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Pleasant Puppies - Warwickshire About us.Jim and I are not professional breeders, this is Cathryn's hobby, We are both medical in our back grounds but Jim is now retired and Cathryn is semi- retired. We really started breeding after a throw away comment while walking our dog Lizzy one day with some friends. The comment was " wouldn't they make beautiful puppies! The rest as they say is history. We originally bred mini F1B Goldendoodles, but both of our Goldendoodle girls are now retired. She is an intelligent, playful, obedient people centred dog. She loves running around the fields or chilling by the fire in the winter. Her greatest enjoyment is always cuddles time! Maggie Mae will be bred with a health tested stud miniature poodle. So her puppies will be medium sized dogs. We, well mostly Cathryn, love the whole process of breeding and rearing the puppies. The puppy cuddling, the weaning and meeting exited new puppy owner but less so the puppy poop! We have a lady called Fiona who lives in our village and helps us out with looking after the pups. Cathryn has a team of puppy cuddling friends who love it as much as she does. We play the litter a cd of sounds including traffic and fireworks. We are fortunate to live in rural north Warwickshire and to have a house big enough to be able to deliver and rear the puppies within our home in a room off of the kitchen, which is warm and dry. From there, when the puppies are a bit older, we can take them out to a safe enclosed yard where they are fed and can play. Then comes the fun of herding them all back in again! We have a maximum of one litter a year and our dogs and stud dogs have all of the relevant heath testing before mating. The puppies go to their new homes having been vet checked vet and microchipped. We are happy to give the first vaccination if you wish us to. The puppies come with 4 weeks insurance, puppy food, toys , information on how to look after them and of course a smelly blanket which is rubbed over mum and the litter. Our puppies are fun and good natured and a number of previous owners have returned for another pup from the next litter! We are always sad and yet happy to see them finally leave to go to their new families. At 8 weeks, the puppies are ready to join their new families and we are ready to see them go! Why not check out our website at www. Location: North West, United Kingdom 2. Curtabernedoodles Curtabernedoodles is the best breeder for you to work with if you believe that you will be ready to bring a Bernedoodle into your life within the next year or so. Curtabernedoodles is a business based in the United Kingdom that serves the entirety of the United Kingdom and Europe. They are dedicated to the Bernedoodle breed and professionally conduct themselves when providing breeding and stud services. In addition to that, they train puppies. The owner of the company has a degree in the field of health and care. Breeding facilities are not eligible to purchase puppies from this company. They offer families the opportunity to buy puppies. All the puppies there were born and raised in enchanting settings from the moment they were born. Puppies come in several sizes , each with a unique combination of trio and bio colors. After you have decided to purchase a puppy from them, you will be required to deposit euros so that your name can be reserved on the master list. Because of the increasing demand, you should consider putting in some effort to acquire a healthy Bernedoodle for your household. There are several price ranges available, each of which is determined by the size and characteristics of the product. A suitable Bernedoodle can be purchased for anywhere between 1, and 3, euros. Contact Details:. Our main aim is to produce a happy, healthy family companion. We have bernedoodles living all over Europe and are happy toa ssist with exporting a puppy safely. Many of our Bernedoodle puppies are trained assistant dogs or are resident dogs at schools. We are really proud of the work our puppies are achieving in developing children's confidence and abilities. Many of our bernedoodles have instagram pages also. Here at spring well we have the show-type cocker spaniel. We love the cocker spaniel for their intelligence and their loving temperment. Our cocker spaniels make excellent family dogs , They aim to please and are fairly easy to train. We have 2 cocker spaniel males - Wichyn and Prince both are available on stud Cockapoo A firm family favourite; which Chlidren seem to love! Cockapoos are loved for their playful characters and for the less shedding of hair. Cockapoo are produced from an English Cocker Spaniel and our Petite Minature Poodles; we always try to get a great variety of interesting colours. Their sweet, loyal and affectionate traits are a big part of what we as a family love about the breed. Many people have returned to buy more of our beautiful Bernese. They provide breeding and stud services for Bernedoodles with enthusiasm and professionalism. Additionally, they offer dog training. The owner of the business holds a degree in health and welfare. They are simply selling the puppies to families. All of their puppies were born and nurtured in a gorgeous setting. They have puppies of all sizes with beautiful triad and bio colors. When you purchase a puppy from them, a euro payment is required to secure your spot on the waiting list. Because of their increasing demand, you must wait to purchase a wonderful Bernedoodle for your family. Their pricing ranges vary based on their size and characteristics. The price range for an ideal Bernedoodle is between 1, and 3, Euros. A few breeders began actively crossing Bernese mountain dogs with poodles; however, it is conceivable that the first Bernedoodles were the product of accidental breeding. Purebred dogs are highly standardized in height, weight, color, coat type, temperament, and body structure. Because the Bernedoodle is a hybrid and not a purebred dog, none of the relevant purebred dog registries, like the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club, accept it. The Bernedoodle also lacks an established breed standard; therefore, there is considerable variety in the appearance and behavior of individual Bernedoodles. Varied breeders may have different conceptions of what constitutes a Bernedoodle, making it difficult to predict what you may receive if you purchase a Bernedoodle puppy. Bernedoodles can be F1 first generation , F2 second generation , F3 third generation , and so on. The puppies produced by an F1 litter are pretty varied. Some may resemble Bernese Mountain Dogs, while others may resemble poodles. Some puppies may resemble a hybrid of the two parent breeds, while others may not resemble either parent breed. In a litter of F1 Bernedoodle puppies, the coat type and amount of shedding can vary significantly. Two F1 Bernedoodles are crossed to produce F2 Bernedoodles. Additionally, F2 Bernedoodles have varied coat types. Some breeders add more poodles to the bloodlines to increase the stability of the coat type. This is known as backcrossing and is represented by a B. Tips When Choosing a Bernedoodle Breeder When choosing a Bernedoodle breeder, it is essential to ask questions and be sure you know what to expect. Here are some tips: Ask if they have the parents and puppies available. If not, ask when they will be available. Ask how much litter they have produced in the past year or a few years. Ask about the kennels where your new addition will live- is it clean? Are there plenty of toys for them to play with? If yes, this should help ensure they have lots of fun while being socialized correctly! The price of a Bernedoodle puppy depends on the breeder, the age of the puppy, and its breed. Conclusion Bernedoodles typically get along great with children and other dogs. They are usually a very affectionate breed and will love to cuddle all day long. Image Credits:. For Stud Introduction The Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed that is full of vigour. He is a lively dog with a sweet disposition. His goofiness and great love for his human companions garnered him countless fans. Since it is relatively a new breed, he is not yet recognised by the Kennel Club. It is a designer breed, a mix of the poodle and the Bernese mountain dog. He was solely created to be a wonderful family companion. Origins of the Bernedoodle The Bernedoodle dog breed is thought to have existed for a long time. However, it was Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels that was recognised as the first breeder to create this mixed breed. Back then, Sherry was separately breeding the golden Labradoodle and the Bernese mountain dog. It saddened her that the Bernese breed has such a short lifespan. So, she thought of making a new breed similar to the golden Labradoodle by using the Bernese. Thus, she cross-bred a poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. Her efforts proved to be fruitful as the first Bernedoodle pups were born in in Canada. Appearance and Grooming How big does a standard size Bernedoodle get? A fully mature standard Bernedoodle may grow approximately 23—29 inches tall. The smaller variation of the breed such as the mini Bernedoodle will have a height of 18—22 inches once he matures. Meanwhile, an adult tiny Bernedoodle will stand about 12—17 inches tall. How much does a Bernedoodle weigh? The weight of an adult standard Bernedoodle is approximately 50—90 lbs. What does a Bernedoodle look like? He has a triangular muzzle. His ears hang down along his head. He has black, oval eyes that are set far apart. His tail is bushy and carried high. He possesses thick, cushioned pads. A Bernedoodle that has a predominant Bernese gene is more likely to be taller and have a more defined, strong, equilateral physique. His coat often varies depending on which parent breed's gene prevails. One that has more Bernese blood will have a straighter coat. The one that acquired more of the poodle genes has more chances of inheriting the curly and wavy coat. His coat is dense, which gives him protection from the heat and insulation during the cold season. Is Bernedoodles hypoallergenic? The Bernedoodle's hypoallergenic coat is one of the things that are sought after by many dog owners. It is worth noting that a Bernedoodle with a curly coat sheds less, thus producing minimal dander. This dog is more fitting for allergic people. The one that possesses a straighter coat moults often, which makes him less hypoallergenic. The one with a straight coat requires at least once a week of brushing. However, since he sheds more, be prepared to brush him frequently during his moulting season. The Bernedoodle dog with curly hair needs more brushing. Brushing must be done at least three to four times a week to prevent mats and remove debris. Be sure to take him to the groomer if his coat grows too long. When it comes to bathing, only do it once he becomes too dirty or smelly. Frequent washing will dry his skin and hair and will cause skin problems. Clip his nails every three to four weeks to prevent splitting or cracking of nails. This poodle mix has droopy ears, so cleaning them often is a must to prevent ear infections. Gum diseases are common in dogs, so incorporate a daily dental routine in his daily grooming. Temperament and Intelligence The Bernedoodle is primarily bred to be a great family dog. He is expected to be extremely friendly and fond of his human companions. He is a Velcro dog that wants to stick close to his loved ones. He makes a good companion dog. Because of his loyalty to his owners, he can be protective of them and be indifferent around strangers. His love for his family has a downside. If left alone for too long, the Bernedoodle may have separation anxiety. It can cause him to develop unwanted behaviours such as incessant barking, digging, and ruining furniture. Therefore, make sure that he has a companion with him throughout the day when the rest of the family is out. The Bernedoodle is great for families with children and other pets. He is a lively dog that thoroughly enjoys fun and games. However, supervision is still recommended as he could be aloof at times and might cause an accident. Adults need to teach younger children how to gently handle dogs, too, to prevent them from hurting the dogs. Early socialisation paired with proper training is crucial. This will greatly help the Bernedoodle to mature into an amiable and sociable dog. Lack of socialisation may lead him to become vicious or timid around people and other animals. When it comes to training, the Bernedoodle is quick-witted and very eager to please his owner. However, he has a slight stubbornness in him, so be patient. Training should be firm and consistent, but also gentle. Rough training will only lead him to defy you. Instead, use positive reinforcement training, such as praising and giving him treats to encourage him even more. Fun Facts The Bernedoodle commonly has an affinity for snow and water. He inherited this trait from his parent breeds. The Bernese mountain dog enjoys the snow, although he may tend to dislike water. Meanwhile, the poodle is known to love swimming. There are various types of Bernedoodle generations. F1 is a first-generation Bernedoodle that is 50 per cent poodle and 50 per cent Bernese mountain dog. An F1b Bernedoodle is 75 per cent poodle and 25 per cent Bernese. An F2 Bernedoodle is a cross-breed between two different F1 Bernedoodles. Breeders do not recommend this as the offspring is likely to have genetic health problems. An F2 Bernedoodle is .The breed is often picked to become a therapy dog because of his friendly nature. He loves to interact with people and be with them. Nutrition and Feeding Protect your Bernedoodle pup from malnutrition and serious health issues by supplying him with a high-quality diet that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Since the Bernedoodle is an active and high-energy breed, he will benefit more from protein-rich food. The best dog food will have meat as the primary ingredient. Some protein sources may include fish, chicken, or beef. Make it a habit to divide his meals into two servings. This is to prevent him from gorging on his food. Quickly devouring food can lead to a bloated stomach and weight gain. Health and Exercise An energetic dog that likes to have fun, the Bernedoodle needs at least thirty minutes to an hour of workout. Walking around the neighbourhood, playing fetch, or learning new tricks are fun ways to expend his energy. Since the breed is known to love water, consider taking him to the beach or the lake for a swim. The Bernedoodle is a healthier breed compared to the poodle and the Bernese mountain dog. In fact, he has a lifespan of twelve to eighteen years. Smaller variations of the breed tend to live longer than their larger counterparts. However, there are still a few health issues that you need to look out for, such as: Eye problems such as canine cataracts Hyperadrenocorticism Cost of Ownership What impacts the cost of Bernedoodles? Many factors can affect the price tag. These include: Number of Quality Breeders The breed is fairly new, so there are only a few reputable Bernedoodle breeders. This can hike up the cost of the puppy. New Breed The Bernedoodle breed is in demand, but because the breed is new, puppies come in low quantities. The low supply and high demand can make the puppy costly. Tricoloured ones are found to be the most expensive. Health Tests Responsible breeders always make sure to produce a healthy litter. There may pay expensive fees for health screenings. How much does it cost to raise a Bernedoodle? Bernedoodle Breed Highlights The Bernedoodle enjoys being close to his family and engages in goofy antics that will bring out smiles and laughter. He is good around children and other pets with the help of early socialisation. He responds well to firm and consistent training and positive reinforcement. He needs a minimal amount of exercise throughout the day. Are you sure the Bernedoodle is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match. Dog Breed Selector Quiz Disclaimer: The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.

What do you call a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix? The easiest way to refer to this cross is Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. However, these dogs can also be referred to as a Malinois X. Other names include German Malinois and Shepinois. The breed is thought to have been developed in the late s along with the Tervuren, the Groenendael and the Laekonois. They were developed by trainers and working competitors which perhaps explains why Belgian Malinois make great service and working dogs within our society. An ex-German military capital Max von Stephanitz set about attempting to create his perfect working dog. He encountered a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in which left such an impression that he bought the dog immediately. He renamed Hektor to Horand von Grafrath, becoming the founder member of the dog breed. German Shepherds are often used by the military, police, drug detection and much more due to their high IQ, impressive obedience and ability to learn. German Shepherds have an identical height range of 22 to 26 inches but they usually weigh a little more between 49 and 88 pounds. So we can deduce that a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix can grow to between 22 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Their coat color is reflect of both breeds, with incorporating shades of black, brown, fawn, blue and white. A Malinois X should have a muzzle that is relatively long with a black nose. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will have a double coat which sheds. The German Malinois are athletic, good-natured loyal and protective, which are all personality traits that both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have. Belgian Malinois have an innate desire to protect their family members, which can make this hybrid a good family pet. However, Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will require socialization and training from a young age. This gives you the best chance to have a happy, level-headed and well-balanced dog. Although there is no such thing as a per cent hypoallergenic dog, the American Kennel Club outlines that there are some breeds that shed less. Malinois X owners will be required to brush their dogs at least twice a week to remove debris and dead hair. This will help to maintain the health and quality of their coat. Most members of the cross breed will blow out their coats twice a year at the changing of the seasons. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix exercise requirements German Malinois are high energy dogs, so owners will need to ensure their pet is getting sufficient exercise in order to prevent destructive or unwanted behaviour due to frustration. Dog walking service provider Wag recommend up to minutes a day for a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. That equates to around 10 miles per week. German Shepherds, on the other hand, can live to between nine and 13 years. The average price of this mix can vary. Other Potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can inquire about the availability of this cross. Alternatively, you could contact Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dedicated rescue organisations for further help. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Mix to follow on Instagram If you want to learn more about the cross breed, you can always head to social media to find out more. Dog owners will usually be quite forthcoming with advice and information to followers interested in learning more about the breed. Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. The positives include intelligence, determination, and loyalty. At the same time, German Malinois can be standoffish, potential to be aggressive, and less suited for young children, much like the Belgian Malinois. With this in mind, you need to weigh whether or not a German Malinois is right for you very carefully. If you are debating getting this unique breed, keep reading. In this article, we help you decide if this dog is right for you, or if you should opt for a less energetic dog. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. German Malinois Puppies Image Credit: Alina Ziabrieva, Shutterstock German Malinois puppies are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for those looking for a highly active and intelligent companion. German Malinois puppies are full of energy and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to help them reach their full potential. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into confident, well-rounded dogs. In terms of appearance, German Malinois puppies can resemble either parent breed, and their coat color and pattern can vary. They typically have a muscular and athletic build, with a medium-length, dense coat that requires regular grooming. Feeding a high-quality diet and providing plenty of exercise will help them grow into healthy, active dogs. With proper care and attention, German Malinois puppies can grow into loyal, loving companions that form strong bonds with their owners. German Malinois is not suitable for many homes, especially homes with young children. These dogs are also not great for homes that already have other pets. Are These Dogs Good for Families? German Malinois tend to take after the Belgian Malinois, making them a bit more aggressive, but their temperament can be unpredictable. This is why socialization at a young age is important. Some German Malinois can be less tolerant of young children due to their intense herding and hunting instincts. At the same time, other German Malinois take after the German Shepherds, making them relatively calm and tolerant around young children. Because this breed is unpredictable and their tendencies are not shown until they are adults, it is best to avoid getting a German Malinois if you are considering having children or already have young children. Older children will be fine with this breed since German Malinois get along just fine with adults. Although certain German Malinois can be okay with children and other family members, most are not compatible with other pets. Their herding and hunting tendencies mean that they want to herd or hunt small animals, including cats. With other dogs, they can be aggressive and incredibly territorial. This is especially true if both dogs are males and were not introduced to one another at a very young age. For these reasons, a German Malinois is best as the sole pet in the household. Its high energy means that it is best suited for homes with large yards and people who are very active. For this reason, you should feed your German Malinois about 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Select a dog food specifically for large dogs and dogs of its specific age group. This breed has a high activity level, meaning they need about 14 miles of walking a week and minutes of playtime a day. Incorporating mental activities into their playtime can make a huge difference. For example, playing fetch, retrieving, and tracking can be a great choice for keeping your German Malinois active. If you are unable to commit to minutes of playtime a day, do not get a German Malinois. This breed needs a whole lot of activity. If you do not exercise it properly, the dog can become mischievous and bored, making you an irresponsible dog owner. The best way to train a German Malinois is by using positive reinforcement but having a strong and firm voice at the same time. By integrating positive reinforcement with a firm voice, the German Malinois will start to listen since you show the dog you mean business. Since this breed is eager to please, using the right technique can make training a breeze. These dogs have coarse fur and shed. This dog breed often develops too much earwax, leading to infections and other ear issues. Cleaning out the earwax frequently will prevent these issues from occurring. As a result, German Malinois are really healthy too. These dogs can live quite a few years and live so healthily. Providing your German Malinois with proper exercise, food, and grooming will help prevent the most common health conditions for this breed. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has the intelligence and loyalty of a Belgian Malinois. She already knows how to sit and lie down, and can walk off the leash. Piper is one of the greatest dogs we have owned. She gets a long with our cats and my young nieces. This is definitely a breed that needs to be brought up with children in order for them to have a good temperament with them. She is loyal and very protective, yet sociable once warmed up to people. She will remain petite, which she got from her dad, the Malinois. She is currently 35lbs and will mature no more than 10 more pounds. She has a double coat and medium-long hair, no shedding though. Still has her puppy hair, especially behind her ears. She loves the water and the snow, and has a very willing temperament. This is a great mix to own as they are a low maintenance and easy keeper. The only problem with her right now is she had a breakout of mange on her muzzle which the vet said is normal and is treatable. It is common to appear on pups around 6 months in age. This is a picture of her under my desk at work. His dad is a German Shepherd and his mom is a Belgian Malinois. We've never had a Mal before but we have had a GSD. He loves everyone. He's wary of new people. He loves our .Our GSD was my momma's boy. Rhemy can't pick a favorite! It's really sweet that he loves my husband as much as me! Tracked himself home on a walk at 3 months old! In the first picture I sent he was about 4 months old, in this picture he is now 4 years old!! Super smart and a real lover boy. Look at that beautiful face!! He came from a breeder in Cream Ridge, NJ. She said he was a "breeder mistake," but we think he is just perfect!! He is a real clown and loves to lounge on this blanket. He is 4 months old in this picture and is a real face washer!! She has exceptional intelligence. She understands sit, lie down, shake, speak and high-five by both verbal command and hand signals. We're still working on several other commands, of which 'stay' seems to be the hardest. At .She must constantly have something to chew on , otherwise she will shred anything within reach in record time, so rawhide chewbones are a necessity. She also replaced my broken paper shredder. Her herding instincts are very strong and will chase anything that moves, including a leaf blowing across the yard, butterflies, birds, etc. She has a variety of toys, but prefers the stuffed animal ones that squeak or make noise. She loves to play tug-of-war with her toys, be chased and chase you. Her love of water and mud puddles is exceptional and if you have a walk-in shower, don't leave the door open with the water running! She amuses herself by playing with her toys when left alone, but if someone is around, she has to be with them. When she needs to go out, she will find someone and lick their hand kisses until they take her out, otherwise she will lick and nip at your toes and heels to get you moving. She's very alert and will bark and growl at anything unfamiliar as long as she is standing behind your legs. Her worst fault is that if she is out in the open, she does not want to come when you call her. She wants you to come after her and just as you get within reach, she bolts off like a jackrabbit, and there's no catching her. We've learned the best way to get her attention is to ignore her and walk off like we're leaving her. The other fault is her constant attempts to get your attention to play with her, especially if you're trying to get ready for work. She waits until you get one leg into your jeans and then grabs the other, making you hop around on one leg trying to get the other pants leg back. As you pull on a sock, she either grabs the end and pulls it off, or she takes off with the other one so you'll have to chase her down. After you've gone through this same scenario with the shoes, she then follows you around pulling the laces to untie them or pulls back the Velcro straps. Her antics are limitless as is her energy level. They share aspects of their temperament, working style, and physical characteristics. You can think of them as one dog for all intents and purposes. Belgian Shepherd vs. They both possess similar drives and instincts on an instinctual level, but how they express them can vary greatly. For example, the German Shepherd is more prone to being territorial and protective of their family and property. Appearance: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that has a lot of characteristics of both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. They can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds and have a height of 22 to 26 inches. They have a long, silky coat that can be black, tan, or red and black. They are also known as Belgian Shepherds. Life Span: Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can live for anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, depending on their genetics and any health problems that they may develop. Training And Exercise Requirements: As with any dog, training and exercise are key to a happy, well-adjusted Belgian malinois german shepherd mix. Because of their high energy levels and intelligence, these dogs need a lot of both. Daily walks or runs, plenty of interactive playtimes, and structured obedience training are essential. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become destructive or hyperactive. They will need moderate exercise, between 30 and 60 minutes per day. This could include walks, runs, or playing in the yard. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive or hyperactive. Working dogs, these energetic breeds need jobs to do. Owners of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix often use their dogs for competitive obedience or herding. If a family is spending a lot of time in the yard or at home doing chores. At the same time, the dog is left alone in the backyard, looking into other good breeds with kids but not quite so high energy! The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that makes an excellent family pet when given the proper training and exercise. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family with the right home. Grooming Requirements: For a dog with a dense double coat, the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix sheds fairly little. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. They need occasional bathing and ear cleaning, as well as nail trimmings every few weeks or so. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix has a dense double layer coat that requires some grooming attention! Daily brushing is required at a minimum. The nails must be trimmed about every weeks for proper foot care, and a professional groomer should give the dog a bath every few months. Ear cleaning is also necessary every weeks to keep those long ears healthy! Health Problems: As with most purebred dogs, common health concerns for the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye disease such as distichiasis where eyelashes grow inwards towards the cornea or entropion where eyelids roll inwards. They are also prone to diseases that affect similar breeds like epilepsy and urinary stones. However, because these dogs are so intelligent and learn commands quickly, they can often be easy to train and manage when it comes to basic health care. As mentioned above, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are often used as working dogs. As such, they may be more prone to health problems that develop due to their frequent activity and high-energy lifestyle e. As well as this, make sure your dog gets plenty of regular check-ups and exercise throughout his life to help prevent these conditions from developing in the first place! Living Conditions: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a hearty breed that can adapt to most living conditions. However, they prefer moderately active families who will take them on plenty of walks and runs. They are not suited for apartment living and should have a large yard to run. These dogs are fairly active and do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If left alone for extended periods, they may become destructive or hyperactive. However, some generalizations can be made about the temperament of this crossbreed. Belgian Malinois mixes are often high-energy dogs who love to play and need plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. On the other hand, they can also be quite independent and strong-willed, so it is important to start training early and be consistent to ensure good behavior. In general, Belgian Malinois mixes are good-natured and affectionate with their family. Still, they may not hesitate to defend themselves in case of a threat. They can also be somewhat protective around strangers or other animals, so socialization is important when they are still young. Since both breeds are highly energetic and very intelligent, Belgian Malinois Shepherd mixes need physical exercise every day. It is also important for them not to get bored; it is recommended that you give them plenty of mental stimulation and their physical activities. This can be done through obedience training, puzzle toys, and plenty of interactive playtimes. However, shelter dogs are also often available for adoption; they may be even cheaper if you can find one in your area! Also, bear in mind that some breeders or shelters may not allow you to adopt or purchase a dog under certain age limits e. Nutrition Requirements: Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mixes are active dogs that require a balanced diet that is rich in protein. Dogs of this breed mix should have a diet of at least 25 percent protein. This can be found in both plant and animal-based proteins. Some good sources of plant-based proteins include beans, lentils, peas, and quinoa. Good sources of animal-based proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In addition to protein, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix also need plenty of carbohydrates. Complex carbs such as whole grains are best for these dogs. Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamins and minerals form an important part of a healthy diet for these dog breeds. Vitamin-rich foods include meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, while potassium helps with heart function. Magnesium aids in blood circulation and energy production, while iron supports red blood cell health. Zinc assists with growth and wound healing, while copper supports the proper production of red blood cells. Other Dietary Requirements: In addition to a balanced diet containing plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix also needs clean water as well as quality exercise to remain fit and healthy. An inadequate diet can lead to health problems such as allergies, brittle bones, digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation, dental problems like plaque buildup or gum disease, eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma, obesity-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , heart conditions including dyspnea shallow breathing or cardiomyopathy weakening of the heart muscles , neurological problems such as epilepsy or seizures, respiratory issues including pneumonia or kennel cough, skin conditions like mange or yeast infections, urinary issues including cystitis inflammation of the bladder and stones in the urethra to name a few. Socialization: Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix is a great breed for those who want to have a working dog. They are very active and need a lot of exercises. They also require good socialization. Proper socialization will help your dog be well-adjusted and friendly with other people and animals. It is important to begin socializing your Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix puppy as soon as possible. Start by introducing him to many different people, dogs, and places. Expose him to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. Be sure to keep interactions positive and rewarding. Puppy class is a great place to start socializing with your pup. If you have an older Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix, it is never too late to socialize him. Just be sure to take it slowly and always keep things positive. You may want to consider enrolling him in a training class or taking him for walks in different areas. Potential of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a family pet: Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a potential family pet because of its friendly nature and intelligence. They can learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. These dogs also have high energy levels and like to be active, so they need plenty of exercises. Suppose you are looking for a companion that will keep you active. In that case, a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix may be the perfect pet for you. When considering whether or not to adopt a Belgian Malinois german shepherd mix, it is important to remember that they can be quite destructive if left alone for long periods. They may chew on furniture or other belongings if they become bored. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes also require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. However, as a general rule, these dogs are very active and high-energy. They require a lot of exercise and plenty of stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are also very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. With the right training and plenty of exercises, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can make great family pets. As with all mixes, this is not set in stone and can be somewhat different depending on which traits are more dominant in each individual dog. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a very smart and highly trainable dog. They are built for high-energy performance activities, thus their temperament is also driven to achieve much. This makes them a strong candidate as working dogs because of their strength at such a young age, but it can also be their biggest downfall. Working with your dog from an early age will teach ideal behaviors that you desire from them, whether they are obedient or perform work-related tasks. Families with small children or elderly members should carefully consider whether a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is the right pet for them. Pros of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They are very loyal and protective of their family and home. They are active and need plenty of exercises, making them great companions for outdoor activities. They have a high energy level and are always ready for a good game or a walk. They are good with children and make great family pets. Cons of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They require a lot of attention and training, so they may not be the best choice for those who work long hours or cannot spend enough time with their pet. They can be quite territorial and bark or growl at strangers or other animals. They need a lot of exercise and can be quite destructive if not given enough activity. They are not always suitable for households with small children due to their large size and active nature. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. So, whether you are thinking about getting a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a pet or are just curious about what they are like, these are some of the things you should know. They make wonderful companions and are sure to provide many hours of enjoyment for their families. Still, they do require a lot of care and commitment. If you think you can meet these needs and provide a loving home for a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix, then they may be the perfect pet for you. The most common colors for this mix are yellow, black, tan, and red. This is a relatively new breed of dog; it was developed in the late s by crossing German Shepherds with Belgian sheepdogs. These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts filled with milk, which they could do very efficiently due to their superior instincts towards herding and working with humans. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs have a high rate of intelligence. They are quite easy to train, making them prized by many dog owners. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs often become very attached to their families and protective of them, which can cause problems if someone is attempting to harm the family in any way. These breeds require a great deal of attention from their human companions. However, they can still be left alone for short periods every day so long as they receive enough training and exercise to keep them happy during their time by themselves. Although this breed does enjoy playing with other animals, it is recommended that even well-mannered Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs not be allowed to mix with other animals. At the same time, they are still puppies, as this can lead to fighting and injury. Despite their working heritage, these dogs are comfortable in almost any kind of environment; they do very well in hot or cold climates both indoors and out and enjoy spending time alone or hanging around with the rest of the family. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix-breed dogs have a high prey drive and should not be left unsupervised around smaller pets that might look like prey, such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, etc. While training is important for every dog breed, it is especially important for Belgian malinois german shepherd mix puppies so that you can ensure they develop good habits and understand their place in the family hierarchy. This is a great breed but does require a lot of attention and training. With the right preparation, you and your Belgian malinois german shepherd mix can live happily together for many years to come! Final Thoughts: Overall, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are great pets. They are intelligent, active, and loyal, and they make wonderful companions for people of all ages. However, they do require a lot of attention and training, so be sure you are prepared to commit to taking care of one before bringing one home. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain, but the benefits of having one definitely outweigh the costs. If you think a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is right for you, then go ahead and adopt one today! FAQs: Is a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix the right pet for you? However, remember that these dogs can be quite large and powerful, so make sure you have enough space for them and that everyone in your household is prepared to handle training and exercise them properly. Are German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois a good mix? The Malinois X hybrid canine, being the result of breeding a Belgian Malinois with German Shepherd Dogs, has made this loyal dog one that will fit into any lifestyle. Post navigation. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. However, picking the right puppy from a litter can be overwhelming and stressful. So, what is the easiest way to pick a golden retriever puppy from a litter? An excellent way to see how your potential puppy will turn out is to take a look at his parents. Most importantly, ask the breeder a lot of questions before adopting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! A responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthy puppy. A dog breeder like this will cut corners and overbreed in order to get as many viable Golden retriever pups to sell to unsuspecting puppy buyers as possible. Even if the price for a golden retriever puppy appears to be less initially, the potential long-term health and behavioral problems involved with a puppy from a genetically unhealthy litter will quickly surpass the cost of a puppy from a good breeder. Some of the best ways to find a quality golden retriever puppy breeder is to get referrals from your local veterinarian, a good friend, or a local golden retriever club. You can also find an excellent golden retriever breeder by attending professional dog shows. When you look each puppy over, you want to look specifically at their eyes, coat, build, and skin. Look at their eyes. They should look focused and clear. You want to keep an eye out for any golden retriever puppies that rub their eyes or appear to struggle with their vision, such as squinting. Touch their coat. The coat of your new perfect puppy should be shiny and healthy. Examine their build. Take a look at the overall shape of each puppy. Check to see if they are favoring one foot more than another foot. These could be signs of a more serious health issue. Check their skin. You want to keep an eye out for any flaky skin or skin with bald patches. Look for redness or signs of irritation. There are also instances when a puppy with anxiety will chew or scratch at their skin until the fur falls off. Things to look for when choosing a puppy from a litter. Even the runts are going to be bigger than a lot of other breeds. Many people wonder if the runt of the litter is a good choice when choosing a golden retriever. The runts are typically the pups who are weaker and smaller than the others in their litter. The mother produces the nutrients the litter needs to survive. The runts will be at greater risk of having weaker immune systems and getting infections. Choosing a medium-sized puppy will reduce your chances of getting a runt, an overeater, or a bully overly dominant pup. When it comes to temperament and size, there are differences between females and males. The most significant difference is going to be their size. A male dog will get slightly longer and taller than females, but they will also weigh more. There are also small differences in their faces. They can also come across as more territorial, but this is a very slight difference as well. While the females will still love you unconditionally, the males will be twice as doting and loving. Watch the way each member of the litter interacts with the others. This will tell you how your puppy will react to the other dogs or animals in your home. Extremely shy puppies may not have been socialized well so far, and could grow up to become distrustful dogs that are full of anxieties. Speak with the breeder or the owner of the litter. Ask them tons of questions about how socialized the puppies have been with other dogs and pets so far in their young lives. Make Sure the Golden Retriever Puppy Is the Correct Age Golden retriever puppies should stay with their mothers for eight weeks before being adopted and taken home. As mentioned earlier, the mothers produce vital nutrients that a new puppy needs to survive. If the puppy is taken away too soon, it puts them at greater risk of infections and other complications. It can also increase their anxiety, aggression and make them over-protective of their toys and food. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Before seeing the litter, research what a golden retriever puppy of eight weeks looks like. It will vary depending on the dog, but this will help you establish a clear idea of what the puppies will look like when you see the litter. The size and temperament of the parents are passed down to their offspring. What is the temperament of the parents? How does the puppy in question behave around dogs outside their litter? What kind of food are the puppies used to eating? Have the puppies all been dewormed? Are the puppies socialized with other animals besides dogs, such as cats or birds? Summary Adopting a puppy is a significant milestone for a family. While the puppy mills and commercial breeders almost always have puppies available and will let you take your pick, the people you really want to buy from are the hobby breeders who are breeding for themselves. Hobby breeders are always looking for great homes for dogs but they sometimes cannot let you know until the puppies are about 8 weeks old who is available. And the good breeders often have waiting lists. My comment to people who are puppy shopping is that if you can walk in and get a puppy, be alarmed. The AKC has a breeder list on its website but you should be advised that there are no criteria for quality used by AKC or most other websites. The Golden Retriever Club of America grca. So the standards may vary but there are standards. It's a good place to start. Go to some dog shows or obedience trials and watch people to see how they interact with their dogs. Plan to talk to multiple breeders to choose the one whose values are in line with yours. If the people you meet are not people you want to have a 12 plus year relationship, then keep looking. Because when you buy a dog from a reputable breeder you are entering into a relationship. This dog will live with you and your family for many many years. This is not a decision to take lightly. Indian Trail Golden Retrievers breedings produce a sweet and loving disposition in a puppy. We breed for conformation, as well as personality. We take special care in matching our stud dogs with our dams to produce beautiful, healthy, and long lived dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy should have bright eyes, a thick lush coat, a black wet nose, and clean ears. A puppy should have several puppy shots and be wormed by the time they are ready to go to their new homes. A Golden Retriever puppy should have both parents cleared by OFA for elbow, hip, eyes, and also have a heart clearance. These are weaknesses in Golden Retrievers created by over breeding and breeding too closely. Regardless of what you want your puppy to be- an obedience dog, a show dog, or a loving pet, you as a buyer need to make sure that the breeder follows strict breed guidelines. At Indian Trail Golden Retrievers, located in Connecticut, we take extra care to have all our breeding dogs screened and cleared for any possible health or hereditary problems, which will provide new puppy owners the best puppy available. Your puppy should reflect your family. Active families should choose an active and outgoing puppy that will thrive in a busy household. A puppy needs plenty of activity, and your puppy should be inquisitive, playful, and not shy. All new puppy families should plan to bring their puppy to puppy classes, it is as important for the owners as for the puppy. The investment in puppy school will reap endless benefits. Consistency in training, both for the owners and the pup, will make your pet expedience most fulfilling. Each puppy has an individual personality, and the fact that our puppies are home raised, helps us match pups with their prospective families. We have found that many pups choose their new families. Puppies just love children, and the bond will last for your dogs life. Remember that puppies are puppies, and they will pull on shirts, pants, hands, and your house will have to be puppy-proofed before you new puppy arrives. Puppies will be teething. They will need plenty of chew toys. Puppies will chew furniture, toys, shoes, whatever they are allowed to chew. Damage to your belongings is not the puppies fault, but the owners. Training and correct confinement, such as crating when they are not with you, will help to give a positive experience. Plan to spend time with your puppy. They will require a lot of exercise. The more positive activity you give your puppy, the less time and energy they will have to get into trouble. Our puppies love to retrieve. We take hikes, and just spend time outdoors playing tug of war. Consider how an Indian Trail Golden Retriever puppy will complete your family. But simply picking a Golden Retriever from the litter might not be quite as easy as it seems, remember, this pooch would be with you for the rest of its life, so you have to be sure that the Golden Retriever pup you are selecting is just right for you and your family. There are a lot of things to consider, and lots of questions to be answered: What color should I pick? What temperament would I want? Should I pick a male or female Golden Retriever? Lots of questions that require answers. Your experience with the beautiful Golden Retriever should be enjoyed. First off, is Golden Retriever the right dog for you? I assume that you probably did a lot of research on the Golden Retriever breed before picking a reputable breeder to patronize or work with. The Golden Retriever is quite energetic and clingy, and as such does require a lot of time and attention. It requires a lot of exercises to keep from being destructive and for an adult Golden Retriever, an average of hours would be required daily to properly exercise the breed. And for those allergic to dogs or dog coats, the Golden Retriever might not be the best breed for you. This is because the Golden Retriever is a moderate to heavy shedder during shedding season. You might want to consider a Labrador Retriever, checkout our comparison for more detail: Golden Retriever Vs. When trying to decide what sort of Golden Retriever is best for you, answers to these questions would be needed. Male or Female Golden Retriever? This sort of decision might be quite easy for some and incredibly difficult for others. This is because to some, any gender is good enough they have no preferences , while for the rest, specific reasons or purposes could cause them to favor a particular Golden Retriever gender over the other. Both the male and female Golden Retrievers are very lively and equally playful at this stage of their lives. The only slight difference, however, that might occur or might be noticeable between both breeds might be size, as the male Golden Retriever is only slightly bigger or larger than the female when looking at the same litter. As both Golden Retrievers approach their individual sexual maturity, you might begin to notice a lot more differences. A lot of generalization is done between both, the male and female genders of the Golden Retriever breed. Some might say that the male Golden Retriever is a lot more hyperactive and could be harder to train than the female Golden Retriever, or that the female Golden Retriever matures quite faster than the male Golden Retriever, but again, these are all generalizations and speculations. Another popular generalization or myth is that the female Golden Retriever is a lot more independent and affectionate than the male Golden Retriever, again, it could still just be a myth. What Size of the Golden Retriever should I pick? As we already stated earlier, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a huge impact on the size of the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever males are bigger than Golden Retriever females when comparing two Golden Retrievers from the same litter. What style of the Golden Retriever should I go with? Deciding on what Golden Retriever style you would like is equally important. Are you looking for an athletic Golden Retriever or a slim Golden Retriever, or are you in search of a more stocky and blocky-headed Golden? What Color of Golden Retriever should I go with? Of course, the Golden Retriever has a variety of different coat colors that you could be interested in. Some of these colors are; red-gold or dark gold, or perhaps, maybe a cream-colored Golden Retriever. Either way, there are some interesting Golden Retriever colors to choose from. What sort of personality should I look for? This is yet another decision that can only be made by you. The personality of the Golden Retriever you choose is quite important, so you definitely need an answer to this question. Are you looking for an energetic Golden Retriever dog or a calmer and more gentle companion? You might be searching for a friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever or perhaps a shy or reserved Golden Retriever. The breeder should know them best, being that they have spent approximately 8 weeks with the puppies. The breeder should be able to tell in each litter which of the Golden Retriever puppies is more dominant, which is shy, which is, which barks a lot, which is calmer, and of course, which of the Golden Retriever pups is most energetic. So, by simply telling him what exactly you are looking for in a Golden Retriever, he should be able to make helpful suggestions and recommendations. This is quite common in breeders today, they usually do the picking for you based on the requests and information you give them, which I personally feel is better. These 6 tips would be quite beneficial in deciding which Golden Retriever puppy is best for you. Does it dominate the other Golden Retriever puppies or is it a more submissive puppy? Try to notice the energy levels of each Golden Retriever pup A great way to figure out the temperament of a Golden Retriever pup would be by checking out their energy levels. A Golden Retriever pup that spends half its time barking and the other half running around is a clear indication that it is anything but calm. Notice how your chosen pup reacts or interacts with people In addition to watching how your pup reacts with other littermates, you also have to watch how they react with people. When you interact with them, how do they react, also watch their interaction with the breeder and basically strangers? Do they react in a curious manner? Are they quite fearful? Or are they the outgoing and friendly type that seems to be quite interested in interacting with humans? Try tossing a toy or your keys at the pup This is a great way to identify how alert your Golden Retriever puppy really is. Once you toss your keys or a toy at the pup, try to notice how quickly your Golden Retriever reacts to it. Does your pup run after it? Or does it follow the toy or keys with its eyes? Try putting the Golden Retriever pup on its back As you pick and cradle the Golden Retriever pup, you could try placing it on its back while in your arms or placing it on its back while on the floor. For a dominant Golden Retriever pup, it should squirm or struggle a bit, while for a more submissive and calmer puppy, it should also struggle for a bit but shortly relax. Try Caressing your Golden Retriever puppy You could try caressing your chosen Golden Retriever pup by gently rubbing its ears, tails, paws, and mouth. A calm Golden Retriever puppy should be cool with it. Note: Be sure to check the health of your chosen pup before choosing. Also, your Golden Retriever might pick you. This is not new, as some dog owners have shared their various experiences. Some pups could run up to you all sweetly and cute looking for a cuddle, some could pee on you while others might even go as far as peeing on you, but all in all, when a puppy picks you, you would know. Final Thoughts Picking a Golden Retriever puppy that is just right for you and your family is not an easy task, but it is quite important as this dog would be with you for a huge part of its life. So do ensure you stay attentive when choosing. Ensure that your chosen pup is quite healthy, ensure they are well tested and strong. Following all the steps listed above should be enough to help you when selecting a Golden Retriever pup. In all you do, please ensure that you shower your new Golden Retriever with so much love and care. Drink a lot of water, eat well and of course, always stay devoted to dogs. You're looking for a dog that's healthy in both mind and body. Let's see how we can help you pick that perfect pup. Time To Buy a Puppy! It's the day you've all been waiting for. Golden Retriever PuppyYou finally get to visit that new litter of cute Golden Retriever puppies and make your selection. The ideal time to do that is when the puppies are around five weeks of age. That's when they're beginning to explore their world and love being around people. You won't be able to take the pup home for awhile. But at least you can figure out how to pick a puppy at your leisure. The first question you need to ask yourself is, would you rather have a boy or a girl? There are some minor differences in size and temperament between male and female Goldens. But it really boils down to your personal preference. If you're positive you want to buy a female puppy, for instance, ask the breeder to take the males out of the bunch for now. If you're dead set on buying a Henrietta, you don't want to lose your heart to a Henry. Golden Retriever Puppy With ChewieIn most Golden litters, the coat colors usually vary between shades of cream and gold. If you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy for his color, check out the ears. A puppy's ear color is the best indicator of the color of his future adult coat. His ears are often slightly to moderately darker than the rest of his coat at this tender age. Distended stomachs could indicate a problem with worms. When you pick up one of those cute Golden Retriever puppies, he should smell nice. It's a "newborn thing," just like with human babies. And when you stroke him, his coat should be clean and plush, with no signs of fleas or other parasites. You're also checking to make sure there's no evidence of scabs under the coat on the skin. His eyes and ears should be clear, with no runny discharges from either place. His nose should be jet black. At this stage, a Golden Retriever puppy's eyes will be gray, but they'll gradually change to a permanent dark brown. Your prospective pup shouldn't have any bald spots or apparent sores. You should not see any evidence of adverse reactions to recent puppy shots. Are you choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to show him in the ring? Then you need to make sure there are no obvious markings or conformation problems that would disqualify him. But health and soundness is more than just clearances. Golden Retrievers are often known for skin problems, and the parents in question should be trouble free with no apparent allergies or susceptibility to hot spots. You should ask the breeder about the overall health of the parents, and how long ancestors in the first two or three generations have lived. The answers could indicate the quality of life your new pup can expect throughout his life, and how long you might be blessed with his friendship. Consider Personality When Choosing a Golden Retriever Puppy Sarah Cuddles PuppiesWhen you first see the litter together, they should mob you, absolutely thrilled at the sight of people--and new people at that! Peaches's puppies always enjoyed their play time with my daughter, Sarah seen here. Every puppy has an individual personality, and each litter contains a range of personalities. It's up to you to match your family's needs with your perfect pup's personality when selecting a Golden Retriever puppy. You can do this with the help of puppy temperament testing. Golden Retriever PuppyIf you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to take hunting, bring a duck wing or pheasant tail with you when you visit the litter, and tease the puppies with it. Some pups will immediately be fixated on the feather and chase it around constantly, even picking it up when you toss it. Other pups won't care one way or the other what's tickling their nose. Look for the pups that like to hold things in their mouths or carry them around. All Golden Retrievers have a natural retrieving instinct, but some have practically a compulsion to have something in their mouths at all times. There's your hunter pup. Now is the time to buy puppy supplies, make the veterinary appointments, check back with the breeder to make sure the puppy is up to date with his vaccinations, and spend time puppy-proofing your home in preparation for the canine invasion. In general, puppies should stay with their mother until sometime between the eighth and tenth weeks. By this time, the puppies have learned critical canine socialization skills from their mother and littermates. They're also weaned off their mother's milk, are eating puppy food, and are old enough to pass Beginning Housebreaking with flying colors. That means you've been blessed with a wonderful new best friend who will give you many years of unlimited, unconditional love. What more could any mere mortal want? Similar Articles :. How will we ever decide? Our Selection Process If you have ever chosen a puppy from a breeder, you were probably given a thirty-minute time slot, a pile of ten puppies and no behavior or temperament information. You likely chose your puppy based on color or gender, or both. You might have chosen the first puppy who came up to you, the puppy lying by himself over in the corner, or the puppy who kept crawling into your lap. Maybe you chose the runt because you felt sorry for her. Every single puppy has a purpose. Some dogs are meant to hunt or search, others are meant to perform valuable tasks, and still others are meant to offer comfort. Most dogs are meant for lifelong companionship. Service dogs and therapy dogs serve very different purposes. The testing and selection process for each is different, as is the training. A dog can never truly be a family pet AND a service dog. A therapy dog can never be an emotional support animal and a family pet, because an ESA is bonded to one person while a family pet divides his time with various family members or friends. Candidates for our therapy and service dog programs are chosen first We do not consider gender or color when temperament testing or placing dogs into our programs We can not control the number of puppies in a litter, nor the number of males and females in a litter. We usually take three male deposits and three female deposits prior to the birth of the litter. Once the litter is born and we know how many puppies we have, we accept additional deposits. We follow a puppy protocol from the day puppies are born, exposing them to different sounds and surfaces. We hold them in different positions and we move them around increasingly. We work with their pressure points and we use essential oils to relax and stimulate them. We construct these profiles based on observed behaviors during weeks such as barking, growling, shyness, food assertiveness, independence, maturity, patience, motivation. Temperament testing occurs during week 6. If the family with the third deposit on the list wants a pet, we will suggest the puppy ies that most closely match their family profile. If the puppy they wanted was selected by the family with the first deposit, they may then move to their second choice. A family who makes the LAST deposit in a litter may not get their first choice, however we do our very best to accommodate everyone. While families may have a color or gender preference, we suggest being open-minded and willing to consider the puppy with the temperament that best fits you and your needs. We do our best to get the right puppy for you, and we are unable to allow a family to wait until pick up day to select a puppy. Above everything, we must ask our families to trust us during this process. Our experience with goldens and goldendoodles, and the relationships we have with our families, have made us what we are today. If you do not feel comfortable with the selection process, please seek another breeder. By placing a deposit, you are agreeing with our testing and selection process. Your deposit is non-refundable, but it may be forwarded to a future litter. The selection process differs from those of other breeders and priority is given to our program. We make every effort to match puppies which best fit family profiles that are submitted in online puppy applications. We cannot determine the number of puppies or the number of males and females in a litter. When necessary, placement decisions will be made according to the order in which deposits are received. You love me when I am not lovable. You find me in the darkness. You keep my secrets and lick my tears. You teach me to live like someone left the gate open. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research.

Date Received: Purchase Price: The Buyer agrees to provide life-long commitment, comfortable environment, prompt medical attention, proper grooming and responsible care for this puppy. Proper nutrition is to be provided at regular intervals, and fresh clean water available at all times. The Buyer promises to provide a safe environment for the dog, and never allow the dog to roam freely without proper fencing or supervision. The Buyer will not leave the puppy alone for more than 8 hours at a time on a regular basis. One stud service will be considered completed once the Bitch gives birth to at least three puppies, each living to 60 days. The Seller will pay for all expenses associated with stud service including but not limited to transportation, collection, preservation, and shipment of semen. The Buyer agrees to maintain communication with the Seller at all times, and provide information in regards to sperm count and readiness of the dog to breed. No guarantee is given to fertility or ability to produce offspring. Buyer agrees to purchase pet health insurance for this puppy. Seller recommends Trupanion or Nationwide. Buyer agrees to continue the exact diet the puppy was started on for a minimum of three months after leaving the Seller. Buyer understands that switching the diet during the transitional period make cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Any issue to with appetite, obtaining the proper food, or interest in switching the diet must be discussed with and approved by the Seller. The Buyer must inform the Seller of the results of the veterinary exam within 24 hours of the veterinary exam via email. Failure to do so in the time frame stated above will result in termination of this agreement. The puppy is warranted for one year against fatal and life altering congenital disease including kidney, heart, pancreas, spine, and liver problems. Conditions must be of a severe, life threatening nature. The puppy must show defect within one year of age. The Seller must be notified of the problem within 48 hours of diagnosis. The Buyer must produce reports from two licensed veterinarians from two unassociated veterinarian clinics. These reports must reach the same diagnosis and conclusion. The Buyer must obtain all veterinarian records and forward to the Seller within 48 hours of the first diagnosis. The Buyer must return the puppy to the Seller within ten days of report of first diagnosis. The affected puppy must be in good condition, other than the specified problem. The Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs, including the shipping of the affected puppy back to the Seller as well as shipping costs of sending a replacement puppy as needed. If the puppy should die within the one year warranty, the Buyer is required to have an autopsy performed to determine cause of death. No replacement will be given if the affected puppy dies and the Buyer does not perform an autopsy, or if the autopsy does not show any congenital disease. If an autopsy is performed on a puppy who died before one year old, and confirms cause of death is congenitally genetic then the Seller will replace the puppy within one year of the veterinary report with a puppy or equal or lesser value. The replacement puppy will be chosen by the Seller. No money refunds will be given. The Seller is not responsible for veterinary costs and will not pay any medical bills. Once the puppy is paid for and living with the Buyer, the Buyer is fully responsible for all Veterinary bills. The puppy has received vaccinations for parvovirus and distemper and is warranted against parvovirus and distemper for 48 hours upon receiving the puppy. This contract does not cover the health conditions which are considered very common to this specific breed, and in even the best bred French Bulldogs. These conditions which are not life threatening and in many cases are easily and inexpensively treated include ear infection, eye infection, skin infection, cherry eye, entropion or ectropion eyelids, loose hips, loose knees, elongated soft palate, hypoplastic trachea, stenotic nares, inverted tails and corkscrew tails, allergies, fertility issues, parasitic infection, fungal infection, or bacterial infection, respiratory infection, undescended testicles, uneven bite, localized demodex, coccidiosis, kennel cough, giardia, and diarrhea. Many of the above listed conditions are frequently potentiated by the stress of separation, and change in environment. The French Bulldog is a companion breed and is known to suffer from separation anxiety. We do our best to make a smooth transition from our care to yours which will minimize the stress for your puppy. Conditions not found during the exam cannot be disclosed as the Seller has no knowledge of their existence at that time. The Seller will make every effort to be transparent regarding health before the puppy comes home with the Buyer. A puppy that has died from anesthesia as a result of being put under for surgery, etc. Sudden death from chocking on an object, falling from any distance, being run over by vehicle or otherwise trauma of any sort is not covered in this health guarantee. It is the Buyers obligation to watch this puppy at all times. Any physical problem which is or could be caused by accident, injury, neglect, or poor diet is not covered in this contract. Mental health, aggressive or otherwise unfavorable behavior which can be prevented with obedience training and proper socialization is not covered in this contract. If at any time the Buyer is no longer able to provide a comfortable and safe home environment for this puppy, the Buyer must return the puppy to the Seller without compensation. The Buyer understands that this puppy cannot be re-sold, re-homed, or given up to a shelter at any time for any reason. The Seller has the sole right to assume responsibility for the puppy if the Buyer is no longer able or willing to be responsible for the puppy. The Buyer is required to sign this contract at the time the non-refundable deposit is placed. Failure to return a signed contract to the Seller before the puppy is released from the Seller to the Buyer will result in cancellation of this contract, which means the Buyer will forfeit any right to compensation from the Seller. Seller has the right to terminate this contract at anytime for any reason between the period that the deposit is placed and before the puppy is received. In the case that the Seller decides the Buyer is no longer a good fit for this puppy, then the Seller will return the deposit. However, if the Buyer decides that they no longer want the puppy for any reason between placing a deposit and before picking the puppy up to take home, the Seller forfeits their deposit in full. Prior to leaving, the puppy will have received a veterinary examination, at least one set of age appropriate vaccinations, and dewormed multiple times. The Seller will provide a hard copy record of the vaccinations and dewormers given to the puppy. It is understood that the Seller assumes no responsibility after the puppy leaves the premises for any change of mind of the Buyers behalf such as a landlords disapproval, allergies, disagreement with family, trouble with housebreaking, etc. In these and similar cases, the Buyer must return the puppy to the Seller without compensation. The puppy must be paid for in full at the time of pick up or at 7 weeks of age if transportation via flight nanny is needed. The puppy must be paid for in full at the time of pick up if picked up in person. NW Frenchies does not finance the purchase of any puppy. If the Buyer is co-owning the puppy, the Buyer must notify the Seller, so that all parties sign the contract. The Seller must approve all future owners of this puppy otherwise the contract is void in full. The Buyer understands that the deposit placed to hold the puppy is non-refundable. The deposit may not be switched to an unsold puppy in the same or other litter unless prior agreed upon with the Seller. It is understood that this contract only applies to the original Buyer, and is non- transferable. It is further understood that there are no warranties, either expressed or implied to the Buyer except as set forth in this agreement. By signing this contract the Buyer agrees and accepts all terms and conditions implemented in this contract. The Seller will help with travel arrangements but is not responsible or liable for the puppy once the puppy leaves the Seller. After 4 weeks the Buyer forfeits their deposit, any right to this puppy, and any right to compensation from the Seller. In the event the Seller is unable to reach the Buyer for more than 2 weeks, the Buyer forfeits their deposit, and right to this puppy, and any compensation from the Seller. The preceding paragraphs contain conditions established to ensure the well-being of your new family member. Both parties have read and fully understand and agree to all terms and conditions of this contract. By signing, Buyer acknowledges to have received a copy of this contract. This puppy sales contract and health guarantee is construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington. All puppies have been recently examined by a licensed veterinarian and will have received a health certificate prior to their travel. Because of this thorough veterinary examination Breeder gives the Buyer a 7 day health guarantee covering contagious illness and a one year guarantee for life threatening congenital disorders. If the Puppy is found to have a contagious illness within 7 days or if the Puppy dies within the guarantee time period, the Buyer must notify Breeder within 48 hours with the following information: Date Puppy was examined; Name, address and phone number of the licensed Veterinarian who examined the Puppy; The diagnosis and all medical records; Necropsy REQUIRED if death has occurred. Breeder will have their veterinarian review approve the diagnosis prior to the return or replacement of the Puppy. If a return is necessary Buyer is responsible to make the arrangements to return Puppy back to the breeder at Buyers cost with the requested vet information and all registration paperwork. Breeder will replace the Puppy with one of the same value when one becomes available for up to eighteen months. The replacement puppy may be from a different litter at a latter date or from different parents. Replacement is the only option, we do not give cash refunds. Shipping costs are non-refundable and are always the responsibility of the Buyer. DO NOT allow your new puppy to be around strangers or unvaccinated dogs, sidewalks, veterinary floors, grass areas or anywhere that other dogs have been until after ALL puppy vaccinations are completed at 16 weeks of age. Because of the nature of a live animal Breeder cannot control the environmental exposure of the Puppy after it leaves the care of the Breeder. Breeder intends that the Buyer will provide the Puppy a permanent home. Breeder will provide applicable registration papers for Puppy. Breeder relinquishes breeding rights to Buyer. There is no guarantee of color, size, breeding, show quality or temperament of the Puppy. There is no guarantee against, hypoglycemia, luxating patellas, cherry eye, dry eye, elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, inverted tail, demodectic mange, herniation inguinal or umbilical , broken bones, allergies, un-descended testicles, bite, parasites or any condition that is treatable and not life threatening. Do not put your puppy on high places including furniture where it may fall and injure itself. Even a sofa can be dangerous to a young puppy. Watch small children who may handle your puppy. Puppies can be seriously injured or killed if dropped or over-handled. French Bulldogs are sensitive to temperatures, especially heat. Never leave your puppy unattended in any area that is not climate controlled. French Bulldogs quickly overheat in high temperatures. Treat the Puppy just as an infant child. Make sure the Puppy is eating and drinking regularly. Should the Buyer change their mind for any reason about the purchase of the Puppy or is no longer able to care for the Puppy at any time, Buyer will not receive a replacement puppy or a refund. However, please contact Breeder for assistance to locate a suitable new home for the Puppy. Remember the Puppy is a baby and will need proper care, training and discipline as it grows up. Seek out local training classes or clubs to help you teach your puppy to be a good canine citizen. We always have inquiries regarding our puppies, and another family may be ready to reserve that same puppy. We encourage you to place a deposit as soon as you are ready! The puppy will be offered to the next family if we do not receive proof that the funds have been sent. The remaining balance is to be paid when the puppy is picked up at 8 weeks of age. Shipping fees and crate are in addition to the cost of the puppy. The puppy is to be picked up or shipped by 12 weeks of age; UNLESS prior arrangements are made with the Seller or the Buyer forfeits all monies paid and the puppy can then be re-sold. Seller does not warranty pups while being shipped; Seller has no control over their care or handling during transport. If Buyer needs to have pup shipped, it will be shipped by one of our trusted nannies or by Frenchie Kiss Inc. We want the best for our dogs and new owners. We will do our best to give helpful; timely advice. French bulldogs can quickly succumb to cold or heat. Buyer understands that MOST French bulldogs cannot swim well, and all precautions must be taken to insure the safety of your bulldog. Better safe than sorry! The Buyer agrees to provide the dog with the proper exercise, diet, shelter and general care and properly maintain adequate accommodations for a French bulldog considering its size and weight. The Buyer further agrees to provide regular veterinary care including checkups, booster vaccinations and any other care needed by the dog e. The Buyer agrees that Frenchie Kiss Inc. Buyer understands that one breeding is retained on ALL males sold with full registration, unless otherwise noted. If we choose to use the male as a part of our program all fees associated with collection, shipping of semen, or any breeding costs will be paid by Frenchie Kiss Inc. Puppies sold with limited registration will have no breeding rights and cannot be bred for any reason and will be in violation of agreement if puppy is bred. We, Frenchie Kiss Inc. Buyer must have puppy spayed or neutered by 1 year of age. Buyer will also pay all court costs associated with this matter. Breeder will either keep said puppy or find the puppy a suitable home. When a suitable home is secured, any monies received for the puppy will be reimbursed to the buyer. Under no circumstances may the dog be surrendered to any animal shelter. The dog is sold for the sole purpose of being a companion. While it may be capable of performing other functions, no warranty is given to its fitness for any special purpose. Health Guarantee: Puppy is covered until 12 months of age against life threatening congenital conditions. If puppy is found to have a life-threatening congenital defect by puppy's 1st birthday, Frenchie Kiss Inc. Frenchie Kiss Inc. If the second vet does not agree that the puppy has a life-threatening congenital condition, the buyer may opt to pay for a third opinion for a final diagnosis. If the quality of life of said puppy is severely affected the Seller asks that the puppy be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian and that a written and conclusive diagnosis and a description of the puppy along with the registration papers be returned to the Seller before a replacement puppy will be offered. If Buyer chooses to send puppy back to the Seller, the Seller will replace the puppy of equal value when one is available. The warranty is applicable only to the original Buyer and is not transferable to any third party. The Buyer agrees the remedies listed above are the only remedies available. If ill health is fraudulently claimed the second and third opinion cost will be the responsibility of the buyer. Buyer understands that the Seller makes no guarantee that they will be able to show or breed the puppy as an adult regardless of show or breeding potentials visually perceived as a puppy. We do our best to produce dogs that are show-able and breed able, but no one can guarantee the outcome of any puppy. Coccidiosis Coccidia , giardia, and Breeder KENNEL cough upper respiratory are not covered in this contract, all of which can be common in puppies and neither are life threatening and are easily treated. Parvovirus is not covered in this health guarantee. Seller HIGHLY recommends you the Buyer do not place your puppy on the ground in public places until their immune system is better developed after 18 weeks of age. These places are breeding grounds for disease and illness even for vaccinated adult dogs! Failure to have puppy examined by a licensed Veterinarian within this time frame will null and void the health guarantee. Puppies that do not have pet insurance will void 1-year Heath Guarantee. Puppies bred before 1 year of age will also void 1-year Health Guarantee. All legal proceedings will take place in the City of Red Deer in the Province of Alberta, the residence of the breeder, and this contract is valid the entire life of the canine unless transferred to a subsequent owner. Proof of successful completion is required for rebate.

I love Working-Line German shepherds and am constantly amazed at what they can do. My wife and I have had German shepherds in our family since the early stages of our marriage 26 years ago and counting. They truly have been part of our family. My job at Brave and Faithful K9 is very glamorous, and I am always in the spotlight:. It is absolutely cool to support my daughter in her dream to train, trial, and raise Working-Line German shepherds. I am the website designer which I have found is just an extension of all those years of manual scrapbooking that I did of my kids and family.This really just means that I work with the dogs in any way that is helpful and that I clean, clean, and clean more: kennels, dogs, crates, vehicle, yard, house, etc. What I have come to enjoy the most are the wonderful people that we have met on this journey. We have been gifted with amazing clients for our puppies. My prayer and heart's desire is that in some small way we have touched the lives we have gotten to serve through our business and that JESUS can be seen in all that we do. For the Glory of Our Lord! I love the German shepherd breed, and it has always been my dream and passion to raise, train, and produce these extremely intelligent creatures. Starting our family business was the beginning of making that dream a reality. It has been a major learning experience for me-almost like discovering a whole new world. There is always a new training method to learn and I am constantly trying to figure out how to perfect each of our dogs in their obedience, tracking, and protection work. My first priority as the dog trainer is to honor God in everything that I do; in the end, it is God who makes things prosper, and that is what I cling to. I am very blessed and excited to be a part of our family business and look forward to what the future holds for us. She loves our country and the ideals that it was founded on and has encouraged all of us to develop the interests and gifts that we naturally have through personal ingenuity. She has traveled with us all over. She is part of our family business in an indirect way…just humbly behind the scenes. We credit her for planting the vision in our minds that we could ever possibly have our own family business one day. What would we do without the generations that have come before us! Now in Oklahoma City, too! We are a foster-based organization working out of Tulsa and now Oklahoma City! Our dogs are cared for in private homes and we do not operate a shelter. We are an all-volunteer organization. We are always in need of more help to answer questions, check applications, socialize dogs, transports dogs to adoption events and much more. Adopt: Fill out our adoption application here. Only approved adopters may schedule meet and greets with our dogs. Even if you are unsure which dog you would like to adopt, we recommend filling out an application and getting approved first so you are ready when the right dog comes along. To ensure your new family member is a good fit, dogs may be returned within 14 days of adoption for any reason. Adoption Requirements: We require all pets in the home to be spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and on heartworm prevention. If you rent, we will need authorization from your landlord that German Shepherds are allowed. We also require a fenced-in yard. References may not be related to you. If you have questions, please send us an email! Available Dogs: View dogs available for adoption here. To meet one of our dogs, please fill out an adoption application. Foster: We are in need of folks to provide short-term, in-home care for dogs in need until they are adopted. Veterinary care, food and a large crate are provided. If you can help, please complete our foster application here. Please note, fostering is for those who want to volunteer by providing temporary housing for homeless dogs. If you are planning on adopting and just want to try out a dog in your home to see if it is the right fit, please fill out an adoption application. Only approved adopters can schedule meet and greets with our dogs. All adopted dogs can be returned within 14 days of adoption for any reason. As we work out of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, we prefer fosters to be within a 1-hour driving distance to Tulsa or OKC so they can bring a foster dog to adoption events and veterinary appointments if needed. Online Auction: Over the past few months, our rescue has seen a significant increase in dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned. When we do not have enough fosters, we have had to put dogs in boarding which also is an added expense. To raise much-needed funds, we are hosting an online auction. We will have items such as unique products and services, tickets to special events, art, jewelry, wine, restaurant and hotel gift certificates, dog items, gift baskets, etc. Stay tuned for more information! If you or your business would like to donate an item, please email: oklahomagsr gmail. Every little bit helps and the value of your donation is tax-deductible. Each auction contributor will be recognized in the online event and our Facebook page. Events: Check our Facebook page for a schedule of adoption events. Small donations add up! You may donate online or by mailing a check. Your donation is tax-deductible. Thank you! Donate Here Need to surrender a dog? If you are the owner of the dog you want to surrender, please fill out the owner surrender form. Please contact your local animal shelter or the closest SPCA or humane society for more information. I want to thank God for all that he has allowed me to accomplish with my dogs. I also want to thank all that have purchased from me through the years. While in Honduras our dogs were mainly watchdogs. They acquired quite a reputation. One of the females that we raised there, earned one point towards an International Championship. The first Shepherd I showed and titled in the USA was a very nice male that we bought in the summer of , while back in the states on a visit. When we moved back to the states in I became very interested in showing my dogs. After learning a few things I entered my first show in and have been showing ever since. What I want in my dogs is stability and versatility. I prefer a mixture of American show lines and German show lines. This has worked well for me. My dogs are neither too soft like some American show lines , nor do they have too strong of a prey drive like some German show lines. Most people that want a great companion dog cannot handle the really strong prey drive that some shepherds have, and for that reason I prefer the combination. I believe the combination produces dogs, that can do all the work that is asked of them. If you are interested in one of my puppies, please contact me. I have to warn you, when you purchase a puppy I come with the package!! Smile I will be here for you when you have any questions. If I do not know the answers, I certainly will try to find someone who can help!!

What is the Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles? Guest Contributor .Along with the joy of having a Goldendoodle as part of your family comes the responsibility of providing for their nutritional needs. Like every dog breed, Goldendoodles need a diet of high quality, nutrient-rich food to ensure they grow healthily, live vibrantly and maintain their energetic lifestyle. With the right wet or dry food for dogs , you can help them maintain their well-being and longevity. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Goldendoodles As an active and intelligent crossbreed that is fairly energetic, Goldendoodles require a balanced diet to support their health and vitality. Understanding their dietary requirements, such as the type of protein they need, the role of carbohydrates in their diet and the importance of essential fatty acids, is the first step towards choosing the right dog food. Additionally, considering the potential health issues common to the breed can guide you toward more targeted nutritional choices. All dogs, including senior canines need a moderate to high amount of protein. To choose the best food for your Goldendoodle, look for options with the following ingredients. These sustainable ingredients can help your dog stay healthy and happy at any stage of life: High-Quality Protein Sources Goldendoodles thrive on high-quality proteins. These can be derived from various sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish or plant-based proteins like lentils and peas. Protein should be a priority when considering the best ingredients in dog food , as it supports muscle growth and development. Our dog food products contain ethically sourced protein for your pet. Balanced Carbohydrates for Energy Given their energetic nature, Goldendoodles need a balanced amount of carbohydrates for sustained energy. Opt for dog foods with wholesome carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, brown rice and vegetables rather than those with simple sugars and fillers. To keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny, look for foods like Rawmix dog food that include essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega.These products contain ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed and certain animal fats high in omegas. Look for dog foods that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of these essential nutrients. Your pet can also get these nutrients from bone broth. There are many benefits of bone broth for dogs , including stronger bones and joints and a healthier coat. Avoid Artificial Additives, Fillers and By-Products Choose dog foods free from artificial additives, fillers and by-products to provide your Goldendoodle with the most nutritious meals. These ingredients can be harmful over time and offer little to no nutritional value. Always opt for natural, wholesome ingredients when possible. All our dog food at Open Farm contains natural, sustainable ingredients. We never use artificial fillers or by-products; instead, we help you provide your pet with high-quality proteins, carbohydrates and fats to promote an improved quality of life. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle? To know how much I should feed my dog , consider their age, size, activity level and health. Should I choose grain-free or grain-inclusive dog food? If your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities, stick to a grain-free option. If not, consider dog food with healthy grains, like brown rice or millet, for the best nutrition. Can my Goldendoodle eat freeze dried food? When thinking about is freeze dried food good for dogs , it depends on the quality of the food. If your Goldendoodle is thriving on its current diet, there may be no need to change. However, if you notice signs of food intolerance or your dog seems unenthusiastic about their food, it might be time to try something new. Share this post. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Feeding your puppy meat meal is by no means an inherently bad thing. The owner pouring dog food in a bowl. Acana Regionals Grassland The main ingredients in Acana Regionals Grassland are deboned lamb, deboned duck, eggs, lamb meal, and goat meal. Most dog foods use one type of protein, which is perfectly fine, but your Goldendoodle can benefit from eating multiple types of protein. In that case, I strongly recommend considering Acana Regionals Grassland. When to stop soaking puppy food? This brand is among my highest recommended dog foods because of its well-roundedness. The Pomeranian puppy stands in front of a bowl. Unfortunately, some foods are difficult to digest, and in some cases, that can lead to digestion-related health issues, which no owner wants for their growing Goldendoodle. Also, even though this is for bigger breed puppies, there are multiple kibble sizes, so you can get the best size for your puppy to eat. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. Some people mention how small the size of the kibble bag is, as the largest bag you can get is .However, depending on how much you feed your Goldendoodle a day, this amount of food can go relatively quickly, so you can spend quite a bit of money on buying new bags frequently. Giving a Jack Russell Terrier a dog food. Due to the sheer number of dog foods you can find, deciding on one is difficult because it might not offer your puppy all the things you desire. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Not all dog foods are created equal, nor is it a one-size-fits-all situation. Always talk to your vet about the best food choice for your goldendoodle. The protein content in your dog's food should not only be high, it should also be high-quality protein. There are many options available for high quality dog food. Congratulations on your new family member! Your adorable, teddy bear-like bundle of energy and cuddles known as a goldendoodle puppy, who has inherited intelligence , friendliness, and sociability from both of its parent breeds golden retriever and poodle. Obviously, you want a high-quality dog food, so you're probably wondering, "What is the best puppy food? Best Puppy Food for Your Goldendoodle There are a lot of requirements and factors to consider when you're selecting a pet food for your goldendoodle puppy. However, most high-quality puppy foods should be formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your goldendoodle at any life stage. You should think about: Your puppy's weight and size Your puppy's nutritional needs. It should promote good health and prolong life. When determining what to feed dogs, you should consider their breed, age, size, and activity levels. Since a miniature Goldendoodle is slightly active, it should eat more proteins than grains. We will disclose seventeen of the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles below. Moreover, we will answer frequently asked questions. As a first-time parent to a miniature Goldendoodle, you should read food labels. Check the ingredient list to see if a dog food product can nourish your mini Goldendoodle. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles will provide a protein-rich ingredient as the first thing on the label. If the dog food has grains, they should be the lowest quantity on the label. A miniature Goldendoodle has a higher metabolic rate. Hence, dry dog food for Mini Goldendoodles alone is inadequate. Consider buying food with meat additives. It will keep your puppy more energetic and healthier. You will locate the most appropriate item for a puppy or a senior pet in our list of the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. Also, you will discover the products that most veterinarians prefer and the items that can give you the best value for your money. It contains USDA-approved chicken liver, chicken, and brussels sprouts. Every cup of this fresh food provides up to calories. We picked it as our first choice because the highest ingredient on the list is chicken, a rich protein food. This is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles as it contains forty-nine percent protein, thirty-seven percent fat, seven-point-five percent moisture, and one percent fiber. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids that could promote brain health. We like this dog food because it has no synthetic additives or preservatives. Above all, dog parents can choose from three other proteins: pork, beef, and turkey. The way you select food for your pet is easy. Wait for the company to send you a list of the best recipes for your dog. Lastly, this is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with a subscription plan. Once you choose a subscription, the company will send you dog food consistently. Pros The dog food is hypoallergenic. You can receive a dog-specific recipe. Cons 2. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Here is another choice of fresh dog food for your pet. Ollie produces the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. This product is subscription only. As its top ingredients are protein-based, Ollie Fresh Dog Food is safe to buy. The protein content in this product consists of beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. You can make fresh or wet food using beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey recipes. As for dry or baked food, Ollie gives you two recipes with beef or chicken. Its food is nutritious since it has antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and chia seeds. It also has sweet potatoes, which contain a lot of vitamin A and other nutrients. Ollie Fresh Dog Food provides a quiz to help customers pick the correct pet recipes. Pros Can offer recipes for dry and wet food for Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Ollie uses fresh and natural ingredients. Slow-cooking and freezing retain all nutrients. You can serve your dog almost the same type of food you have at home. Cons Only dog owners from the continental U. S can buy this dog. You can only buy it by subscription. This dog food looks like a messy powder. You can make food recipes with deboned beef and salmon. We love this miniature Goldendoodle food for its high convenience and safety. Unlike other dog food products, we have described, this has no chicken recipe. If your Mini Goldendoodle dislikes chicken flavors, this food type fits it best. You can serve it as an only meal or use it as another meal topper. When going out with your pet, you can bring Merrick Backcountry Raw Meal as a snack. Pros Dog food is easy to serve. Your pet can digest it easily. Ideal for dogs that dislike chicken. It has deboned beef. Some customers dislike freeze-dried food. Storage of unused food can be challenging. This dog food is expensive. Cesar Classic Cesar has the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. One of its top-selling products is the Cesar Classic. It is a wet option with many flavors. It provides ninety-one to one hundred and five calories. We highly recommend this loaf to any person with a small budget as it is affordable. You can choose beef, fillet mignon, grilled chicken, or porterhouse steak flavors. All flavors are delicious and soft enough for your miniature dog to chew and digest. If you have a senior dog with teeth problems, you might want to get it this meal. Pros This dog food is soft and easy to chew. A high-quality food product without grains. All ingredients are available in the USA. It is an affordable high-protein diet. Cons 5. It is dry dog food with a high protein content of twenty-five percent. Each cup will give your pet up to calories. Fourteen percent fat is a safe concentration for your dog. Other protein sources are soybean meal, sorghum, and dried beans. We would recommend this diet to owners of adult Mini Goldendoodles. The small puppies might not chew this kibble as it is too big for them. In terms of nutrition, this diet contains omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These omega nutrients can improve coat and brain health. It is among dog foods with healthy levels of protein. An affordable dog food product. This dog food has energetic whole foods. Cons Small dogs might not handle the kibble size. This food is so oily. This dry dog food has fewer calories. If your adult dog needs to cut some weight or maintain a fit body, the Blue Buffalo food can help it. As you can guess, this adult dog food has the highest protein concentration. As a result, it can help your dog build some lean muscles. Pros Blue Buffalo is a low-fat dog food. Contains no fillers, additives, or by-products of grains, poultry, or dog meal. Ideal for weight loss and maintenance. This food is high in protein. Cons Some dogs disliked this product. It may not fit dogs with sensitive guts. Nutro gives you two flavor choices: brown rice and chicken. The dry kibble provides up to calories per cup. Protein content makes up twenty-eight percent of this dog meal. This product is a balanced diet for your puppy because it has nutrients for promoting body and brain development. Your Mini Goldendoodle will have strong bones, healthy skin, and a glossy coat. Instead, the Nutro Nature Choice diet has kale, spinach, bran, brown rice, pumpkin, and rice bran. All these are healthy foods. Pros A high-quality non-GMO dog food. Boasts high protein levels. An exclusive kibble for puppies. Cons The brand is hard to locate in stores. Slightly expensive for some puppy lovers. One dog food product that could give you exactly that is Sold Gold Wee Bit. It has whole foods like brown rice, pearled barley, and real bison. It is a holistic dog food without any potatoes. The ingredients label shows that this dog meal has a balanced amount of protein, fat, and fiber. Consult about the suitability of this as the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with sensitive stomach. A high-fiber diet can prevent constipation and can also cause an upset stomach. Pros A nutritious dog food item with adequate nutrients. Sold Gold dog food has an ideal bite size for miniature pets. This is a high fiber diet. Cons 9. This dog food is fit for miniature Goldendoodle puppies as it has more protein. Its four recipes include water buffalo, lamb, egg product, and sweet potatoes. The fat content is seventeen percent. You can purchase bags weighing five, fourteen, or twenty-eight pounds. The protein content comes from water buffalo, venison, and bison. The Taste of the Wild has also added fruits and vegetables like blueberries, raspberries, and peas to this product. These are high in antioxidants. Your little pet can also get adequate omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from this dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. We have not found another dog food with probiotics and prebiotics. Hence, this puppy food can help dogs with stomach problems. Pros An adequate level of proteins. Has fruits and vegetables for healthier skin. Antioxidants reduce inflammation in the body. The product has nutrients that improve gut health. It has zero artificial fillers, additives, or preservatives. Cons Some puppies might excrete loose stools. Costly dog food. Solution Sensitivities. This is dry dog food with a salmon flavor. Each cup of this dog food provides calories. The fat and fiber portions are twelve and four-point-five percent respectively. This kibble has ten percent moisture content. Solutions Sensitivities is an affordable dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with sensitive bellies. Its nutrients are easy to digest. The product has no allergens or unsafe artificial additives. Instead, it contains a high-fiber food called chicory root plus coconut oil, chickpeas, and peas. Due to salmon, this best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles from Go! Solutions have high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hence, it will give your pet a healthy coat and skin. Pros Go! Solutions Sensitivities Dog Food has salmon protein. Dogs can digest nutrients fast. This dog food has no synthetic chemicals. You can buy it for puppies with digestive difficulties. Ideal for underweight puppies. This is a high-calorie diet unsuitable for obese dogs. Healthy puppies could get overweight. We have picked it as the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles because of this simple fact. Adult dogs weighing nine to twenty-two pounds can eat this high-quality dog food. Another good thing about this best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles is that it can potentially boost brain development. However, we dislike that this dog food provides low protein content and more grains. Pros Appropriate kibble size for small pets. Can give your pet more energy. It can boost skin and brain health. Cons .Protein comes from pork meat, chicken fat, and beef. Victor Classic Hi-Pro is also a grain-based dog diet without gluten. Eighty-eight percent of that protein comes from meat. This dog food can boost immunity through nutrients like selenium and omega fatty acids. Again, the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles by Victor Classic can assist dogs with poor gut health via healthy prebiotics and probiotics. Pros Contains nutrients fit for the immune system. This dog food can boost gut health. Dogs in all life stages can eat Victor Classic Hi-Pro dog food. It has a super high level of protein. Cons It might make some pets have an upset stomach. Some dogs dislike the flavor. The dry kibble has up to thirty-four percent protein, the highest we have seen. One cup of kibble contains calories, making this a high-energy diet. The fat content is half the amount of protein, fiber is three-point-five percent, and moisture is ten percent. If your miniature Goldendoodle loves non-stop play, it can replenish its energy levels with the Crave High Protein Dry Food. As this dog food formula has no grains, it will work for dogs that dislike cereals. Additionally, dogs that require nourishment from grains might not benefit from this item. It contains a high amount of protein. Provides a healthy level of fat content. Cons Can cause obesity in dormant pets. This dog food has no grains. Hence, it could be a perfect choice for an obese miniature Goldendoodle. Offering up to forty-six percent protein from rabbit meat and thirty-two percent fats, this dog food is super healthy. Additional nutrients are five percent fiber and an equal amount of moisture. Finding a high-quality raw dog food product like this is difficult. Thus, you are lucky to read this article on the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles today. It also contains organ meat, bone, fruits, and vegetables. Offering up to 50,, CFU live prebiotics, this raw dog food can boost gut health. Pros Raw rabbit is not an allergen. This dog food has live prebiotics. You can serve raw rabbit food as the main meal or as a topper. High protein dog food. Stella and Chewy is expensive dog food. Some dogs might dislike the food texture. It is in the form of delicious treats for your small dog. Including four different flavors, these treats offer flexibility when selecting the most appropriate taste for your pet. We made this product among the best choices because it is high in protein. It also has other pure ingredients. You can serve it to your pet as it has no gluten or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This dog food is in the form of jerky sticks. Pros This dog food is high in protein from venison and beef. Treats have no grains as the main ingredient. The only flavor of this dry kibble is chicken. If your senior dog loves chicken meat, the Iams Proactive Dog Food could be ideal for it. It has calories per cup and is up to twenty-four percent protein. This dog food has a lower fat content of .It is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles who seven years are and above. Pros A recipe with nutritious free-range chicken meat. Chicken fat can enhance skin health. Ideal for older dogs. This kibble can cause bloating. Some small dogs might not like this kibble size. However, it might only work best for you if you have another high-protein dog meal. However, its fat content of 1. For healthy miniature Goldendoodles, this food alone might not provide adequate protein. Pros Perfect for dogs with indigestion symptoms. Proteins that take a short time to digest. Cons A prescription is a must to get this Mini Goldendoodle puppy food. An expensive food product. FAQs 1. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles puppies is the one you will select from our long list. Mini Goldendoodles do not necessarily need a grain-free diet. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles should have a low number of whole grains for fiber, antioxidants, etc. Ensure a product that has grains also has protein as the highest ingredient. Grains should be gluten-free to prevent stomach issues. Choosing the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles is not enough. You should feed the dog adequate food for its body size and weight. Older dogs should eat four to five cups twice a day. After finding thebest dog food for Mini Goldendoodles, feed your puppy according to its age. Small dogs should eat more often but in small portions. Larger dogs should eat big portions twice daily. We highly recommend Iams Proactive food for Mini Goldendoodles puppy. This dog food is a specific product for senior dogs. Related Posts. Foods made for senior dogs will not be suitable for puppies. The exception to this is when the label clearly states that the food is suitable for all life stages. Goldendoodles come in three sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Mini Goldendoodles are 15—30 pounds as adults. Medium Goldendoodles are 30—45 pounds as adults. Standard Goldendoodles can reach 45— pounds when fully grown. The type of Goldendoodle that you have will determine what type of food you need. That said, many of the foods on this list support healthy digestion and are gentle on sensitive stomachs. If your pup is sensitive or prone to food allergies , choose foods with the fewest ingredients possible and a novel protein source such as duck. Picky Eaters Most dogs love to eat anything and everything, but some can be picky eaters. If you notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is not eating with enthusiasm, they may prefer a different flavor. Lamb, bison, fish, turkey, and chicken are used as protein sources in many dog foods, and your puppy may just want to try something different. If your puppy is not regularly eating no matter which foods you try, talk to your vet to rule out any potential health problems that could be the cause. Growth Rate Goldendoodle puppies grow quickly. Since they grow and change so rapidly, high-protein food is best for them. A balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals, healthy carbs, and protein will give your puppy the energy that they need to stay active and happy while growing. Dog foods should contain one to three main protein sources and be the first ingredients on the label. The protein content should always be higher than the fat content of the food. Fiber Fiber helps promote healthy digestion. In dog food, this is usually provided with fruits and vegetables. Rice and oats are also added for fiber. Fat Fat provides energy. Healthy sources of fat in dog food are flaxseed, canola oil, and omega fatty acids. Vitamins and Minerals Dog food with a balance of vitamins and minerals will keep your puppy healthy as they grow. If you notice that your puppy is having diarrhea, scratching themselves incessantly, chewing their paws, or vomiting, they may have an intolerance to something in their food. This could be an allergy or sensitivity, but switching foods may help. Try a different brand with a different protein source to see if the issue clears up. If your puppy is still showing signs of illness without an explanation, speak to your vet about possible food allergies. Then, different foods will gradually be reintroduced to try to identify what is making them sick. This food is ideal for dogs of all life stages and is minimally processed and gentle on puppies with sensitive stomachs. The nutritional value makes it ideal for promoting healthy growth in puppies. This food is high in protein and helps puppies stay energized and active. We hope that our reviews have helped you find the best food for your Goldendoodle puppy. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More How do you choose the best Goldendoodle puppy food? What ingredients make up the best dog food for Goldendoodle puppies? What special needs do Goldendoodles have? As a new pup parent, you might already be overwhelmed with all the options available on the market. We decided to find out what is the absolute best puppy food for Goldendoodles. From the most-loved dog food brand by Doodle owners! With this formula, your puppy will get their 5-a-day, for sure. Formulated with a special mineral complex that targets joints and bones. This grain-free dog food is perfect for a Goldendoodle puppy with tummy issues. Pick 5: Fromm Puppy Gold dry dog food. Fortified with probiotics and prebiotics that are great for healthy digestion. Pick 7: Browse All Recommended Food for Puppies What to Look for While Choosing the Best Food for Goldendoodle Puppies Even though there are just too many options to choose from, there are a few simple guidelines that you can follow when choosing the best Goldendoodle puppy food. Always feed your Goldendoodle the food that takes into account their age, size, activity levels, and any medical concerns, as well. For instance, the best dog food for Goldendoodle puppies should be more nutrient dense and provide more energy. As a puppy is still growing and developing, they need food specially formulated to meet those unique needs. Additionally, very active dogs and puppies would most likely benefit from dog food that provides more energy. On the other hand, this dog food would not be the best choice for elderly Doodles. Because older dogs usually exercise less, overfeeding them with very calorie dense food can lead to obesity. The best dog food for Goldendoodle puppies should always include high-quality proteins, carbs, fiber, fats, and added nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Today, there are many protein sources used in commercial dog food. The most common proteins are chicken, fish, beef, and pork. Formulas can also include proteins like venison, turkey, duck, rabbit, bison, and more. A balanced puppy food should also contain high-quality carbohydrates. We prefer whole grains, as they are less processed. Thus, they contain more nutrients and fiber. Furthermore, fiber is essential for proper digestion and stool quality. On the other hand, some Goldendoodle owners feed their pups only grain-free puppy food. Be sure to check out our article about grain-free dog food to learn more about it. And, of course, the best dog food for Goldendoodles should also contain high-quality fats. Healthy fats provide essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega.Fatty acids are crucial for the absorption of nutrients. But as we mentioned, a Goldendoodle puppy should ideally eat food specially formulated for puppies. If your Goldendoodle puppy will grow into a large dog as an adult, we recommend you look for puppy food specially designed for large breed puppies. These will include nutrients that promote slower growth rate and help prevent joint and bone problems later on in life. Nevertheless, there are still some hereditary health problems which Goldendoodles are at risk for. Luckily, many dog foods are formulated with ingredients that help target certain health problems. Allergies As all Doodles are prone to allergies, your Goldendoodle pup at risk of developing an allergy at some point in their life. The most common allergens are proteins and high-protein grains like wheat. The most common source of protein that triggers allergies is chicken. Related Content.

References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Canine atopic dermatitis is a genetically-predisposed inflammatory and pruritic itchy allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features. Allergic diseases result from an exaggerated immune system response that causes pathological damage. Some of the immune cells which help defend the body produce proteins called antibodies when stimulated to do so. Antibodies help the immune cells get rid of the pathogens invading the body. Anything that stimulates the immune system is called an antigen. Antigens are normally parts of the invading pathogen, but sometimes otherwise harmless substances stimulate an immune response in individuals who are prone to allergies and exaggerated immune responses. Any substance that can stimulate an allergic immune response is called an allergen. Atopy is associated with the immune system over-producing a type of antibodies called IgE. The clinical features of atopy are variable but the permanent cardinal feature, always present, is itchiness, which varies in degree from mild to severe. A dog may be itchy over its whole skin but more usually the itchiness is localised. The commonest areas to be affected are the ears, around the eyes, the muzzle, the underside of the neck and abdomen, the inside of the legs, the feet and under the tail Nuttall et al .In the early stages of the disease there may just be itchiness, however, redness of the skin will soon be seen. This may be general redness or red spots papules. Further problems arise either from long-term itchiness and the self harm that is caused from scratching, rubbing and chewing of the itchy area or from the presence of skin infections with bacteria both abnormally high numbers of normal skin bacteria and infections from bacteria not usually present and with skin yeasts normally present in low numbers. Atopy itself and the secondary skin changes that occur both make these infections more likely. Infected skin tends to itch and the consequential scratching, rubbing and chewing causes further, secondary skin damage and a vicious circle of itching and scratching and worsening skin damage develops. For many atopic dogs this means constant itchiness as it is often impossible to avoid constant exposure to its problematic allergen - house dust mite. Secondary skin changes often seen in atopic dogs include: lichenification thickening of the skin , a coat that is greasy and scaly dandruff and loss of fur alopecia. Pustules and crusts are seen when there is bacterial infection and, when this is deeper in the skin, nodules with pus draining from sinuses may be seen. Otitis externa inflammation of the ear canal is often seen in atopic dogs and sometimes is the main clinical problem. This follows the same pattern as atopic disease elsewhere — the ear canal is lined with skin. Initially there may just be redness but constant irritation, excess secretions and thickening of the skin with secondary bacterial and yeast infections lead to a vicious cycle until the ear canal becomes irreversibly damaged. The clinical signs include scratching at the ears, head shaking, rubbing the ears on the ground, a smelly discharge from the ears. Severe infections can lead to septicaemia bacterial infection in the bloodstream. There are currently two main theories for the pathogenesis of atopy and there is good evidence that both are important. Atopic individuals have an abnormal immune response. Allergens are detected in the skin by the immune system. In atopic individuals there is an imbalance of two types of immune cell ie more T helper 2 lymphocytes and fewer T helper 1 lymphocytes. This imbalance leads to other changes in the immune system, which make it respond excessively to small amounts of allergen in the future, easily generating skin inflammation. Excessive amounts of an antibody type IgE are present in the body. A second fundamental abnormality seen in atopic individuals is that they have a skin barrier defect. Their skin suffers from increased water loss and foreign substances such as allergens, bacteria and yeast can penetrate more easily than normal. This allows more contact of the allergens with the immune system see above. Allergens from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farina are the most important. Allergies to other mites such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Euroglyphus maynei, Acarus siro and Tyrophagus putrescentiae are either less common or may be largely due to cross reaction with D. Cross-reactions occur when a test detects one substance rather than another. Sensitivity to pollens can certainly be important but are usually seasonal in the UK. Many types of tree pollens are involved in canine atopy, and grass pollens are commonly involved. There are also many weeds implicated in canine atopy eg ragweed, plantain and mugwort. The importance of mould allergens in canine atopy is uncertain. Other allergens which have been considered of importance in the past, but which are no longer, include cockroach and other insects, house dust, fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen. An important concept in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis is that of the pruritic threshold. An individual may not be itchy just because it is atopic eg if it is mildly atopic. It may need another factor to combine with the atopy to tip it over the threshold of having clinical signs. So, various factors that can cause itchy skin may combine. In some dogs, just having one or two of these factors may not cause a problem but if a third or fourth occurs then disease will follow. An inherited atopic state is an important predisposing factor in many animals and a leading cause of welfare problems in dogs. They may also include environmental factors such as flea infestation or a dry climate. One important environmental influence may be the degree of early exposure to allergens for genetically predisposed individuals. There is evidence that prolonged and more intensive exposure to allergens in early life makes atopic dermatitis more likely and also that it is more likely to be severe. This is the case both for house dust mite allergens de Weck , de Weck et al and for pollens; pollen allergies may be more common in puppies born during the pollen season Halliwell .Return to top 2. The primary itch due to atopy itself varies from mild to severe between individuals. It may also vary according to the season and environment that the dog is experiencing ie whether it is housed indoors or outside and where it is exercising, for example a dog allergic mostly to grasses may be better at the seaside than walking through meadows. Skin infections worsen the condition and their severity can vary. Atopy can cause great suffering in moderately-severely affected dogs due to the constant skin itching and irritation and the secondary damage that is done by the dog to its skin creating sore inflamed areas that are uncomfortable and possibly painful. Atopy can be difficult to control medically and suffering can be difficult to avoid during the time when a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is being confirmed. This can be a prolonged and involved procedure see below. Treatment of atopic dermatitis usually involves drugs. The most effective treatments are based on corticosteroids or ciclosporin, both of which can have significant side effects with their own welfare issues. Some atopic dogs become seriously ill due to the side effects of treatment. Frequent shampooing is often required which may be unpleasant for some dogs. Dogs are euthanized because of atopic dermatitis. This is often because diagnosis and treatment are time-consuming and expensive for owners and reasonable long-term control is often the best that can be achieved rather than there being any hope of cure. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Signs of atopy can be seen in some individuals from the age of months. More usually signs start between the ages of months. It is unusual for signs to start after three years. Some dogs have seasonal problems when its pollen allergens that they are allergic to but often dogs that had seasonal problems when younger will develop problems lasting all year round when they are older. Without treatment affected dogs will have the problem for life although the severity will usually wax and wane according to the amount of allergens they are exposed to at any given time, secondary infections, any exacerbating factors such as catching fleas and the weather, and the success of treatments. Treatment of atopic dermatitis is involved and lifelong. Drugs are used in most dogs and these are often required constantly. Return to top 4. A study by Shaw et al investigated the pedigrees of dogs used as guide dogs for the blind that had been diagnosed with clinically significant atopic dermatitis. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are Labrador retrievers Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 1 million. Return to top 5. Diagnosis The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is complicated. There is no characteristic clinical sign or laboratory test result that enables the diagnosis to be made. Over the years there have been various attempts to create formal schemes to aid this process Willemse , Prelaud et al .The currently favoured scheme was created and tested by Favrot et al and its use clarified by Olivry .The Favrot diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis - used alongside the elimination of other possible causes of the signs see below. This means that if dogs were diagnosed, using this scheme alone, then 21 of this would have the wrong diagnosis — they actually have another cause of their disease, not atopy. Furthermore, there would have been another 15 dogs that actually do have atopy but had been excluded because the five criteria needed have not been found. For these reasons the scheme can not be used alone. The difficulties arise because all the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are also seen in other common skin diseases. In order to make any of these schemes more reliable they have to be combined with tests that seek to excluded these other conditions. Mange mite infestations , and bacterial and yeast infections are ruled out by examinations of skin samples and trial treatments. Contact irritation and allergy is ruled out by avoidance of potential causes. Fleas are ruled out by trial treatment. Some rarer skin diseases may need to be ruled out by skin biopsy. Tests can be performed to identify which allergens are involved for a particular atopic dog. Unfortunately, these tests are not reliable in determining whether a dog is atopic or not and results of these tests are not used in making the diagnosis Favrot et al .Allergy testing can be performed using blood tests or intra-dermal into the skin injections. Return to top 6. The heritability of atopy has been studied by Shaw et al .When considering guide dogs as a whole, a heritability of 0. The majority of these dogs were Labrador retrievers but Golden retrievers and Labrador-Golden retriever crosses were also represented. Given that all these puppies were raised in similar conditions it is reasonable to say that about half of the factors that caused them to have clinical atopic dermatitis were genetic and half were environmental. Canine atopic dermatitis is likely to be one manifestation of canine atopy. There is evidence for an important dominant gene; at least in one line of Beagles de Weck , de Weck et al .A start has been made to investigate specific genes involved in several breeds, including the Labrador retriever but, as yet, there are few publications available Wood et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? This has not been scientifically tested. There are no genetic tests to guide us. In common with other polygenetic disorders with important environmental influences, it may be considered that any affected individual or an individual with an affected close relative parent or sibling should not be considered for breeding. However, this advice has not been tested and other considerations such as narrowing the gene pool and concurrent genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia must also be considered. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem It may be considered that individuals with atopic dermatitis should not be used for breeding. This would include any affected individual, even if only mildly affected. This is because environmental factors are certainly important in whether an atopic individual has clinical signs and how bad they are. Not breeding from animals with a close relative that has suffered from any degree of atopic dermatitis would also be recommended, based on general information given for reducing disease resulting from polygenetic conditions Bell .But considerations should be given to not overbreed from individuals that are healthy, as far as atopy goes, which could have other problems as this could have unintended and undesirable genetic consequences Oberbauer .In breeds, such as the Labrador retriever, it may be necessary to widen the gene pool by introducing genes from other breeds. Return to top 9. Meat by-products Cheap fillers The elimination diet consists of a trial period in which you expose your pet to foods one at a time to rule out possible allergens. In fact, it will probably be easier if you prepare fresh ingredients from scratch so no artificial preservatives are introduced. A Sample Elimination Diet Using Hypoallergenic Ingredients Note: Just because a source of food is considered hypoallergenic does not rule out the possibility that it will cause an allergy in your dog. Dogs all have their unique immune systems, and hypoallergenic ingredients are just a starting point. Week One: Cooked ground bison mixed with mashed sweet potatoes. Week Two: If itching persists, switch out the bison for cooked ground turkey. Week Three: If itching persists, switch out the turkey for cooked white fish. You can also swap out the sweet potatoes for millet. At this point, you can also add in some cooked greens like kale, broccoli, or spinach. Be sure to note any sensitivities to new foods as you introduce them. High-quality hypoallergenic foods will also have fewer ingredients, making it easier to find potential allergens. When you choose a commercial dog food, be sure to feed your dog ONLY that food for a full week. When Stetson had skin allergies our vet recommended testing different commercial foods and it seemed that we had success switching him to Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food. However, looking back I think it was an environmental switch that helped his allergies we moved to a new home. Try antihistamines — Antihistamines, like Benadryl, can alleviate allergic reactions in some situations. If you decide to try Benadryl, be aware that there are some mild side effects. Always follow the recommendation of your veterinarian. We covered the pros and cons of giving your dog Benadryl in this article. Always provide fresh drinking water. It must be used in conjunction with intradermal skin testing. Once the allergens have been confirmed, your veterinary dermatologist can desensitize your dog to the allergen by injecting an altered, weekend version into the skin. Shots are usually administered weekly over the course of several months. Cyclosporine — This medication can be used successfully for seasonal allergies or other types of atopy. Steroids — Steroids will help relieve extreme itching and inflammation, but they do have short and long-term side effects. They should be used sparingly and reserved for very serious conditions. Oclacitinib — This is a relatively new treatment that shows promise for treating allergic reactions to fleas, food, and environmental allergies. Cytokines help cells communicate with each other and promote itching and inflammation in dogs who have allergies. Read more about Oclacitinib on Pet MD. Vitamin E — If your dog has small problem spots, you can open up a vitamin E capsule and massage it into the skin. This will moisturize, alleviate some of the itching, and help prevent infection. Aloe Vera — This plant is commonly used to soothe sunburn in humans, but it is just as useful when treating skin conditions in dogs. If you buy commercial aloe vera, be sure that aloe vera is the first ingredient, and stay away from harsh chemicals. Calendula Tea Compresses — Calendula flowers have been used to treat skin conditions for centuries. Steep the dried flowers in hot water to make a strong tea. Apply the cooled tea directly to problem areas using a washcloth. You can also by calendula salves and sprays commercially. Epsom Salt Soak — This is helpful for paws that are red and raw. Fill a tub with warm water and a few tablespoons of Epsom salt. Have your dog stand in the water for soothing relief. Final Thoughts on Dealing with Dog Skin Allergies Diagnosing and treating dog skin allergies is a complex and difficult task, but with patience and perseverance, it will be a life changer for your dog. Your dog will thank you. Do you have an itchy scratchy dog? Have you done anything that helps? Tells us about your dog in the comment section below. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Please visit Prevent the Spread of Dog Flu to learn about how to protect your pets and to get the latest information about dog flu outbreaks. These dogs are so popular for some great reasons: Bouncy, cheerful, loyal, and enthusiastic Good with kids and other pets Above-average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please Even temper and gentle disposition However, no dog is perfect! Labs originated in Newfoundland in the s and were bred from St. They were valued by fisherman for their trainability, trustworthiness, and work ethic. Fulfilling their retriever name, they would dive into icy cold waters to help pull in fishing nets and occasionally catch stray fish that had escaped. Today the Labrador comes in two varieties: the American tall and lanky or English short and stocky. Both American and English ancestries present all three color versions—black, blonde, and brown. When given plenty of vigorous exercise and attention, these sweethearts are gentle and well-behaved in the home. All you need is a ball to throw and your Lab will love you for life! The Labrador Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. Your Labrador Retriever's Health We know that because you care so much about your dog , you want to take good care of her. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Labrador. By knowing about health concerns specific to Labrador Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Labrador Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Labrador Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Lab looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Lab is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. In fact, your Lab's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! Infections Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Labrador Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Parasites All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Lab's body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Labrador is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Labrador Retrievers Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Labrador is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a chronic liver disease called hepatitis that may develop around middle age. Hepatitis is usually diagnosed through blood testing or liver biopsy, and can be treated with medication and special diets. Signs of liver disease do not usually occur until most of the liver is already damaged or destroyed, so early detection and intervention through routine blood screening is essential for early treatment. Bleeding Disorders Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of a normal bright pink color. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Labrador Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend's bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Labrador's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including your Lab. Usually, surgical correction can stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like when playing Frisbee are key in avoiding these painful injuries. When Labrador puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bones properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Our recommended growth rate for Labrador Retriever puppies is no more than four pounds per week. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or regular puppy diet. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Labs have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Labrador Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Labrador Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Eye Problems Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Hyperadrenocorticism Cushing's Cushing's Disease is a malfunction of the adrenal glands that causes them to produce too much steroid hormone. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Lab is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Labrador Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some breeds like your Labrador can be born with a variety of heart defects. Defects can also cause problems with heart valve function or the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or if you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Exercise Induced Collapse Exercise induced collapse, or EIC, is just what it sounds like — a young, apparently healthy Labrador collapses to the ground suddenly while exercising. After a few minutes, the weakness passes and he is able to get up again. Dogs affected with EIC cannot run or exert themselves for long periods of time, especially not in hot weather, so a day of hunting or strenuous hiking is not a good idea for these pets. Heat stroke can also occur in conjunction with EIC. Genetic testing can be done to diagnose this disease and to screen dogs before breeding. Muscle Disease Labrador Retrievers may develop a disease of the muscles called myopathy between three and seven months of age. Physical signs of myopathy include bunny hopping, loss of muscle tone in the limbs, a stiff gait, and carrying the head low. Typically, affected pets are treated through reduced stress and occasionally with medication as well. Most dogs with myopathy are stabilized by twelve months of age and are able to have a normal life span. While they are suitable as house companions, strenuous exercise is not recommended, so no hunting or working! Taking Care of Your Labrador Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Lab live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Labrador Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She's a smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored. That's when the naughty stuff starts. Always walk your Lab on a leash as she has a tendency to run off after interesting smells and people. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Labrador Retriever needs help. In case the scratching persists, you can return to old food as that was not the allergen causing the itch in the first place. Remember, the numbers of food allergies in dogs are extremely low! You should start with the lowest-effort solution and slowly work your way up to the highest-investment solution. The earlier part of this article will help you determine whether the itch is contact-based or due to an inhaled allergen. Simply holding your current stash while getting a different brand is a decent step in the right direction. For some ideas and greater insight into what to feed your dog, check out my comprehensive guide, Best Diet for Labradors: Nutrition, Types, and More! Remove Items your Lab has Recently Come in Contact With Whether your Labrador has a new pillow or the wallpaper near his bed has been recently changed, you need to subtract the things introduced just before he started itching from his environment. An easy way to do this is to note the rough date when your dog started scratching himself. Then note the date a week or two before that and start auditing your living space to observe which new things have been added. If this controls the itching, you may deduce a seasonal problem. Here are some steps you can take to minimize his environmental allergies: Keep Your Doors and Windows Shut at All Times — This will prevent excessive dust and pollen from entering your living space. Use an Air Purifier — By collecting tiny particles like dust, pollen, and mold spores, air purifiers help create a cleaner, healthier atmosphere. Groom Regularly to Get Rid of Pollen and Dust — Labradors have two coats and require a lot of grooming throughout the year. To prevent allergies, I use the FURminator de-shedding tool from Amazon, which works well because it penetrates the undercoat and safely removes loose hair and any nasty allergens! Shower and Change When You Return Home — The urge to hug your best friend as soon as you return from work or even a grocery trip is always quite strong. This includes bedposts, tables, and chairs. Use a Dehumidifier — Dehumidifiers remove moisture from your home. By drying the air, allergy triggers are minimized, and symptoms are alleviated. You can also prevent mold with the use of dehumidifiers. You can use my recommended products, depending on compatibility, alongside the protective measures. That way, you may not need to implement drastic changes if they help eliminate the problem. Remember to check with your vet first before using any of them. Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Whether your Labrador loves baths or is reluctant to get one, an itch-relief shampoo is his best friend. So expect to give your Labrador frequent baths with this shampoo. When you walk your dog, airborne allergens can often stick to his coat. This spray is excellent for itching caused in a specific spot. Due to fleas, dryness, or contact, simply spraying it on the irritated area will bring immediate relief to your dog. By moisturizing and getting rid of dryness and other irritants in the process, it prevents your Lab from scratching or biting and causing further damage to the itchy area. If your Labrador licks himself to relieve the itch, you may need to use shampoo instead. Allergy Supplements — Chews Speaking of products that are safe for oral consumption, I recommend allergy immunity supplements. Many supplements are available on the market, but their effectiveness varies drastically. Final Thoughts Your Labrador may be itching and scratching because of canine atopic dermatitis or an allergic reaction to airborne, food, or contact-based allergens. Either way, the best solution is to eliminate the cause by reducing his exposure to the allergen. You can also try washing him with anti-allergy shampoo and give him allergy immunity supplements. Related Posts You May Like:. How do you change dog scratching habits? The answer is to find the underlying reason why the dog keeps scratching and treat that. This article will take a look at some possibilities. Why is my dog scratching so much? A dog licking and scratching themselves raw is only a symptom. The trick to stop dog scratching is to pinpoint the driving force. The most common triggers for excessive scratching in dogs are parasites or allergies. A vet is best able to track down the problem. Seek a professional opinion sooner rather than later, before the dog damages their skin and creates complications. Itchy and Scratchy Symptoms Does your dog sleep on the bed? As an owner, take note of where the dog scratches. This gives the vet clues as to the nature of the problem. What Can You Look For? In fact, a dog scratching is not the only clue to itchiness. Some like to scoot their faces across the carpet or commando-crawl on their bellies across concrete as a means of quelling an itch. Then there are the lickers. Licking can also be a sign of itchiness. A tell-tale sign of a secretive licker is brown saliva-staining of the fur. The classic places to check include the paws, butt, and belly. This results in hair loss or skin infections, which require treatment. When to Seek Help Does this sound familiar? To ignore the problem means risking complications such as yeast infections causing greasy skin or bacterial invaders creating weeping sores. Indeed, any change in habits could mean the dog is uncomfortable. Something as simple as a dog scratching their face could be a clue to any number of issues, from a grass awn stuck in the ear canal to sore teeth. A dog scratching and losing hair or making their skin red definitely needs to be checked by a vet. Get your canine companion seen at the earliest hint of discomfort, and dodge unnecessary distress. What Causes Dog Scratching? Just like mosquito or flea bites irritate human skin, the same can happen to dogs. Indeed, some dogs even have an allergy to flea bites, which makes them super-itchy. Fleas are public enemy number one when it comes to dog scratching. But when going on a flea hunt, be aware that fleas hop on to feed, but actually live off-dog in soft furnishings or the yard. A different species to human head lice, but super-itchy regardless Sarcoptic Mange Mites: These highly infectious scavenger mites are common on wildlife Parasites play such a leading role in a dog licking and scratching that the vet will eradicate bugs first, before doing other tests. Allergies and the Urge to Scratch Do you suffer the misery of hay fever? The runny nose and streaming eyes are due to an allergy to pollen. You guessed it! Allergies make dogs itchy. Unfortunately, dogs can be allergic to anything from pollens to grass sap, from perfume to air freshener, from dust mites to mold spores. Unfortunately, scratching and licking damages the skin. This can allow secondary invaders in, such as yeasts and bacteria. Why is My Dog Scratching so Much? Reaching a Diagnosis First off, go on a flea hunt. Look for those tell-tale flecks of dark dust in the coat. Capture some on a piece of damp cotton wool. In this scenario, the first step is to treat the dog against fleas. If the dog scratching has not improved a month later, the vet may suggest further investigation. Typical actions include: Running a blood test to detect sarcoptes mites Bathing the dog with medicated shampoo to strength skin health A course of antibiotics if infection is present Still itchy? The dog is put on a hypoallergenic diet for eight weeks, in case they have a food allergy Oh dear, still itchy! Blood or skin tests for allergies A skin biopsy How to Stop a Dog from Scratching: Treatment You can do a surprising amount at home to make an itchy dog more comfortable. The vet will attempt to identify and treat the cause of the itch. This includes using antibiotics, medicated shampoos, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Options for Treatment If an allergy is diagnosed, there are options for treatment. These include: Immunotherapy vaccines: A bespoke vaccine is developed. The idea is that giving small, but increasing amounts of allergen. This allows the immune system to get used to the allergen and turn off the unwanted exaggerated response. Biological therapies: The latest kid-on-the-block is Cytopoint. It takes out the pathway that triggers the itch, stopping it from developing. Sadly, both of the above are expensive. However, there are a wide range of anti-inflammatory drugs which are also highly beneficial: Steroids: Inexpensive and extremely effective. Cyclosporine Atopica : Originally developed to prevent organ rejection in transplant medicine, these help switch off the unwanted immune response. Effective and relatively side-effect-free, but expensive! Oclacitinib Apoquel : A relatively new anti-itch medication, this works really well for some dogs and is almost side-effect-free. Sadly, this also is expensive. A dog scratching because of parasites can be cured. Getting rid of the bugs stops the itch. This means taking lots of small steps. Making several minor changes adds up to a big increase in comfort. Strategies to reduce the itch include: Limiting exposure to allergens Washing allergens off the skin Controlling secondary infections, such as yeasts or bacteria Use of therapies such as immunotherapy vaccines Drugs to reduce the itch Why is My Dog Scratching so Much? The occasional lazy scratch of the ear is quite normal. Excessive scratching in dogs is not. Common things like fleas are an obvious cause of itchiness. If in doubt see the vet early, to avoid unnecessary complications such as hair loss or infections. Do Fleas Die In Winter? References and Resources Diaz, S. The five most common types of allergies are food allergies, flea allergies, contact allergies, inhalant allergies, and bacterial allergies. Labrador Food Allergies Food allergies in Labrador Retrievers are caused by allergic reactions to common ingredients in dog food such as beef, corn, soy, fish, wheat, chicken, and chicken eggs. Common symptoms include: itchy skin often around the muzzle or face hair loss frequent bowel movements and skin infections. Antihistamines and occasionally antibiotics can be used to help dogs with extreme food allergies. But if your Lab has a food allergy, the symptoms will return when the treatment is stopped. Elimination diets with limited ingredients work well for most dogs with food allergies. Most common dog food brands on the market offer hypoallergenic formulas. These recipes are free of some of the most common allergens we talked about earlier: corn, soy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, fish, and wheat. You can also consider feeding a raw diet consisting of unprocessed meats and veggies. FAD occurs when a flea bites an animal, injecting its saliva into the skin. Your dog will most likely be susceptible to FAD during the summer months. Because fleas thrive best in warm temperatures with humidity. Early warning signs of FAD include itchy, irritated skin. This in turn causes red, inflamed patches of skin called hot spots. Flea bites occur most often on the back and at the base of the tail. In severe cases, you might notice hair loss, oozing, or dark, crusty skin. The easiest way to prevent flea allergies in Labrador Retrievers is to groom your dog regularly , and apply a flea preventative such as Frontline during flea season. If your Lab does develop an allergic reaction to a flea bite, there are several methods of killing fleas instantly. Make sure to remove all traces of fleas both from him and from your home. Sometimes your Lab can develop a yeast infection as a result of a flea bite. In which case you might notice an unpleasant odor. Vets will often prescribe antibiotics and a short course of prednisone to relieve his itchy skin. Taking preventative measures, however, and regularly observing your dog for early warning signs during flea season, can help to mitigate the problem. Canine Contact Allergies Contact allergies occur when your Lab develops an allergic reaction to noxious or irritating substances in the environment. These can include dyes, carpet deodorizers, or antibiotics applied to the skin. Rubber, wool, certain metals like nickel , poison ivy sap, and salt on the road can also cause allergic reactions. The allergic reaction usually develops on areas of the skin with little or no hair. Such as the backs of the paws, the muzzle, and the lower abdomen. These areas of the skin are most likely to come into direct contact with the irritant. In order to treat a contact allergy, your vet needs to use patch or exclusion tests to determine what allergen your Lab is reacting to. Patch tests involve a small amount of the allergen being rubbed on the skin. Inhalant Allergies in Labradors Inhalant allergies also called atopic allergies or atopy are the second most common allergy in Labs after FAD. They are caused by an allergic reaction to airborne or inhaled allergens like mold, dust, or pollen. Simply put, think of atopy as the canine equivalent of hay fever in people. Like FAD, inhalant allergies usually affect dogs during the spring and summer months. Atopic Labradors will develop very itchy skin and will usually bite and scratch themselves, often on the legs, face, ears, groin, and armpit areas. Red, irritated skin and hair loss are the most common warning signs as well as yeast infections in the skin and ears. Your vet will likely perform one of two allergy tests on your dog to determine what is causing the allergic reaction. An intra-dermal or skin allergy test involves injecting a small amount of an allergen into his skin and watching for a reaction. The second test, the IgE allergy test, involves taking a blood sample from your Lab to test for IgE antibodies against specific airborne allergens. If a high number of IgE antibodies exist, this is usually a sign of an inhalant allergy. There are several ways to treat inhalant allergies. Allergy shots involve a serum containing the allergen to which your dog reacts. Over time, the injections can desensitize them to the allergen, reducing the symptoms. Your vet might also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or antihistamines to relieve symptoms like itching and skin irritation. Since allergies often cause skin irritation and hair loss, your Lab can often develop lesions or inflamed pustules. For these, your vet will likely proscribe topical medications like ointments and sprays as well as a round of antibiotics. The vet will look for evidence that the infection is symptomatic of a more serious medical condition. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

No need to wonder anymore, thanks to videos on social media where animals talk back to their owners with attitude, like this dog caught chewing up a roll of toilet paper. You tripping over toilet paper. I chew toilet paper. I didn't even chew it all. You could use some of that. Now his full-time job is watching about pet videos a day submitted by animal lovers all over the world. He watches with the sound turned down and looks for animals that seem to be saying something with their body movements, like this sassy Chihuahua. You just sit here pushing the buttons on this stick. And we don't do nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing. Say something. I came across a puppy dog bouncing in a box video and was like, hey, that could be a song. It's like it's - it has rhythm to it. That's nasty. Puppy dog bouncing in the box like this. It was reposted by like, Colin Hanks and Missy Elliott, and it just blew up. He leaves the owner's voice in. I'm going to be Jack. I said get out now. Live your life for me. Bounce it, puppy, like you tryna get free. Bounce it, puppy. Bounce it, lil puppy. Bounce it for me. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. My wheaten terrier absolutely loved these. It is such a shame they are so expensive J JAK Pwllheli, GB Pups seem to like them I've got 2 small terriers, and these are a good size for a bit of a chew, rather than swallow whole the smaller ones. Will definitely buy again. A Angela L. Mac had no tartar on aunt of his teeth now. Cheltenham, GB What a great find! Glad to have found BounceandBella! I love the family ethos and how much thought goes into everything you do. Eco friendly too! Huntingdon, GB Great poo bags Very good product that eventually breaks down and causes few problems. We should do all we can to safeguard the planet! C Clare U. Farnborough, GB So far, so good! No fingers through the bags! I have a lurcher and he does quite big poops and the size can just about cope with his deposits. I like these bags, I haven't had any problems with them and will be buying them again!! J Janet M. Wisbech, GB Plaque Buster Our dog loves it ,he is usually very fussy with additives and I think it has made a difference after only a few weeks Thankyou L. Read articles about:Puppy Behavior How to Stop Puppy from Jumping Puppies are fun, exuberant and always happy to meet new people and often come running up to jump on them. When your dog jumps on you or other people, it can be bothersome, embarrassing and, at times, even dangerous. Like many inappropriate behaviors, jumping up can be corrected with proper training , and the sooner the better. Why Do Puppies Jump on People? Oftentimes owners reinforce this behavior by failing to teach their puppy that this is an undesirable behavior. When puppies jump up, they get attention. However, they need to be taught that to get attention, they need to behave by being in a sitting position. Steps to Curb Puppy Jumping Preventing unwanted behavior while encouraging desired behavior is an effective plan. Here are some tips to help prevent jumping. Have your puppy sit for everything they enjoy in life from food to petting, from opening a door to throwing a toy. Soon your puppy will learn to associate sitting with everything good and this will give them something else to do besides jumping up. When your puppy jumps up, turn away from them if you can, as this both prevents them from jumping up and removes your attention from them. They will have to walk on all four to position themselves in front of you if they want to try again. Every time they jump on you or appear to be about to jump up, turn and move in the opposite direction. Asking your puppy to do a desired behavior that is incompatible with the behavior to avoid is always a good option! Praise Correct Behavior: If your puppy puts all four paws on the floor, immediately give them a treat and praise them calmly. If your puppy does not respond, ignore them until they do and then reward them right away with praise or a treat. You may have to practice this several times, so they understand that jumping is not permissible. The best procedure is to practice training these good behaviors regularly, rather than waiting for the undesired behaviors to pop up. You can practice this with your puppy-loving friends who understand training takes time. Have your puppy on a leash when meeting guests so they will be well behaved as an adult when friends come over. You can always bring them out later when things are calmer. Remember, patience and consistency are key factors in training your puppy. Learn more about puppies and adult dogs from our pet experts on our Pet Expertise page. Related articles.

How do I train my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? It is quite normal for young German shepherd dogs to be hungry but constant hunger does concern me. Ask the vet to check if the worm treatment is working. Two other potential causes are maldigestion and malabsorption. Pancreatic insufficiency is common in German shepherds. How much should a German shepherd puppy eat a day? To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the feeder, the feed manufacturer, or by your veterinarian. For example, you could expect to start feeding your puppy a total of around 3 cups a day of a high-quality kibble. Dogs and people, too need sugar for energy. Is it normal for my puppy to always be hungry? Your puppy might always be hungry because they need more daily calories. They may also have adopted bad habits caused through eating human food. Some dogs and puppies will naturally be more prone to food obsession. Do German Shepherd puppies eat a lot? Your GSD pup eats nearly double the amount of an adult in order to maintain growth rate and their higher daily energy needs. 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. What time should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Feed 3 times per day from 8 to 12 weeks of age and twice per day thereafter. If you want to change the food, always choose a high quality puppy food labeled for large breeds. What do I do if my puppy is always hungry? Always stick to your feeding schedule. Should I let my puppy eat as much as he wants? Puppies need to eat a lot—and not too much. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs, and they should have a visible waist when you look down at them. Why is my puppy eating so fast? They get excited to eat, they see the food, and they all rush over to the bowl. Some puppies will quickly get over that behavior, but others will keep at it until they are taught to slow down. Should puppies eat 2 or 3 times a day? Puppies need small, frequent feedings. Is my puppy hungry or greedy? If you are feeding a quality dog food and if you are following the feeding instructions properly — then it is likely that your dog is just being greedy. How do you know when your puppy has worms? What are the signs your dog has worms? How much food should a 6 week old German Shepherd eat? How much should a 6 week old German Shepherd puppy eat? How much should I feed my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. My puppy is always hungry is a sentence most veterinarians hear all the time. But what about when you have the same problem with an adult dog or even a senior one? This leaves them not just having to adjust to a new living environment, but their body might also require some time to adjust. Newborn puppies have a feeding source available right there next to them, in the shape of their mother. Suddenly, your puppy is going from a constant supply of food to eating only two to four times a day. In the wild, dogs are opportunistic eaters. They can spend days without any access to food. This is the same reason many dogs express food aggression. Many wild dogs and wolves will scavenge for food and bury any leftovers so they can have them later. Does that sound familiar? If your dog is constantly trying to dig in the trash can, he is simply following his survival instincts. Survival Mode If you have an adult dog that is always hungry, chances are you adopted him when he was older than a few months. In fact, some puppies are even born with a parasitic infection they inherit from their mothers. They will stick onto the intestinal walls and absorb all the nutrients from the food your dog eats. This can lead to an increased appetite and malnutrition. If a dog has this disease, his body will produce too much glucocorticoid, a stress-regulating hormone. Too much glucocorticoid causes your dog to be hungry all the time. Dogs with diabetes will lack insulin, which normally helps glucose get into the blood cells. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, making your dog hungry all the time. Keep in mind that young puppies have a much faster metabolism than older dogs. They can eat a lot without weight gain. However, if you notice they are becoming underweight, this is a red flag. The smartest thing would be to talk to your vet about the right amount of food your puppy requires. Most of the time, this will depend on things such as dog breed and size and his activity levels. Large breeds that are active will require more calories than small lap dogs. If you have a small puppy, be prepared to feed him about four times a day. Puppies require lots of small meals as their metabolism is faster, which is also the reason puppies will want to poop much more often than adult dogs. An older puppy should be fed 2 to 3 times a day. Adult dogs should eat no more than twice a day — unless they are working dogs with higher activity levels. Active dogs require more small meals a day as this can provide them with enough energy to go through their day. Food Needs The amount of dog food required will depend mostly on the size of your dog. This should make sense. A large dog should eat more than small breeds. However, the main indicator of how much food a puppy should eat is his weight. For example, a pound German Shepherd puppy will require 2 cups of food daily not per meal! On the other hand, a small, 5-pound Chihuahua puppy will need no more than one cup of food per day. A pound Bulldog puppy will also require 2 cups of food, just like a pound German Shepherd pup. They will require more calories and high-quality dog food without any fillers. Keep in mind that puppies should eat wet food until they are old enough to chew on a kibble. For large dogs, this is usually when they reach 10 weeks of age. Smaller dog breeds have smaller teeth, which is why they might not be prepared for dry food until they are at least 14 weeks old. Fortunately, there are ways to notice whether your puppy is underweight or overweight. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself when looking at your pup: 1. Can I easily see his ribs? Can I easily feel his ribs? When I look at my dog from above, do I see his waistline? The answers to these questions will tell you everything you need to know. Underfed puppies have a too slender waist, while overfed ones tend to not have a clear waistline at all. Most puppies, just like babies, have a little bit of tummy fat. If you think your puppy is really overweight, you might even want to take him to the vet. Of course, all puppies are different, and some dog breeds will always look chubbier than others. However, these guidelines are a general rule of thumb that can help you determine whether your dog is eating too much or too little. Bad Habits Many pet owners make mistakes when feeding their pets. They do this out of best intentions, as they simply cannot stand the thought of their beloved companion being hungry for a second. Feeding Dogs Table Scraps Giving human food and table scraps to your dog is always a terrible idea, especially if you have a growing puppy. This makes it challenging to keep track of what your dog is eating. Of course, this means your entire family has to be with you on this. Overfeeding We cannot stress this enough: overfeeding is the main reason dogs become obese. While chubby puppies might look cute, there is nothing healthy about having an obese dog. Obesity can lead to many problems, especially in large breeds prone to orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Overall, the best possible thing is to stick to your feeding schedule, no matter the event or the behaviors your dog is expressing. There are a couple of things you might want to try if you want to speed up these efforts: Give More Frequent Meals When you bring a new puppy home, you should give him many small meals. As mentioned before, four meals should be enough. This will ease his transition from breastfeeding. As time goes by and your puppy gets used to eating wet food, lower the number of daily meals. Add Water to the Kibble When a puppy starts eating dry food, he might not be used to it. This can make him eat more or less of it than he should, which will make him hungry all day long. He might even eat slower than he normally would, which will help his tummy feel full. As he grows older, reduce the amount of water until you leave him with nothing but kibbles. This is the healthiest way to ensure he is eating the right amount of food and that his transition to dry food goes well. Use Some Type of Obstacle One of the reasons your puppy might be feeling hungry all the time is that he is eating too fast. The same happens with humans. Adding a cup in the middle of the feeding bowl can be enough. Your puppy will have to eat around it, which will make him eat slower than he normally would. You can even find many specially designed food bowls made for fast eaters. These can also help prevent bloating or calm down puppies that get overly excited during mealtime. Consult Your Vet If you feel like there is something wrong with your puppy and his eating habits, you might want to consult your vet just to be on the safe side. Unfortunately, there are some medical causes behind the constant hunger some puppies feel. This can help you sleep calmly. The Final Word All puppies have unique needs. Is he too big or too small for his age? If your puppy is being annoying and constantly begging for food, the most important thing is to not give in to his begging. The sun is out and the weather is nice. Everything is going well until they pull hard on their leash all of a sudden. Then you hear a crunching sound. They resist with all their might. And now everyone is looking at you. What a relief! You often wonder: Why does this happen? Your German Shepherd may be starting to discover new things. Especially if they are still a puppy or they are in a new environment. This includes sniffing and having a taste of anything they could get their hands on. Or rather, their paws. Sometimes, they really are just eating machines! This is why they are considered as some of the most effective guard dogs. Yes, they do sniff. But they also treat themselves once in a while. Through licking and eating things. But before you give your canine some downtime, try to understand them. Why do they do these things? One word: wolves. But after some time, they learned the ways they can scavenge food from humans. And then they were able to eat without having to hunt. But the food was limited back then. So they used to stuff themselves with everything before the food ran out again. This instinct is still intact until today. Our dogs will go through our trash or would eat scraps from our table. They would eat anything we offer them. All was going well until they drove their heads right in the picnic mat. You cover your face in embarrassment. Goodness, gracious! Even if your dog just ate a minute ago, they always look for food. Why is that? The reason why they eat everything could be because you are not feeding them enough. German Shepherds are large dogs. Their average weight ranges from 49 pounds to 88 pounds 22 kg to 39 kg. With that weight, they have to be fed correctly. If not, they will look for food sources elsewhere. Your dog loves to eat grass. Wherever you go for walks, they stay in one place and gobble on some fresh greens. Then they vomit them. Especially when they also love to give you kisses afterward. This could be because they need certain nutrients. If they eat grass all the time, they could be lacking in fiber. Or they just love the taste of organic goodies. Well, unless they are eating poisonous plants. In which case, you should take them to a vet immediately. The stool may have parasitic worms that can lead to stomach problems. But if your dog eats feces, it means they may have nutritional deficiencies. You can resolve this by letting them take multivitamins. If your German Shepherd is eating non-stop, this could be because of medical reasons. They may have a parasite in their small intestine such as tapeworms that can cause them to be hungry all the time. Think of it as being pregnant. A mom could be eating for two: herself and the baby in her womb. Whereas your dog is also eating for two: for themself and the tapeworm. Taking them to the vet for some medications should do the trick. Dogs also experience this. Pica is a compulsive disorder which could be caused by behavioral reasons such as fear or stress. An example of this is when they fear punishment for destroying something. So to get rid of the evidence, they would eat it instead. Note that this behavior is dangerous. It could cause a loss of appetite, stomach problems, and choking. The endocrine system is responsible for the production of the hormone cortisol. So what exactly is cortisol and why is it important? It regulates weight, tissue, and skin conditions. In effect, your German Shepherd will be more vulnerable to disease and infections because of a weak immune system. Do German Shepherds Shed? What feeding plan you enforce from their puppyhood days should be stuck to throughout their lives. There are a few dog feeding plans, choose the best one based on what character your dog has. A full bowl of food usually dry kibble is placed out allowing your dog to eat whenever they want to. Also, if you have many dogs, they can access the food from the same bowl. They can eat whenever they are hungry and not have to wait for feeding. This feeding plan gives owners more flexibility and freedom. But, on the other hand, there are disadvantages. A greedy dog can easily eat beyond his fill, making him overweight and prone to obesity! Plus, in particular, one dog could bully the other dogs and stop them from eating their fair share of food. Do German Shepherd Like Water? Can They Swim? After this, it is taken away. So while scheduled feeding may make your dog eat fast as he is afraid you will take his food away, overeating is not a possibility. But, if your dog is a slow eater he could end up feeling hungry all day long. People even mention this as a cruel method of feeding. Portion feeding is especially good if your dog is on a diet plan. He will stay within eating limits. On the other end, portions allocated in portion feeding could be inadequate for your dog if you miscalculate! Also, this type of feeding requires you to feed your dog multiple times. Do German Shepherd Drool? Causes of Drooling 5 Anxiety Just as humans are prone to overeating due to anxiety, dogs are the same. An anxious German Shepherd can easily eat too much or eat too frequently. As his owner, it is your responsibility to observe these eating changes. But first, you must get down to the source of the problem. Why is your German Shepherd anxious? Dogs can get anxious for a number of reasons. The most common ones are insecurity and loneliness. If a person or animal has moved in, your dog could be feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. If someone your dog cares about has moved out, your dog could miss him, making him feel anxious. His peak appetite will be when he is an adult as his metabolism and energy expenditure are both high in adulthood. But, as your dog enters his senior years his body is not what it used to be. He will be unable to digest food the same way he could. This actually leads to vital nutrients and minerals not being properly absorbed by the intestine. A condition called malabsorption. As a result, your senior German Shepherd is prone to feeling hungry all the time. Fortunately, you as an owner can help to deal with this. If you have recently adopted a German Shepherd from a shelter, he is likely to feel hungry all the time. This is because of the insecurity that he feels. Perhaps he feels he may not get food again for a long time. Eventually, after he settles down this may not be his fear anymore. But, not all dogs learn to let go of this instinct. All you can do is offer up support and love and hope he feels safe and loved by you. If your dog has a dog sibling that has just joined the family recently, this instinctive eating could be seen. This is because they feel that the other dog might eat all the food and he will remain hungry. So, to assure he is fed and fit, he will definitely eat a lot! A German Shepherd can eat most meats like beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and duck. You can give your dog raw meat to provide all the required nutrients. These meats can be eaten cooked but nutrients may be lost in the process of cooking. Fruits and vegetables are essential for dogs as they are for humans. Carrots act as a crunchy snack besides being high in vitamins and a nice way to incorporate fiber into their diet. Nuts are a great energy-boosting snack but only give your German Shepherd hazelnuts or peanuts. That too, in moderation. Other foods safe for your German Shepherd are whole grains, honey, peanut butter, and quinoa. Can You Shave German Shepherd? Meats like shrimp and fish are not advisable and require monitoring. Some fish can have parasites that can affect your dog. Dogs cannot eat some fruits. This includes avocados, grapes, pears, grapes, raisins, and persimmons. Nuts have high calories and influence weight gain in your dog. Macadamia, pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are the main nuts your dog cannot eat. Other foods you should never feed your dog are chocolate cacao , caffeine, xylitol, salt, and potatoes. All human junk and fast food are not good for your pet dog. These items usually taste good but increase weight and cholesterol and sugar levels. The monthly cost of feeding a full-grown German Shepherd fluctuates. The cost of feeding a German Shepherd depends on the age of your German Shepherd, its appetite, and the food brand chosen. The total monthly cost of owning a German Shepherd is more because of other costs pertaining to vet bills, toys, and other bills. Why is my German Shepherd not eating in summer? It is very common for a German Shepherd to eat less during summer. Hence, requiring less energy. But, it is not common for them to stop eating completely! Take them to a vet as there is probably an underlying reason for this. Final thoughts 1. They sometimes treat each opportunity for food like it may be their last one. They believe deep down on a genetic level that food can very well become a scarce commodity and a limited resource. Their feeling is that they are not guaranteed a meal every day, or even every few days, and this may cause their survival instinct to kick in. If this becomes the case with your German Shepherd, then you are going to have to take control of the situation and exert your inner Alpha Leader. Then, come up with a regular feeding schedule, and above all, stick to it! Refrain from allowing anyone, family or visitors, from giving your dog any type of human table scraps or handouts. And with treats, only allow your dog to have them when it has earned them by following instructions or being calm and submissive. This is when you will remove the bowl, whether the entire meal was eaten or not. This will serve to help your dog learn the schedule of mealtime, and that they can expect to not be getting anything until the next meal. As your dog gets in tune with a schedule, it should work to remove the desire of always looking for something to eat. Psychology Another reason that your German Shepherd may always be acting like it is hungry may very well be based on psychology. Dogs are very habitual creatures, and as such any change in their mannerisms may indicate a deeper problem. If your German Shepherd has always presented as a somewhat passive eater but then seems to become more greedy in nature, then it may be time to investigate the possibility of something more than just basic instinct at work. Dogs, much like their human companions, can suffer from psychological issues. And when they do, often the first indication is a sudden and unexplained change in their personality as well as their habits. Some examples would be: Have you or your family recently moved? Has the German Shepherd recently been rehomed? Changes such as these are known to bring about feelings of insecurity and anxiety, which in turn will lead to extra added stress on your German Shepherd. In the case of a change in the pack dynamic, such as the case of the addition of a new dog to your home, you will need to supervise meals for a while. It is best to make sure that the newest member of the household is not trying to push the older member away from the bowl during feeding time. Improper Nutrition When most owners think of improper nutrition, they think of it in terms of a loss of appetite, not increasing appetite. However, the problem can have both effects on your German Shepherd. When it comes to store-bought, processed dog food, manufacturing companies pack the cans chock full of grains, starches and most of all fiber. Fiber is not as beneficial, or even beneficial in the same manner to dogs as it is to humans. Fiber, much like in humans, can aid in a dog feeling full after a meal. However, science shows that carbs from starches, as well as from fiber, are but a small percent of the daily healthy requirements for our dogs. This will then lead to food-seeking behavior. To make sure that your dog is getting a balanced and protein-rich meal, it is crucial that you feed them a nutritionally complete fresh food diet that is species-appropriate. A consultation with your vet can go a long way, as they can suggest the best feeding choices for your individual dog. If the proper food is fed during each meal, then your German Shepherd will be less likely to be seeking an additional meal later. Aging As our canine companions age, their physical systems will go through some changes. One of those changes can unfortunately be the inability of their system to properly digest, absorb, and make use of the food that they ingest. For this reason, many dogs, as they enter into their golden years, will appear to be hungry all the time. This condition, more commonly referred to as malabsorption. This is an ailment that originates in the gastrointestinal tract of a German Shepherd, resulting in the effect that no matter how much food the dog eats, it will still feel hungry almost all of the time. The treatment for malabsorption in aging dogs varies depending on what the root cause may actually be. In many instances, the German Shepherd will need to have a significant restructuring of their meals. This meal restructuring may include the prescribing of a diet that is gluten-free in an attempt to ease the feeling of hunger, which in turn may help towards managing the condition. Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth The intestines of most living creatures normally have lots of bacteria present. However, the number of intestinal bacteria can sometimes grow too quickly, and this abnormal rate of growth may sometimes become the start of the problem. With bacterial overgrowth in dogs, the area affected is that of the small intestines. The most commonly exhibited signs of small intestines bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO , are those of diarrhea and flatulence. With the idiopathic form in the German Shepherd breed, some dogs may appear overly and excessively hungry, as well as engaging in the act of pica or stool ingestion. The most commonly prescribed treatment for bacterial overgrowth is a series of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are taken orally. As a rule, the medicines most often chosen for use are those of tylosin, oxytetracycline, and metronidazole. Onset of Diabetes Dogs owners are sometimes surprised to learn that many of the illnesses that we as humans suffer from also apply to their dogs. One such malady that affects both humans and dogs alike, is diabetes. Diabetes mellitus , or uncontrolled levels of sugar in the bloodstream, is a disease that has a variety of factors that play into its development. Although it is widely thought that the German Shepherd is not genetically disposed to contracting diabetes, know that all dog breeds are susceptible. When a German Shepherd develops diabetes, and the fluctuations in blood sugar that comes with it, they may present with constant and ferocious hunger. The treatment for dogs diagnosed with diabetes is pretty much the same as with humans. Dietary changes are also commonly prescribed, which should help with the sudden spikes in blood sugar that are known to occur often. The treatment for German Shepherds diagnosed with diabetes can be long-term if not a life-long requirement. When this happens, the dog will show all the symptoms of starvation, including an ever-present hunger and appetite. At this current time, there is no cure known to work for EPI. A dog diagnosed with EPI does will not necessarily experience a shortened life span. If properly diagnosed, and the condition is treated properly, the dog can continue to enjoy as full and as active of a lifestyle as any other dog. When the enzymes are added to its food each time a dog is fed, the supplement works to help break down and aid in the digestion of the food from each meal. Hyperthyroidism This condition presents the same in dogs as it does in humans. Because the thyroid controls all of the systems in the body, there is no one system that remains unaffected by the condition. Hypothyroidism itself is brought on by the excessive production of the hormone thyroxine. This increased production is generally diagnosed as a result of aggressive thyroid cancer. The thyroxine is the very fuel that causes the increase of metabolism to occur. Although the condition may be triggered by a diet that contains high levels of hormones, the usual culprit is that of an aggressive cancer of the thyroid, resulting in a tumor. Unfortunately, more often than not, this diagnosis is terminal. Treatment is usually determined by one of multiple factors, including the size of any tumor present, and if said tumor has already metastasized to other organs or systems of the body. The medical term for the syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism, is one in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. The adrenal glands are commonly located near the kidneys of the dog, and are vital to the function and sustaining of the body systems needed for life. As for treatment, that depends on which form of the syndrome that the German Shepherd is diagnosed with. Treatment could simply mean the halting of any steroids that are being given to the dog, to the possibility of surgery to remove any tumors that may be present in the adrenal or pituitary glands. Your vet may also introduce a different course of treatment, which will most often have to be followed to the letter and maintained on a regular and consistent basis. Intestinal Cancers As mentioned above, when the intestines of a German Shepherd are affected, then there is usually a problem with the absorption of nutrients. Many types of cancers that develop in our dogs are gastrointestinal in origin. The cancers usually present with tumors in either the rectum, stomach or the intestines. Both of these types of tumors are known to grow at a rapid pace. Although the current treatment is surgery, a lasting cure seldom results, as the cancer has more often than not already metastasized. Chemotherapy may be suggested but is usually found to be unsuccessful. If a dog suffers from either of these types of cancers, survival time is usually anywhere from two to ten months. In most cases, painkillers are highly advised, in an effort to lessen any pain that may be associated with the cancers. The sudden onset of increased appetite in German Shepherds may possibly be an indication of one of several other underlying conditions. Contact your veterinarian at this point for further evaluation. If you suspect that any of the above are reasons that your dog may be experiencing constant hunger, it is highly advised to consult with your veterinarian.