stand around 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. When does Mini Labradoodle stop growing? Mini Labradoodles typically stop growing by the time they reach months of age. Contact Info. A Mini Labradoodle is fully grown between 11 and 13 months of age. Just before they are 11 months old, Mini Labradoodles will reach their full height and for the remaining months of growth they will fill out and continue gaining weight. Between 3. An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking And other similar products Mini Labradoodle via iamlolalabradoodle How Big Is A Mini Labradoodle Full Grown? A full grown Mini Labradoodle is 14 to 16 inches .They are one of the smallest Labradoodle sizes however some breeders create an even smaller Labradoodle called the Toy Labradoodle. Mini Labradoodle Height 14 to 16 inches .Medium Labradoodles are 16 to 20 inches .Standard Labradoodles are 20 to 26 inches .They are one of the lightest Labradoodle sizes. If you find out the weight of the parents of your Mini Labradoodle you will get a good idea of how much your puppy will weigh as an adult. As a mixed breed, there can be a lot of variation in Mini Labradoodle weight so your dog may be slightly heavier or lighter than these ranges. There are no official weight ranges for Mini Labradoodle as they are a cross-breed.

They have over meals to choose from depending on the many factors that make your pooches individuality. That being said, the retail line of the meals is broken into two sections. You can pick recipes based on size or breed. It goes without saying that many pure-breed pet parents chose the breed side of the site, as it will provide their pet with all the specific nutrients, supplements, and vitamins their dog needs to remain healthy and strong. As German Shepherds are a popular pet to have, it is no wonder it is one of their more popular breed formulas. Royal Canin is a brand that was created in France by a veterinarian by the name of Jean Cathary. As a dog owner, Cathary wanted to build a brand of pet foods that would be based on scientific research that showed what was nutritious for animals versus what we thought sounded good. Since the s, the world of pet care has advanced and along with it so has Royal Canin. It has changed hands a few times over the decades, as well, but it has been firmly in the care of Mars for quite some time. It has also been a part of the USA pet industry since , when they set up their manufacturing facility in Missouri. Besides the United States, Royal Canin has manufacturing plants throughout each continent except Antarctica. The ingredients are responsibly sourced around the globe, and they go through a rigorous testing phase before adding the items to their formulas. The German Shepherd line is available in either dry or canned recipes. It is designed to suit the dietary and health needs of purebred dogs. You can also choose a dish within a specific age range. For example, the puppy formula is available for those dogs who are between 8 weeks and 15 months old. The adult formula, on the other hand, is designed for German Shepherds that are 15 months and older. Based on the nutritional needs of this breed, there is no senior option. Take a look at the benefits below for your furry-friend: Kibble size: In both the adult and puppy food, the kibble is designed in such a way to promote chewing. German Shepherds have strong teeth that need to be nurtured to prevent tartar build-up and eventual decay. Digestive help: Another important aspect of this formula is the digestible proteins and fiber content that promotes a healthy digestive system in adult and young pups. Immune support: the meal contains antioxidants for immune support and building, specifically in the puppy formula. Bone and joint health: Unfortunately, this breed can develop joint issues as they age. Ingredients such as Glucosamine and chondroitin are great for relieving pain. It is added to both the adult and puppy recipes as it can also help prevent arthritis. Other Details Outside of the basic functions, ingredients, and nutritional value of this dog food, there are a few other details you should be aware of. First, this food is reasonably priced and can be found on pet store shelves, through the Royal Canin website, and on pet sites such as Chewmy. Speaking of the website, that is another issue that should be addressed as it leaves a lot to be desired. It can be confusing to navigate, and the customer service typically takes a long time to get back to their customers. Finally, as we mentioned, this food is available in either wet or dry, however, only the adult formula comes in a canned option. A post shared by Royal Canin USA royalcaninus Nutritional Value Before we hop into the ingredients of this product, we wanted to give a brief overview of the nutritional value of each recipe available in the German Shepherd line. That being said, some of the values we found in the recipes were not where they should be. Take a look at the three options: Wet. My German Shepherd didn't really seem to like the taste of this food. So, I gave it to my neighbor for their dogs. In all fairness, this is a decent dog food because my neighbor stated his dogs loved it and started purchasing it for his dogs. I'm not sure why my dog didn't like it. He barely ate half a cup of this each day for a whole week. I had to buy him another brand of dog food as he began to start loosing some weight. Quality of Ingredients I bought this because it looked to have good ingredients and it was on sale at an online store I buy some of my dog food and cat food. I also bought this because it's supposed to help slow digestion and it's made specifically for German Shepherds. The kibble is made cross-shaped that slows the rate of food ingestion. Since my dog didn't eat this very well, he digested it slowly anyway. I do feel this would be a great dog food, if your dog would eat it. It's perfect for large breeds like German Shepherds. I recommend it if your dog has problems with digestion. It's not the best dog food I've purchased where quality ingredients are concerned, but it's still better than a lot of brands out there. The first ingredient in this food is rice, which is really easy to digest. So, this is actually good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Flavor Selection My dog didn't seem to enjoy the taste of this dog food. He barely touched it and I even tried to mix a little cat food in with it because he loves cat food. He ate through the cat food and left half the dog food in his dish. I really realized this when for the second time I ran out went to a local store for dog food and had to put him on another dog food. His diarrhea instantly resolved twice. Not sure if the company is cutting costs or what but the quality isn't there and it's overpriced. With previous dogs, I tried different food and ended with all kinds of health issues. So far, this is the best food, and I know it is expensive and sometimes outstock. Dog is like a human. You have to feed them good food. After much time and trying so many things I looked into Royal Canin and realized they make breed specific foods. Yay they also have one for German Shepard puppies so I figured it was also for the specific needs etc. I will change to the full grown when he is bigger. My Vet is very happy with this food also. We didn't know there was a German Shepherd Puppy specific food. Mazey is 7 months now and has been on this food for a few months now. She eats it up with no problem and her tummy issues have been resolved. I just wish it were a little less costly. Dog likes it, it arrived on time! She takes approximately two healthy poops per day Now if we could just keep our other dogs away from her bowl, 0 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By Debbie on Oct 22, Royal Canin for German Shepard Good price for the size the dog the four legged vacuum loves it wish it came in a bigger bag 1 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By Cheyenne on Jun 16, Perfect for dogs who are not food motivated First of all, I love that my puppy has to chew the kibble before swallowing. He is not at all food motivated, but I can tell that he absolutely without a doubt loves this kibble. The breeder had us take home the kibble that he was feeding the puppies, but our puppy would not touch it no matter what we did. Luckily we already had this kibble available and we tried to transition safely, but he would only eat Royal Canin instead. Thankfully it did not upset his stomach! As for us our German shepherd has more of a sensitive stomach like many GS. This not only put her right in her stomach but its a great food for her too.