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View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Their incredible versatility of an easily trainable and adoring temperament as well as their social nature make them a perfect family pet. These beautiful, miniature versions are also commonly referred to as Australian Labradoodles, Mini Labradoos, and Mini Labrapoodles. The Mini Labradoodle is the smaller version of the equally amazing Standard Labradoodle that is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador, both purebred dogs. The standard-sized versions were bred to be guide dogs, and this trait is dominant in Mini Labradoodles as well. This designer breed is a dog of many talents. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, affectionate, and as loving as can be. They can be trained for a myriad of dog jobs, and are quite the athletes when it comes to dog sports. Appearance and Grooming With two very different parent breeds, it can be difficult to know what each puppy will look like. Some litter pups take on more characteristics of the Poodle parent and others take after the Labrador more. Their low-shedding coat may resemble that of a Poodle : long, curly, and thick, or they may have fur that resembles that of a Labrador: short, straight, and dense with color variations of black, brown, chocolate, cream, golden, silver and white. This breed has a double coat which may require daily brushing depending on the thickness. They will also need regularly scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The size of Mini Labradoodles can vary quite a bit as well since they are a crossbreed of different-sized dogs. They may be smaller or larger depending on who they take after more. The typical size for these cuties is 14 to 16 inches tall with a weight of 16 to 25 pounds for a full-grown Mini Labradoodle. With both parent breeds being family-friendly, happy-go-lucky breeds, it is no surprise that this puppy will have the same fun-loving nature. Family and Companionship Perfect for families with children of all ages, the Mini Labradoodle is certain to fit in anywhere. This sweet dog will need plenty of love and attention, so staying away for long periods of time is not ideal for the overall emotional health of this breed. Because of their smaller size, they can thrive in all environments, be it a city apartment or in a rural setting with lots of lands. Keep in mind that your puppy will need lots of exercise and play so make sure you have plenty of places to let them run and sniff. Exercise Taking on the energetic tendencies of both parents, the mini Labradoodles are extremely active dogs who enjoy going for walks, running, and even swimming much like the Poodle. Like the Retriever, they love to play and retrieve things. Be prepared to keep them busy and spend at least an hour of active playtime with them each day. They can be pretty active chewers and seekers of mischief, so giving them something to play with is imperative. Training and Socialization Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle parent will not only make this dog super trainable but also a wonderful option for a service or therapy dog. Its natural intuition makes it easily adaptable to people and places. However, it is very important to begin training the moment you bring your mini Labradoodle puppy home. You should start exposing it to new places, people, and other dogs as early as possible. Early socialization is paramount in the overall wellness of this unique breed. They are happy and healthy dogs that have amazing personalities. Our Mini Labradoodle breeders as well as our Puppy Agents interact with these pups daily to ensure they are socialized early and ready for their transition to your home. How big will my Miniature Labradoodle get? They will grow to a height between 21 to 23 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 lbs. What is the life expectancy of a Miniature Labradoodle? The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. What is the appearance of a Miniature Labradoodle? What is the temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle? They are spirited animals with a zest for adventure. They are full of love and affection and devoted to their humans. They have a playful and sometimes rambunctious side so creating boundaries and providing proper exercise will be important to keep these little ones in shape and out of mischief. Is the Miniature Labradoodle a good choice for first time dog owners? In fact, they are a perfect match for first time dog owners as they are super intelligent and easily trainable. They start learning at a very young age. Should I socialize my Miniature Labradoodle puppy? Though it is always important to socialize your puppy, please do so in safe places until the puppy has received all of its vaccinations. These little ones love people, but can exhibit a protective nature. Proper socialization will bring out the best of their sociable, easy-going temperament. How much exercise will my Miniature Labradoodle require? These are lively little pups with energy to spare they will need to have 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity per day, including walks and active play. Playtime and mental stimulation such as training exercises and interactive toys are recommended as well. How much food will my Miniature Labradoodle require? This breed is prone to obesity and bloating so proper nutrition must be shown from puppy and throughout adulthood. Because the sizes of these dogs vary so widely so will the amount of food they should get. Talk with your veterinary care provider about getting your little one on the right track. What type of coat does the Miniature Labradoodle have? Miniature Labradoodle coats come in many different colors and textures. They could have a shorter, double Labrador coat or a long, curly Poodle coat. Most of the time they fall somewhere in between while still showcasing those distinctive Poodle curls. What colors are the Miniature Labradoodles? They come in several solid colors including yellow, golden, chocolate, black, blue, brown, gray, and white. How often will my Miniature Labradoodle need to be groomed? This is a fairly high maintenance breed that requires frequent, brushing and regular trimming. They are excellent family pets, especially for active families. They are full of love and devotion and are always up for a new adventure. They do great with children. Is the Miniature Labradoodle hypoallergenic? Though not a fully hypoallergenic, they are a great choice for anyone that suffers from allergens. The AKC does not recognize mixed breeds. Mini Labradoodle Reviews. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.
Moreover, in case your Labradoodle has any sensitivity, weight, allergy, or other health issues, the Purina Pro Plan product range has got you covered. So, if your Labradoodle is struggling with a food allergy, you might not have to switch to another brand altogether. Instead, you can switch the chicken formula for lamb or fish, for example. The same goes for grains. This makes it perfect for all Labradoodles weighing more than 70 pounds. Although the list is not short and has some rather tricky names listed, it does contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, and even added glucosamine, which is great for Labradoodles who are at a risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia. Labradoodle owners know how important a beautiful coat is! Dicalcium phosphate DCP has been linked to kidney stones and the calcification of soft tissue Contains soy, which may be difficult to digest, cause bloat and gas, and trigger allergies 2. Fromm Fromm has formulas for all stages of life, large and small breeds, for weight management, and offers grain-free and grain-inclusive variations. The main sources of protein are beef, chicken, turkey, duck, pork, salmon, tuna, lamb, goose, pheasant, quail, venison, rabbit, and whitefish. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also includes fish meal, duck, lamb, and chicken liver. This formula is grain-inclusive and uses whole grains like oat groats and barley. Likewise, other natural ingredients like flaxseed, alfalfa meal, and inulin provide additional fiber. Not only are the most important vitamins and minerals included, this dry dog food is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics. PawTree formulas are made from real ingredients and they offer a variety of different formulas, specializing in grain-free recipes, and formulas that are free from certain ingredients to minimize allergic reactions. Allergies and food sensitivities are a common concern for many Labradoodles, especially when it comes to certain proteins or even grains. Other highlights in this formula include apples, blueberries, coconut oil, salmon oil, and flaxseed. In addition to quality animal proteins and plants, this dry kibble also contains added vitamins, minerals, and even prebiotics for good tummy health. In fact, this recipe has been designed for reduced stool volume and also to keep those smelly farts at bay. Pros First ingredient listed is real duck. Packed with nutritious ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Perfect for Labradoodles who are allergic to chicken and fish. Ideal for overweight Doods. Supports good skin and coat health. Naturally occurring glucosamine helps support the joints. Designed to be easily digestible. No corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Cons None! Victor Victor Pet Food has formulas suitable for all life stages. Additionally, they offer special formulas for joint health, weight management and performance, and grain-free and high-protein formulas. For some Labradoodles, the food sensitivity, digestion, weight management, and joint support formulas might be beneficial. Royal Canin Royal Canin offers formulas that many Labradoodle owners might find useful like special food for large breeds, formulas for food sensitivities, weight management, and digestive health. All of which Labradoodles are at risk of. However, as Labradoodles tend to inherit the health issues of both Labs and Poodles, this option might work well for your Labradoodle. Diamond As with other brands, Diamond offers a variety of dog food options for different needs. Labradoodle owners might find their formulas for weight management or sensitivity issues helpful. It contains a decent amount of fiber that helps with proper digestion, as do added probiotics. The key ingredients in raw dog food diets are: muscle meats, organ meats like liver, kidney, spleen, brain, sweetbreads, whole, powdered or meaty bones, raw eggs, dog-friendly fruit and vegetables, and sometimes dairy, like yogurt. Kirkland Kirkland is another popular dog food brand that Labradoodle parents love. It offers formulas for all life stages, weight management, and also grain-free and organic options. However, they do have other formulas with different protein sources Ingredients To Avoid In Labradoodle Dog Food You already might know that there are ingredients your Labradoodle should never eat. Naturally, responsible dog food brands do not include these ingredients, anyway. Related Content. This formula starts with chicken meal as the first ingredient. It also contains fish meal and pork meal. Together, these animal products will provide plenty of energy for your labradoodle puppy. There are no fillers such as corn in this food. It does contain brown rice, which may be a problem for some labradoodles with allergies, but we highly recommend this formula for most puppies. Real chicken is the first ingredient, which makes us very happy. On their website , Purina claims that this ingredient is perfectly nutritious and they never use feathers or intestinal contents in their by-product meals. Purina really prioritized the vitamins and minerals in this kibble. This food also provides Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids. These are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. My puppy is getting great reviews from my vet and is growing fast. This is a turkey-heavy formula, with real deboned turkey and turkey meal as the first two ingredients. The third is salmon meal. This formula is jam-packed with other nutrient-dense foods such sweet potato, yellow peas, tomatoes, carrots and blueberries. I get compliments daily on how healthy she looks! Real salmon is the first ingredient, but it also contains anchovy meal and sardine meal. These are fairly uncommon ingredients but many labradoodles go crazy for their smell and taste. It also contains fiber and probiotics for maintaining gut and digestive health, as well as calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A and E. There are no grains included in this formula, which is not a bad thing if your labradoodle is allergic to them. It has been a long road trying to find someone that works. So happy to have found Holistic Select!! The first ingredient is chicken, followed by turkey, giblets, and fish flounder and mackerel. This formula also offers plenty of plant-based foods such as pumpkin, apples, pears and butternut squash. The only downside for us is the price tag. When they finally did they inhaled it. They love it. Their coats look great and they are healthy. This food contains fewer ingredients than some others in this article, but it also lacks hidden fillers that may trigger allergies or digestive problems. Real duck meat is the first ingredient, followed by duck meal, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. And if your labradoodle struggles with digestion, the fiber-rich potato ingredients will likely be helpful. This formula also contains a healthy amount of fish oil. This provides DHA, which helps support healthy brain development in a labradoodle puppy. My vet recommended this and we are happy with it. Our Hazel loves it — so far so good! The amount of food that your labradoodle puppy eats will depend on their age, size and weight. Many labradoodles eat several times a day when they are less than 6 months old. As they get older, you can try feeding them twice a day. Should labradoodles eat grain-free food? There is a lot of debate about whether grain-free food is healthy. Your labradoodle will certainly benefit from the carbohydrates, fat, and antioxidants that grain provides. There are many types of grain, including corn, barley and wheat. However, some dogs have grain allergies, so if you need to switch to a grain-free diet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your labradoodle receives the proper nutrients elsewhere in his diet. Why are labradoodles always hungry? This is completely normal and healthy. Dogs require protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to survive. When your labradoodle comes begging for food, he is simply responding to those biological urges. Your job as a puppy parent is to provide enough healthy food to satisfy and nourish your dog without overfeeding him. You should now be in a great position to choose the perfect dog food for your labradoodle puppy. When that time comes, be sure to discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian. We wish you the best of luck as you continue raising your well-fed, healthy labradoodle. Post navigation. This diet prioritizes the use of excellent quality proteins in its foundation, listing venison and duck as its main ingredients. These proteins are not commonly seen in dog foods, making them ideal for dogs with allergies to more prominently utilized meats associated with allergies. Prebiotics play a starring role in this high performance food, providing needed support for ideal digestion in the Labradoodle. Sweet potatoes are the basis of the carbohydrates found in this recipe, a vegetable that is nutrient-dense and that provides a jumpstart to the immune system. Pros: This diet has been formulated to be free from the most common protein allergens. The slow roasting process for all ingredients ensures maximum nutritional value with each bite. This diet is available at a reasonable price point, providing Labradoodle owners with exceptional nutrition and value for their dog food dollar. Cons: Both whole peas and pea protein are included in this diet. The lack of grains may make digestive processing more challenging for some dogs. There are no added supplements to support joint functionality in the Labradoodle. How to Select the Best Dog Food for Labradoodles The happy and exuberant Labradoodle is a relatively new dog breed that is an immensely popular family dog today. One of the first intentionally bred mixed breeds in existence, the Labradoodle is the result of a purposeful cross breeding between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A dog breed that thrives in the company of people, the Labradoodle is a friend to humans of all ages and also enjoys the company of dogs. The breed is a loving family companion and eagerly lavishes all of its affection upon them. The Labradoodle likes to live life in the fast lane. A breed with exceptionally high energy levels, this dog type requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Because of its activity requirements, the Labradoodle is unlikely to become overweight. A dog that delights in learning new skills, training the Labradoodle is lots of fun for both the pooch and its owner. Positive reinforcement techniques yield the best results with this sweet and joy-filled pooch. Because the Labradoodle is a cross breed and is very new in its development, there is a lot of inconsistency still to be found in this dog type. Size, coat type, and colour will vary dramatically from dog to dog. Owners must commit to daily brushing of this dog to prevent the coat from becoming matted. Since the Labradoodle is a hybrid of two purebred breeds, this dog type will be predisposed to developing any of the conditions that can befall its parents. Among the genetic problems that can plague the Labradoodle are ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, allergies, diabetes mellitus, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. Diet can lay an excellent foundation for health and wellness in dogs. The best dog foods for Labradoodles include supplements to support ideal joint, skin, eye, and immune system health. The ideal diet for the Labradoodle is comprised of approximately 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Labradoodles The energetic Labradoodle is a busy dog, requiring a high performance diet based on a lean meat to thrive. Finding the correct calorie count for a dog is a process that involves some trial and error. Because the Labradoodle is an active breed, this dog type is not likely to become overweight. However, the Labradoodle can be prone to both hip and elbow dysplasia, making maintaining a healthy body weight even more important in this breed. Free feeding is strongly discouraged. To promote the optimal body condition, all food should be carefully measured and mealtimes supervised. A dog that is a vortex of swirling energy, this breed requires a diet that is well-balanced, full of high quality nutrition, and based on a lean meat to fuel its daily energy reserves. The best dog foods for Labradoodles include a whole meat or meat meal as their primary ingredient. By-products, commonly utilized inferior and inexpensive protein sources, are often the basis of commercial dog food diets and are best avoided. Plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are often used in the place of meat proteins in commercial dog foods. Likewise, foods that contain ingredients such as chemicals, additives, derivatives, fillers, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives are best left on the shelf. From carbohydrates, the Labradoodle gains the antioxidants and dietary fibre required for optimal digestive processing and a healthy immune system. These carbohydrates can come from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or a combination of the three. Dogs that have previously expressed sensitivities to grains may do best on a grain-free diet. All diets need healthy fats in their recipe to provide the Labradoodle with the essential fatty acids needed for coat and skin health. The ideal sources for these fats are animal-based foods such as chicken fat and oily fish. Supplements added to food can help a diet to work its most effectively. The most beneficial supplements for the Labradoodle include prebiotics, probiotics, taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Things to Look for in the Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles In selecting the best dog food for the Labradoodle, here are some guiding principles to keep in mind: Meets APHA nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food Free from chemicals, flavours, colours, or other difficult to identify ingredients Fortified with beneficial supplements Based on lean meat proteins Comparing The Best Dog Food for Labradoodles. However, there are a few issues with Instinct Dog Food that outweigh the benefits. The first thing we noticed is a significant lack of raw freeze-dried chicken bits, which is disappointing considering how expensive this brand is compared to others. Another problem is the inconsistent quality that this recipe has faced with multiple recipe changes in the past few years. For higher quality and a better value, we recommend trying Blue Buffalo Wilderness first. Although the first Labradoodles were large-sized dogs, generations of Labradoodles have made different sizes available. Labradoodles are highly intelligent and require lots of daily exercise. They excel in areas like agility, service, and obedience competitions. Labradoodles also require grooming and clipping to keep their coats from matting and snarling. They will need diets with skin and coat support to keep them in tip-top shape. Image Credit: litthouse, Pixabay Important Things to Consider There are important factors to consider when buying dog food for your Labradoodle that will influence your decision. Here are some things to consider: Protein Sources Protein allergies can cause skin irritation and itching, as well as other serious side effects. When looking for dog food, make sure it contains a protein source your dog can have. Cost Cost is always something to keep in mind. While premium dog food brands may have all-natural ingredients, there are value-priced brands that still maintain high levels of quality. Before going out and buying the expensive stuff, think about the long-term cost of the food. Check the labels to make sure all essential daily nutrients are there for a complete and balanced diet. Lastly, double-check with your veterinarian before starting a new dog food. Conclusion After carefully reviewing each product, we found Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription to be the best overall Labradoodle dog food. Plus, they only use all-natural, whole ingredients, with real meat as the first ingredient, and the food is conveniently shipped to your door on your schedule. It also has a flavor that most dogs enjoy. Hopefully, we have made it easier to navigate through the market of dog foods that would be best for your Labradoodle. See also:. Fruits and vegetables Labradoodles can eat Dairy If your Labradoodle is not lactose intolerant, he can eat some dairy foods in moderation. Dairy foods provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, A, B12, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. They build strong bones, reduce the risk of diabetes, and may improve heart health. Experimenting with small amounts of dairy foods is best to see what your dog can handle. Some dogs have trouble digesting milk but can enjoy small pieces of cheese or a blob or two of plain yogurt. My dog loves small chunks of cheese but cannot tolerate even a small spoonful of heavy cream — although she is okay with some milk. World of Dogz Commercial Dog Food Aside from the foods listed above, you can also feed your Labradoodle commercial dog food. Labradoodles can eat dry, wet, semi-dry food technically wet, too , raw, dehydrated, or freeze-dried food. However, you must be careful not to select a food package for a different breed with macro nutritional requirements other than Labradoodles. The most remarkable thing about commercial dog food is that it is far less expensive than homemade dog food and takes much less time to prepare, store, and feed. Labradoodles cannot eat chocolate, macadamia nuts, black walnuts, onion, garlic, grapes, or avocado. Standard market-packed sardines are the safest fish for dogs. Even onion powder in a broth can have this effect. Garlic Garlic can also make your dog anemic. Make sure any food you prepare contains no garlic flavor. Chocolate Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate and chocolate-adjacent products are toxic to dogs. Ensure you choose an organic brand. Nuts Some nuts can lead to weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Macadamia and black walnuts are the worst at this. Other varieties are also too high in fat. Avocado The avocado skin can result in vomiting and diarrhea, so your Labradoodle should be kept away from this fruit. Your dog can OD on alcohol. Sugar Dogs love sweet treats, but if you feed a sugar-rich diet, they will get fat. Yeast Dough If you bake bread at home, keep your dog away from unbaked dough. It can ferment in the stomach causing alcohol toxicosis, and the yeast can rise in the gut, causing a severe blockage. The first is to sit down and curate a Labradoodle diet that dodges the above. The second is to simply opt for packaged dog food. Specific fruits can be toxic to your Labradoodle — especially grapes and starfruit. You can feed your dog veggies — yet garlic and onion can be problematic. You can provide your dog fish — but not if it is completely raw. However, organic food is healthier than extruded kibble cooked at high temperatures which reduces its nutritional value. On the other hand, packaged dog food is easy to get, feed, and store. Wet Dog Food If your Labradoodle turns his nose up at dry kibble, you can try wet dog food as it contains much higher moisture content than dry food. Some larger dogs like it, whereas others prefer a bit of crunch. Take note, though, that canned wet food can be expensive for dogs the size of Labradoodles, as you will need to provide much more. Ensure you check the protein content, as wet food contains a lot of water. Dry and Wet Mix This is one of the most widely preferred Labradoodle food types, and you get the best of both worlds. Most Doodles who dislike dry or wet food like a wet and dry mix. Adding a few scoops of wet food to dry food changes the texture and palatability of the food, making it enticing to your dog. You can also add water to dry dog food making it easier to digest and more appetizing, especially if you have a fussy eater or a dog with general appetite loss due to illness. This gives your dog added variety — but remember to adjust the calories accordingly. You may also consider semi-moist dog food. You can use one of countless dog chow recipes to produce homemade dog food. Some dog owners enjoy home cooking for their dogs as it gives them complete control of what they feed them. However, preparing a homemade diet can also be expensive and is very time-consuming. Check out the directory of certified vet nutritionists from the American College of Veterinary Nutrition to help you find one in your area. Raw Dog Food Of course, if you grasp the idea of feeding chow made from leftover meat, you can always get your Labradoodle a prime Wagyu steak. A raw food diet consists of raw meat and organs mixed in — and raw bones. This method of feeding your dog has grown in popularity in recent years. You can prepare a raw diet at home, similar to a home-cooked meal except raw , or buy pre-prepared complete and balanced raw food, which is more convenient. While weighing up your options, you might want to consider the price of feeding a raw diet. Dehydrated Dog Food Dehydrated dog food also known as air-dried is often confused with dry dog food because it is technically dry. However, you must add water to get the food into the shape it is intended to be served. A dehydrated doggy diet is a healthy and minimally processed feeding option as it uses a low-heat and gentle drying method. It combines the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw. It is easier to store and far more portable, but it can be costly. Freeze-Dried Dog Food Freeze-dried dog food is prepared at the factory and brought into its wet form, then freeze-dried into solids that dissolve in the water. It is dehydrated at a lower temperature. Once the food is put in a sealed package, it can take years to degrade because there is no moisture for microorganisms to survive. When you buy freeze-dried dog food, it is still raw. For example, a Labrador mixed with a Standard Poodle will need far more food than a much smaller Lab mixed with a Toy Poodle. A smaller adult female needs 1. A Labradoodle puppy needs 12 — 16 ounces of food per day divided into 3 meals initially and then 2 meals at 6 months old. Labradoodles tend to control their weight pretty well. However, some dogs may be food-motivated and greedy, especially if they carry the POMC mutated gene , which is responsible for an increased appetite in Labradors. Labradoodle Feeding Schedule You should consider the energy your dog expends during the day when creating a healthy feeding schedule for them. Mini Labradoodles, for example, will burn off energy more quickly than the standard variety. However, it is advised to offer one cup of dry dog food or its equivalent and then wait eight hours before feeding another cup to avoid canine bloat. When your Labradoodle is a puppy, you must split his intake into 3 or 4 meals. Feeding your pup can be slightly complicated because of your, and not his, schedule. Labradoodle Puppy Meal Plan Puppies need feeding more often, as they need extra calories for growth and to satisfy their energy requirements. Labradoodle puppies should be fed 4 meals a day up to 3 months of age, 3 meals a day up to 6 months of age, and 2 meals a day from 6 months to adulthood. Age of Labradoodle. There is so much to decide on, starting with the quantities! The Labradoodle is a hybrid dog cross with a Labrador retriever and a poodle. But since Poodles are bred in three sizes and can weigh anywhere from 4 to 70 pounds. So you may not be sure yet how big your little Labradoodle puppy will eventually grow. Labradoodle Puppy Feeding Timeline For young puppies under 6 months old, we recommend four daily feedings spaced at equal intervals throughout the day. After this you can move to three feedings around a year old. Protein sources should occupy the first few ingredients. Organic ingredients are a plus. Avoid fillers, by-products, artificial ingredients or sweeteners. You may also want to talk with your veterinarian about starting your puppy on a grain-free diet with one of these high-quality and popular puppy foods. Added antioxidants, DHA, superfoods and probiotics nourish your growing puppy. This food is free from known allergens such as grain and corn. It also has plenty of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including DHA for overall healthy development. This food is free from artificial ingredients, fillers and preservatives. Best Wet Puppy Food for Labradoodles The best puppy food for Labradoodles will often be a dry kibble, but it can be a good idea to keep a high-quality wet puppy food on hand as well. It is more hydrating and can be more palatable too. It is a chunk stew that is completely wheat-free. So, it makes our list of best puppy food for Labradoodles. It can also be used as as a kibble topper or treat supplement with extra DHA, vitamins and minerals. Best Dog Food for Labradoodle Puppy If you are concerned about transitioning your Labradoodle puppy to adult dog food, you may find that the best puppy food for Labradoodles is one where the manufacturer also makes an adult food. This can make transitions much easier. One of these options may be the best puppy food for Labradoodle dogs at your home. Within a few weeks you should be able to tell if they would be content with changing to 2 meals per day. Some dogs will be happy with 1 meal per day from about the age of one year onwards. However this is a decision that should be made on a pup-to-pup basis. Your puppy will need to have access to plenty of fresh water. Our Labradoodles enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables. These include blueberries, apples, bananas, strawberries, pumpkin, beans, peas, and carrots. They also thoroughly enjoy eggs cooked or raw , tuna, sardines, and the occasional dollop of yoghurt. Our dogs enjoy a balanced and grain-free dog food, coupled with good quality fresh meats. If choosing to feed dry food, there are fantastic quality brands available. It is very easy to make food yourself for your dog when feeding your Labradoodle puppy. This enables you to give your dog a good variety of nutrients. You can search for recipes on the internet that would suit your dog, or ask your vet. Be aware of the additives that some pet foods may have in them. These can often have a negative effect on their long-term health. Raw bones are also fantastic for Labradoodles, including ribs and chicken necks. Ask your local butcher for a nicely cut dog bone suitable for the size of your pup. Your puppy will love a good bone to chew on, they are often obsessed with chewing anything and everything at this age! Bones are a great source of calcium, as well as acting as a fantastic tooth brush for dogs! We avoid feeding our dogs high-lactose forms of dairy, such as milk and cream, as these can cause gastrointestinal issues of varying severity. We also abstain from giving our pups lactose-free puppy milk. This is nutritionally redundant in the presence of a balanced diet. Our dogs do, however, thoroughly enjoy a treat of cheese or the occasional splash of yoghurt. Hypro Premium Australian made, ensuring freshness is a great option for your puppy. It is nutritionally balanced and high quality. Your puppy will be used to this already, having eaten it at our home. Another firm favourite is Vets All Natural, a rehydratable and biologically appropriate option that is mixed through raw meat. Labradoodles by nature are not greedy or voracious eaters, and will only eat if they are hungry. You can weigh your puppy regularly to keep a track of their growth. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onion, garlic, and all cooked bones this list is not exhaustive. Never feed your dog cooked bones as this can be fatal due to the bones splintering within the dogs intestinal system. For further questions, or for ongoing support after taking a Bluefields pup home, please contact us.
Rupert Jones Sat 10 Oct .Read more High demand and the large sums at stake have created a lucrative market for puppy smugglers, who illegally import dogs into the country, often from central and eastern Europe. Some people have been duped out of their cash completely — often by fraudsters posing as breeders and using images from legitimate puppy adverts. Others end up unknowingly buying puppies that are unhealthy and may eventually require costly veterinary treatment, or have behavioural problems. Kennel Club research has also found that almost a quarter of those who bought a puppy during the pandemic have experienced complications — from being charged more than initially agreed or the dog looking different to the one advertised, to the puppy becoming unwell once home or not having vaccination records. One bit of good news is that commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens were banned in England from 6 April this year — hopefully spelling the beginning of the end for puppy farming. On the p up — soaring puppy prices Labrador puppies. Read more However, a price check carried out by Guardian Money this week suggests that average costs for those breeds are now higher than that and have also soared for other in-demand breeds. We searched for puppies for sale under four months old across all sellers and all locations. The upfront cost depends on the breed and where you get it from. If they are advertising many litters from different breeds, this is a red flag. Fraudsters often give fake addresses, use a variety of different mobile numbers and have multiple ads online. Do consider a Kennel Club assured breeder — to find out more, go to thekennelclub. Do make sure to visit more than once, even if it is via video call because of the coronavirus restrictions. Pets4Homes has a service where a buyer can put down a deposit that is held in escrow until the buyer and seller have finalised the transaction — although sellers can choose not to use it. Do ask lots of questions and make sure you see vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract, which gives lots of information about their parents, health, diet, etc. There is lots of help and advice out there. They visited Athens in August and while they were there a friend took them to an animal rescue centre run by an organisation called Save a Greek Stray. Costs Whippets can be sensitive to cold weather. Exercising your Labrador Another thing to consider is how much exercise will your labrador do? To exercise your Labrador you will need to walk them for at least 30 minutes every day, but this changes from when they are a small dog to when they become older and slower, as is typical with a large breed. Labradors are very active and love playing, so you will also require a big yard in which you can play with your puppy! Labrador feeding guide Feeding a Labrador is essential for your puppy to grow and develop. Labradors require a high-quality diet consisting of protein, vitamins, and minerals. When feeding my labrador puppy vets recommend buying puppy kibble from the pet store because it has been made specifically for young puppies under 12 months old. You should take your dog to get regular checkups where you can check if you are feeding it the right food. What colours can a Labrador be? What colour is most popular? Labrador pups come in various colours — black the most common , yellow which includes chocolate , red and silver. Black labradors are in high demand due to their especially gentle nature around children, they are less commonly used as a show lab. Black labs are also used a lot in country pursuits. When choosing a colour you should consider what you want your dog to do. If allergy sufferers were thinking about owning a labrador retriever then a golden one could be the best option as there would only ever be minimal amounts of allergens around the home compared to other options out there. Living costs of Labaradors Labrador living costs can vary from place to place. One of the most important costs that needs considering is what you might need in order for your dog to be kept healthy and well. The cost of getting a Labrador vaccinated on time after it has been born can vary depending on where you are based as well as how much experience they have with labradors — so always ask around, do some research online or even phone up local vets! You will also be expected to pay vet fees and feed your lab good quality food. For leads and toys, anything from anywhere! Labradors live to be about years old so the cost of raising one will go up over time as they get older. Labrador size also varies! This is where the joints in their hips or elbows do not develop properly during puppyhood, which can cause pain later on. Labrador retrievers are also prone to eye problems including cataracts nuclear sclerosis of the lens , progressive retinal atrophy degeneration of retina cells and arthritis or hip problems later in life. How to purchase a Labrador There are multiple options to consider when buying Labrador puppies. Puppies cost a lot of money, but you can avoid this cost by adopting an adult Labrador from your local shelter or rescue. If you do buy a puppy, make sure to choose the right breeder and location! This will save you future heartache when purchasing a labrador. Labradors are medium-sized dogs that have been ranked as the number one most popular dog in America for over 20 years straight. They are a very friendly large dog. Are Labrador Retrievers Good Pets? Labradors are known to be a great breed of dogs, they are a large and lively breed and make a great family pet. They are very friendly and make good pets for families with children or even other animals in the house. However, there is one drawback to owning a Labrador apart from hair everywhere — their high maintenance costs! They are known as a very active breed and require lots of exercise daily, taking them out on long walks or runs every day will become an essential part of life! If you can not get this type of physical activity into your everyday routine it might be best to choose a more relaxed dog, or something a lot smaller. Do labradors bark a lot? Labradors do bark a lot, they are known as a very vocal breed of dogs and will become more so when they reach puppyhood! If you have neighbors who can hear them barking from your property this may not be the best breed for you. Can Labradors live outside? Labradors are not the best breed of dog to live outside, they are very active and need lots of exercise daily. If you do not have time every day to take them out on long walks or runs then it might be better for your puppy if they lived inside with you! Backyards may be good enough for labradors but they will need to be let out often too. A Lab dog should still spend time in a home environment but if you leave your dog outside a lot make sure he gets regular vaccinations What is a similar breed to a Labrador Retriever? If you are looking for a similar dog to a Lab Retriever then there are many similar breeds to consider! Golden Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels are all puppy breeds that can be found in many different colours like black, chocolate, or yellow. All of these dogs should have a similar temperament too so could make great family pets for you. When will my Labrador become an adult Labs become adult dogs when they are between 12 months and 18 months old. This is the time when they will start to be more independent but they still need your guidance! Training your lab Puppy When deciding to train a lab puppy you should consider puppy classes. Lab puppies make great pets for families because they love to play with children, labradors have been known to never bite or nip. Lab puppies should be taught how to interact with humans and dogs to assure they are well behaved. Conclusion In short a Labrador dog is a very popular breed of dog. They make excellent pets and loyal companions for humans, but they do come with some costs that you should be aware of before purchasing one as your next canine companion. You may want to consider pet insurance just in case the unthinkable happens and your labrador needs veterinary care or has an accident while playing outside. We break down everything you need to know before signing up for coverage in our blog post on the subject. To summarize, here are the key points we found: The most important thing to consider when looking at rates is whether or not your dog requires any specific breed-specific treatments such as hip dysplasia treatment; if so, make sure that this condition is covered by the plan you choose. Another major factor affecting pricing is where you live — some regions have higher costs of living than others which means prices may be more expensive there too. Should you get a labrador? A Labrador dog is a very popular breed of dog. How much does a Labrador cost? How do I find labrador breeders? How much should I expect to spend on vet bills for my Labrador? How much does a puppy cost from a local breeder? This is something that you will need to discuss with your preferred Labrador breeder before bringing home your new pet. Is my Labrador from a puppy farm? To spot a puppy farm is not always easy, however, there are signs to look out for that might indicate your Labradors parents were kept in puppy farm conditions. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We also shared a few tips on what to expect when buying a puppy. If you follow these tips, you can get a healthy Labrador Retriever puppy for a great price and avoid getting ripped off. Pet Keen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. ChampDogs helps you track down those dogs in your area. You can filter results by location, colours, completed health tests, and more! Gumtree puts you in contact with all the local breeders to get you the perfect puppy without having to hit the countryside. Not only are there tons of local breeders, but with Poolehall Labradors right around the corner, you can easily get a show-quality Labrador! A site like FreeAds makes use of this fact to put you in touch with local breeders. Just make sure to do your homework before forking over any cash. Not only are there are tons of Labrador Retrievers on the site, but many of them are also registered working dogs. Keep in mind that while most of that money is profit, it also goes to cover initial shots, health check-ups, and other necessary things to keep the puppies happy and healthy. Before you buy a puppy, ask the breeder the following questions. References: Before purchasing a dog from a breeder, get and check their references. Ideally, you want to reach out to customers whom the breeder might not be listing. Registration status: This one comes down to the pedigree of the dog. Keep in mind that you need the official registration status for your puppy, not just the parents. Is there a health guarantee? Do get a guarantee of health for at least a few months. Can you meet the parents? First, you should see the genetic lineage that your puppy is coming from. Where are the puppies raised? They Have Tons of Energy Before you bring home a Labrador Retriever , you need to ensure that you have plenty of space for them to roam and exercise. But big dogs also eat tons of food. Full-grown Labrador Retrievers can eat 4. They Are Extremely Smart and Trainable If you want a dog that you can train to do about a million tasks, a Labrador Retriever is a great choice. If you have kids and want a dog, a Labrador Retriever is ideal. There are tons of breeders out there, and the result is tons of Labrador Retrievers that you can purchase! You may also want to read:. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:.
They are small, affectionate, and easy to train. We have a wide selection of Frenchies for sale, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect one for your lifestyle. Stop by Citipups today and take home your new best friend! French Bulldogs are relatively easy to train and make good watchdogs. They need moderate exercise and do well in small spaces, making them ideal for city living. French Bulldogs are a popular breed and make great family pets. We also offer financing options to make it easier for you to take home your new furry friend. Stop by our store today and find the perfect French Bulldog for your family! Animal shelters sometimes have French Bulldogs available for adoption, and many breeders offer discounts on puppies that are not show quality. You can also check online classifieds websites like Craigslist or eBay for French Bulldog puppies for sale. If you're looking for a Frenchie, be sure to do your research first. French Bulldogs are a popular breed, but they're not right for everyone. Make sure you know what to expect before you bring one home. Citipups is the best place to find Frenchies for sale in NYC. We have a wide selection of Frenchies for sale, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect one for your family. Stop by our store today and take home your new best friend. Some of the best places to find French Bulldog puppies for sale are: Citipups. Please visit the puppy page for details! All of our dogs are raised in our home with the utmost love and compassion. Our pets are family first. Our goal is to continue improving the breed while offering others the opportunity to experience the outgoing personalities of these wonderful animals. Why Why Many people purchase a puppy based on impulse or convenience rather than making a thoughtful investment. All of our puppies are certified by the American Kennel Club ensuring that they are purebred, rather than mixed breed dogs you may find elsewhere. Using the same lineage through the AKC with our own program also helps to limit the potential outside problems concerning health, structure, temperament, and everything else we strive to perfect in the breed. We health test all of our dogs and also provide a health guarantee with puppies as any reputable breeder should. As a puppy owner hopefully you will invest the same time and effort that we put into our puppies. We are very particular about producing quality pups that keep to the standard. As are we particular about who we sell our puppies to. Unlike some breeders that build their reputation by continuously producing puppies all year long, we focus on one litter at a time. Unfortunately, there are some who choose to produce puppies purely out of greed rather than enjoyment. There is no way a breeder can give the same love and attention to all of their puppies if they are having multiple litters at once, and clearly have no interest into where their puppies end up. Hopefully this has given you a little more insight into who we are. Please continue reading more about us and what we offer on our info section. Training French Bulldogs can be stubborn, but on the positive side also people pleasers, and therefore not too difficult to train. Early socialization is key, and we do our best to make that happen. After the dog is in your care enrolling in a puppy class would be beneficial. Don't forget to bring snacks - they are very food motivated. Ethical Frenchie Blog French Bulldog blog for new puppy owners. Tips and tricks on care. Home made treat recipes and more. .Adopters Saying Got a puppy from Ethical Frenchie in .My baby is super happy, healthy and no breed related issues so far. Great quality French Bulldogs for sure! We felt very comfortable working with them as such experienced breeders. It was obvious that they care very much about each puppy that is placed and follow up. We are happy to be part of the Ethical Frenchie Family! We absolutely adore our Sweet Violette! They are professional, kind, accommodating and answered all of my questions confidently without hesitation. We still keep in touch and they check on our little boy constantly. Highly recommend. Olivia Patterson Food. Be caring and responsible. Research the breed and make sure you are ready to commit before exploring French Bulldog puppies for sale. Check out to see what we recommend. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in New York work? Many factors contribute to the prices of French Bulldog puppies in NYC including color, coat, and pedigree. Prices typically vary from breeder to breeder, with the most experienced businesses charging higher. Searching for your Frenchie through the Uptown network allows you to find the best puppy in your area that fits your price range. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs were first bred in the s and were designed to be smaller versions of the English Bulldog. They were meant to be lapdogs and were well-loved by socialites of the time. To this day, Frenchies have maintained their reputation of being wonderful pets and are adored by small and big families everywhere. The short answer is that French Bulldogs are difficult to breed. Their narrow hips make both getting pregnant and giving birth a challenge. Frenchies are artificially inseminated to get pregnant and later, they have to undergo C-section to deliver the pups. No, you are welcome to search the entire Uptown network for your dream Frenchie! This means you can search all 48 states Alaska and Hawaii excluded to find your best match. Most breeders are knowledgeable in transporting puppies safely across state lines so you can pick up your new family member in a major airport near you. Once approved, the breeders are required to take a legally-binding pledge to uphold high breeding standards and quality canine healthcare. Our mission is to help loving families and breeders who truly love dogs connect so that puppies can go to happy homes. We make your search for a healthy Frenchie puppy easy and simple by making sure that everyone that you meet through our network is an ethical dog breeder. Uptown Puppies would never allow a puppy mill to join our network. Puppy mills only care about making money. These horrible places produce litter after litter of puppies at the lowest cost possible meaning that they eschew proper healthcare for the dogs. French Bulldogs from puppy mills in NYC are often sickly or have developed behavioral issues that are very expensive to treat later on. Uptown Puppies makes finding healthy and happy Frenchies easy and hassle-free.
Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. We uphold a strong belief that German Shepherds are the most versatile breed of dogs. As one of the highest quality German Shepherd kennels in Michigan , our standards for breeding are essential for maintaining the superiority of our bloodlines, which are a result of careful consideration and research. Each Vom Dinaburg German Shepherd puppy receives the love and tenderness of a family home, with the socialization needed for superior attitude, perfection in temperament, ease of trainability, and a stellar personality. This combined with their large bone, incredible black and red color, beautiful structure and breed type makes them the highest quality of German Shepherd. We believe these components are essential for dogs — whether owned as family companions, or used in more complex training. Our dogs often used for military or police training, Search and Rescue, Guide dogs, or Therapy dogs, or devoted and affectionate family pets. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds are excellent companions. Our dogs are bred with SV standards as one of the most important criteria. When you own a Vom Dinaburg shepherd, you have one of the highest bloodlines in the United States. Vom Dinaburg Shepherds are able to complement their owners; they enjoy recreation, sports, and are constantly striving to further develop their skills for shows, protection, or Schutzhund competitions. Our puppies come from established bloodlines with a long history of positive people pleasing personalities, making them an essential aspect of any home. A Vom Dinaburg shepherd will quickly assume a primary spot in your home and in your heart. We provide dog training up to your specifications and needs. Private lessons are available in your house or in ours. We help with solving any behavioral problems in any breed of dogs. Our training methods are based mostly on positive reinforcement. Good handling in the show ring is very important and may result in a much higher placing of your German Shepherd Dog. Show handeling and conditioning are available upon request by experienced handlers. Helping with showing in the breed surveys. We offer world-class imported German Shepherd puppies for sale Please feel free to call us with any questions you might have regarding purchasing new pup or a young adult, Stud Service, and Dog Training. Please visit soon, as we have new information updates frequently. German Shepherds for sale in Michigan Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Michigan with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Michigan. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Michigan There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Michigan, from Detroit to Flint, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in MI that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MI! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MI We like to think we've made a lot of people in Michigan happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She answered almost all our questions before bringing him home. She gave us guidance with how to raise the puppy correctly. We are looking forward to the training that comes with all of her puppies as well! Cindy loves all her dogs and truly cares for the families she works with. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Our German Shepherd Kennels are located in Southwest Michigan and we offer to ship nationwide, and delivery services. We created this German Shepherd Kennel for the serious German Shepherd enthusiast who is committed to maintaining these world-class pedigrees, and working heritage set forth over a century ago carried on through the Verein Fur Deutche Schaeferhunde Club. Our commitment is only matched by our love for the breed and its extraordinary capabilities. In Germany, Purebred German Shepherd Breeders would be required to show their dogs at the German Sieger Shows to obtain breeding titles, which would continue to improve the breed. VA4 Taifun vom St. DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. There has only been a few stud dogs in the history of the breed that have ever produced a vise world sieger and Uran is one of them. Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd Breeder that is a personalized kennel and dedicated to improving the breed, located at th Ave Dorr, Michigan , located in Grand Rapids Michigan area. When buying a puppy it is a good ideal to visit the kennel. You should be able to interact with their dogs, especially the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering. This is the only way to check the temperament of their breeding dogs. By visiting the kennel you can inspect the cleanliness of the facility, and how the puppies are being taken care of. You can interact with the puppies and also, check the temperament of the puppies themselves and over all health. By visiting the kennel you will also be able to see the over all looks and structure of the breeding dogs. By doing these things this would help improve the German Shepherd Breed itself. It would make it difficult to breed and sell inferior puppies, which would help keep the breed from deteriorating. When my wife and I decided to make being German Shepherd Dog Breeders our full-time career we decided to put together a German Shepherd Kennel that is dedicated to breeding the best Imported German Shepherds. This way, we could offer this beautiful, outstanding tempered dog to the public. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan cost? Puppy prices will depend on pedigree, breeder experience, coat color black German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan , type, and more. Luckily, there are tons of German Shepherd puppies available in our network, meaning finding your perfect puppy is easy. Will I be connected with local German Shepherd puppies for sale Michigan only? How can I be sure my puppy is ethically raised by German Shepherd breeders in Michigan? We know better than anyone just how tough it is to find an ethical, humane breeder—and how important it is when you want to find a happy, healthy puppy. Uptown is serious about screening and vetting our breeder business partners, and ethical breeding is one of our top priorities. Just take a look at our Breeder Pledge for more info. Uptown Puppies is not a breeder. Can I meet my dog first? Unlike puppy mills, partners in our network are proud of their pups and love to make connections with new families. Do you have German Shepherd puppies MI now? As our breeder partner network continues to grow, odds are great that your dream dog is already here waiting for you. To get started on your search, all you have to do is begin your MatchMaker process below. MatchMake is super simple, but also really powerful. Because of our tough vetting system, binding Breeder Pledge, and powerful MatchMaker process, we can help families avoid the bad breeders and skip straight to the good part—finding the ultimate pup.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. To keep up with all these changes, your puppy will require a healthy diet. It can mean the difference between a happy, active, and healthy puppy and a sickly, moody puppy with a slow growth rate. When choosing food for your puppy, ensure that it contains the main ingredients: fats, proteins, and digestible carbohydrates. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Puppies need protein for building up their body tissue and for healthy skin and coat. You should always look for high-quality proteins from an animal source e. Fish oil, beef fat, chicken fat and eggs are all great sources of fats. These nutrients can be found in sweet potatoes, whole oats, white rice, and potatoes, among other starchy foods. However, be sure to limit the intake of calcium. Too much of it has been found to cause hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs. A German Shepherd puppy should consume between calories per 10 pounds of body weight according to the Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science Committee. This, however, also depends on their overall health conditions and activity level. You may need to feed them more or less to support their optimal growth. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. The amount of calories a dog consumes is often determined by their age, present health, and the amount of exercise they receive. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Doodles are her love and she has more than goldendoodles placed in homes throughtout the United States from Sophie's Goldendoodles. In , she began to feel frustrated with the number of Goldendoodle breeders in Idaho that didn't know what they were doing. They would make claims that weren't true and let puppies go to their homes when they were too young, not checked by a vet, or sick. Breeding wasn't restricted to a credible goldendoodle registry. She started researching ways to make the breed better and ran across a miniature Australian Labradoodle at a park in Boise, Idaho. She was thrilled to see the requirements to register the Australian Labradoodle and the gentle nature of the breed. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma friendly with the temperament of a service dog. The journey was inspired by a vision impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a Guide Dog which wouldn't aggravate her husband's allergies. For years, Cyndi has refused to breed labradoodles because the Lab is a working dog. The distinction is the Australian labradoodle has a service dog temperament which is fantastic for families. Labradoodles are a combination of Poodle and Labrador Retrievers. Labradoodles are very smart and loving! They have great temperaments, eager to please their families, typically easy to train and they are very loyal! These great quantities make for excellent service dogs. The puppies get these great quantities from both their parents of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. If you desire a dog that is family-friendly, medium energy, has unconditional love for you or your kiddos, comfortable inside or outside, loves the water and the land, full of adventures then you should definitely consider a Labradoodle! Fill out our Puppy Application if you are interested in one of our litters! As we have a good idea of coat, color and size when we pair parents, we can't guarantee these. Same as humans, genetics are made up of so many generations. You never know when a grandparent gene will show up!! They will need to be brushed regularly and groomed when necessary! Our F1 Labradoodles are typically low maintenance! Our solid color puppies will sometimes have a white patch on their chest! This typically comes from the poodle genes! Micro Mini: Up to 25lbs we do not currently breed this size, but this is a future goal!! Mini: lbs. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Boise Idaho and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.
Pugs are purebred dogs that were originally lap dogs. This is a highly sensitive breed that does not adapt well to being alone for long periods. However, they are adaptable to apartment living given their compact size inches and pounds. Pugs are a good choice for novice pet owners as they are loving and easygoing. They are affectionate with family members, kid-friendly, and get along well with other dogs in the household. In terms of grooming, Pugs shed a lot but they are quite easy to groom. Pugs are not the most intelligent canines but they can be trained to comply with requests using reward games. If you are an individual or family interested in Pug puppies in Tennessee, you should know this breed has moderate exercise needs and energy levels. But Pugs are an extremely playful breed, which makes them the ideal pets for Tennessee families with kids. All in all, Pugs are the ideal companions with their lovable flat faces, deep wrinkles, big, dark eyes, and comical expressions. Puppy Hero pre-screens all breeders, so you can bring an adorable Pug puppy home with peace of mind. Thank you for considering rescue. Before we begin, please know that the majority of our adoptable animals never make it to our website as our adoption coordinators are working behind the scenes with our approved adopters. Therefore, the website does not reflect ALL the animals we have in our care that are available for adoption. Please understand that if you do select a specific dog, your application may not be the only one received for that pup but again, our adoption coordinator will work to find the best pup for you. Our placement process is very fluid and availability can change quickly. After you submit your application, you will hear back within 72 hours from a member of our adoption team. We are a volunteer-based organization and appreciate your patience. In the interim, do not fret, applications are processed in the order they are received. You have not lost your place in the queue. If multiple applications were submitted for the same dog or puppy, the first application in is the first application to be considered for that pup. When you adopt you save 2 lives! We look forward to welcoming you into the Sweet Paws Rescue family. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood.
Hiding treats for your dog to find. Obedience training Grooming The White German Shepherd is a heavy-shedding dog with a double white coat and requires regular brushing. Ideally, a White Shepherd should be groomed every other day, possibly daily, during the peak shedding season. Male vs. Female While for many animal species, the female is larger, with the German Shepherd, it is the males that are larger. While German Shepherds are all loyal and loving family dogs, it is often noted that females are more docile than males. This makes a female Shepherd a better choice for homes with young children. A female White Shepherd reaches sexual maturity at two years of age and has a litter of between five to ten puppies. They have an intelligent and fearless personality and are eager to learn and please. These traits make them wonderful family pets. A determined personality also makes shepherds adept at being working dogs. The White German Shepherd is a loyal and loving dog that quickly forms an unshakable bond with its family and is fiercely protective of them. It is vital for all dog owners to understand that training is important. Any German Shepherd breed needs to be trained and socialized correctly. Failing to do so leads to problems with jealousy and distrust of strangers. White German Shepherd Health and Care All dogs come with their own potential health problems and care requirements. For the White German Shepherd, there are several critical quality-of-life considerations to make. While both White and regular German Shepherds suffer from a lot of the same health issues, there are some with a higher prevalence in white breeds. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues faced by White German Shepherd dogs. Caused by a misformation of the hip joint, dysplasia is a painful condition resulting from bone-on-bone grinding. While it can be seen in White German Shepherd puppies as young as four months, it is more common in older dogs. It can be treated with the help of CBD Oil for hip dysplasia. Sadly, this painful condition is very prominent in German shepherds. This is largely due to their combined size and energy levels. Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition that cannot be cured. In the White GSD, arthritis is more common in their hind legs than in their front. Gastric Bloat Gastric bloat is the common name for a serious medical complaint known as gastric dilatation volvulus GDV. Bloat commonly occurs in larger dogs, particularly German Shepherd breeds. There is no time to waste with this condition. If a dog is showing signs of bloat, they need immediate medical attention, as it could quickly become fatal. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy CDM Canine degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease that affects the spinal column. German Shepherds are one of the most commonly affected breeds. The result of CDM is commonly rear-leg paralysis. Middle-aged dogs between 4 and 14 years are more likely to be diagnosed with CDM. Pay attention to any limping or signs of motion impingement. Other Diseases Deafness is another disease that is more common for the White German Shepherd than other breeds. As a general rule, deafness is a common health concern for white-coated dogs and other animals. Some of the core allergies that affect this breed are related to chicken, wheat, and dairy. Dental decay is also a serious problem that is frequently observed in German Shepherds. More so with them than many other breeds. Using dental chews in combination with a healthy diet is a great way to promote healthy teeth and gums. They love to be challenged, while their loyalty sees them eager to please. While Shepherds make great pets, it is important to train them from a young age. Below are five training tips for White German Shepherds. Be consistent: White and other German Shepherds all respond better to training when there is consistency to things. Everything from your manner to the commands you use needs to be consistent from one training session to another. Layer your training in easy-to-iterate steps. Master one of two commands before introducing something else. Be a leader: It is important to remember that dogs are looking for you to be a leader and not a dominator. You must be prepared to take charge rather than use aggression as a training tactic. Communicate properly: Dogs do not communicate the same way humans do. It is important to understand the right way to communicate with your White Shepherd. Short and clear commands yield the best results. Also, avoid using similar-sounding commands, as these are likely to confuse your dog. Practice positive reinforcement: Never punish a dog for not doing well in training or for struggling to recognize a command. Instead, positive reinforcement is the recommended training practice. Reward your furry friend for every good deed. However, the exact costs will vary depending on where you are and the size of the litter. The price also relates to buying White Shepherd puppies from a recognized breeder and not from a puppy farm or through shelter adoption. White German Shepherds are different from other German Shepherd dogs in so far as they have a white coat rather than the traditional tan and brown. However, genetically, there is no difference between White Shepherds and other shepherds. The difference between them is that the White German Shepherd carries a recessive white gene that changes its fur color. This is the same way some humans are born with blond hair. Conclusion The White German Shepherd is the rare form of one of the most easily recognized dogs in the world. Wonderful family dogs. German Shepherds love to be part of the family. They struggle when home alone for long periods. Luckily, this breed is very good with children. The same as any other dog, White Shepherds need to be trained. Exercise is also crucial for this breed, as they can become destructive if they do not get enough physical and mental stimulation. If you work from home or have a family member at home a lot of the day, then a White German Shepherd is an ideal dog. Just make sure ahead of time that you understand the amount of work it takes to train a shepherd puppy from a young age. Whether you are a new or experienced dog owner, the White Shepherd is a great choice for your house. All dogs need love and affection, but the hyper-intelligent German Shepherd needs more than most in order for them to truly feel settled in their home. Luckily, the effort you put in is returned multiple folds in the affection your dog shows. Related Guide:. Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.
black german shepherd puppies for sale az - Check out our other picks for best quality and value wire dog crates. Wire dog crates are possibly the most used, the most commonly seen and generally speaking what people think of when you mention a dog crate. They come with a single door as standard, but some models have multiple doors side and roof for greater access. Advantages of Wire Crates: Very easy to keep clean. Allows the greatest airflow of all crate styles which is particularly nice in hotter climates. Many models fold flat for portability. Can come with divider panels for adjusting the crate size to suit a growing puppy. Most models have a slide out tray for ease of cleaning. Disadvantages of Wire Crates For some dogs, instead of comforting them being able to look around and see the family, the visibility can cause whining and stress. Some dogs are best covered over…but you can of course cover a wire crate. Can feel exposed, offering little shelter in colder climates. They may be collapsible for portability, but they can also be quite heavy! The noisiest of crates when dogs move around a lot. The easiest of crates to escape from for determined and intelligent dogs. Plastic Dog Crates Check out our picks of the best plastic travel crates. Plastic dog crates are the most often used for travel, particularly air travel. Advantages of Plastic Crates Lighter and hence more portable than wire, metal ones. Bottom of crate can sometimes be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted. More sheltered, offering better insulation in colder climates Better for those that whine and cry if they can see activity and want to be a part of it. Less visibility better for easily distracted dogs and a greater feeling of security for a dog. More difficult than most wire crates for escape artists to get out of. Disadvantages of Plastic Crates Enclosed nature can stress some dogs who prefer visibility of their surroundings cure this with crate training! Harder to clean and therefore harder to keep fresh, and plastic can hold odors over time that become hard to eliminate. Cannot fold flat so need more storage space than wire crates. Reduced ventilation can cause overheating in places with a hot climate. Not very attractive, although people have different tastes. Way more practical for travelling types too, as can be folded flat and and weigh next to nothing, making them a highly portable option. Advantages of Soft-Sided Crates Extremely light and portable, most coming with a carry bag. Extremely easy to store when not being used and folded. Soft and flexible, they are more comfortable for the dog inside compared to most crates Great to use when out camping due to being extremely easy to put up and take down. Disadvantages of Soft-Sided Crates Not the most durable and long-lasting. Destructive dogs can literally claw and chew their way out, destroying the crate in the process. Some dogs can learn how to unzip and open the doors. Stylish Dog Crates Check out our list of of high quality, stylish, wooden furniture style crates. There are many styles of crate to suit those people who simply cannot stand the look of a wire or plastic one in their home, or are looking for something a little more stylish. There are crates made from rattan or a variety of finished wood crates available. Advantages of Wooden Crates Can more easily fit into the look of a home and its decor. Can double up as a shelf or end table to offer a usable surface. Huge number of styles available. Disadvantages of Wooden Crates Not good for destructive dogs who can really damage wooden crates. Not good for the house training process as any accidents will leave stains, possibly hard to remove odors and be hard to clean thoroughly. Expensive when compared to the others! In my opinion, until your dog is house trained and completely over their destructive chewing stage, the most practical crate is without doubt a collapsible wire type dog crate. You can see our pick of the best collapsible wire crates available by clicking here. Compared to other styles, a wire crate is by far the easiest to clean if there are any accidents, are highly durable and is the only one that cannot be damaged by the scratching and chewing of a destructive dog…and many Labradors love to scratch and chew! Recommended Crates By Us! With so many crates available to choose from, making the right choice is no easy task. These are the most popular crates with the highest feedback and most satisfied customers you can find. Quality and value proven by the feedback from many, many previous buyers: My Top Recommendation For US Readers: Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate This is — in my opinion — the best value for money crate available and with extremely good customer feedback to be found all over the web, many would agree. With a divider included free of charge, this single crate bought for a new puppy can be resized to provide increasing room and still fit them as an adult. This is one crate you should definitely shortlist and compare to any others you may be considering. They have a huge amount of extremely good customer feedback and receive high ratings from previous buyers everywhere they are for sale on the web. It would be extremely hard to better value in the UK for the money, so is definitely one to consider! But if you have a puppy, buy a crate for the size of adult dog they will grow to become and use a divider to reduce the size of this larger crate to suit them. For Labrador Retrievers this will be a 36 or inch crate. A stainless steel wire crate is the most practical and best value choice for a number of reasons as detailed above. But for transporting in a car or by air, a plastic crate would be the best choice. If you can afford to, I would suggest a permanent metal wire one for the home and a plastic one for travel. For those that would like to preserve an overall look to their house there are many stylish finished wood crates available and I think these can really look good in some houses. More information: This was part 4 in an 8-part series that details everything you need to know about the use of a crate and crate training your puppy. The information applies equally well to dogs of all breeds and not just Labradors. The Entire series is linked to here:. However, Labradors require care just like any other breed and purchasing a quality dog crate can be an important factor to consider. As a general rule of thumb, your Labrador should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. There are many materials that could be used to build a dog crate but some are more durable. However, for Labrador owners who like to travel and take their Lab to AirBnBs or hotels, a collapsible dog crate could be a better option because of the flexibility it provides. Investing in a high-quality crate ensures that your Lab will remain a safe and comfortable haven. A well-constructed crate not only keeps your Labrador safe but provides peace of mind when you have to go out and leave your Lab at home in their crate. Even if you opt for a stationary or high anxiety crate, they should be easy to move around. These quality dog crates tend to have a thoughtful design that makes life easy for a Labrador owner. Most premium dog crate companies will offer a guarantee to give you extra protection. We carefully considered their experience with the dog crates and weighed up their feedback. The Collapsible crate has military grade handles to make it straightforward to carry when collapsed. The Collapsible crate is made from quality materials Impact have a reputation for building crates that will last a long time! The Revol has proven a popular dog crate thanks to the ergonomic design and ease of use. Created by Diggs, the Revol is simple to operate. Diggs have considered portability by including a handle and wheels to allow Lab owners to move the crate around the home or wheel it to the car. It has a single-piece metal frame and a diamond-shaped wire mesh design. It looks more like your traditional dog crate but uses premium materials in a clever design. We can offer helloBARK! It uses reinforced aluminum to withstand energetic Labradors who might like to move around in the crate. The Stationary crate has diamond-shaped ventilation holes to allow for airflow and prevent your Lab from sinking their teeth into the crate. The Stationary crate is popular with dog owners who require a crate for air travel. This is an indestructible dog crate designed to meet the needs of dog owners who struggle with separation anxiety. It has a sophisticated locking system with four butterfly latches adding an extra layer of security when combined with the quality zinc steel paddle latch. It has small rounded holes to allow for air flow but prevent your Labrador from sticking their snout or teeth through the holes. Impact offer a year dog damage guarantee with the High Anxiety crate — if your dog damages the crate, you can get a replacement. Their G3 framed door kennel could be a good option if you need a dog crate that can be used to keep your Labrador safe at home or on the road. It has a thoughtful design with 20 ventilation holes on either side to provide adequate ventilation. Where To Buy: www. It can do an adequate job for Labrador owners who want to invest in a starter crate before perhaps opting for a more premium option once your Lab is fully grown. It lacks some of the innovative design of the other dog crates in this article but it can still do a decent job. It has wheels to make it portable — too. Buy Now from www. We began researching this best dog crates for Labradors article by checking out what experienced Lab owners had to say online about the best options for the breed. We use these dog crates in our day-to-day lives with our canine companions and understand the positives and negatives associated with the different type of dog crates. We also checked out some recommendations made on social media sites such as Reddit, helping us to understand some of the pros and cons of the dog crates. Although we very much hope that this guide on dog crates for Labradors has been useful, we do recommend doing some of your own research. Anything Else To Consider? Their website explains how the guarantee works: Any manufactured defects are covered for the lifetime of the crate on all hardware and craftsmanship. The Lifetime Guarantee does not include normal wear and tear when using the crate and does not include dog damage. Like we mentioned earlier in the feature, the High Anxiety Crate has a year dog damage guarantee. Impact write : If your dog damages a part of the crate causing a malfunction or compromising the safety of your dog and the crate, those parts will be replaced for free. Free replacement parts, or even crate replacement, is provided within this 10 year timespan. If this happens, please contact us immediately, so we can provide you with replacement parts or a brand new crate. Diggs, on the other hand, only offer a one-year guarantee. The crate comes with a divider panel that can be put into place to create a small, safe place for your puppy to hang out. As your puppy grows and needs more room, the divider can be moved and taken out to expand the size of the crate. This dog crate features double door action too. Use the sliding side door in tight spaces or the hinged front door in larger spaces and for training purposes. Pros Designed to grow with your puppy Includes a leak-proof floor for easy cleanup Quickly folds flat for convenient storage Cons The front-hinged door can be awkward to handle 2. It even has nifty handles so you can carry it with one hand! It features two double-latching doors that will keep your Labrador pup safely secured. This crate also comes with a removable plastic pan, but it should be handled with care to avoid cracking or breaking. But it is easy to wipe clean between uses. Merry Products 2-in-1 Furniture Crate — Premium Choice Check Price on Amazon Merry Products 2-in-1 furniture style dog crate is our premium choice because it looks more like furniture than a crate. You can set it up in the corner of any room in your house, and it will look like it belongs there. Even though this thing converts between a crate and a gate, no tools or hardware are required for setup. The wooden finish requires more care than metal crate options. It features a soft-sided design that is lightweight and easy to carry around, so it can go with you to the park, the beach, and even the campsite. It can be used inside of the car to keep your dog from roaming freely while you drive. It can also be set up inside like any other hard-sided dog crate. The crate features three zippered doors that can be rolled up to create a comfortable shaded space that your pooch can freely go in and out of. The doors can also be zipped up and clipped to keep your dog secured inside the crate when necessary. The steel frame ensures stability and longevity that you can rely on for years to come. Pros Lightweight build for convenient travel Can be used in the house, in the car, or anywhere outside Features three doors that fold open and zip shut Cons Destructive dogs might be able to bite their way out of the crate 5. This crate is strong enough to put things like dog blankets and toys on top of it. It easily collapses flat, so it can be stored in a closet, under the bed, or behind the couch. The ecoFLEX dog crate pulls double duty by keeping your pooch contained while serving as an end or side table. It has a luxurious wooden design that can be painted to match the color scheme in your home. This crate features a built-in tabletop that can accommodate flowers, coffee cups, and other knick-knacks that you may want to display inside your home. It features soft mesh side panels that are completely breathable, so your Lab will never get too hot or uncomfortable. It has front, side, and top entry doors to take advantage of! Our list of reviews should help make the job easier. But there are a few tips and tricks that we can offer to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable and effective. Your pup should have plenty of room to stand, turn, and lay down in their new crate. So, make sure that the crate you buy is a couple of inches longer and taller than your Lab is. But what if you decide to take your dog camping or you choose to move at some point in the future? These needs should be considered when choosing a new dog crate for your pooch to enjoy. Make a list of all the activities that you foresee yourself doing with your doggy in the coming months. Then, record what dog crate features would come in handy during those experiences. Conclusion: The Best Dog Crate for Your Lab We believe that every dog crate that won a spot on our reviews list deserves consideration. But if you want to focus on only one option for now, check out our number-one pick: the Midwest Ovation Trainer dog crate. Whatever dog crate you choose from our reviews list, you can rest assured that your pooch will be safe and comfortable while contained. What dog crate features do you think are the most important for Labrador Retrievers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. See also:. Material This is a polyester product, which is great for moving Labrador puppies. In theory, you can use this crate even as a dog home as long as your puppy is young, but that would make it harder for your Labrador to accept a metal crate later on. The harder potions of this crate are made of PVC, which is sturdier than polyester but is a nightmare to clean. Other Features While the product will last a much shorter while than its metal counterparts, it does present its own advantages. The key features include the breathability of polyester, lack of stimuli, and a fleece pet bed. It is pretty easy to carry and comes with a strap to help manage this. Convenience With this product, the convenience is dictated entirely by how well-trained your dog is. This travel crate defies that principle and presents a spacious way of housing your Labrador on your travels. Material This crate incorporates both metal and plastic, which is great for travel but inconvenient for home use. Opaque plastic on the side reduces this stimulation, while the metal wire window keeps your dog from feeling claustrophobic. The crate dimensions stand at 48 inches x 32 inches x 35 inches, comparable and even more spacious than many metal options. Instead, you should compare it to other portable options. The plastic sides are better than polyester panels commonly used in travel crates. The metal wire window alongside the ventilation holes at the back allows air to circulate properly. It features metal bars and a wooden roof, panels, and flooring. Material The product features wood which can be a concerning aspect because of the rivalry between dogs and wooden posts. However, this is plastic wood and is not as scratchable. According to the manufacturer, the wood is non-toxic and recycled. The stainless steel bars are obviously strong enough to make sure the crate boundaries are actual boundaries and not suggestions like they are with travel crates. Size The crate is .With a .Other Features The only prominent feature is the style and aesthetic appeal of this crate. While most crates look like jailhouses, this one looks like a luxurious house arrest destination. It comes in black, white, grey, espresso, and russet colors, of which I only knew three. Espresso is a fancy way of saying brownish-grey and russet, reddish-brown. This variety allows you to pick the crate that complements your furniture. Convenience Despite looking like a complicated piece of carpentry, the crate is easy to assemble and requires no tools. It also doubles as furniture making it more convenient for you to make room for the crate, especially if you live in a studio apartment. All in all, I love the look of this crate and the great choice of colors which will fit any decor. You can also use it as an effective time-out during training. Material The playpen is made of materials not disclosed by manufacturers, but I can convey it best by describing the feel. The exterior of this water-proof playpen feels like canvas, while the bottom feels like the outside of a tent. The material is sturdy but is no match to plastic or metal. Size This is one of the most spacious items on this post because it serves a different purpose. It is not meant to be the sleeping place of a dog or a traveling carry-case. It gives an inspiring environment for your Labrador and spans 61 inches in length and breadth across its octagonal shape and 30 inches in height. Other Features and Convenience The product comes with a carry mechanism that makes it look like a large laptop bag and features outer pockets and even a water bottle holder. Best Metal Playpen MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Playpen Click HERE to check the latest price on Amazon This product brings together the spaciousness of the previous option with the sturdiness of the first item in this post, making the perfect environment for your Labrador to relax or play within a relatively confined space. I love this idea as it gives your Lab loads more room whilst keeping him in a safe environment and allowing a positive experience. Material This playpen features metal wire panels and has an open top and bottom. In other words, the flooring could be grass or carpet, depending on the place where you assemble the playpen. Size Each panel is 24 inches wide, and there are eight panels. You can determine the width of the playpen by assembling the panels closely or even attaching extra panels. Convenience The most convenient thing about this playpen is that it takes your hands off of babysitting your dog. This also is the thing you must be most concerned about because leaving your Lab in his playpen for extended periods might make it easier for you to slack off on your responsibility to socialize with your best friend, take him out on walks, and play with him. Labradors need a inch-size crate, so their size is well-accommodated in it. The crate should also be 27 inches tall at minimum, so the dog can safely stand without hitting his head and 28 inches wide so that he can move around, lie on his side, and comfortably stretch out his paws. The best crate size for a Labrador puppy is 42 inches. A wire crate with a divider is perfect as you can start your pup off in a small enough space by setting the divider a few inches away from his full length and continue to adjust as the dog grows. This also speeds up potty training. Which Crate Should I Pick? Labradors are very social and strong enough to rip apart delicate boundaries that cordon them off from their favorite pastime: playing with people. Related Posts You May Like:. From potty training to behavioral training , a new dog owner has a ton of responsibilities—sometimes more than they can keep up with. Crate training benefits both you and your dog in significant ways. There are more dog crates for sale than you can count, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the top benefits of crate training your lab: Benefit 1. Dog Crates are Cozy and Relaxing Labs love their crate because they offer a safe place to rest, relax, and sleep. Image Source Some labs feel so attached to their crates, they may choose to eat their food inside or halfway in and out. For you, this can also reduce the stress of dealing with anxious dogs. Benefit 2. So here is one of the best training tips: crate your lab puppies to help them become house trained. A crate can help a puppy remain within a smaller area. Benefit 3. Essentially, having labs feel comfortable in their crate gives you options when it comes to transportation, house training, calming a stressed dog, and so much more. Buy an Adult Crate and Section It Off Crate size is really important because adult labs need to be able to get into the crate and turn around. There should be enough space for them to do this, but no more. This is also why a divider can give labs the right fit and adapt to their growth. Besides these tips, all you need to figure out is the size of your lab. Your lab might be taller when sitting upright than he is standing on all fours, so have your dog sit on its behind and look up towards you. Four Types of the Best Dog Crates In addition to different dog crate sizes, you can choose different builds that might suit your lab depending on their age and rambunctious nature. Image Source Type 1. Wire Crate Wire dog crates are the most popular type of dog crate and their construction makes them quite durable. The wire design allows for air to circulate around your pet, which can help cut down on odors. They also allow for handy slide-bolt latches that let you quickly open and close the crate while keeping it secured. Wire dog crates are best for a puppy that is extremely active. The wire construction allows your dog to look out of the crate and see what is going on around him. This is best for dogs that like to be able to see what is going on. Type 2. Plastic Crate The main advantage of plastic dog crates is the fact that they are lighter than metal wire ones. This makes them very portable and easy to move around. You can move them from one part of the house to another depending on where you want the dog to sleep. Plastic crates are often made of high-quality polyurethane, which makes them easy to clean and sanitize. This usually means buying plastic products with a carry handle. Many plastic dog crates have a divider panel, which can be taken out to enlarge the crate and create more room for a growing pup or adult dog. One of the advantages of using plastic dog crates is that they can be used for several different purposes. For example, the bottom of the crate can be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted. Type 3. Type 4. Wooden Dog Crate Wooden crates are a great way to get the functionality of a metal crate, but with the luxury appeal of nice wooden furniture. Of course, this is also a much more eco-friendly material than metal. Wood is porous and absorbs urine which means that if your dog has an accident while in the crate, the pee will soak into the wood and leave a stain. You also need to factor in the amount of space in your home and how well you can travel with your crate. Each type of crate comes with its pros and cons. Buying the right size crate is only one of many steps in responsible labrador ownership , so make sure to check out our other training tips for raising a labrador puppy to give your new best friend a long, healthy, content, and happy life. Share on. Playpens and baby gates The right crate for you will not necessarily be the same as it is for me. Dog Crate Sizes Picking the right dog crate size is very important. An appropriately sized crate should have room for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. He should be able to stretch out and relax, and lay down on his side if this is his preferred sleeping position. However, it should not be much larger than the amount of space required to do these things. The reason for this is if you choose a crate which is too big you increase the risk of your dog using a part of it as a toilet, as they will not see the entire dog cage as their nest. If you are unsure by eye which is the right sized crate, then you can always measure your dog. To get the right length simply measure your Labrador when he or she is standing up. Take a note of their length and height as shown in this diagram. To calculate the dimensions of your required crate simply add 4 inches onto the length and 2 inches onto the height. Most show bred or chunky adult Labradors will be best suited to a 42 inch dog crate, but it really does depend so base it on your own Labs actual size and not what size you think he should be. For a Labrador puppy of 8 weeks to around 5 months old a 24 inch crate will be sufficient to give them enough space. But keep a close watch, as some pups grow faster than others and if they start to look cramped move them up a size sooner. Remember, for a growing puppy you can create the correct crate size from a larger crate using a divider. Expanding it as they develop. However you can of course buy a separate crate for your puppy to use when they are small. Puppy Crate When your puppy is little, you may like to choose a temporary crate which will fit them for the first few months. The downside of this option is that you will need to replace the crate with a larger one as they grow. It is entirely up to you personally whether you choose this method, however it is worth mentioning that Labs often chew until they are 18 months to 2 years old. This means that they will be adult sized but still benefit from having somewhere to be left where they will not cause damage when unsupervised. There are some good reasons that people choose to have another separate dog cage for their puppy even when they intend to crate the dog for the first couple of years of their life. Whilst a puppy is small you do not have to have such a large area of the house dominated by a big dog cage. You can also choose a cheaper or less stylish option, as it does not need to last as long. Small Crates A separate puppy cage can also help your new pup to feel more secure when you bring them home. A large crate divided gives the impression of a big space, rather than a cosy little den your pup can snuggle up in. It is easier to make a smaller crate feel safe and homely for your new friend. One of the UKs most popular crate brands is Ellie-Bo. The Ellie-Bo puppy folding, double door crate comes in a black, gold or silver finish so you can pick your preferred option. It is sturdy, chew proof and easy to move around, weighing just 5kg. The downside of the Ellie-Bo crate line is that they are only available in the UK. If you are in the US there are lots of similar options, and our favourite is this very similar puppy crate from MidWest. If you are looking for something with a bright cheerful color, then check out the Aspen Puppy Crate. It comes in a blue or pink finish, both of which are great fun. They also have all of the practical aspects of the other crates covered, in terms of the ability to fold down and sturdy construction. This crate does come with a divider, but you are unlikely to need it for a Lab sized pup. Large Dog Crate — 36 inches If your Labrador is from working lines or has a slighter build, then he is likely to need a Large sized crate. These will be around 36 inches in length, with slightly varying heights and widths. We have tried a few dog crates over the years. Here in the UK our absolute favourite brand is Ellie-Bo. They last a long time, they are very durable and easy to clean. The crate trays are also chew proof. For a large Labrador we recommend getting this model. It measures 26 inches high by 36 inches long by 24 inches wide. In the USA the most well reviewed and popular model is a very similar type of crate produced by the MidWest brand. It has all the benefits of the Ellie-Bo model including double doors and great durability. They measure a practically identical 27 inches high by 36 inches long by 24 inches wide. Extra Large Dog Crate — 42 inches For bigger, often show bred Labradors, you may well want to get an extra large dog crate. As with the large crates it is probably sensible to go with a well known and approved of brand. It is durable and secure to keep your extra large dog safe in his den. It also has double doors like the large version. This model measures 31 inches high by 42 inches long by 28 inches wide. It is durable, secure, and made of a sturdy practical structure. This crate measures 31 inches high by 42 inches long by 28 inches wide. Dog Crate Divider If you decide to buy a large or extra large crate from the beginning, you have the option of separating the space for your young puppy using a divider. Some crates can be brought with dividers, others are available to buy as single items. If you are buying a different brand of divider then make sure that you check measurements carefully before you order it. Wooden Dog Crates When choosing your dog crate, you may well want to have one that fits nicely in amongst your furniture. A great way to get a dog crate that looks good as well as having all the function of a metal crate is to choose a wooden one. It is also designed to be as easy to clean as possible. It works well as a coffee table too! This pretty yet sturdy crate comes in a large size so would fit many adult Labradors. Fully Wired The Pet Crate and Gate by Merry also has a wooden structure, but with metal bars and a plastic crate tray. Although this means that it is not quite as pretty as the previous model, it is perhaps more convenient for cleaning. It also has the added bonus of converting into a pet gate when not in use as a crate. Fortunately, there are several ways to go about finding a cheap dog crate that will do the job just as well. Free Dog Crates Make sure before you begin searching for cheap crates that you have looked into the free options. The freecycle website is great for finding items that people just want to get rid of to clear up some space. Also, have a quick word with any friends who have adult dogs if you are looking for a puppy crate. They might have one that their dog has grown out of, which they are glad to be rid of. Cheap Dog Crates If you need to buy a crate but want to save money, then looking for them second hand is a good bet. Although you will find crates on eBay and similar online auction sites, they can go up in price rapidly near the end of the auction so make sure that you know your limits before you start bidding higher. Choose your top point, and wait until 30 seconds before the auction ends to enter it into the bidding box for the best chance to win. Alternatively, consider cheaper options of the crate style you desired. Although double door dog crates can be very useful, you could consider looking at single door crates to save money. Just make sure you measure up and can definitely open the door in your desired location before you buy. This single door crate from MidWest has a lower price tag than some of the equivalent double door models. There are a few different varieties out there, and these are our top picks from each category. Car Crates Wire car crates are very popular, as they are of a similar construction to the indoor dog cages but with a sloped side which allows them to fit into the back of most estates. When you are choosing a crate for your car make sure that is big enough to comfortably accommodate your dog , but check the measurements carefully to ensure that it will also fit into the car itself. I recommend getting the tape measure out and checking the size of your car before you look. Remember to account for the slope of the rear window if it has one. It is sturdy, durable and even comes with a fleece to go over the plastic tray. Sadly, at present these are only available in the UK from this manufacturer. However there is a different option in the US which looks really good too. It is built in a similar shape to fit into the back of the car, but structured differently with thicker bars. If you are travelling by plane, then you will need a different type of travel crate. Flight Crates Plastic dog crates are a great choice for Labradors when flying. Although soft dog carriers are available they are not ideal for bigger breeds, as they are potentially less secure and harder to move about. This plastic dog crate is designed to hold a dog up to 90lbs in weight and is a comfortable length for most Labs at 39 inches long. You will want a travel crate for air travel to be snug just as an indoor dog crate is, but in this case it is even more important for helping the dog have a sense of security in his unusual surroundings. Dog Playpens Dog crates are brilliant beds for dogs, and a nice way to keep them secure in the home when you cannot supervise them as well as when travelling. They are however not suitable for leaving a dog in for long periods of time, as they do not provide anywhere for them to stretch their legs or relieve themselves. A great alternative option for securing your puppy in a more free manner, is to invest in a puppy playpen. These are especially useful when your Labrador is small and still inclined to chewing or messing in the house. Our favourite puppy playpens are those which are sturdy, durable and easy to use. It folds flat for storage or transportation, and provides a secure area for your puppy to play in outdoors or indoors. Alternatively, you could look at a sturdy plastic option. This Indoor and Outdoor Playpen from Iris gives a secure place for your puppy to play. It is easy to assemble and comes in a range of fun colours. Dog and baby gates Sometimes what you need is a barrier rather than a crate. This puppy is a member of your family. Happy puppies are puppies that are not constantly in trouble. Not being scolded, not eating dubious household items, electrocuting themselves, or getting their tails accidentally slammed in doors. Happy puppies have a nice place to sleep, a safe place to play not far from a door to their toilet area, enough to eat and approving humans to tell them how great they are. New puppies may be family members, but your puppy is a family member with very poor bladder control, no knowledge of the English language, and a terrible memory. Keeping him off your carpets for a few weeks is just common sense. In general baby gates are not beautiful things. But the situation is temporary, and if it really bothers you there are some nicer though more expensive options available. Including black metal gates , dark wooden gates and even bamboo gates. Once your puppy can control his bladder to some extent, and is beginning to understand some family rules, you can gradually extend the parts of the house he has access to. What type of gate should I buy? A standard baby gate will suffice for a Labrador puppy. I use plain white metal baby gates. These are fairly cheap and very practical. If you want to fit one into a space wider than a doorway you can also buy extender panels or a wider baby gate to fit the gap. If you are adopting an older dog, or if you want to permanently restrict your dog from part of the house and there is no reason why you should not do so if it suits you then you may want to buy a taller baby gate. An adult Labrador is perfectly capable of jumping a standard baby gate. Though many will not attempt to if it has always been there. Setting up the baby gates The best location for your gates depends on the layout of your house. I use them to keep puppies confined to an area that includes part of the hall access to stairs is blocked the kitchen and utility room. With access to the back garden. At the very least, you should gate your stairs so that the puppy cannot run up and down them, or have unsupervised access to bedrooms. When can I take them my puppy gates down? Once your puppy has grasped the concept of toileting outdoors without you constantly having to watch him. Once he can last a couple of hours between bathroom breaks, you can start to introduce him to carpeted rooms. Let him in there for twenty minutes or so, immediately after a successful bathroom break, and before his mealtime. This is the time he is least likely to have an accident. Build up the amount of time he is allowed access to the new room little by little. Remember that success breeds success when it comes to house training. Accidents are likely to be repeated because puppies like to pee where there is already the smell of pee. And it is nearly impossible to remove urine from carpets so thoroughly that a dog cannot smell it. If your puppy loves to chew things, you might also want to take a look at our guide to indestructible dog beds! Dogs love having a small den to sleep in, and once trained, will find comfort in tucking themselves away in a crate. But Labs come in many different shapes and sizes, and grow quickly as a pup. Benefits of Crating a Dog There are many benefits to using a crate for a new puppy or dog. Safe Sleep and Relaxation Space A crate offers a safe space for your dog to relax and rest in. This is the most important use of a crate and should be your first priority when crate training. House training your puppy will be significantly easier if they are confined to a small space. Puppies innately know not to eliminate in their sleeping area. Using this innate knowledge to your advantage can mean only a few days of accidents in the house. This avoids them chewing on furniture or getting into kitchen cupboards. Labs are an intelligent breed who love to chew. They will quickly work out how to open kitchen cupboards and help themselves to your food. This space is only safe if you have correctly and fully trained your Lab to be relaxed and calm in the crate. Ensure you read over our crate training guide before you attempt to secure your Lab inside the crate. Preparing for Future Travel If you plan on traveling with your dog in the future, then it is wise to crate train them while they are young. This will minimize the stress they feel when they are inside a crate. If they are familiar with sleeping in a crate, they will be able to relax. Dogs will be put into crates at the vets if they ever need surgery or an overnight stay. Again, you can minimize their stress by crate training from day one. Untrained or nervous dogs are a danger to themselves inside a crate. Crating can cause a welfare issue if the dog is stressed inside it. However, most puppies and dogs will get used to and even enjoy the crate once they are trained. What Size Crate for a Lab? As a general rule, your Lab should be able to stand up fully, turn around and lay outstretched in the crate, without too much spare room. Depending upon the individual Lab, they can vary in height and weigh between lbs. Males will be on the larger side and dogs from the showing line will be bigger than working Labs. Measuring Up Since your Lab needs enough room to move around, you can measure them to see exactly what size crate they need. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are standing. Add 4 inches to this measurement. Also, measure from the floor to the top of their head while sitting. Add 2 inches to this measurement. This will give them enough room to move around, but not too much room to do themselves any harm. It is easy to set up and comes with roller feet to protect your flooring. The plastic tub style base will contain any accidents and is easily washable. Depending on the size of your Lab, purchase a inch crate or inch crate with the divider. A divider is good for puppies, as you can make the crate space as big or as small as you need to. We recommend the extra-large size to contain an adult Labrador. This would not be suited to young Labs that still chew. What Size Car Crate for a Labrador? Your Lab will need the same sized car crate. They should be able to move around in the crate comfortably, without extra space. If you plan on having the crate in the trunk of your car, you will likely require an SUV or truck as crates take up a lot of space. Crates vs Playpens for Lab Puppies I always use a full sized adult crate with a divider for my puppies. It saves a lot of time and hassle. If you need to confine your puppy or dog to an area for extended periods of time, then it is best to use a playpen instead of a crate. A Lab will require a inch playpen to keep them contained. Playpens can be used indoors and outdoors to keep your dog contained. If you want an even larger contained space, purchase 2 or 3 playpens of the same brand and size and join them together. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Read on, and learn more. Take things slowly. Drop some treats or a toy in the crate to encourage it to go in, and encourage your pup as it goes in. Do this for a few days, until your dog is willing to go all the way into the crate. Once your dog will go into its crate willingly, you can lock the door behind your Labrador, and leave in there for a few minutes at a time, as it gets used to the crate. Over the next few days, you can start leaving your dog in its crate for longer periods of time, working up to multiple hours. Feed your dog its meals in the crate — This is a great next step after introducing your dog to the crate. Put its food and water in the crate, and lock the door behind your Labrador as it eats. But over time, you can leave it closed for a longer period of time, as your dog gets used to its crate. It will begin to associate negativity with its crate, which can impair the crate training process. You may also want to use a crate cover to darken the environment, as some Labradors prefer a dark area where they can nap. The same thing is true of arriving home. Doing this will help ensure that your dog does not associate being crated with being left alone. Crating will just become part of its day-to-day routine, not a sign of abandonment. Take a look at these common FAQs about Labrador crates now. How long should I crate train my Labrador puppy at night? When your puppy is less than 9 weeks old, you should let it out of its crate to go potty about every 3 hours at night. As your puppy gets older and reaches weeks of age, it will be able to hold its bladder more effectively, so you can stretch this to a single break after about 4 hours after it goes to sleep. Once your puppy reaches 12 weeks, it should be able to get through the whole night without an accident, but you should work up to this slowly, to ensure your dog gets used to sleeping through the whole night without a potty break. Collars can get caught on metal bars in crates, and pose a strangulation risk. For that reason, you should never let your dog wear the collar while it is being crated. Is crating inhumane or bad for my dog? Not at all! Crating is a great way to housebreak your dog. When you crate-train your dog properly, it will think of its crate as a cozy bedroom or den where it can feel safe and relax. However, crating can be bad for your dog if you do it wrong. Your dog should not be locked up for more than 8 hours at most. Dogs, just like people, are not meant to spend their whole lives confined to a little room! Is it better to buy multiple crates, or a crate with a divider? Then, you can use a divider to create a properly-sized area for your puppy, and expand it as your dog grows. This will save you a lot of money, compared to buying multiple crates as your dog grows. It also helps your dog get used to its crate, which is more difficult if you are swapping out each crate every few months. Can I train an older Labrador to use a crate? Of course! Got more questions about buying a crate and crate training? We recommend consulting with other online resources, or meeting with a pet trainer or behaviorist! Sean Green Pet. Reviews was founded by Sean Green, a devoted pet owner and champion of quality pet products. Sean is supported by a knowledgeable team of pet-loving writers who work together to provide you with a wealth of information about training and caring for your dog. Post navigation.
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black german shepherd puppies for sale az - Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. They will want to be with you. Have a crate or bed next to your bed for at least the first few weeks while you get them into a Puppy night-time routine. Here is how to get a puppy to sleep through the night. Alone Training Teaching your Pug puppy that they can be totally fine being left alone can be done with stuffed chew toys, time and patience. Remember to do it slowly to avoid any stress! Toilet Training Training Practically every website you read may tell you that Toilet training your Pug puppy can be a challenge. As with alone training, start sooner rather than later. Of course, if they run into any birds, butterflies and hear planes flying over, it will be great for them to get acquainted already. Have fun gathering surfaces with different textures for them to explore, like synthetic grass, tiles, and soil. Use treats! Remember to use lots of treats and praise when training. They love making your tail wag! Repeat their name to them a lot in the first week, so it really starts to click. Recall — How to teach your Pug puppy to come back when called — This is important for safety. Pugs generally stay close, but they can be very friendly and want to run up to people and other dogs for a bit of a cuddle, so a good recall will always help. But they can enjoy fetch games on a smaller scale, get on the floor and interact and play with your Pug puppy to learn what they enjoy. This will help to avoid resource guarding. Husbandry Tasks Pugs love affection but should be handled with care. Be mindful to not treat them like toys. Not going to blame children to think they are toys though — the resemblance is uncanny. To do this we want to teach them that hands will do nice things to them so use plenty of treats when handling your puppy. Week 2 — Training your Pug puppy Week 2 already! Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Since I was little and running around the playground with my friends, I've wanted to welcome a pug into my life. A friendly, happy puppy who will be my fur baby for existence. This was only a dream until that day. While I thought Carl was at work, someone knocked on my door, extremely loud and quite aggressively. So I rushed down the stairs thinking what the actual hell that person think knocking on people's door like that I will tell him what I think. When I opened the door, Carl was standing there with this little tiny pug in his arms tucked in nicely and looked so cosy in that blanket. I got pretty emotional. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and love for both of them that I quickly forgot about telling him off for knocking so damn harsh. Carl handed him over to me he was just staring at me for so long with his big bulging eyes then he gave me a big wet kiss on my cheek. I knew straight away that we were soul mates. Being a pet parent for five months has changed my life and taught me so much. Pugs have so many unique characteristics and having a pug puppy of my own now I have learnt so many new things about this adorable breed. Either though it's hard to say no for them, there are some things that you may need to consider before you adopt one of your own. You will never ever be alone again. I'm pretty sure that you have seen paintings or movies which shows that pugs were bred as lapdogs for the Chinese emperors in the accent times. This can give you a hint that even nowadays pugs are very good at this. Happy follows me around the house literally everywhere. He is like my shadow; he goes everywhere I go. I mean everywhere, including the bathroom. No more private time to yourself once you get a pug. Not to mention, there is absolutely no personal space. Happy literally sit in our face if he feels like it. He is really not bothered, and he thinks that's a perfect place to rest. Gain weight easily. Now that my brother moved in with us, I live currently with two chefs and a pug. They are all obsessed with food, so it's tough not to pick up their habit. I feel confident to say that out of the three boys, Happy has the biggest obsession of food. Happy is such a small breed, but when it comes to food he will make room for it, I mean literally anytime. He eats like there is no tomorrow. He doesn't get full; this is why when it comes to a pug, you always need to measure their food intake or they will plump out in no time. Always follow a healthy diet and regular exercises with a pug. They will eat literally everything. I've seen Happy eat the strangest things ever. Like snail's house, orange peels and even broken brick bits. No matter how cautious we are about things dropping or lying around on the floor, he will find something that he really not suppose to, and he will eat it. Some expensive vet visits. This is the part that scares a lot of people away from getting a pug. They are prone to health problems such as eye ulcers, epilepsy, skin fold infections, kidney stones, breathing problems and even food allergies. You also need to be extra cautious about their bulging eyes as they can easily scratch them. To summarise this, do your research about their health issues and make sure you check up on the breeder before you adopt your furry friend. Carl's did his research very well before getting Happy, his parents and even grandparents never had any health issues, so that's a good start, but again this doesn't mean that he cannot get any. Fingers crossed. Also, make sure you get pet insurance. High maintenance. Don't get me wrong I'm definitely not complaining as I love pugs and I love Happy, but he is without any doubt a high maintenance puppy. Cutting his nails, brushing his fur, bathing him every two weeks or we will end with a very dirty smelly pug, brushing his teeth and a lot of facial care. Those beautiful wrinkles on a pug's face require a lot of cleaning, or it will result in infections. Yes, he needs just as much carrying as a child. If you don't have time for all this, pugs aren't the right breed for you I'm afraid. Attention seekers. Pug puppies always want to play and like to be in the centre of the attention. They are people dogs. They aren't the kind of breed who are okay with just left for themselves all the time. Anytime Happy plays with his toys, he always around us. He tries to get as close as he can, and he is continuously checking upon us from the corner of his eyes to make sure we still there. Love or hate relationship with water. Some pugs absolutely cannot stand water. Puddles, ponds, showers, rains all a big no for those who hate water. However, certain pugs love water just as much as food. Luckily our little boy is the second one. Anytime he hears the shower or the bath running, he runs all the way up on the stairs across the hallway to the bathroom hoping that it is his bathtime. Carl loves running the shower for a minute or two before jumping in and by the time he is trying to get in Happy is there having so much fun with the dropping water on his face. Their obsession with toilets. Happy gets way too excited when he hears the toilet flushing. During a dog's house training, there are times when accidents happen. Sometimes more sometimes less but at the end of the day you will end up picking up a lot of poops. It all depends where the accident happens, but when it closer to the bathroom, I always flush it down, and of course, Happy inspect the situation very carefully. He gets to the bathroom before me then he stands up on his feet, putting the first two paws on the toilet seat and waiting until I flush the toilet down. Once it's flushed, he walks away as nothing happened. Sounds funny and quite worrying in the same time writing this down. Double coated of fur. Well, this is something that certainly surprised me about pugs. Looking at all the furniture around the house and our clothes are more definitely don't look the same as used to before Happy. No matter how many times we clean everything, they all covered with his fur in the next hour. Fawn pugs have a double coat which means they malt I mean they malt a hell of a lot. Once you get a pug, a hair-less outfit will be a distant memory, and a sticky lint roller will be your best friend. Energy level. Happy is a very happy and cheerful dog. He enjoys his nap times, but he thrives on activity. He is always ready to play, but this is not uncommon with young pug puppies. Most of them just like him—walkies, a lot of playtimes and running up and down the stairs nonstop. Patience with house training. Pugs are very stubborn, which means they will test your patience when it comes to potty training. They aren't the easiest breed to potty train but again not impossible. One thing to keep in mind is they do not respond to punishment quite well, so try to train them with positive reinforcement like treats. Stubborn breed. Oh, yes, they are. They do not respond to commands quickly, and it will take time to accept your authority. They do love to do what they want, and lead-training will might take a bit longer than with other dogs, but if you are patient enough and you stick to it, you will notice that he is acknowledging who is in charge. They're very loyal. Just because training is a bit of challenge with a pug doesn't mean they are not as smart as other dogs. Pugs are incredibly loyal once they are trained. Once you gained their trust, they will follow you anywhere. They will listen to every word you say intently. Their purpose in life is most certainly is your happiness. This is why our little boy got his name, Happy. He's already made our lives happier than ever before. Pug eyes. Pugs have large, gorgeous, dark eyes which also make them very vulnerable. They are very sensitive, and they are easily proved to any eye issues. When Happy was about months old, we got him a fluffy toy that he loved, but we had to get rid of it because every time he chewed it, he got a bit of fluff on his eye. It was not pretty and wasn't a simple task to get it removed as it got stuck on his eyeball. Excellent watchdog. Pugs make good guard dogs. They keep the noise to the minimum that your neighbour also will appreciate. Have space for your pug wardrobe. Some humans love to dress their dogs in cute outfits, so if you are one of them, pugs are for you. Yep, I'm just as guilty as you are! At times, clothing is necessary for dogs like for most of the flat-faced breeds. Pugs are not good at controlling their body temperature, which means you need to protect them in the cold by clothing them. Unique characters. Pugs are super extraordinary creatures who will change your life for the better. They wheeze, snort, sneeze, fart and snore. They make some super weird and funny noises while they are napping. They will keep you laughing and put a smile on your face every single day. They will steal your heart. Pugs are happy, loyal, charming, playful and mischievous creatures. Once you get one of your own, you will never go back. They give unconditional love to their families. Happy always give kisses and want to snuggle up with us. He glazes at us like we are the best people on this planet. Completely melts our hearts. We have happy for about five months now, and despite all his quirks I do not regret it for a second welcoming him in our lives. He makes the perfect pet for us. Since day one, he got me hooked for life. Have you ever considered getting a pug? Have you ever had a pug? If so, please share your tips or advice in the comment below.