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Riverside, CA About We only produce a litter for the purpose of improving on what we have and always keep a puppy or two, we always reserve the top picks for our selves from each breeding. Some years we produce no pups and others we may have a few litters, we are not a large kennel and don't keep many dogs ourselves as we like them all to have plenty of time with us in and out of the house. Many of our dogs, especially our studs are raised and live with our friends and we co own or keep breeding rights on them this has proved to work out really well for both us the dog's and there new family. All of our pups are born and raised in our home and all of our dogs are family members that will live out there lives with us,they are not retired to live with strangers or sold on to someone who wants to have a few litters out of them but remain with us for as long as they are around.I can honestly say I have never sold an adult American Bulldog on to another "breeder". .I really don't agree with passing dog's around especially bulldogs. .Contact Bybee American Bulldogs. House-trained, Story You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Introducing: Henry! He is an approximately 2 year old American Bully boy weighing 65 pounds. Henry was rescued by police from a serious neglect situation in Ohio. He does not require very much in terms of exercise. Favorite activities: Laying down with a human companion, eating from treat toys such as lick mats and Kongs, and sleeping. Good with cats, dogs, and kids over 6? He has good dog social skills and has been polite with introductions, even when the other dog is not polite! He does not seem very interested in playing with other dogs. He loves everyone so he should be great with kids. He does not soil his crate. He does not like being left out of social situations. He does great overnight in the crate and sleeps well with a dog bed in there. Walks well on a leash? No behavior challenges to note. Any Medical issues? He has some spots missing fur, but it is growing back. His paw pads are unusually deep and therefore hard to keep clean. While walking outside his paws get debris stuck in them. His toe jam needs to be cleaned out regularly or they grow yeast. What would be the best kind of home? He is not an active guy, so he will not make a good hiking buddy. He is not interested in dog toys and only plays in short bursts. Our rescue policy requires the following: Adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina. We will not adopt a giant breed dog to homes where the dog will have access to highly varnished hardwood steps inside the home. Any inside steps to which the dog s have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit. Methods or devices using pain or force on the dog to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior is prohibited. Applications for giant breed dogs must be submitted by the property owner. Homes with children under 6 years of age will not be approved for adoption. Homes with children should have a fenced yard. Veterinary records will be checked. All references must be checked before any visitation of the dog is permitted at the foster home. Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption. For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts gmail. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 12, , am. Contact American Bulldog The American Bulldog has a very sturdy and muscular build, weighing anywhere from 60 to pounds at a height of 20 to 28 inches. This breed has a large head with strong jaws with ears that may be cropped, semi-prick, rose, or drop. The coat is short and soft coming in any variation of colors. Temperament Though larger than the English Bulldog, the temperament of the American Bulldog is very similar. A gentle, affectionate dog that loves children and can be considered a big lap dog, the American Bulldog is alert, confident, and loyal to its people. Brave and strong-willed, the American Bulldog will do best when trained from a young age on and with an owner that isn't afraid to establish themselves as a strong pack leader. A breed with strong protective instincts, Bulldogs are known for their acts of heroism towards their owners and can sometimes be reserved with strangers. American Bulldogs require plenty of regular exercise to prevent boredom and encourage it to be a well-trained dog during the day. Care The short, fine coat of the American Bulldog requires minimal grooming and care, however, similarly to the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog has been known to drool and slobber. Are you interested in purchasing a American Bulldog? Introducing: Henry! He is an approximately 2 year old American Bully boy weighing 65 pounds. Henry was rescued by police from a serious neglect situation in Ohio. He does not require very much in terms of exercise. Favorite activities: Laying down with a human companion, eating from treat toys such as lick mats and Kongs, and sleeping. Good with cats, dogs, and kids over 6? He has good dog social skills and has been polite with introductions, even when the other dog is not polite! He does not seem very interested in playing with other dogs. He loves everyone so he should be great with kids. He does not soil his crate. He does not like being left out of social situations. He does great overnight in the crate and sleeps well with a dog bed in there. Walks well on a leash? No behavior challenges to note. Any Medical issues? He has some spots missing fur, but it is growing back. His paw pads are unusually deep and therefore hard to keep clean. While walking outside his paws get debris stuck in them. His toe jam needs to be cleaned out regularly or they grow yeast. What would be the best kind of home? He is not an active guy, so he will not make a good hiking buddy. He is not interested in dog toys and only plays in short bursts. Our rescue policy requires the following: Adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina. We will not adopt a giant breed dog to homes where the dog will have access to highly varnished hardwood steps inside the home. Any inside steps to which the dog s have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit. Methods or devices using pain or force on the dog to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior is prohibited. Applications for giant breed dogs must be submitted by the property owner. Homes with children under 6 years of age will not be approved for adoption. Homes with children should have a fenced yard. Veterinary records will be checked. All references must be checked before any visitation of the dog is permitted at the foster home. Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption. For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts gmail. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 12, , am.

Thus, it can be quite a challenge to find this hybrid. However, if you are eager to get one as a pet, you can refer to the following lists to find possible sources of this lovable pooch. Listed below are platforms where you can possibly find a German Shepherd Heeler mix: Lancaster Puppies — Lancaster Puppies is a website where you can browse puppies of almost any breed or hybrid for sale. There are AKC-registered pets available on this site as well. You can use multiple filters to speed up your search. Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies is a platform where you can find puppies for sale from all over the United States. They also show information about each breed or hybrid they advertise. They are offering Blue Heeler mixes, so be sure to check them out. PuppyFinder — Puppy Finder is a website where you can use search filters to find pets. Each puppy or litter they offer is described well through their posts. You can try checking out our top picks of German Shepherd breeders to broaden your options when finding a German Shepherd Cattle Dog mix. Apart from buying from a reputable breeder, you can also adopt a rescue dog if you prefer a much cheaper option. They are dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming German Shepherds and GSD mixes while also ensuring that the adopted dogs are happy in their new homes. They have been rescuing Australian Cattle Dogs and their mixes for the past ten years, and they make sure that each dog is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. They also aim to educate about the importance of sterilizing pets. You can inquire to see if they have a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix on hand. You can also check out our top picks on German Shepherd rescues to have more choices in your search for the Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix. This guide will equip you with the ins and outs of adopting a dog. There are also details about the requirements that adoption centers set as well as a few tips to give you a head start in applying for adoption. However, enough preparation and self-assessment should be done before bringing home one. Here are the advantages of owning a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: Highly intelligent: Blue Heeler German Shepherd mixes are well-known to be intelligent dogs, just like their parent breeds. Despite being stubborn at times, this highly skilled pooch is very trainable and can be obedient once disciplined. Positive reinforcement training is an excellent way to teach them. Great guard dogs: Both German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs are excellent guard dogs due to their loyalty and protectiveness. The same goes for their crossbreed. This hybrid will not hesitate to defend its owner or family. Excellent workout companion: As discussed, the Heeler Shepherd mix is a very active and energetic dog compared to other pooches in the canine world. This dog is a great partner for people who have an athletic lifestyle or love outdoor activities. Overall handsome appearance: The mixture of the German Shepherd dog and the Australian Cattle Dog definitely makes sense. The compact but athletic build of the Blue Heeler and the noble and stoic stance of the German Shepherd combine to create a good-looking hybrid. Thus, this furry pooch demands regular grooming. Regular brushing is a must when keeping this hybrid. Has aggressive tendencies: A hybrid of strong character, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can show signs of aggression. But this usually only happens when the dog feels threatened. Proper training and socialization are keys to good canine behavior. Can be stubborn: Despite being an intelligent pooch, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can be quite a challenge to train if it fails to recognize you as a master. Obedience training and showing a firm hand can let this dog know its place. Extremely active and energetic: As mentioned, the Heeler Shepherd mix is a dog packed with energy, all thanks to its very active parent breeds. Before owning this hybrid, you must be prepared to provide it with a regular playtime schedule and a place to frolic. Hopefully, the list can help you in deciding whether a German Shepherd Heeler mix is the right dog for you or not. As both of his parents are shepherd dogs, the blue heeler german shepherd mix is a very active and energetic dog who would need a lot of playtimes and mental stimulation. Appearance of blue heeler mix german shepherd Like any other designer crossbreed, a blue heeler mix with german shepherd will shape up based on the dominant genes. They can look like a German Shepherd or a blue heeler or somewhere in between. Still, the below traits should likely be present. Body: They have a strong and muscular long body with broad shoulders. Face: They have a lean face with a medium to long, deep muzzle. Ears: They have erect pricked ears. Coat: They have a thick double-coat between short to medium coat length. They can come in varying colors but a mix of blue and tan is the most popular. This is a wide range and where any dog would fit would be based on whose genes are more dominant. Lifespan: They typically have a lifespan of 9 to 14 years. Check out another Blue heeler mix — Cowboy Corgi The temperament of blue heeler german shepherd mix Blue heeler german shepherd mix are working dogs that carry the traits of driving cattle. They love being engaged with work or play. And if they get bored, they may find something by themselves which could be destructive. Blue heeler german shepherd mix will thrive on human companionship. So if you are planning to leave your dog alone for a long time, this would not be the right dog for you. Here are a few of their personality traits that you should be aware of. Needs a dominant leader ACD and GSD mix may take the position of the leader of the pack if the owner is not a consistent leader. Energetic and agile Blue heeler german shepherd mix has a powerful body and are extremely energetic and agile. They would need a lot of playtimes and running or else would get bored. This is because both the parents of this breed are working dogs who were used to drive cattle. They would enjoy being active in some work which may mean both physical and mental stimulation. If they are not engaged actively, they may devise something of their own like chewing or scratching things that you may find destructive. Loyal and obedient They are loyal to their owners and family. Given proper training, they can be highly loyal and obedient companion dogs. Excellent guard dogs These dogs are fearless, territorial, aggressive, and wary of strangers. This makes them excellent Guard dogs. Intelligent but stubborn These dogs are intelligent and learn training commands easily. But at the same time, they can be obstinate as well with their free-thinking. Strong willed Blue heeler german shepherd mixes are strong-willed and confident dogs. They need an experienced dog owner who can be in charge else they would be ready to take up the position of being the leader in the pack and be aggressive to others. High prey drive Both the parents of Blue heeler german shepherd mix have a high prey drive. This can lead them to go after smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or cats, etc. It is a must for them to be socialized since puppy age to other pets, children, and strangers. Avoid if you have young children Blue heeler german shepherd mix, if properly trained, are good family dogs who do well with older children. Though for families having children aged 7 years or less, we would not recommend them. They have a high prey drive and are considered aggressive. Young children may not know how to treat them with respect. Noisy — depends? Although the blue heelers are not known for being vocal, german shepherds do have a bad reputation for barking for their needs or if they are left alone for long. Experienced dog owners only With their wary to stranger attitude, prey drive, intelligent mind, and independent thinking, they are not recommended for a first-time dog owner. Not apartment friendly Blue heeler german shepherd mix is a very active, energetic, and agile dog. He would need a fenced yard to play and run for venting out his energy and hence not recommended for living in apartments. Care Nutrition It is recommended to give 1. You would need to adjust the diet based on the size, age, and activity level of the dog. Meat is recommended for them as a source of protein. If you do make up your mind for this food, we would recommend to slowly start mixing in your dog food before completely replacing it to be sure that your pooch is not allergic to the ingredients of this dry dog food. But they will shed heavily when their inner coat blows out. They can have a dense inner coat and a short or medium-sized outer coat based on which parent breed gene is more prominent. It is good to groom him daily but at least twice in a week is recommended. Regular grooming would help to massage the skin to produce oil and keeping the coat healthy. It will also promote bonding between the owner and the dog. This will also aid in keeping the hairs contained as the loosened or dead hairs will be removed by the brush reducing the chances of hairs spreading everywhere. It has got great reviews from dog owners and is very easy to groom. Its self-cleaning feature is great and makes removing hairs from the brush hassle-free. Blue heeler german shepherd mix needs bathing once in four to six weeks or when you feel he is dirty or smelly. Frequent bathing may lead to dry skin and other skin related ailments. Choose a natural oatmeal based shampoo. You should also need to clip his nails once every month. This would help to minimize the risk of nail splitting which could be very painful to the dog. Exercise Blue heeler german shepherd mix is an extremely agile dog who needs a lot of exercises and playtime. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation. If you are an active jogger, he would be an ideal companion. Just the daily walks may not suffice the needs of this active and energetic dog. He can play all day and hence it is recommended for folks who have a fenced yard where he can vent out his energy. Training They are smart dogs and are easy to train. They will learn the commands quickly. At the same time, they can be obstinate due to their independent thinking. So you should start the training since the beginning. Here are a few tips to train a Blue heeler german shepherd mix. Start the training at puppy age. Start with simple commands like sit, stay, and stand. Positive reinforcement training works better with them. We recommend obedience and crate training as a must for them. Obedience training helps to make them follow your commands and subvert their aggressiveness and high prey drive. Crate training helps them to feel safe when alone. They should also be socialized early with other dogs, pets, and humans so that they can become a well-adjusted dog. Health They are generally healthy crossbreed dogs but they can be prone to certain health issues. It is not necessary to have the disease but as a responsible dog owner, you should be aware of what disease your dog may be prone to. This can be painful in various intensities in different dogs but finally leads to Arthritis. This can be inherited and dogs having this medical condition should be neutered. Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is an inheritable medical condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the dog. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA This is a disease that leads to gradual blindness. The dog would start to lose his night vision first and then slowly it leads to complete blindness in a couple of years. This again can be inherited and the dogs having this should not be bred. Deafness This is a genetic disease prone to Queensland Heelers and can be passed upon. This could affect single or both the ears. How to get a Blue heeler german shepherd mix puppy? So you do not want a lazy pooch and have made up your mind for a Blue heeler german shepherd mix, let us look at how you can find a puppy for you. It would not be an easy task to find this designer dog breed. You should check first for the local shelters of blue heeler and then GSD ones and check if you can see this crossbreed. There might be a dog waiting for a new life. Though you may not know the details about him so it is best to spend some time before finalizing and taking him home. Pros and Cons. High; requires up to minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for active families that can take good care of them Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require high-quality food depending on activity level Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, bloating, deafness, eczema, epilepsy, hemophilia, and cataracts Blue Heeler History Image Source: Ezio Ricardo Martins — pexels. They are known for their herding skills and are often used as working dogs on farms. Blue Heelers are also popular pets and make excellent companions. Blue Heelers were first bred in the s and were used as working dogs on Australian farms. They are intelligent and loyal dogs and make great companions. They were originally bred in Germany for herding and guarding sheep in the late s. German Shepherds are now used as working dogs in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs. They are intelligent, hardworking, and protective dogs. GSDs make great family pets. Their coloring is predominantly black and tan, with the saddle patterning seen in German Shepherds. They may also have some white markings on his chest and feet. The mix typically stands around inches tall and weighs pounds. Their coat is thick and weather-resistant, making them a great choice for those who live in colder climates. They have the characteristic straight tail of the Australian Cattle Dog, as well as the pointy ears and broad face of the German Shepherd. Overall, they make impressive dogs that are sure to be a favorite among many people. These dogs are loyal, protective, and intelligent. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. Heeler Shepherd Mix are medium to large dogs that range in size from 35 to 80 pounds. They have a short, thick coat that can be black, brown, white or a mix of these colors. Their ears may stand up or hang down, and they have long tails. Temperament If you are looking for a dog that is both active and protective, the Blue Heeler cross German Shepherd may be the perfect breed for you. This crossbreed is known for being loyal and intelligent, making it an ideal watchdog. However, as with any dog breed, it is important to understand the Heeler Shepherd Mix temperament before bringing one into your home. The Blue Heeler and German Shepherd mix is an energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. If left to its own devices, this crossbreed can become bored and destructive. However, with proper training and socialization, they make great family pets. This breed is also known for being protective of its family and home, so it may not be the best choice for those who live in a small apartment. Feeding As with any mixed breed, the Blue Heeler Shepherd mix can inherit traits from either parent. The Blue Heeler is a high-energy dog that needs a diet that will sustain that energy. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbs is ideal. The German Shepherd is a large dog that requires plenty of protein and calories to support its growth and development. Training One of the most important things in Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix training is to be consistent. If you are tough one day and then lenient the next, your dog will become confused and may not respond well to training. Be firm but fair, and always stick to what you have taught your dog. This will create a strong foundation for German Heeler training. Another important tip is to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog when they do something right, such as sit or stay. This will help them to understand what you expect from them and will make training more enjoyable for both of you. Blue Heelers are intelligent dogs, so be patient with them. They can grow quite a bit in their first year and will need regular trims to keep them looking their best. Make sure to find a groomer who is experienced with German Shepherd Heeler Mix, as they can be a bit more challenging to groom than other breeds. It is important to be aware of these conditions and to seek veterinary care if your dog begins exhibiting symptoms. Some common signs that your dog may be sick include lethargy , loss of appetite, and difficulty walking. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Blue Heelers are also at risk for bloat, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself. This can happen if your dog eats too fast or drinks too much water after exercise. If you notice your dog acting strangely or appearing in pain, contact your veterinarian immediately. Bloat is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Cancer is also a concern for both Blue Heelers and German Shepherds. The most common types of cancer that affect these dogs include lymphoma, skin cancer, and bone cancer. It is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with German Heeler and to seek veterinary care if your dog begins exhibiting any symptoms. By providing your dog with regular check-ups and preventive care, you can help reduce the risk of disease and ensure that they live a long, healthy life. Does Blue Heeler and German Shepherd mix make good guard dogs? Blue Heeler Shepherd Mix makes great guard dogs. They are loyal and protective of their family and home. They will bark and alert you when there is someone at the door or when something is not right. Heeler Shepherd mix makes excellent watchdogs and will protect you and your property. If you are looking for a good guard dog, a German Shepherd Heeler Mix is a great choice. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive? They are very intelligent and have a high energy level. They need a lot of exercise and training. Some people think that they are aggressive , but this is not true. They are just very protective of their family and home. If you are thinking about getting a Blue Heeler German Shepherd, you should be prepared to give them the time and attention they need. They will be a great addition to your family. How much does a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy cost? Blue Heelers are bred for their herding abilities and make great working dogs. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are known for their intelligence and obedience. If you love the outdoors and being active, then the German Heeler is definitely the right dog for you. They are a high-energy breed that loves to run and play fetch. They are also very loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent guard dogs. The downside to this breed is that they require a lot of physical stimulation and can be very stubborn. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great choice for families who are looking for an active and loyal dog. However, they require a lot of exercise and training, so be sure you are prepared for this before bringing one home. They will make a great addition to any family who is willing to put in the time and energy needed to care for them. Conclusion The German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix is a hybrid dog that combines the best of both breeds. These dogs are intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions. They make great family dogs and are excellent with children. Blue Heelers are known for their herding instincts, while German Shepherds are known for their obedience and trainability. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Ideally, this cross combines the enthusiasm of the Blue Heeler with the kindly, easy-going disposition of the German Shepherd. This makes the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix a powerful working dog that is clever, determined and loyal. However, it is important to point out here that the resulting puppies can inherit the physical characteristics and the personality traits of either parent breed. Blue Heeler and German Shepherd Mix — Source The hybrid might also look like a perfect blend of both parent breeds or lean towards one breed over the other. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! But where did the German Shepherd Heeler Mix come from? Well, he is a relatively new crossbreed in the canine world. However, it is widely believed that the Blue Heeler Mix with German Shepherd was created in the last 30 or so years. A wide variety of breeds were used in the early stages of developing the Australian Cattle Dog. The early stock that was used in developing the breed included: Smithfield: a sturdy herding dog that originated in the British Isles. Dingo: these Australian wild dogs were used to boost endurance. Bull Terrier: these dogs were used in the s to enhance stockiness. Dalmatian: the Dalmatian was added to increase the love of cattle and loyalty to their owners. Kelpie: the Australian Kelpie was added to instill a good work ethic and the tan markings characteristic of Blue Heelers today. The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely intelligent and can solve problems on the move. He can also be stubborn because of the tenacity necessary to herd challenging cattle. They also tend to be possessive and some can be aggressive towards other dogs. Therefore, proper socialization is a must for your Blue Heeler Mix dog. This dog is also intelligent and loyal. The history of the German Shepherd begins in the late s when Captain Max von Stephanitz decided to develop the ultimate German herd dog. In fact, the present-day German Shepherds are descendants of his herd dog, Horand von Grafrath. Stephanitz also played a huge role in defining the early standards for the breed. Among his priorities were working potential and high intelligence levels. As livestock farming methods improved, their herding use reduced drastically. Nonetheless, their intelligence and spirited nature remained the same. Today, German Shepherds are commonly used for military and police activities around the world. But did you know? The German Shepherd dog is sometimes also known as an Alsatian. As with all dogs, the amount of care and love you shower on your GSD will be returned to you and your family manifold. Physical Characteristics of the Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Descending from two different breeds, it can be difficult to predict the physical characteristics of each puppy. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppy can take on the traits of either parent or become a combination of both. The upright ears of both parent breeds is a must. This cross also has a strong, muscular body, just like both parent breeds. Both parents are working dogs and their offspring will have a shorter frame and broad shoulders. Size, Height and Weight Blue Heelers are generally short and strong. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd is also a very powerful dog, although taller, leaner and longer. As you would expect, it can be difficult to foretell the adult size of their offspring. He should reach around 18 to 26 inches tall. Males are generally larger, but females will also have a strong, athletic body. With any hybrid dog, it is important to keep in mind that crossbreeding does not guarantee the desired personality traits of a dog. To understand his temperament, you need to study both the parent breeds. Strength and bravery are both attributes that both the parent dogs share. They are both loyal and protective, making them good guard dogs. Both parent breeds also share a good work ethic, intelligence, endurance, herding skills and a general tendency to be quite stubborn. These strong and athletic dogs are likely to be destructive if left alone for an extended period of time. With this mix, expect an alert and steadfast dog that will always be ready for anything. These pups can be possessive and tend to be wary of strangers. Since both the parent dogs get along well with adults and older children, your Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix could be a good family pet. However, this mix can be somewhat unpredictable with young kids. This fact should be taken into consideration before buying or adopting one of these dogs as a family pet. Training If you think that a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix might be a good match for you, be sure that your new furry friend will be intelligent and quick-witted, just like his parents. When you teach this dog various commands, he will learn quickly. But since these dogs tend to be quite stubborn, make sure to start training them early as puppies. It is natural for both parent breeds to be dedicated and family-oriented. However, obedience training is important if you want to keep your pup out of trouble. Without proper training and socialization, your Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppy will not obey any commands. Their defence-based, protective personality may reach extreme levels. During training, be sure to give your dog clear and simple commands. Using complex sentences or too many unnecessary words can lead to confusion and frustration on the part of the dog as well as the trainer. Otherwise, you can expect this cross to respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. Strong leadership is important if you want your dog to learn quickly. To make your dog obey any rules you set, be authoritative and firm with him. Teaching him to stay, sit and come is very important. Crate training is recommended if you want to adapt your puppy to a safe and comfortable environment. A properly trained and socialized Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppy will end up being a hardworking, loyal and obedient canine friend. Exercise Requirements The German Shepherd Australian Cattle Dog Mix is a high-energy dog who loves to stay active as well as play around throughout the day. This cross is just as active as his parents, so be sure to provide him with the necessary physical exercises as well as the mental stimulation he needs to remain happy and healthy. Ideally, you should be physically active yourself and have a proper daily exercise routine in place. This dog loves various physical activities. Although taking your dog out for daily walks is highly recommended, he will also need to play and run around to release his limitless energy. Playing together can also help strengthen the bond between you and your beloved dog. Games such as Frisbee or Tug of War are also an excellent way to tire out your dog. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These dogs have a double coat, but minimal grooming demands. Grooming your dog might be quite easy, but if he inherited the longer coat of his GSD parent, he will have moderate grooming needs. This mix has a strong tendency towards heavy shedding whereby he loses his undercoat. During such periods, you should brush him each day to help keep his coat healthy. Bathing should be done only if he gets particularly dirty. Bathing him too frequently could make his skin dry. A good option is to use quality deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep his skin properly conditioned at all times. Top 15 Feeding Info These dogs require 2 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day. They also need to be fed two to three times each day to remain happy and healthy. You can also provide vitamins and fish oil to supplement his diet. This mixed breed dog is considered to be quite healthy. However, chances are he can inherit the health issues of his parents. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy , eczema, deafness and eye disorders. You can ensure your puppy has greater odds at good health by buying from a reputable breeder and also using the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to find out about his heritage and any potential health concerns. A good breeder will be happy to meet you in person and find out if this dog is a good match for you. They will also allow you to meet both parent dogs. Make sure to check the health of both the litter and the parent dogs before making your purchase. You can also go online, search for reputable breeders, view pictures and check the price of any Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix puppies that are available for sale. Alternatively, you can visit local animal shelters and rescue organizations and see whether they have any of these puppies or dogs available for adoption. Imagine the enthusiastic Blue Heeler and the industrious, easygoing German Shepherd dog rolled into one! If you lead an active lifestyle and need a loyal and intelligent companion, this dog is a good fit for you. Just make sure to buy your puppy from a responsible breeder who will help ensure your Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix is healthy and will live for many years to come. Lifespan Sociability In terms of energy and trainability, this breed is one of the best that you could bring home. The one area that a hybrid breed like the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix lacks is sociability rating. Both parent breeds are strong-willed and protective. There is a good reason for that. This breed was originally bred to protect flocks of herding sheep from predators. They were servants for farmers and not considered companions. However, as humans grew closer to these animals, they still thrived in a work environment. These dogs contain the same blood as Dingo dogs. Dingoes are free, wild dogs that are native to Australia. It is extremely rare to find a domesticated Dingo. They prefer to live wild, free lives, which is why Heelers have a bit of a wild look to them as well. These dogs are very intelligent and catch onto training fairly quickly, but only with owners who are persistent enough to handle their strong-willed nature. Poor socialization could lead to issues with children, strangers, or other pets. They do tend to bark a lot, and obedience classes could do this breed some good. These dogs are not suitable for cities or apartment living. The amount of energy they have pairs best with families who own a good chunk of land that allows them to run around and patrol the property. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, not all dogs are the same. Puppies who grow up with the kids and are around other pets and animals a lot tend to adapt just fine to those around them. It is recommended to give active dogs of this size about 1. Divide this amount into two separate meals so that they eat both in the morning and at night. Cattle Shepherd mixes are happiest when they are given a specific job to do. The bare minimum amount of exercise they require is 1 hour, but they do a lot better when they have at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. This level of activity is much easier to achieve when they have lots of land to explore. In other words, they are not suitable for apartment living. The biggest issue that owners face when training a Cattle Shepherd mix is breaking through their willpower. Brush through their medium-length hair once per week to remove any loose strands. They also benefit from a bath once every week or two since they spend a lot of their time outside. Keep the nails trimmed by using a sharp clipper. If you start the grooming routine when they are young puppies, then they are cooperative as adults. To ensure you select the best and healthiest puppy you can find, select one from a trustworthy breeder. You can also request that your chosen pup undergo DNA testing to know more about its heritage and any potential health problems. Make sure you provide it with two to three cups of premium dog food during each feeding. The right food will help nourish your dog and give it additional protection to fight back against certain illnesses. Hills uses only high-quality ingredients that are enriched with vitamins and amino acids and have an excellent anti-oxidant profile. It reduces digestive problems caused by gluten and has enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your pet healthy. Taste of the Wild asserts that their kibbles are a healthy approximation of what canines in the wild will eat. It uses lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The company only uses natural sources of antioxidants like apples, spinach, and pumpkin. They also use the cold-press process to ensure that all the healthy goodness is preserved. Taking good care and helping your dog stay safe is what every responsible dog owner wants. If your dog is a bit older, try to get any product from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppies have a bit different food requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little munchkins in the best puppy food brands list. You should discuss any change in the diet plan with your vet. It loves to remain active and play all day. As a responsible owner, you should make sure that you can provide it with the necessary physical activity and mental exercises it needs to stay healthy and happy. The exercise needs of this mix will depend on which parent breed it takes after more. While the GS needs considerable exercise, it pales in comparison to the massive amounts of activity that the Blue Heeler requires. The energy levels of the German Shepherd Blue Heeler make it a good pet for a physically active owner or families who love the outdoors. While this dog that loves doing different activities, running along its owner as they jog or ride a bike is a favorite. Older kids will undoubtedly appreciate all the games they can play with this dog, but its enthusiasm might make them too rough for younger children. Your mixed breed will need a minimum of two walks a day. Aside from that, it will also need ample space to run around and play to release its seemingly boundless energy. Playing a game of Tug of War and Frisbee will bring happiness to your dog and strengthen your relationship as well. There are three types of toys that are ideal for your Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross — puzzles, chew toys and tug toys. Here are some of the best toys for your dog: Kong XXL: The classic chew toy from the company that specializes in sturdy dog toys since the 70s. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes for your dog to try out. Place the pole in your yard and watch your dog tug and play with the attached rope. Watch your little buddy spend hours twisting and turning this toy to reach the treats. Ultra Ball: This virtually indestructible toy can be used for both outdoor and indoor play. Chuck it and watch your dog leap and run after it. HDP 18 ft. Dog Training Tunnel: If you have a large yard, a training tunnel is a good investment. It will simply soak up knowledge, making it easy to train. While this dog will learn commands easily, its innate stubbornness means it should be trained early. As a puppy, it will have a tendency to be wary of strangers and become possessive of its owners. This is not surprising as the parent breeds are family-oriented and dedicated to protecting its family. These are traits that it can carry until adulthood if it does not undergo obedience training and socialization early. Without the right training and exposure to other people and dogs, your German Heeler puppy will not learn to obey commands. In time, their protective, defense-based personality could hit extreme levels. It needs consistent, solid training and a lot of activities to exercise its mind and body. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. Use treats and praises during training. Harsh words and punishment-based strategies will only make the Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive. Be a strong leader. You need to step up and give your dog the leadership it needs. Proper training and socialization will lead to a well-adjusted and happy German Shepherd Blue Heeler puppy. But this crossbreed will thrive if placed in the capable hands of an experienced owner who has already dealt with strong-willed working dogs. German Shepherd Blue Heeler and Families When it comes to families, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler crossbreed will blossom under someone who has the proper training and experience in handling large and powerful working dogs. This is an athletic dog that will be happy to either help out with ranch and livestock duties, or to go hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors with its human. Newbie dog owners and families with young children will find the Blue Heeler German Shepherd too much to handle. If you want the industriousness and easygoing personality of a German Shepherd and the enthusiastic and affectionate ways of the Blue Heeler, then their hybrid offspring is the perfect dog for you. This dog will likewise be happy in families with older children and those who live in homes with enough space to run around. If you think you have room in your life for this unique dog, you have to step up and be the strong alpha it needs. You should make sure you can provide it with the love and attention, as well as the physical and mental care it needs. This is a relatively new crossbreed, with a limited history. However, we can look to the parent breeds to learn more about these dogs. Both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler share a similar history. Both were bred to be herding dogs, primarily to be used on cattle ranches. He then spent the next 35 years refining the breed, while promoting it and forming the first German Shepherd club in existence. As commercial husbandry took over, and the need for herding dogs declined, the German Shepherd retained its role as a working dog. The Blue Heeler was also bred to herd cattle, but this time in Australia. The breed was developed through a complex mix of breeds including Collie, Dalmatian, Black and Tan Kelpie, and even a feral breed known as the Dingo. Thus, you could end up with a mix that looks more like a German Shepherd, or more like a Blue Heeler — and anywhere in between! There is always some variability with mixed-breed dogs like this, so keep that in mind. With that said, we can look at the details of the parent breeds to get a good idea of the general appearance and size that a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix might take on. The German Shepherd is a large dog, weighing between 50 and 90 lbs and measuring inches tall. The Blue Heeler is short and stocky and generally smaller, at pounds and a typical inches tall. Thus, you can expect your Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix to be somewhere in the middle — around pounds, and inches tall. Again, this varies from dog to dog and is difficult to predict! As far as their coats, both parent breeds have thick double coats to protect them from the elements. Both dogs tend to shed a lot, particularly in the spring as they prepare for the warmer months. Temperament Traits The German Shepherd has a confident, intelligent and courageous temperament. On the other hand, the Blue Heeler has an alert, curious and watchful personality. Both are extremely loyal and protective. These tendencies can be both positives and negatives at the same time. Their intelligence and confidence makes them able to accomplish incredible feats, but can also make them stubborn and difficult to train. In short, this mix needs an experienced owner. If not properly trained and socialized, this breed can be aggressive and is prone to guarding tendencies. Early and frequent socialization is very important! One need only to look at the purpose these dogs were bred for, and what they are used for today. Both breeds are herding dogs for large animals, designed to both herd and protect large groups of big animals. They are excellent at what they do, but these instincts can make them difficult to keep in domestic situations. This breed can make for a good family pet, for the right situation. While they are generally okay around children, they should always be supervised. That said, this mix can also make for a loving, and fiercely loyal, companion dog. When push comes to shove, they will not hesitate to protect their family, making them excellent watch dogs. For experienced owners, this breed can make for a good family pet. With that said, they are definitely not the easiest breed to train. Training should start early, and be conducted often. Positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to train your dog. Socialization is also important — both with other dogs, other animals, and with humans. This mix is not naturally outgoing. So, socialization is even more important than it is with many breeds. Ideally your pup should be trained and socialized from a young age, for best results. This is also a fairly high-energy breed that will need plenty of exercise. Aim for at least 2 long walks per day, and ideally mix in some higher-intensity exercise like running or hiking. You should also seek to give your dog mental stimulation by giving them challenging tasks. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix loves to have a job to do! Blue Heeler and German Shepherd Health This mix is generally fairly healthy, with an expected lifespan of years. Although, like any breed, some health concerns are possible. The German Shepherd brings with it a high likelihood for back problems due to the intense slope of their back. Hip and elbow dysplasia is also common in both breeds, as are certain eye problems and allergies. Some of these conditions can be tested for, and some cannot. To maximize your chances of getting a healthy pup, try to source your dog from a reputable breeder, or adopt an adult dog. They might just be because blue heelers usually have beautiful shiny coats and black masks, so when you breed them with another breed that also has the same markings it stands to reason that their puppies will too. What is a blue heeler? In the past, they were used for herding cattle but now mostly as family pets or police dogs. These are large sturdy dogs standing at cm tall 20 inches weighing around 20 kg 50 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be either short or long and can be blue, black, red, or speckled. They have a characteristic black mask across their face. What is a German Shepherd? They are also large dogs, standing at cm tall 24 inches and weighing around 30 kg 75 pounds. They are bred as working dogs but are now popular as family pets too. They come in a range of colors including black, tan, and sable. They have a long coat that needs regular brushing to keep it looking good. So, when you put these two breeds together you get some pretty impressive puppies! Not only do they inherit the good looks of both parents but they often inherit the good characteristics too. This means that they are very intelligent and active, which makes them great all-rounders! Many people like to keep these mixes as working dogs because of the endurance and stamina they inherit from both parent breeds. They make excellent farm dogs and can be trained to herd cattle in much the same way as their parents do. Appearance: The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix inherits the color of their parents, with a speckled or mottled blue coat. The mask is usually black but can become more prominent as they get older just like the Aussie Blue Heelers. They are often brown eyes but sometimes inherit the amber or green eyes of one parent breed or another. This breed gets its height from the German shepherd parent, measuring about 20 inches tall 60 cm with an average weight of around 75 pounds 30 kg. So you can see that these puppies are going to be quite large dogs, like their parents. They need plenty of both physical and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored or restless. Training should be positive and consistent, using treats and rewards to encourage desired behaviors. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down are a good place to start. Physical activity is also important for these active dogs. A good hour-long walk or run every day will help keep them in good shape and burn off energy. Playing fetch or Frisbee in the yard is another great way to get them moving. Agility courses or even just regular playtime with other dogs can provide plenty of exercises. In addition to exercise and training, Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix also needs a lot of attention. They do not like being left alone for long periods and prefer to be with their family at all times. They are very loyal dogs who crave attention from the people they love. This can result in separation anxiety if you have to leave them home alone for too many hours each day. This breed also loves children and is typically very gentle with them. However, because of their intelligence and high energy, it is important that they get plenty of quality time from any small humans in the house to help channel their boundless energy properly. If not socialized properly it may get protective over certain members of the family or become aggressive. As with all dogs, proper socialization and training from a young age are important. They need to be taught not to chase people or other animals and should learn the basic commands such as sit and stay. Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can also get protective of their family and territory if they are not properly socialized with friends and strangers. If their coat is short and dense, then they will require very little grooming. However, if their coat is long and fluffy, they will need to be groomed regularly to avoid mats and tangles. No matter what their coat type, Blue Heeler German Shepherds Mixes should always be brushed at least once a week to remove any dead hair and keep them looking healthy and clean. They may also need to be bathed occasionally, depending on how active they are and how much dirt and mud they get into. Nail trimming and ear cleaning may also be necessary from time to time. Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes do not have a characteristic dog smell and are not known to drool or to have any body odor. However, if their coat is long and fluffy they may get mud and twigs stuck in the fur around their paws sometimes. Health Problems: Typically, they have similar health concerns as their parent breeds, but some ailments may be exacerbated by the hybridization. Both breeds can be prone to PRA progressive retinal atrophy , detachment of the retina, cataracts, and glaucoma. The condition of progressive retinal atrophy results in partial or total blindness for your dog which develops progressively over several months or years. The other conditions result in blindness in one or both eyes. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common problem in German Shepherds, and it can also occur in blue heeler German shepherds. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Ear Infections: Ear infections are another common problem for both breeds of dogs and can be a problem for blue heeler German shepherds as well. Ear infections should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as they are noticed in order to prevent further damage to the ear and possible hearing loss. Other Health Concerns Other health concerns that may affect blue heeler German shepherds include epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid problems, and cancer. All of these conditions can occur in either purebred or crossbred dogs, so it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian regularly. Personality And Behavior: The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is bred for its intelligence and working ability, so you can expect your puppy to be bright and full of energy. They will need plenty of exercise and training or they may become destructive. These dogs are loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs. They are also very good with children. You can expect your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix to be quite energetic and dominant. Sometimes, this dominant nature can make them aggressive or overly protective of their family. They are not exactly shy but they do need socialization from an early age to help them feel more comfortable around strangers. Like most herding breeds, they can be reserved but remain loving and loyal to their family. But there is a high chance you will find it for less if you choose to adopt instead of buying from breeders. Nutrition Requirements: One of the best ways to make sure that your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix gets the right nutrition is to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. However, there are some general nutritional guidelines that all dogs should follow. First and foremost, your dog should have access to fresh water at all times. In addition, they should eat a balanced diet that consists of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Dogs need between 18 and 30 percent protein depending on their age, activity level, and breed. Good sources of protein include meat, eggs, fish, legumes, and cottage cheese. Dogs also need plenty of healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa. And finally, Blue Heeler German Shepherd mixes need healthy fats like Omega-3s to help keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny. Good sources of Omega-3s include salmon, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds. A healthy Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix needs between 60 and minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of a long walk or jog, playing fetch in the park, or going for a swim. By providing your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, you can help them stay healthy and active for a long time. Both of its parents are well-known for being good with children and being loyal and protective companions. Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies are usually very friendly and love to play. They are also very intelligent and learn quickly. As they grow older, they will be loyal and protective companions to their families. If you are looking for a family pet that is easy to train and loves to play with, a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dog may be the perfect dog for you. Just make sure you are prepared to handle the high energy levels of this breed! However, some health problems that can be shortened to years. They get along great with other animals and children. They are also very loyal and protective of their family. They are a great dog for active families who love the outdoors. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great dog for families. They are loyal and protective of their family and get along great with other animals and children. They are also very active and love to be outdoors. This makes them a great choice for families that love to be active and spend time outdoors. This breed can be very protective of its family. They are good watchdogs, but not the best choice for guard dogs. They love to please their owners and are easy to train. It is important that they receive a lot of attention from their families. If you work all day or your family is inactive, this dog will not be happy living in your home. Socialization needs to happen during the first year of life, before 12 weeks old, and after 4 months old the most critical times. This breed should also get along well with cats if properly introduced at a young age and if they are raised with them. Pros of having a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: 1. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a very good guard dog as it is alert, intelligent, and agile enough to prevent an intruder from entering the house during unauthorized hours. This breed of dogs is also used as military or police dogs due to their strong physique and sense of duty towards protecting their master against any harm whatsoever. As it has a high energy level, needs lots of physical exercise such as jogging or playing ball games with you which will release all the tension built up in his mind due to work or monotony. This breed is the best to keep at home with children because it loves them and they love it in return. They are very clean dogs which also makes them non-allergenic for people who have allergies to dogs. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix does not bark unnecessarily due to its highly intelligent nature once trained properly by owners so that they warn their master of any unwanted intruders or suspicious movement outside instead of barking continuously which could be irritating for the family members living in one apartment after a certain hour at night. It has a long life span of 12 years or more due to its high immunity levels against diseases, infections, colds, etc. Cons of having Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: 1. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is very expensive and not easily available at pet stores or animal shelters. It needs constant companionship and without it can become destructive by chewing furniture, shoes, wires, etc. Owners need to be committed to spending time with this breed to avoid any such incidents from happening. As it needs lots of exercise, it cannot be left alone for long hours during the day when its owners are working and would require someone else to take it out for a walk or play games with it in the yard. Otherwise, it can develop neurotic behavior which is very difficult to train out of the breed. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix cannot be left alone for long periods at home because it has a dominant personality and could harm other pets around without any warning. It is always advisable to keep the other pets away if they are smaller in size or even cats as these two could become their food due to their hunting nature. To avoid any mishap happening, owners should not allow this breed untrained by themselves because it can snap suddenly without any reason causing physical injury to family members living with them or strangers coming to visit them unexpectedly. Since this breed enjoys chasing running animals like squirrels, rabbits, etc. They are loyal, and protective and make great family dogs. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for both experienced and first-time dog owners. However, as with all breeds, there are some things to consider before bringing one of these hybrids into your home. First and foremost is their size — they can be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them. Finally, they do have a reputation of being aggressive with other dogs and animals — especially if not introduced to them from a young age — so take extra care when taking them out in public. However, with the right training and socialization, it should not be too much of an issue. It is very hard to imagine our life without this cute, cuddly family member. They are just perfect for many reasons. They are loyal, compassionate, and have the ability to understand their owners even before you speak a word! The breed gets its name from its blue-grey color which makes it resemble a heeler dog. Heeler mixes are lovable pets with usually medium energy levels so they can be great companions not only for active individuals but also for people whose physical activity level is much lower. This type of dog needs consistent training and socialization in order to stay obedient and friendly towards both strangers and other pets, especially cats or small dogs which they might perceive as prey. As for other characteristics, the Blue Heeler Mix is devoted to its family and has a tendency to form an excellent bond with kids. These dogs like children as much as the kids love them! The answer to this question is not a simple one. However, it is generally safe to say that Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dogs can be aggressive, particularly if they are not well socialized from a young age. This is because both the German shepherd and the blue heeler are bred for working purposes, and as such, they can be quite independent and strong-willed. If these traits are not properly managed, they can lead to aggression in dogs. It is therefore important to ensure that your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix receives plenty of socialization and training, especially if he will be around children, as these are the two groups who are most likely to provoke an attack. Additionally, it is important to remember that both parties in this crossbreed had their temperament breed into them, so even if you give your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix constant love and attention throughout its life, they may still snap at another animal or human without warning. If your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy is exhibiting signs of aggression, it is important to take steps to correct the behavior as soon as possible. One way to do this is by enrolling them in a good obedience class. This will help to teach them how to properly behave around other people and animals. You can also try using positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise to reward your dog for good behavior, which will help to establish a strong bond between you and your pet. If all else fails, you may need to consider using a muzzle when out in public until you can get the aggression under control. What activities are not recommended for Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies? Although they are very adaptable, these dogs do best in a home or apartment with a large yard. This is especially important for this breed because of their size — adults can reach up to 70 pounds! They will want to run around outside until they drop from exhaustion, so make sure you provide plenty of space. If you live in the city or apartment, do not get this breed. Post navigation. Any responsible breeder should be happy to share the results of all pre screening test results on both parent dogs. Ideally, you should also take the time to meet and interact with both parent dogs before making a lifetime commitment to a new puppy. Breed Characteristics What can you expect when you decide to welcome a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix dog into your life? What will your new dog need from you? What type of personality and temperament can you expect? How much exercise will your new puppy want and need? How about brushing and grooming needs? German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix weight and height The German Shepherd dog can weigh 50 to 90 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulder tops. The Blue Heeler can weigh 35 to 50 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. Depending on what generation your hybrid puppy comes from, the potential weight range can be anywhere from 35 to 90 pounds, which is quite a wide range! If we look at averages without factoring in gender, the most likely outcome is a hybrid dog weighing around 60 pounds and standing around 20 inches tall. The first thing to remember is that both of these dogs are true working dog breeds. Most working dog breeds have naturally high energy levels and love staying active. Both make great family guard dogs, will be protective of their home and family, and will need mental as well as physical stimulation. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy is going to crave athletic outlets and an active lifestyle. Whether you involve your dog in canine athletics or put your pup to work, these dogs are born to work long hours with dedication and diligence. While puppies sleep a lot , you need to be prepared to devote at least two hours per day to running, playing, and caring for your adult dog. German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix exercise and training German Shepherds and Blue Heelers have been deliberately bred through generations to work hard, long hours every day of their adult lives. The only way to know when your dog is finished growing is to have your veterinarian do X-rays of the long leg bones. What your vet is looking for is the closure of the soft growth plates at the top of each leg bone. This typically occurs at the age of 12 months or older. Once the growth plates have closed and hardened, your dog is done growing. At this point, you can train for canine athletics, K-9 protection work, or herding. With a highly intelligent dog like the German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix, only use positive reinforcement training methods like praise, treats, pats, and playtime. These dogs will bore easily if training sessions become repetitive or drag on for too long. For best results, add new skills to each training session and keep the sessions short, fun, and extremely positive. The first thing dog owners absolutely need to know about both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler is that each dog has the classic working dog coat. A working dog coat is a double layer coat that serves two purposes: protection and insulation. This outer coat layer protects the dog from bites, sunburns, windburns, and from being drenched in the rain. Year-round, the working dog coat sheds lightly to replenish itself and keep all the guard top hairs functional. So your German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix will definitely shed. The best way to control shedding is to do daily de-shedding and brushing. In fact, bathing too frequently can strip the outer layer of the coat of some of its water-repellant, protective properties, so you want to bathe sparingly. Young children, in particular, might find this upsetting or stressful. The German Shepherd Blue Heeler may not be the best choice in this case. Understanding Hybrid Breeding By Dog Generation As Breeding Business explains, there are several different generations that a hybrid dog breeder can choose to focus on. A breeder can specialize in multiple generations and may indicate the differences between litters on their website. This can help you decide what generation of German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy you would like to add to your family. F1 An F1 generation hybrid breeder focuses on the earliest stage of hybrid dog breeding — crossing two different purebred dog breeds together to produce puppies. F1 puppies would have one purebred German Shepherd dog parent and one purebred Blue Heeler dog parent. The F1 generation is arguably the most interesting generation for dog breeders. Another puppy in the very same litter may inherit just the opposite blend of traits. F1b F1b generation dog breeding typically pairs one purebred dog parent either a German Shepherd or a Blue Heeler in this case with one hybrid dog parent here, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix. In this breeding stage, the breeder is refining for preferred traits, whether they be for appearance, temperament, or some combination thereof. As an example, if you need your dog to grow to a certain size, you would want to work with a breeder who focuses on F2 stage or later dog breeding. F2b The focus of an F2b breeding program is once again further refinement to the new hybrid breed through back-crossing. F3, et al With each later stage of a hybrid dog breeding program, the puppies grow more and more uniform in every way. For the right family or individual who wants to lead an active lifestyle with a dog by their side, this mixed breed dog may make a fabulous companion canine! The average German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix will reach a weight of 60 pounds, and a height of 20 inches. In actuality, your dog could be significantly smaller, or much larger. It depends on what parent breed it takes after most. Potentially, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix could be between 35 and 90 pounds, and 17 to 26 inches. The reason for this is the size differences between the parent breeds. While the German Shepherd is long and tall, the Blue Heeler is shorter and stockier. A fully grown German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix can be quite a big dog. On average, it will be smaller than a purebred German Shepherd. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix good dogs? As an intelligent breed, they respond best to positive reinforcement. However, they can also get bored easily. When you want to train your dog, you need to take care to keep the sessions energetic. Give lots of positive feedback, keep the training short, and mix up what you do. Due to the working dog heritage, a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix needs a lot of exercise. Long walks, and plenty of mental stimulation, are necessary to keep them happy and healthy. German Shepherd Blue Heeler mixes are loyal dogs, who can be protective. They respond well to commands, but hate to be bored. Are Blue Heelers good family dogs? Due to their size and power, their confident intelligence can be difficult to handle. The Blue Heeler also has a tendency to nip at the heels of livestock, and humans. This comes from their history as herding dogs, and often happens around running children. While the nipping may not be painful, it can be distressing. Young children, in particular, may find being nipped at upsetting. Blue Heelers should be socialized from a young age to get them comfortable around children. Many of these traits can be seen in the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix. These dogs are loyal, and this can become protective. As German Shepherds can be aggressive, the mix has a potential for boisterous behavior. Are Blue Heelers aggressive toward other dogs? As working dogs, they have bundles of energy. Because of their working history, Blue Heelers will look for a leadership role. Around other dogs, they may try to establish dominance. Blue Heelers have prey instincts, meaning they try to hunt smaller animals. Socialization helps curb this behavior. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix also needs to be socialized with other dogs. Otherwise, they can display the same dominant tendencies. Do Blue Heelers like to cuddle? Instead, look for other ways to show your Blue Heeler how much you care. Although they may not crave a cuddle, there are still plenty of ways to show physical affection towards your Blue Heeler. Otherwise, give them lots of petting. Start at a young age, to get them used to human contact. There are times when you can perhaps expect a cuddle with a Blue Heeler. However, they have as many differences as they do similarities. This can make choosing a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy challenging if you want certain traits in your new canine companion.

So, whenever you visit a breeder for the first time, write down a few questions you would like to ask about the breed and the puppy. No question is too silly to ask, and there are no dumb questions! So ask as many as you can and watch how they respond. Can they answer your questions patiently? Are they able to explain things well? Are you comfortable communicating with them? Breeders who are committed to providing their puppies with loving and permanent homes will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Goldendoodle puppy sleepy in a blue blanket. Welcome Back Policy Any good breeder would be more than happy to take back the puppy if you are unable to provide them with the care and love they need due to problems such as financial or personal. Since a good breeder cares about their dog, they will have you sign a contract obligating you to return the dog if you cannot provide them with basic needs. Having learned how to find a reputable breeder, we have curated a list of some of the best Goldendoodle Breeders in Illinois to assist you in your search. Taking pride in their years of dedicated breed work, the breeder has helped hundreds of families get a Goldendoodle they will cherish their entire lives. This also ensures that the puppy is at no risk from health issues such as hip dysplasia and other inherited disease. Additionally, the breeder ensures that the puppies are socialized from day one so that they will become accustomed to human touch. Finally, ENS and other techniques are used to increase stress tolerance by stimulating the neurological system. They also provide lifetime breeder support, expert vet care, and a 2-year genetic health guarantee to put your mind at ease. Contact Details:. Breeding healthy, good natured Goldendoodles is our priority. We raise our puppies on a culmination of Badass Breeder BAB Curriculum, Avidog, Midwoofery and Puppy Culture - a week by week guide to aid in the neurological stimulation to emotional resiliency in our puppies. Temperament assessing helps our families choose the best companion for their needs. We are also featured on Good Dog for our responsible breeding ethics with a rating of Excellent, which is the highest rating earned on Good Dog. Why Choose Cherry Lane Doodles? The benefits of our breeding program culminate into superior puppies that are resilient, confident, calm, easy to train, and will bond strongly with their families! Additionally, customer satisfaction is very important to us. Check out a few of our reviews below, or to view all of our reviews go to Cherry Lane Doodle Google Reviews! Where should I start? Click on Availability and Pricing to view our anticipated litters coming up. Once you hear back from us, and if you are an approved applicant, you can Place Your Puppy Reservation. I'd like to subscribe to be notified of upcoming litters If you are human, leave this field blank. Each new litter of Goldendoodles is unique and may inherit various features from each parent breed. That is why it is crucial to pick a reliable Golden doodle breeder with expertise in both parent breeds. As all dog owners know, every new puppy has a unique personality waiting to develop with your love and care. The standard is the largest Goldendoodle size, ranging in height and weight from 25 — 28 inches to 90 pounds. Typically, Standard Goldendoodle weighs between 50 and 65 pounds and stands between 23 and 25 inches in height. Families adore standard Goldendoodles because of their prominent playful personalities and peaceful, friendly demeanors. The Miniature or Mini Goldendoodle grows between 15 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 35 pounds when fully grown. This size Goldendoodle is the sweet spot — people who live in large homes with enclosed yards and those who live in condominiums or townhouses love this size. These little cuties weigh less than 25 pounds usually pounds and range in height from 10 to 18 inches. Our Toy Goldendoodles have the sweetest personalities and hypoallergenic qualities, making them another popular choice. Raising puppies is our job, passion, and calling. Each of our healthy puppies for sale will envelop the characteristics mentioned above but have individualized, unique qualities that we want you to look for. A good breeder in Illinois will only show you what they want you to see, but a reputable breeder will go the extra mile to ensure health, promise a warranty and be fully honest with your next Goldendoodle puppy. Our parent dogs and puppies undergo a comprehensive set of health and DNA tests to ensure you get the healthiest dog possible from health tested parents. All of our adorable Goldendoodles come with a 2-year written genetic health guarantee. As Professional Goldendoodle breeders, we do everything possible to ensure that our Goldendoodles are the happiest and healthiest. Honesty Reputable Goldendoodle breeders are open and upfront with their customers. They must answer any of your questions about their breeding program and the dogs they breed with honesty and competence. If they do their job well, they will have a good breeding reputation by following through on their promises and professionally handling issues. At Central Illinois Doodles, we are Goldendoodle breeders operating openly and transparently. Simply put, it means that your puppy comes from carefully chosen parent dogs whose lineages have been OFA DNA tested for genetic issues and common health concerns. As a result, all of our puppies come with written guarantees that they are free of health conditions and genetic disorders. Temperament is also a priority for us, and our goal is to ensure that the dogs we breed are the best match, not just for adorable puppies but well-tempered ones, too. Variety of Sizes and Colors Our Goldendoodles come in various sizes, from standard to miniature to toy, encapsulating the breed in a lovely tiny package! Every litter features a wide range of hues, from white to brown to tan and everything in between. The coat types of our Goldendoodle pups range from wavy to wavy, with loose curls to very curly. Whatever your preference, they are all extremely precious! Owners will be thrilled to see that our little puppies are already displaying indications of their intelligence as they learn and play in their new surroundings at just a few weeks old. While other breeds at the same age may be distant and unsure of their place in the family, our Goldendoodle pups bond quickly and develop devotion and loyalty at a young age. Goldendoodle breeders can ensure that their puppies inherit the best and healthiest qualities by carefully selecting parent dogs. So whether you are looking for a devoted friend, a service dog, or a therapy dog, Goldendoodle puppies are the best possible breed to consider! Check out our available puppies page to learn more about our current litters. We look forward to talking with you about our current or upcoming litters and helping you reserve your new puppy. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? If you are looking for reduced shedding in your dog, then the Goldendoodle may be the perfect fit for you. Most Goldendoodles inherit less shedding and hypoallergenic coats, but not all Goldendoodles inherit these traits. When the puppy is around three weeks old, Goldendoodle breeders can usually tell the type of coat they will have. This allows them to find the perfect family for each pup. Do Goldendoodle Puppies Need Training? Unfortunately, at the time being, we have no specialized training packages to offer you. But we would highly recommend finding an experienced dog trainer in your local area. We have a range of prices for our Goldendoodles, depending on the type of coat, color, size, and parents. Our Goldendoodles might not be as cheap as dogs from puppy mills or backyard Goldendoodle breeders. They reflect the effort and dedication we put into presenting you with a healthy and well-tempered perfect puppy. Please review our puppy price guide on our website for more information. Doodle Breeder Near Me. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Chicago Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL. Goldendoodles were originally bred to combine the intelligence and incredible coats of the Poodle with the people-centric attitude of the Golden Retriever. How much are mini Goldendoodles for sale Chicago? Goldendoodle price varies depending on a variety of factors. For example, a tiny Goldendoodle with an uncommon coat color will probably be more expensive than a medium or standard Goldendoodle in a common coat color. One of the awesome things about working with us is that you have so many options to choose from! Will you only connect me with local mini Goldendoodle breeders Chicago? Our network focuses on connecting families and puppies based on preferences, and not purely on geographical location. How do you screen mini Goldendoodle breeders in Chicago? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with mini Goldendoodles Chicago? Unethical, dishonest breeders are an epidemic—especially online, where puppy mills and scams are all over the place. There are no puppy mills around here—just awesome puppies. What is a puppy mill for mini Goldendoodle puppies Chicago? Puppy mills are factories where dogs are bred on an industrial scale. At mills, puppies and their parents are often mistreated and forced to live in inhumane conditions. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies in Chicago available now? All you need to do is begin your MatchMaker process below, and Uptown will take care of the rest. What is the MatchMaker process like for miniature Goldendoodle Chicago? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. At Parti Goldendoodle, we aim to provide a friendly and social environment for our dogs and puppies. In addition to breeding only the best of breeds and temperaments, we OFA and Paw Print Genetics test each dog to make sure they are healthy. Our Goldendoodle puppies are bred from healthy, social, and friendly dogs that are part of our family. As a veterinarian-owned dog breeder, we specialize in breeding F1 and F1B Goldendoodles by breeding our purebred Parti Poodle with either Golden Retrievers or Goldendoodles. To learn more about our dogs or reserve your Goldendoodle puppy from our next litter, contact us online or by phone or text at .Apart from her innate beauty, she is very loving and serene. She is smart, energetic, and loves to play! Lotus — Parti Goldendoodle Calm, cute, and super sweet, this 2-year-old female F1 Phantom Parti Goldendoodle ticks all the right boxes. Loquitis, just like other Goldendoodles, is outgoing, friendly, and has a great temperament. Lightening — Parti Poodle This stunning 3-year-old male is a premium Apricot and cream Parti Poodle, all set to breed the healthiest of Goldendoodles. He has undergone Paw Print Genetics and OFA The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals tests that use high quality, cutting-edge laboratory standards to identify genetic traits and inherited diseases. He is, of course, very smart and loves kids. What are F1 and F1B Goldendoodles? So what exactly does this mean? As Goldendoodles are crossbreeds between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, their generational name will always include an "F. In the designation F1B, "B" indicates "Backcross", which means that a first generation offspring is bred back with one of the original breeds. As such, the F1B Goldendoodle inherits 25 percent of its genes from the Golden Retriever and 75 percent from its purebred Poodle. Both F1 and F1B Goldendoodle dogs make great family pets, but they do have some minor differences. For example, F1B Goldendoodles tend to be more non-shedding compared to F1 Goldendoodles thanks to the higher percentage of Poodle genetics. Whichever generation you choose, our Goldendoodle dogs are sure to capture your heart with their curly coat and gorgeous eyes. We ensure our beautiful dogs receive comprehensive veterinary care and are bred in a high-quality environment. This ensures you take home a healthy, well-socialized, and friendly Goldendoodle. To find out more about our dogs we use for breeding or to learn about our Goldendoodle puppies for sale , get in touch with us today.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. A daily German Shepherd exercise routine is a must for your high-energy breed! A daily exercise routine not only keeps them fit and healthy but also helps them develop better behavior. And you know how important it is to have a well-mannered dog! This guide has everything you need to start and keep your dog on the right track for a healthy life. So be sure to follow the right guide and advice for your German Shepherd. This information is for German Shepherds over one year of age who are healthy and without any known diseases or medical conditions. If you own an adult German Shepherd, his exercise tolerance will be almost limitless! This breed suits very active families and prefers lots of exercise daily source. They can become bored easily without a suitable daily routine. Exercises for German Shepherds The best exercises for German Shepherds move their bodies in a variety of ways while letting them explore their environment. They love to run, jump, sprint, swim, chase ball toys, fetch, tug, and catch. Walk your German Shepherd daily for the right amount of time. Walks are easy on most German Shepherds and are essential for dogs who spend much of their day indoors. Walking a German Shepherd is the most popular form of exercise for fitness and health. Walk your German Shepherd at least twice for 90 minutes Preferably split into 2 sessions in the morning and evening time Avoid extreme cold and heat to keep both of you safe Vary the surface you walk on to avoid damage to their joints from repetitive motions. Try this no-pull harness to have more control on your walks. The harness has 2 points to clip, in the front and on the back, which puts you in greater control of a wild-walking German Shepherd. The comfortable padding on the harness also helps prevent sore spots on your dog, avoiding any skin issues or fur loss. Walking Exercise Routine Two walks of 45 minutes to one hour each for an adult, healthy German Shepherd are a good start for an exercise routine to meet their needs. Remember, they require gentler exercises to avoid bone and joint damage. Jogging and running to increase endurance. German Shepherds love to run off-leash. Many German Shepherds love to run for fun with their owners. Your breed is built to move long distances over grassy, rocky, hilly terrain, and this shows in their desire for running. Look for softer surfaces to include with your daily exercise routine. Vary your surfaces for maximum health benefits. Also, running and jogging at a set pace is very repetitive on joints. Once your dog is more conditioned you can increase both the time and distance they run with you. Check their paws daily after each run to look for any sores, abrasions, or cuts. Tug-of-war game for strength and power training. German Shepherds are powerful and athletic, and they love to play games with their owners. Include simple strength training exercises at home to increase muscle mass and overall power by playing tug with your German Shepherd daily. And playing tug-of-war goes a long way in helping your Shepherd develop fuller, stronger muscles and more energy and vitality. The knots allow you to grip the rope and maintain control better while the cotton rope provides a soft surface for your German Shepherd to grip. Worried playing tug might make your German Shepherd more aggressive? German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to include at least 10 to 15 minutes of tug before work. Ideally, aim for tug daily if your dog enjoys the exercise. A flirt pole increases endurance. A flirt pole helps exercise your German Shepherd in small spaces. The flirt pole is a gift to worn-out German Shepherd owners! It not only helps your dog improve their basic manners and impulse control, but it also gives them a workout. And in just a few minutes of play! Look for a pole with an enticing lure to excite and interest your dog. How to Use a Flirt Pole with Your German Shepherd Lure your dog to play by dragging the toy on the ground in a large arching half-circle pattern. They chase the lure while you move the toy in different ways to keep them moving. They catch the lure and tug. You give their release or drop command and start the exercise game again. Avoid playing this game by moving the lure in tight circles or making your dog jump high in the air for it. If your dog is slipping frequently, definitely find another surface to play on. It can become damaged if left alone with your GSD or if they are allowed to tug on it excessively. Only use large arches on the ground to avoid sharp turns, especially for puppies. Include doggy squats for healthy hips. Have you heard of doggie squats for exercise? Dog squats help build strength in the large leg muscles. They also can help an aging Shepherd maintain their strength to keep them more mobile and prevent hip issues later in life. And in younger Shepherds that help give your dog the power to take on physical challenges. Dog squats are like human squats. Then, have them stand. Use treats to entice them to keep repeating the action. After two weeks, increase the reps in healthy dogs not puppies or seniors. Have your dog start with 2 sets of 5 squats and add on more squats gradually from there. Use a variety of tasty treats to keep them interested and motivated. You can increase the number of sets and reps as your dog looks more comfortable with the exercise and builds up strength in their hips. Running uphill improves muscle power and cardio health. Gently sloping hills are perfect for an exercise routine for your athletic GSD. Having your dog run uphill gives a great, free strength training workout. As your dog pushes themselves uphill, they must engage their rear leg muscles intensely. This is a great all-over bodybuilding exercise, but especially for their back end. Instead, look for a moderate rolling hill and encourage your dog by calling them up and down to you. This is also a cardio workout for you, too! Repeat this hill run a few times. Then, give your dog rest and repeat. Hill Running with Your German Shepherd Begin by exploring hill running only 2 times a week with plenty of rest in between hill runs to recover. You can gradually increase their routine to 3 to 4 times a week with longer sprints to keep their hearts in tip-top shape. A balancing disc helps improve reflexes and coordination. This is a balancing discs but only wobbles slightly on the top to avoid major falls or tumbles. The goal of balance activity is to enhance body awareness, encourage stable weight shifts, and promote stability and motor function. In a nutshell, balance exercises help teach your dog the way their body moves and how to alter their movements to adjust more easily. This means that your dog is less prone to injuries since their bodies are agile. Balancing discs are a very popular piece of exercise equipment for dogs and fitness professionals. It works by having your dog stand on the disc and using its muscles to stay balanced and stable. These are great for strengthening all muscle groups as a complete body workout. The Instability Challenge On the FitPaws balance disc, there are three basic ways to create a challenge for your dog. Have your dog place one paw on the platform and offer them a treat. Next, ask for both front paws on the board to increase difficulty. Finally, move into harder positions such as all four paws on the disc, sitting on the disk, or even backing up onto the disk with only the back paws. Balancing is also a great way to bond with your dog since they need to trust your commands and the support you provide to them. Balance Disc Exercise Routine 3 to 4 times a week start with an easy pose for your dog on the disc. As they improve their balance, increase the time slowly as you ask them to hold other poses, for example, front paws on disk, back paws on disk, and stepping on and off slowly. Sprints build muscle and cardio fitness. If you want to save your shoulder, try a dog ball launcher with your German Shepherd. And your German Shepherd naturally excels at speed because of its herding history. While excessive and sharp turns on the ground can injure your dog due to the stress of stopping, you can still play a game of catch in moderation. Instead of seeing how far you can throw the ball and having your GSD slide into the ground, aim for shooting the ball in the air a short distance in front to allow your dog to catch the ball and avoid harsh slides. You can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet in the air without exhausting your arms! Short sprints are great for burning away energy that would otherwise become pent-up anxiety in your dog. Sprints also increase lung and heart health, challenge muscles and balance, improve coordination, and make your German Shepherd happy! Instead, 3 to 4 times a week with rests during your sprints so they can catch their breath, aim for them to catch the ball from the air. Looking for the pawfect playtime for your German Shepherd? Weave poles for speed and agility. Your herding dog loves to learn to pole weave! Did you know that the German Shepherd holds the record for completing the fastest weave pole source? Nature made your breed for pole weaving! Weave poles are easy to teach by luring your dog through with a treat. Like this durable, adjustable weave pole that is easy to set up and store away, or can be adjusted quickly for beginners to learn the exercise. Set up your weave poles in your yard. Begin at one end of the weave poles and slowly lure your GSD through the poles. Reinforce their efforts with tasty rewards regularly. Once your German Shepherd has the hand of it, start narrowing the poles gradually together. This gives your dog a harder challenge. Many Shepherds love the weave and will readily enjoy it when you increase the difficulty with more poles. But some dogs, especially puppies, need extra practice to learn the weaving exercise motion. Stick with it for a great way to exercise your German Shepherd in a small area! Start slowly as they gain confidence in their new agility. Increase the challenge by adding in more poles or shortening the distance between poles. Encourage your dog to repeat the weave once they come through the end by running with them to the start of the weave poles and giving your command to weave again. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to an activity routine for the best health benefits for your companion. This means: You keep their mind active and out of trouble using puzzle games for your German Shepherd. You allow them to have a balanced social life where they interact with other dogs and people positively. Without a complete fitness and health program, your dog is likely to experience problems. And the worst part of it all? Some owners forget about starting at the most obvious foundation and neglect to give their German Shepherds the right diet. These negative behaviors can cause issues for your family that disrupts your lives. Start with a solid foundation to keep your German Shepherd healthy to avoid the fallout of poor fitness. Behavior and Mental Problems. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it.

Share 1 Shares Golden Retrievers are famous for their intelligence, friendly personalities, and beautiful golden coats. This paired with their trainability makes this dog breed a great choice for many active families out there. However, when getting a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder it is important that you make sure that the breeder is reputable before buying a puppy from them. This will not only ensure that your dog will have good confirmation, but it also increases your chances that your dog will be in good health and have a solid temperament significantly. Here are the top 15 reputable Golden Retriever breeders in Missouri. Ozark Mountain Goldens Ozark Mountain Goldens in Missouri This Golden Retriever breeder does not only focus on the stunning good looks of their Goldens but their incredible intelligence as well. Of course, the health of their dogs is important to this AKC breeder of merit as well. To ensure the health of their dogs, all dogs are health tested and cleared before being bred. In addition to this, all puppies are kept up to date on all of their vet-recommended and age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. Puppies also receive an aptitude test and a microchip before going to their forever homes. All puppies are sold with a month health guarantee. This breeder enters their dogs into AKC agility, obedience, conformation, tracking, and performance events as well. Name of Owner. To ensure that her puppies have the best possible start in life, all her dogs have passed health tests to guarantee they are as healthy as possible. Similarly, this breeder builds the confidence of her puppies through considerable early socializing. In addition, puppies are introduced to basic training before being placed in their permanent homes. This covers bathroom training and basic etiquette instruction. Every puppy has a two-year health warranty covering hereditary flaws and diseases. If you have any questions for this breeder or are interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever puppy, you can contact them using the listed phone number. In addition, you may write them a message and complete their puppy application form via their Good Dog page and send them an email via their website. In addition to infectious illnesses, this health assurance covers a precise list of hereditary conditions at the pick-up time. Additionally, all dogs undergo health screenings before being bred to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases to their offspring. All puppies are updated on immunizations, vet appointments, and deworming as their veterinarian prescribes. At approximately three weeks, every puppy begins an intensive socialization program. Additionally, puppies are introduced to crate training, manners, and potty training. New parents will receive a food beginning bag, a health certificate, a toy scented with its mother and siblings, and A. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Missouri Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Missouri? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Missouri? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Tell your golden what a good boy or girl it is and offer a treat right after the deed is done. Recommended Videos Be consistent If you want to teach your golden to go outside, you must be consistent. Set an alarm for certain times of the day to go out, so your golden has plenty of chances to get it right. Be realistic about how long your golden can hold it. That will allow you plenty of time to help your puppy make the transition to following the rules of your house. Use the potty command To help ensure your golden does its business, add in the potty command. Each time your dog eliminates after the command, offer praise and treats. It could take some consistent practice for it to go outside, and it may arrive in stages. Your puppy may have trouble at night for a little bit until it understands the schedule and is able to make better decisions. If you find that your puppy is having a lot of trouble getting the command, take a look at your process. Are you expecting your puppy to go too long between potty breaks? Are you inconsistent with your praise or timing? Sometimes, a simple change in your process could finally help your pet over that hurdle. How do I train my golden retriever? Offer praise and treats each time your puppy is successful. This is unhealthy and dangerous. Your puppy will need time to get things right. If you only punish your puppy, it may hide to go to the bathroom to avoid the punishment. The training process may take patience, but goldens are highly trainable dogs. Your puppy is ready to be part of the family and needs a little encouragement to understand the rules and behavior you want to see. Editors' Recommendations. An hour later, the puppy has been running around the house, chugged a bunch of water, pees in the house again, and it starts all over… So how do we stop this cycle from happening? Step 1: Take Them Outside Often Some people recommend taking your puppy outside every 20 minutes, while others recommend every hour. The point is, take your puppy outside often before they need to go. Puppies can hold their bladder for about an hour per their age in months, so a two-month-old puppy can hold it for about two hours, a three-month-old puppy can hold it for about three hours, and so on. But now that playtime is over they suddenly remember they have to pee and this nice carpet looks like the perfect spot! You can use this to your advantage by taking them to the same spot every time. To stop this, you need to clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner , not regular soap and water. One issue that many people make we made it, too is praising them too loud and too soon, and interrupting them. Then grab them and bring them outside to their spot and if they finish going, praise them like normal for going outside. So if you do all of the steps above, how long should it take for your puppy to be potty trained? All puppies are different, but it can take two weeks to a few months for your golden retriever puppy to be potty trained. Learn more » Golden Retrievers are intelligent, social dogs that love being around people. Potty training a Golden Retriever puppy can be frustrating and messy, but with some consistency and patience, your dog can be taught how to appropriately handle his business. Just keep in mind that accidents will likely happen. A puppy can typically hold its bladder 1 hour for every month of age, which means a 3-month-old pup can control its bladder for 3 hours. Once you pick a bathroom spot for your Golden, always take him to that spot on a leash. Reward Your Puppy Every Time He Eliminates Outside As soon as your Golden does his business outside in the designated area, reward him with praise or give him a yummy dog treat. Crate Train Your Golden A dog crate can come in very useful when potty training a puppy, as it allows you to watch for signs he needs to go out. Just make sure the crate you use is big enough for your puppy to move around freely but small enough to stop him from using a corner as a pee and poop spot. When done correctly, crate training can teach your dog to enjoy spending time in his crate. Image Credit: Parilov, Shutterstock 5. Clean Up After All Accidents Dogs have the habit of eliminating in the same places over and over again. This is why you should clean up after any previous accidents your Golden pup has had. Use an effective enzymatic cleaner that will do a good job of cleaning up and removing the smell of pee and poop. Image Credit: Olimpik, Shutterstock 7. When food is offered at the same times each day, potty training your Golden Retriever will be easier for you and your pup. Conclusion Potty training a Golden Retriever is not all that difficult to do if you follow these helpful tips and tricks. So they eventually pick what they think is an ideal spot and go potty out of necessity. We all know that puppies pee-a LOT! It seems like they have tiny little bladders. But how long can they hold it before they have to go? Usually, puppies can hold it for somewhere around an hour per month of age. So if your puppy is one month old, one hour, two months old, two hours, three months old, three hours, etc. You just take them outside to go potty and praise them when they go outside. You just take your pup outside before it has time to realize they need to potty. Instead, it ensures that your pup goes outside and never gets the idea that going inside is acceptable. Most pup parents screw up by not taking their pups outside frequently enough, so they have accidents in the house. They go on to get mad at the puppy who has no idea why their owner is scolding them. A little while later, after the pup has drank a bunch of water or wolfed down a ton of food and then had a good romp, the puppy goes in the house again and starts the process all over again. Some say every hour, while others say every 20 minutes. This means to potty train your puppy quickly, you should avoid these accidents entirely and keep ahead of them. This is NOT playtime! Puppies have the attention span of goldfish, so even though they went outside with the initial intention of going potty, they can completely forget why they came outside when they start playing and then just not go. Instead, you can walk around in circles around the area or pace. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for you. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be hunting dogs, which means they come equipped with an intensely strong sense of smell. Neither soap and water nor regular household cleaners are going to work, no matter what exaggerated claims they make about their odor-fighting power. The reason enzymatic cleaners work is that they chemically break down the odors and destroy them. Golden Retrievers respond really well to positive reinforcement. In fact, they eat it up. They love making you happy! You should be vigilant about supervising your puppy, and not just for potty training reasons. Crate training your Golden Retriever puppy is a great idea. Remember to praise them for going potty outside! Step 5: Handle and Clean Up Accidents Properly The unfortunate truth of potty training is that there will inevitably be accidents. If you catch them in the middle of going potty in the house, find a kind way to startle them. Say it quickly, clearly, and use a voice a little louder than your usual speaking voice. If your puppy finishes going potty outside, then you should praise them and maybe give them a treat. How long does it take to potty train a Golden Retriever puppy? Every puppy is different, and so is their learning speed. You can expect it to take anywhere from two weeks to a couple of months to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy. This can include things like barking, pawing, biting, or nipping. My Heidi grumbles at me. Sitting by the front door or scratching at it. I once had a dog that would go stand at the door and wag his tail when he had to go. It can be a really frustrating process for everyone involved. There will be mistakes, made by both your puppy and you. Depending on your puppy and your training techniques, it can take somewhere between 2 weeks and a couple of months to potty train a Golden Retriever puppy. Because Golden Retrievers are large breed dogs, they tend to pick up potty training faster than smaller breeds. Your puppy can only hold their bladder for around one hour per each month of age. So, if your puppy is 3 months old, you can expect that they can hold it for around 3 hours. Plan to wake up throughout the night to let your puppy out. Adopt the NOAH potty training strategy. And take your puppy outside before you think they have to go. This means letting them out every 30 minutes. Any time your puppy has an accident inside, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the odor. If you happen to catch your puppy having an accident in progress, interrupt the action, and take the puppy outside. If your puppy resumes going potty outside, then praise and reward them. Praise and reward your Golden Retriever puppy every time they go potty outside, or where you want them to go. Pay attention to your puppy and learn the warning signs that your puppy needs to go. There will be a learning curve. For instance, some puppies prefer grass over things like dirt and mulch. Once you figure that out, you can take your puppy to a nice grassy place to potty. Crate training goes hand-in-hand with potty training. Use the NOAH strategy and try to avoid accidents in the house at all costs. This will make the process go a lot quicker. And lastly, learn the warning signs that your puppy provides to let you know that they need to go potty. There is nothing cuter than a puppy… until it makes that first hot, steamy mess on your new Persian rug. Potty-training frustrations have formed more than a few wedges between new pet parents and their fur babies. Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge, consistency and patience, spending time on your knees scrubbing up pet stains can be a thing of the past! Training Methods to the Madness There are four popular house-training methods utilized by owners: Crate training Constant-supervision Umbilical-cord training. Some people stick to one method, while others use a combination of these different approaches to best suit their lifestyle. Crate Training Crate training works on two genetic principles: the safety of a den and the need to keep it clean. When the pups are old enough, they learn to eliminate outside of their den. Your puppy has these same genetic rules in his brain: the den is a safe place and it needs to be kept clean. Crates utilize these instinctual rules. Therefore, if you put your puppy in the crate, he learns to hold his bladder until you take him to the appropriate spot. The crate is a tool to utilize any time you cannot actively watch your puppy. When your puppy is out, you MUST supervise him at all times. Any time he has an accident in the house, this sets your training back. Some people feel that crate training is cruel. Crates are simply tools. Crate training gives you a break. So go take that bubble bath without fear of an accident! Crate training means no indoor messes to clean up, and no indoor potty smells to trigger repeat performances after being attracted by the scent. When puppies get used to sleeping in their own filth, they lose this natural instinct to keep their crates clean. If crate training is only used to confine your puppy for long periods of time, he may associate it with negative things — such as isolation. Make sure you use the crate in positive ways so your pup associates comfort and good things, such as food, with the crate — not just being left alone. Who Should Use Crate Training? Paper Training Paper training teaches a puppy to go to the bathroom on paper or puppy pads. This allows you to control where your puppy piddles. Begin by putting the puppy in a confined area of the house with tile flooring for easy clean up. Puppies like to eliminate on soft places, so putting paper down gives them this solution. Put paper or puppy pads on all hard surfaces. Your puppy will avoid eliminating on his bed and will use the paper, since it covers all other surfaces. Once he gets the idea, you can slowly begin eliminating the paper, starting with material closest to the bed. Leave a small piece of slightly soiled paper where you want your puppy to continue to eliminate. This utilizes the principle that puppies like to eliminate where they smell their previous offerings. The goal is for your puppy to learn to go only on the paper. If you want to eventually have your puppy eliminate outside, you can then slowly move the paper towards the door, and then put some paper outside. When your puppy goes to the paper inside, you can open the door and let them go on the paper outside. You then slowly take away the inside paper until they are going to the door to use only the outside paper. Cons of Paper Training If your goal is to get your puppy to eliminate outside, paper training can lengthen house training because your dog is taught to go inside the house first and you then have to basically re-train them. You also have a lot of stinky messes to clean up. Who Should Use Paper Training? Paper training gives your puppy room to play, while still allowing him to eliminate without the need for owner intervention. Constant-Supervision Training Constant-supervision training means that you never take your eyes off your puppy. You learn how to identify when you puppy needs to go, and at the first signal of circling or sniffing you scoop up your fur kid and take him to his potty spot in the yard. This training method requires a lot of intense observation and is best suited for only the most vigilant of owners. Pros of Constant-Supervision Training Your pup has a lot more freedom, and you are there for his every action. When you turn your back for a second — and you will — your puppy will sneak off and make a mistake in the house. This method can take longer than crate training. You must have the time to completely devote to your puppy during the housebreaking period, or you will be cleaning up a lot of messes on your carpet. Constant-supervision training may be best if you have plenty of time to devote solely to the new addition. You must also be constantly home during the potty-training period. You still watch your puppy during his every waking moment, but you use a six-foot leash to keep him tethered to you. You then watch for the signals that your puppy needs to go and take him outside. Pros of Umbilical-Cord Training You only need a leash to start the training, and you can also train your puppy to walk on the leash at the same time. Your puppy gets the exposure and socialization that comes with going everywhere with you. Cons of Umbilical-Cord Training You must have your puppy tied to you at all times, which can be difficult. This can be dangerous if they get caught up in something. If you like constant-supervision training, but want the added security of not losing track of your pup, umbilical-cord training may be a better option. Again, you must be able to keep your puppy with you wherever you go during the day. Your puppy is not eliminating in the house to be spiteful. Do NOT personalize this process. At 8 weeks, most puppies cannot last past two hours. At 12 weeks, this time extends to three hours. At 16 weeks, puppies can wait up to four hours between potty breaks. Punishing a puppy when you find the mess is not helpful and damages your relationship. If you find a mess, simply clean it up. Puppies operate on schedules. When you adapt to the same schedule, you can anticipate their needs and set them up for success. Puppies potty after a long nap, after a meal and after a good play session. They will also need to go out first thing in the morning and right before bed. Your puppy will give you signals when they need to go , such as moving away from you, circling, sniffing or squatting. Puppies tend to go back to the same place they have soiled before. If you do have an accident in the house, you must eliminate all traces of the odor to avoid a repeat offender. Reward your puppy for going to the bathroom where you want. If you catch them in the act of making a mess in the wrong place, distract them, and then pick them up to take them to the proper location to finish. With consistency, they begin to make the word association. The best way to house train a puppy for you may be sticking to one plan, or utilizing multiple approaches to achieve a perfectly house-trained pet. With a little guidance and a lot of love, you and your puppy will find the right balance of a well-behaved dog and an unsoiled Persian rug! This series contains everything a Golden owner needs to know on the subject and should have your puppy or dog toilet trained in the fastest, most effective and painless way for all involved. We strongly recommend reading through the whole series before you begin, to give yourself the skills and knowledge for the greatest chance at speedy success.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Labrador puppy weight. It can be hard to know what the right weight is for your specific pup. An American Lab is likely to weigh less than an English Lab in general, but not always! How much do Labs weigh in general? Male Labradors weigh between 60lbs and 80lbs, while females weigh in at between 55lbs and 75lbs. But many healthy Labradors fall outside these averages. As you can see, there is quite a range! Labrador Puppy Weight Lots of our readers want to know how much should my Labrador weigh at this age or that age. Labrador puppies are growing fast, and their weight is constantly changing. We used the data from our forum to create the Lab weight chart below. If you want a rough idea of how much your pup should weigh at different stages of their young life, just compare them to this chart and see how they match up. But remember, average Labrador weight is not totally straight forward… Average Labrador Weight Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. You can expect English Lab weight to be around 60 — 70 lbs for a female and 70 — 80 lbs for a male. Some of our chunkier, show bred Labs can be a good twenty pounds or more heavier than their field bred cousins, without necessarily being overweight. Whereas the American Lab who is field bred is likely to be at the lower end of average. Volume for volume, muscle weighs more. So it is worth bearing in mind, that a very fit dog will have more muscle and may weigh more than an unfit dog of similar dimensions. Black Lab Weight In theory there should be no difference in weight between Labradors of different colors. Black Labrador weight for an English black Lab will probably be at the higher end of the range, for an American black Lab it will likely be lower. Black Labs are frequently found in both these categories, but some Lab colors differ. For example the chocolates. Chocolate Lab Weight Chocolate Labs are more likely to be show bred than field bred. English Labs weigh more than American Labs in general, and may therefore be at the higher end of average when it comes to weight. This is because yellow Labs are commonly found in both categories. White Labs are more likely to be English Labs, and will therefore probably be at the heavier end of the scale. Fox red Labs are normally American Labs, and will often be thinner in build and therefore lighter in weight. The way to effectively judge whether your Lab is at an ideal weight is not through the scales. It is by feel and appearance. You should not be able to see ribs, but if you press firmly along his sides you should just be able to feel your fingers bumping along them. But in most cases it really is not necessary to weigh your puppy every day, or even every week! Any more than you would weigh your three year old child on a daily or even weekly basis. There are however, some exceptions. Very thin puppies Occasionally we have people post up about puppies that are desperately underweight and clearly failing to thrive. Most of these comments come from people that have purchased puppies that are not ready to leave their mothers, and should not have been sold by the breeder. Some of these puppies are as young as three weeks old. If you have inadvertently been sucked into this horrible trade in underage puppies, do contact a vet for help with feeding your puppy, as a matter of urgency. If you are concerned that your puppy might be seriously underweight, again, your vet is the first port of call. As a very rough guide, many Labrador puppies will weigh around a kilo for every week of their lives. So you would expect a ten week puppy to weigh something in the region of ten kilos or around twenty-two pounds. A twenty percent variation around this would be fairly normal. If your puppy falls outside this variation he may still be perfectly healthy, but if you are inexperienced, a check with the vet is a good way to put your mind at rest. Should I Weigh My Dog? You may need to weigh your dog if he needs medical treatment. Determining the appropriate dose of some drugs requires that we know the exact weight of the patient. But in this case your veterinarian will probably do it for you at their check-ups and assessments. The main reasons to weigh a dog are loss or gain. Trying to put weight on a very thin puppy? You may want to check your progress with regular weigh-ins for a while to make sure they are sufficiently gaining weight. Trying to help your adult Labrador weight decrease? Checking their weight each week will help you to know that you are succeeding, along with visual checks. How to weigh a dog If you need to weigh a puppy, and he is small enough to hold in your arms, you can do this at home. Just weigh yourself on the bathroom scales without him, then weigh yourself again whilst holding the dog, and subtract the first weight from the second. This is accurate enough for most purposes. Larger dogs will need to be weighed on purpose built scales. Most vet surgeries have one in the waiting room, and some pet stores have them too. Really tiny dogs can be weighed accurately on a good sized set of kitchen scales. For once, this is a situation where appearances really do count. Try to get into the habit of looking at your dog objectively and of avoiding comparing with other dogs, many of whom will be overweight. You may find that some other dog owners will tell you your nice slim Labrador is actually too thin. This happens a lot, largely because people are simply getting used to so many dogs being overweight, including some of those receiving the highest accolades in our show rings. Again, if you are worried, check with your vet, but the chances are if someone is telling you this that actually your dog is healthy, and it is really their dog who is overweight. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. Possible Common Thus, a black or yellow Labrador can belong to either breed. It is more likely for chocolate or white Labrador to belong to the English Labrador breed, and it is more likely for a fox red Labrador to belong to the American breed. Singe English Labradors frequently weigh more than American Labradors; these colors may give insight into heritage lines and reasons for differentiating weights. Physical Condition Even though these figures are universal amongst Labradors, it can be challenging to decide whether your Labrador is healthy solely based on weight. Fitness and physical capacities will have a considerable influence on whether or not their weight is healthy. Many Labradors may be over or under the healthy weight range, but they may be fit and active. This means they may weigh less due to being lean and toned without much body fat, or they may weigh more due to increased muscle mass. To assess the health of your Labrador , their weight will need to be compared with their fitness levels as well. Labrador Gender Weight Differences Generally speaking, male Labradors weigh more than female Labradors since males grow faster and typically grow larger than females would. While Labrador puppies may have similar figures on the scale at very young ages, their average weight may begin to diverge as they draw closer to the cusp of adulthood. Average Labrador Puppy Weight Irrespective of the breed and gender, ensuring a healthy weight as your Lab ages will rely on observation and care from a very young age. Weight is typically very similar during this time irrespective of differentiation, affecting their average healthy weight ranges into adulthood. They should be gaining approximately 2lbs per week up until they are 6 months old. Once Labrador puppies reach adolescence, inherent differentiations will begin to affect their average weight, after which owners will need to assess their weight maintenance according to their breed and gender. However, gender plays a prominent role in determining healthy weight in maturing Labrador puppies, and males typically weigh more and grow faster than females. Owners will need to ensure that their weight is maintained through exercise and adequate dietary compositions. Nutrition, physical activity, and a balanced diet will all play a role in supporting a healthy weight as they grow into full adult Labradors. How much should a Purebred Lab weigh? Purebred Labradors still experience a diverse range concerning their weight. However, numerous purebred Labrador owners have come together and created an average healthy weight range from adolescence to adulthood, based on experience with their fit and healthy purebred Labradors whether male or female. Labrador Age months.

Who Should Get a Miniature Poodle? Mini Poodles discontinue growing taller when they are about 6 to 12 months 24 to 48 weeks old of age. At age of 18 months or 72 weeks , miniature poodles should have reached their final height as well as weight and be considered to be fully grown. Miniature poodles are taller than toy poodles and smaller than standard poodles. The weight of fully grown miniature poodles may vary between 10 and 20 pounds around 4. According to the American Kennel Club standards, most mini poodles weigh between 10 and 15 pounds while a few of them can weigh up to 20 pounds. Growth Stages of Miniature Poodles Miniature poodles have a solid development cycle which is an important part of their great growth. This cycle consists of the five growth stages of the miniature poodle which are discussed below. Neonatal Stage This stage starts immediately after the birth to 2 or 3 weeks of a puppy. This is because they are small and weigh about 6 ounces. This makes them quite dependent on their mother especially for two or three. It is important to look after the pup properly because any kind of negligence can make poodles bling and deaf, especially if they try to open their eyes and eats instantly. Leaning of other major activities like walking, eating and sleeping must be started slowly at this period. Also, allow their poodles to adapt to their environments or surroundings and provide help to the poodles if needed. Socialization You should start socializing your pup at the age of months. Miniature poodles become quite independent and can grow quite well without their mothers. At this time, the owners should introduce their miniature poodles to humans as well as to the other animals. This will help them to develop some social skills. It is quite common that these poodles may get nervous or scared at this stage. This nervousness is quite natural and can be avoidable if the owners ease down the possible fear factors such as showy noises, great amounts of people or animals, etc. Other prominent growth includes the arrival of baby teeth, transition to eating solid foods, and the start of house-training of your mini poodle. Adolescence This stage of the miniature poodle has poodles of three months to seven months old. At that time, miniature poodles will experience their adolescence and get mature rapidly. During this stage, these poodles develop different motor skills. It is considered to be the best time to familiarize mini poodle puppies with obedience training. Sexual Maturity When the miniature poodles are 8 to 9 months old, they are considered to be sexually mature. At this phase, these poodles have completed a great number of developments like motor functions and have a full set of adult teeth. They also have a transition towards the food of adult dogs. At this stage, these dogs start to be sexually active so it is good for them to be spayed or neutered. Adulthood This stage shows a fully grown miniature poodle. The time of adulthood of miniature poodles is 14 months old or up. At this age, it is considered that 90 to 99 percent growth of mini poodles is done. But the growth of adult dogs will continue, especially when it comes to their mental and physical development. Some of them may behave like a puppy even after the age of 15 or 16 months old. These smaller versions of the poodle are the best choice for families who have kids and other pets. This is because they are loving, athletic, and easy-going dogs. The pleasing attitude of these poodles can also be the reason for their great bond with kids and other family pets. It is also best for families because they are easy to train and have low-allergen. But at the same time, they require a lot of care and grooming. So the people who have a lot of time and resources to offer to their pups should get these loyal companions. The energy level of these little poodles are very high which means they love to have space to run and burn some extra energy. So the owners who have a big fenced-in yard should get these pups. People with an apartment can also get these pups due to their small size. But such owners should look after their daily exercise and walk needs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pin Last updated on June 2nd, at pm Miniature Poodles are defined as mini by their size. Toy poodles grow at a faster rate compared to miniature poodles. On the other hand, standard poodles grow at a slower rate compared to miniature poodles. Poodles shorter than 9 inches are considered Toy Poodles, and Poodles taller than 15 inches are considered Standard Poodles. The size of the miniature poodle is between the size of the smaller toy poodle and the bigger standard poodle. However, knowing the adult size of a Miniature Poodle should only be the first step for any new or prospective owners to understand the miniature poodle breed. All owners should familiarize themselves with the growth patterns of Mini Poodles throughout their lives, not just in adulthood. Owners will be able to spot any potential health risks if their mini poodle is growing too quickly or not quickly enough. This will allow them to make changes to their exercise regime, modify their diet, or take the Mini Poodle to a veterinarian to avoid more severe problems down the road. Besides just size, there are also multiple mental and physical developments that owners should track as their Mini Poodles mature. To ease mini poodle owners into this process, we have compiled this article containing information on miniature poodle growth. We will go over the stages of Miniature Poodle development leading to adulthood and discuss the height and weight growth rates of an average Miniature Poodle. Miniature Poodles stop growing taller at about 28 weeks 7 months to 48 weeks 12 months of age. At 72 weeks 18 months , your miniature poodle should have achieved its final adult height and weight. This is when your miniature poodle stops growing. Miniature Poodle Adult Weight and Height An adult miniature poodle grows to weigh between 10 and 20 pounds 4. Your adult weight and height of your miniature poodle should be in this range. To estimate how the adult weight and height of your miniature poodle puppy based on its current weight, and height, use the miniature poodle adult size calculator. This calculator is based on the general growth chart of miniature poodles. However, some miniature poodles can weigh up to 20 lbs. The weight of a Miniature Poodle is obviously extremely dependent on the dietary and exercise habits of each individual dog. A Mini Poodle may be slightly out of their predicted weight range at a given time. This can typically be fixed by re-examining their nutrition habits. This is generally not cause for concern unless a Miniature Poodle weighs significantly more or less than the range. Making sure your Mini Poodle gets plenty of exercise can go a long way towards helping keep them at a healthy weight. As we said earlier, Miniature Poodles rapidly increase in height for the first few months after they are born. This eventually slows down to allow the poodle to gain weight in fat and muscle mass. The table below shows the expected weight of a miniature poodle at different stages of its life. The weight in pounds in the table is an average weight. Age in Weeks. Female Dog Track your Miniature Poodle's weight and compare it to other dogs! Discover the ideal weight for your Miniature Poodle and track his progress! Register your dog or puppy now for free and become a part of our growing community of over 7. Miniature Poodle: Frequently asked questions about the dog breed How much does a Miniature Poodle puppy weigh? Typically, a Miniature Poodle puppy weighs around 3,0 - 5,1 lbs at 2 months old and continues to gain an additional 3,03 lbs over the next 2 months. By approximately 18 weeks, when the puppy reaches the adolescent stage, a Miniature Poodle puppy weighs about 5,4 - 7,8 lbs. What is the typical size of a Miniature Poodle? The size of an Miniature Poodle can vary depending on gender and genetics. Generally, male Miniature Poodles reach a shoulder height of approximately .When is the dog breed Miniature Poodle fully grown? The dog breed Miniature Poodle usually reaches full physical maturity at about 13 to 12 months of age. However, this may vary from individual to individual, as each dog has its own growth rate. What is the average weight of a fully grown Miniature Poodle? The weight of a fully grown Miniature Poodle dog can vary depending on factors such as gender and genetics. On average, male dogs of this breed typically weigh between 8. Female dogs, on the other hand, usually have a weight range of 6. What is the average lifespan of a Miniature Poodle dog? Miniature Poodles generally have a life expectancy of approximately 13 to 15 years. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention, they can lead happy and healthy lives. Our goal is to promote and support healthy growth of your dog. Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! Labrador Retriever Maltese Of course, within any of these breeds, size can vary. Circumstances That Impact Growth According to researchers, dogs have the greatest diversity in size of any mammal. In the case of the Poodle, humans reduced the size of the Standard Poodle via selective breeding specifically to make these dogs easier to have in their homes. Similarly, the long-term presence of intestinal parasites can also stunt it. Although lots of exercises will help keep your Miniature Poodle puppy at a healthy weight, it can also prevent them from growing smaller than their intended size. So, you should aim to give your Mini Poodle at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Nevertheless, this may not always be a good thing—too much growth can impact joint alignment. So, I encourage you to consult with your vet about the best time to spay or neuter your Miniature Poodle. Showing the growth stages of a Mini Poodle. Miniature Poodles have a small structure with thin bones meaning that they can easily get hurt. Should you bring a Miniature Poodle around young children, you should always supervise them. Innocent large dogs can accidentally trample this breed during play, creating potentially life-threatening injuries. Similarly, you should always keep your Miniature Poodle in a fenced-in area if you leave them outside. Are Miniature and Toy Poodles the Same? Therefore, Toy Poodles are the smallest version of Poodle. Such a small size can come with even greater risks, as we discussed above, along with certain increased health risks from having such a small frame. What activities do you want to do with your dog? Miniature Poodles can handle walks around the neighborhood better than intense hikes. How ample is your living space? The smaller the area, the more appropriate a Miniature or Toy Poodle will be. How much time are you willing to dedicate to brushing your Poodle? And if you want to ensure your Mini Poodle stays within a designated size, I recommend welcoming an adult dog into your family. Doing so is a wonderful way to support your local animal shelter, as people often drop off Miniature Poodles when they wanted a toy-sized Poodle. Similar Posts. Your browser does not support the audio tag. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Note: Docking tails is illegal in most European countries. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can be high-strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , where the dog is led to believe it is alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous , and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Dogs may start to bark a lot without proper human to canine communication , rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. Height, Weight Height: 11 - 15 inches 28 - 38 cm Weight: 15 - 17 pounds 7 - 8 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Miniature Poodle must be over 10 inches and 15 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is less than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulder cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Miniature Poodle. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. It will be calm indoors if it receives enough exercise. It will do okay without a yard. Exercise Miniature Poodles need a daily walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. They are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving beginning, although they excel in any performance event you offer them, including agility, obedience, rally and conformation showing, and often one will leave one ring and go directly to another to compete again. Since they love water they are great dock diving dogs and love water retrieving. Life Expectancy. How big will my Miniature Poodle get? The American Kennel Club gives the following size range for adult Miniature Poodles: inches at the shoulder pounds heavy Miniature Poodles are the medium-sized of the three Poodles types. There are also Standard Poodles at around inche s and Toy Poodles who are less than 10 inches tall. While the original Standard Poodle is a hard working water retriever , its smaller cousins are first and foremost companion animals. They were purposefully bred down in size to become dogs that are easy to keep in apartments and big cities. Miniature and Toy Poodles became popular in the early 20th century and have been beloved pets ever since. Is a Miniature Poodle a small or medium sized dog? The Miniature Poodle is a small dog. They are very delicate and light-boned little dogs. Specifically: Your Miniature Poodle should not be left outside unsupervised. Small dogs have many predators such as raptors or coyotes. Your Miniature Poodle should be kept together with other small dogs. If you own large dogs, they must not be left unsupervised with your Miniature Poodle or they could hurt him albeit unintentionally. Kids must not pick up and carry your Mini Poodle around. He could get seriously injured if dropped. How big do crosses get? If you own a Mini Poodle cross, his adult size will be determined by the size of both parents. Weight and height is largely genetic. However: It is not always passed on directly from one generation to the other. This means that crossing a Mini Poodle with e. If this dog is then crossed back to a Miniature Poodle, the size of the F1B Miniature Goldendoodle generation might be a lot smaller. Size and weight can jump one or several generations and pop up randomly later on. It could be that one especially small Mini Poodle produces regular-sized children and grandchildren and very small great-grandchildren. Whether you have a black, apricot, white or parti-colored dog will not affect his final size. The time of spaying or neutering your Miniature Poodle can make a small difference when it comes to adult weight and height. Spaying or neutering early lets dogs grow slightly larger. This is because their growth plates close a bit later than they usually would. Delaying a spay or neuter until after months lets Miniature Poodles be a bit heavier. These changes should not make up for more than 1. If your Miniature Poodle is suffering from intestinal parasites, his growth may be stunted. Luckily, as soon as this is taken care off by a vet the dogs typically recover quickly and catch up on their growth. Which size Poodle should you get? If you are trying to decide which Poodle will be the best fit for you, here are some factors to consider: If you are looking for an athletic dog that you can take on hiking and backpacking trips, a Standard Poodle may be your best fit. If you want to have a companion animal that stays small, a Miniature or Toy Poodle is best. If you live in an apartment or do not have a yard, a Miniature or Toy Poodle fits the bill. If you want to take your Poodle duck hunting, you need a Standard Poodle! If you do not enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors exercising, pick a Toy Poodle. If you do not enjoy spending a lot of time brushing a large Poodle , choose a Toy Poodle. If you want to try out a dog sport such as agility, any size of Poodle will be great! If you already have small dogs, a Miniature Poodle will have the right size to fit in well. Also pay attention to your health and physical ability. If your health has not been the best or are not able to move well, then you should not get a large breed dog. They might be much more likely to pull you over during leash walking or when they jump on you. For many retired couples looking for a companion dog, a Miniature Poodle has the perfect size! Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Vet visits, injections and health checks are all too often in the early stages and, following all that, the final decision you have to make is whether or not to have your Labradoodle spayed or neutered. Spayed or Neutered? The procedure usually involves cutting a small incision in the abdomen. Whilst recommendations vary, vets typically suggest that you should have your Labradoodle spayed or neutered between the ages of four and nine months. This is thought to have long-term health benefits, as well as helping to prevent behavioural traits, such as marking and aggression. Whilst some recommend spaying before first heat as young as five months , others suggest that this can increase the risk of mammary tumours. We would always recommend consulting your vet for a personalised opinion. There are rumours that spaying or neutering changes the personality of your pet. However, experts have said that this is not at all true. There are many reasons why you should have your Labradoodle spayed or neutered, not least of all because it will likely improve their quality of life and stop you from worrying about a litter of puppies. Spaying is proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections, and neutering similarly prevents testicular cancer. So, if you want to prevent these major Labradoodle killers, neutering and spaying is a sure fire way. Neutering your male Labradoodle will also ensure that he is on his best behaviour at all times. Neutering prevents aggressive and territorial behaviours, and also means that he wont be spending his entire walk hunting for a partner. So, if you want to prevent these embarrassments, get your Labradoodle neutered early on! See also Is Your Labradoodle Bored? Millions of animals are euthanised every year because there are simply not enough willing owners to cater for endless litters of puppies. Having this done will prevent unwanted litters and ultimately save the lives of millions of baby Labradoodle that would end up in shelters. Remember… No, the procedure is not painful. Female Labradoodles can reproduce as young as four months old, and male Labradoodles can as of six months. In a study , researchers found that neutered Retrievers are twice as likely to develop any joint diseases, and it showed it is worse for neutered Goldendoodles. These golden beauties were found to be four times as likely to have hip dysplasia or any other type of joint disease. The study shows that the longer you wait to neuter or spay your dog, the less likely your dog is to develop any problems with their joints. The Limitations of These Studies There is obviously always the possibility of bias or errors in every study ever made. The studies may or may not answer the question about the best age to neuter a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. This can also be said for the study done on German Shepherds. In addition to the limitations on how comparable the different breeds are, it is also important to be on guard for any the potential bias in the studies. What can we learn from these studies about the best age to neuter a Labradoodle? What makes these studies quite reliable, is that the number of studies that are discovering the same results are increasing every year, and thereby giving more credibility to the findings. Likewise, the fact that several breeds including Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are finding similar results, allows us to start generalizing when talking about different breeds. This shows that this might be a general canine issue rather than just an issue with some specific breed. All these studies tell us what the most likely outcome is when talking about lots of different dogs. My Monty when we got him In your specific dog, it is not possible to get a specific and guaranteed answer as there are deviations in every study ever made. And perhaps your dog is one of those deviations. I am not such a person. I believe that any person should, after examining all these studies, put off neutering or spaying a dog until they are at least one year old. The best age to neuter a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle is as late as you can but wait at least one year. Final Summary Regarding Females If you wait with spaying a female there are some risks involved. But if treated properly in time, it is thankfully curable. If you have a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle as a service dog, then neutering your Doodle will avoid the inconvenience of cycles twice a year. This is something to really consider if you rely on your dog for everyday routines such as a guiding service or using it for working situations like hunt trials and so on. But as we established earlier, if you neuter your dog too early it can leave her susceptible to a wide variety of cancers and also some orthopedic disorders. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. When to Get a Labradoodle Spayed My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish rain coat It has been usual practice to spay your dog as soon as the animal can endure the anesthetic in recent years. However, this raises the question- How do I know my labradoodle can handle the anesthesia? There are widespread health concerns that spaying at the wrong age can lead to the development of complications. The American Animal Hospital Association advocates that you should spay puppies between 5 and 15 months old. However, it would help if you did not take this as a definite answer. Some vets recommend spaying before first heat Usually happens when the Labradoodle is around five months , while others believe this increases the risk of breast tumors. We always recommend getting a personalized assessment from your veterinarian. If you put off getting the procedure or adopt an older, unaltered Labradoodle, you must consider her heat cycle before surgery. When your dog is in heat, your veterinarian is unlikely to propose spaying. During this time, more blood flows to the area in question, complicating the surgery. As a Labradoodle owner, you should understand that this procedure has some risks. It would be best if you talked to your veterinarian about the optimum time to perform this procedure. Spend time with your veterinarian talking about your worries and aspirations for your labradoodle. Do not be hesitant to inquire. We feel that providing your veterinarian with the most up-to-date and accurate information is the best way to determine the ideal time for spaying your labradoodle. There are numerous reasons to spay your Labradoodle, the most important is that it will improve their quality of life. To begin with, you will have a happy and healthy Labradoodle. Spaying has proved to lower the risk of breast cancer, urinary incontinence, mammary tumors, joint problems, and uterine infections. Complications that are associated with pregnancy, like dystocia , are also eliminated. You can expect the behavior of your dog to be top-notch. Spaying will ensure that you will not have to relinquish your Labradoodle due to behavioral problems like aggression towards other people. Spaying a dog reduces the risk of unappealing smell associated with a dog in heat. Lastly, it will be convenient for you. You will not have to worry about raising other puppies when your pet gives birth. How a Labradoodle Gets Spayed A veterinarian will evaluate your Labradoodle and, in most cases, run a pre-anesthetic blood test. An anesthetic will be delivered if everything goes well. Most dogs will have an intravenous catheter to provide the anesthesia and offer fluid therapy during the surgery. This tube will allow oxygen and gas anesthetics to be delivered directly into the lungs. When it comes to the actual surgery, there are two options. The vet can perform an ovariohysterectomy or an ovariectomy. An ovariohysterectomy involves removing the Labradoodles ovary and uterus. An ovariectomy only removes the ovaries. Before and During Surgery A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white When you finally decide to spay your dog, here is what you should do before the surgery: Ensure your Labradoodle is clean before you take her to the procedure- the cleanliness of your pet can play a role in the safety of your pet during the surgery. These precautions, among other things, assist in determining whether or not your pet is ready for the treatment. During the surgery, there will be a team of veterinarians and technicians actively monitoring your pet. Surgery Aftercare You can expect your Labradoodle to take approximately two weeks to recover after spaying. Here are some pointers to help your Labradoodle recover fast and relax comfortably after spaying. At home, allow your dog to recover in a warm, quiet space of its choosing if possible to increase comfort and reduce stress. Administer food, medication , and water as directed. Limit outdoor exposure to supervised and, if required, assisted restroom breaks for at least 24 hours after leaving the hospital. Constant movement can bring about fluid accumulation under the incision. Observe the cut for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling. Do not let your Labradoodle mess with its stitches. Your veterinarian will likely send your labradoodle home with an Elizabeth collar or dog cone alternative to ensure they do not tamper with the stitches. Depending on the stitch material used, stitches will need to be removed after seven to ten days. Your veterinarian will tell you how to verify that the incision is healing correctly and when you should return for the final check. After a given amount of time, some contemporary stitches fall out on their own. In case of any complications, feel free to contact your veterinarian. On the lower end, there are low-cost spay clinics spread across the country. These low-cost facilities lack state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, which may expose your pet to more risk. If you use a low-cost service, make sure you understand what is inclusive before and after surgery. If the low-cost program only covers the surgery, you may need to see your regular veterinarian for a follow-up session. As a general rule, price should not be the controlling factor when choosing a place to spay your Labradoodle. It would help if you treated her like you would treat a companion. Talk to your veterinarian. They will advise you accordingly on your alternatives. Can Labradoodles smile? Get Started on Spaying Your Labradoodle! Spaying is a life-altering procedure. Before adopting or acquiring a Labradoodle, make sure you examine the benefits of spaying a labradoodle. Spaying is critical to your companion living a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your house. In the end, you will enjoy endless cuddles from your cute Labradoodle, avoid tedious cleaning routines, and enjoy your walks. Moreover, you will save lots of money that you would otherwise spend taking care of puppies. Nobody loves unscheduled hospital visits, and spaying will significantly reduce the chances of these as well. From our point of view, spaying your furry friend is a win-win situation. 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. Learn more » The Labradoodle , a crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, has become increasingly popular due to their friendly and affectionate nature, low-shedding coat, and intelligence. However, as with any breed, there are important considerations when spaying or neutering your Labradoodle, and many people might wonder about the best time to perform this procedure. The short answer is when the dog is 4—9 months old, but keep reading as we discuss other options and the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure to help you be better informed. The optimal timing for neutering male Labradoodles can be a bit more flexible. While most experts recommend neutering or spaying around 6 months, some evidence suggests that waiting until they are fully mature can help reduce the risk of health issues like hip dysplasia. However, waiting too long can also increase the risk of certain health issues, such as prostate problems. One of the most significant when it comes to spaying your female Labradoodle is the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and the total elimination of heat cycles, which can be messy and stressful for you and your dog. Spaying can also reduce the risk of reproductive health issues like uterine infections and breast tumors. For male Labradoodles, neutering can help reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as testicular cancer and prostate problems. Neutered males may also be less likely to exhibit behaviors like marking and aggression. The Potential Drawbacks of Spaying or Neutering Your Labradoodle Complications While there are benefits to spaying or neutering your Labradoodle, there are also potential drawbacks. When a dog undergoes anesthesia and surgery, there is a risk of complications like infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. While these risks are relatively low, you must consider them before spaying or neutering your Labradoodle. Behavioral Changes While neutering can help reduce certain negative behaviors in male Labradoodles, such as marking and aggression, it can also lead to decreased energy levels and an increased likelihood of weight gain. Similarly, spaying a female dog can lead to increased appetite and reduced activity levels. Most experts consider spaying and neutering to be safe. However, any surgery and anesthesia carry risks, including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. No, spaying or neutering your Labradoodle will make them unable to reproduce. If you want to breed your Labradoodle, you should not spay or neuter them. Some evidence suggests that waiting to spay or neuter can lead to better overall health outcomes for Labradoodles. Waiting until they are fully mature around 1—2 years can allow their bodies to develop fully, which might reduce the risk of certain health issues. After the procedure, your Labradoodle may experience discomfort and decreased energy levels. Your Labradoodle may also need to wear an Elizabethan collar a. The cost of spaying or neutering a Labradoodle can vary depending on your location and chosen veterinarian. Generally, spaying is more expensive than neutering because it is a more complicated surgery. Some clinics offer low-cost spay-and-neuter programs, though, and financial assistance may be available for pet owners who cannot afford the procedure. Conclusion Most experts recommend spaying or neutering your pet when they are 4—9 months old or more specifically, before the female has her first heat cycle. That said, some people argue that it is better to wait until your pet is an adult in order to let their body fully develop. If this is the case, constant monitoring and physical separation of males from females during their first heat cycles is imperative to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Drawbacks of the procedure include complications from surgery, such as infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and behavioral changes. Featured Image Credit: EvgeniiAnd, Shutterstock Written by Ed Malaker Author Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. By Kern Campbell New puppies can be very exciting. There are many things that you will need to consider, such as the food you are going to feed, training, and when you are going to have your Labradoodle spayed or neutered. Are you trying to figure out the best age to spay or neuter your Labradoodle? This can all depend on many different factors. A male Labradoodle should be spayed between 6 and 12 months of age. Female Labradoodles that will be less than 45 pounds as adults should be spayed at around 4 to 6 months of age. Your vet can also discuss all the pros and cons of spaying and neutering your Labradoodle early vs. Neutering is often used to remove the testicles in your male Labradoodle, but technically, it means to make your dog gender neutral so it can be used for a male or female. The most common age your vet will recommend spaying or neutering your Labradoodle is when they are around 6 months old. There are many different factors that will influence when you should spay and neuter your Labradoodle. Large to giant breed dogs will mature later in their life, and some people will want to wait until the dog is a few months older so that they are fully mature before spaying and neutering them. They recommend a different age for different size dogs. Smaller dogs under 45 pounds : Your vet will advise that you should spay your Labradoodle before their first heat cycle. Most dogs will have their first heat cycle anywhere between 5 and 10 months. Your vet will advise that your female dog be spayed prior to their first cycle to help reduce their risk of having mammary cancer. Larger Dogs Over 50lbs : Some vets may advise larger Labradoodle to wait until they are 5 to 15 months old. It may also decrease the chance that your dog develops urinary incontinence. These are all common problems seen in older larger breed Labradoodles. When Should I have my male dog neutered? Your vet is able to do this procedure at any age as long as the testicles are present, most vets will recommend that you have your male Labradoodle neutered between 6 to 12 months. Smaller dogs tend to mature faster and are usually neutered around 6 months, while large breed dogs tend to take longer to become fully mature, and you will want to wait until your Labradoodle is around 12 to 18 months of age before neutering them. If your dog does start to show aggressive or unwanted mating behaviors, you can have them neutered sooner to help stop these unwanted behaviors. Why should you spay your Labradoodle? There are many benefits to having your Labradoodle spayed. These are the most common reasons that you would want to consider spaying your Labradoodle. Overpopulation: By spaying your Labradoodle, you are helping decrease the number of unwanted litters and dogs in shelters. Mammary cancer: By spaying your Labradoodle early, you will decrease the chance of mammary cancer. This occurs very commonly in older intact female Labradoodles. This disease can cause your dogs to become very sick and possibly need emergency surgery to treat the infection. Sometimes, this can even be fatal. Stop unwanted guests: By spaying your Labradoodle, you will cut down on the number of unwanted male dogs unexpectedly entering your backyard attempting to mate with your Labradoodle. A male dog will smell the pheromone released by your female dog up to a mile away. If the male is intact, they will find a way to get over and fence to mate with your female dog. Before spaying your Labradoodle, your veterinarian should have a complete health checkup. This ensures that there are no underlying conditions that would cause your Labradoodle not to have a successful surgery. Why would you want your Male Labradoodle to be neutered? Most people neuter their Labradoodle to prevent them from getting a female dog pregnant. There are many other reasons that you may want your dog neutered. Decrease Unwanted pet Population The most common reason people have their Labradoodle neutered is to help prevent the overpopulation of dogs. There are many pets who end up in a shelter. By having your Labradoodle neutered, you can help decrease this population. A single male Labradoodle can mate with many female dogs each day, leading to many offspring. Prevent aggressive Behaviors Dog fights are often between unneutered male dogs, or the dog who instigated the fight will often not be neutered. These extra testosterone hormones can cause your dog to show aggressive behaviors. Having your dog neutered, will cause a large decline in testosterone hormones, thus decreasing their drive to fight other dogs. Prevent looking for a Girlfriend Unneutered male Labradoodles tend to look for a girlfriend. They will try anything possible to escape their yard. Many can even climb very tall fences. This can cause your Labradoodle to become lost or even hit by a car. Neutering your Labradoodle can help keep them at home more and out of trouble. Prevent any health issues. Many Labradoodles can develop health conditions from not being neutered. Common health issues seen in an intact male are testicular cancer and prostate issues. These can develop as your dog gets older. Having your Labradoodle neutered will eliminate the chance of testicular cancer and decrease the formation of any prostate disease. Prevent unwanted behaviors Marking their territory and humping things is a behavior that can be hard to break. Once your Labradoodle starts these behaviors, it can be almost impossible to get them to stop. Having your dog neutered will help decrease or eliminate them for doing these behaviors. It is best to have them neutered before they start, as sometimes, once they start these behaviors, it is hard to correct. These are: Some vet offices will let you take your dog home the same day as surgery is done, others want to keep the Labradoodle dog overnight. Keep your Labradoodle inside for 2 weeks after surgery. Only let them go outside to potty and on a very short walk while on a leash. Keep your Labradoodle calm and quiet and not allow them to run and jump around. Make sure that your Labradoodle cannot lick at their incision. You may have to put a cone of shame on your dog to help prevent them from getting to their incision. Inspect their incision each day and let your vet know as soon as you notice any problems, smells, or discharge. Do not bath your Labradoodle for 10 to 14 days after surgery Notify your vet immediately if your Labradoodle is lethargic, not wanting to eat, vomiting, or having diarrhea or loose stool. Make sure that your Labradoodle receives any pain medications and antibiotics that your vet has prescribed to them after the procedure. The pain medication may only be needed for a day or two, but some dogs will need pain medication for a few days while they recover. An easy way to tell if your Labradoodle is painful is to monitor their activity. If your Labradoodle is not active, they are probably painful Just because your Labradoodle feels great and wants to be active, they should still be calm and quiet for 14 days after surgery. Is surgery risky? No surgery is without risk. Your veterinarian will examine your Labradoodle before surgery. Your Labradoodle will be placed under general anesthesia and will be monitored with monitoring equipment for the whole surgery. Many veterinary surgeries have a whole team of people working on your Labradoodle not just your vet. This starts from before surgery to recovery to being discharged from the hospital. Your vet will ask that you not feed your Labradoodle after 10 pm the night before. This helps prevent your Labradoodle from vomiting during their surgery from the anesthesia. Make sure that you follow these pre-op instructions and anything else that your vet requires for your Labradoodle to have a successful surgery. The cost of spaying or neutering your Labradoodle will all depend on where you live. Vets in a bigger city will charge a little more than a vet in the country. Many other factors may affect the cost. Most veterinarians recommend pre-operative bloodwork be run on your Labradoodle before surgery. This will check liver and kidney function before surgery. They will also give your Labradoodle pre and post-op pain medications. These are all added expenses to the cost of surgery. Vets highly recommend that you have pre-op bloodwork done even in very young Labradoodle. Your Labradoodle could have been born with a congenital disability that could cause severe to fatal results if not caught before surgery. While it is not very common, it does happen. Some dogs develop a little slower and may not handle anesthesia as well. For Labradoodle with a liver or kidney defect, or if their lab values are not in the proper range, your vet will choose a different type of anesthesia. If these organs are not functioning properly or not fully, then it is best to use an anesthetic drug metabolized by their lungs or not perform the procedure at all. There are also added costs for overweight Labradoodles, currently pregnant dogs, or dogs going through their heat cycle. This is because it takes a little more time and is much more labor-intensive, especially if your vet is also trying to perform a c-section and save these baby puppy lives. There are low-cost clinics that can do the procedure at a discounted rate. These clinics often receive grants and funds from the state to help offset the cost of the procedure. This is one reason that they do not have to charge as much for the procedure as a regular veterinary clinic. Low-cost clinics may also have minimal monitoring equipment and usually do not do surgery on large breeds or overweight patients. Final Thoughts There are many different pros and cons when you choose to spay and neuter your Labradoodle. Your vet can help you determine the best time for your pet. Many vets will recommend that you spay your dog between 5 and 15 months of age. Delaying the spay can lead to mammary cancer, pyometra, or other health issues. However, there is renewed interest in the question of age-appropriate spay and neuter of puppies, in view numerous scientific studies that found significant health implications related to this common procedure. As a guide, months for puppies that will weigh under 45 lbs when adults and between months of age for puppies that will weigh over 45 lbs when adults. Larger dogs take longer to grow, and the age difference is mainly to do with the growth cycle. Are there risks and benefits to spaying and neutering? Some of these include fear of anesthesia, anesthesia complication and financial constraints. Some benefits include a decreases in the risk of mammary and testicular cancers, uterine infections, prevents pet overpopulation, and prevents undesirable behaviors. Risks and benefits of early spaying and neutering Risks: University of California, Davis, performed a study on golden retrievers in that suggested while early sterilization prevented many diseases, it may have increased the risk of other problems cranial cruciate ligament rupture, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, lymphosarcoma, and orthopedic issues. Despite these findings, the study stressed that more studies on the link between sterilization age and the onset of certain diseases are needed to help understand the implications. Benefits: According to Dr. J Am Vet Med Assoc ;.Risks and benefits of late spaying and neutering Risks: Unwanted pregnancies, financial obligations and ethical dilemmas regarding the newborn puppies. Many people simply either do not know that their female dog is pregnant or the dog experiences complications that lead to costly medical interventions. Some people are also not equipped to deal with newborn puppies and the many demands that come with raising socialized and healthy puppies. These puppies can die from either inadequate care or diseases. Other adverse effects of late sterilization include obesity, stunted growth, joint dysplasia, and musculoskeletal disorders, to name a few. Despite many scientific studies and guidelines, it remains a complex question that encompass many factors that each pet owner needs to carefully consider. We also recommend that you consult with your veterinarian to help figure out best timing for this procedure. Spend some time with your veterinarian discussing your goals for your pet and your personal concerns. Do not be afraid to ask questions. We believe that sharing the most accurate and current information with your veterinarian is the best plan to figure out the best timing for spaying and neutering of your pets. While you cannot predict when your dog is going to get sick or injured, you can protect yourself from expensive veterinary bills. Familiarizing yourself with the evidence-based research regarding the risks and benefits, may enable you to make an educated choice regarding your pet. Firstly Spaying or neutering your Labradoodle helps control the pet population. By having your Labradoodle spayed or neutered, you are actively contributing to reducing the number of unwanted pets. Additionally Spaying or neutering your Labradoodle has several health benefits. For female Labradoodles , spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and reduces the chances of developing mammary tumours. Neutering male Labradoodles can help prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate problems. These procedures also eliminate the desire for your Labradoodle to roam searching for a mate, which can lead to accidents or injuries. Behaviorally Spaying or neutering your Labradoodle can have a positive impact as well. Unaltered dogs often display aggressive behaviours, such as territorial marking or excessive barking. By having your Labradoodle spayed or neutered, you will see an improvement in overall temperament, making it easier to train and socialize. It is important to note that your veterinarian recommends spaying or neutering your Labradoodle at the appropriate age. When spaying or neutering your Labradoodle puppy, it is generally recommended to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. However, the ideal age for spaying or neutering Labradoodles is typically between six and nine months old. The time frame allows the puppy to fully develop while reducing the risk of health issues, such as certain types of cancer and behavioural problems. For Male Labradoodles, neutering can be done around six to nine months of age, although some veterinarians may recommend waiting until they are closer to nine months. Neutering can help prevent unwanted behaviours such as marking territory and aggression towards other animals. Spaying is also usually recommended for female Labradoodles around six to nine months of age. Spaying can help prevent reproductive health issues like pyometra infection of the uterus and mammary gland tumours. For female Labradoodles, spaying before their first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours and uterine infections, which can be life-threatening. Neutering male Labradoodles at a young age helps prevent testicular cancer and decreases the chances of prostate problems later in life. Unneutered male dogs often display aggressive or territorial behaviour, while unspayed females can experience mood swings during heat cycles. Removing the reproductive organs minimizes these hormonal fluctuations, resulting in a calmer and more predictable demeanour for your Labradoodle. Male Labradoodles who are neutered early are less likely to exhibit certain undesirable behaviours, such as marking territory with urine or engaging in excessive mounting. Female Labradoodles spayed before their first heat cycle are less prone to escaping or attracting unwanted attention from intact males during their fertile periods. Every dog is unique, and their needs should be considered. Studies indicate that spaying or neutering pets at a young age may lead to higher chances of certain health problems, including joint issues, specific cancers, and urinary incontinence. These risks are more pronounced in larger dog breeds like Labradoodles. To mitigate these risks, alternative options to consider include delaying the procedure until the dog reaches sexual maturity, which is typically between 6 to 12 months for Labradoodles. This technique removes only the reproductive organs while preserving the hormone-producing tissues. Gonad-sparing surgery minimizes potential health issues while preventing unwanted pregnancies by maintaining hormonal balance. A: Spaying or neutering your Labradoodle puppy between six and nine months is generally recommended. A: Spaying or neutering your Labradoodle puppy offers several benefits. It helps prevent unwanted litter, reducing the risk of health issues such as reproductive cancers, and can also help with behavioural problems such as aggression and roaming tendencies. They will still be the same loving and playful companions you know and adore. Afterward, they may experience discomfort, but your veterinarian will provide proper pain management medication to alleviate any discomfort. A: Like any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks involved. However, the benefits of spaying or neutering usually outweigh the potential risks. Your veterinarian will discuss these risks with you and take appropriate measures to minimize them. A: If you have plans to breed your Labradoodle, it is generally recommended to do so before considering spaying or neutering. Breeding should be done responsibly and under the guidance of a reputable breeder or veterinarian. A: Recovery time will depend on the individual Labradoodle and the procedure performed. Generally, the incision takes about 10 to 14 days to heal. Q: Do I follow special postoperative care instructions after my Labradoodle is sent home? After your Labradoodle is sent home following surgery, it is important to provide specialized postoperative care to ensure their comfort and a smooth recovery. Here are some guidelines to follow: 1. Monitor your Labradoodle Keep a close eye on your furry friend during recovery. Observe their behaviour, appetite, and overall well-being. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any negative behaviour or symptoms in your pet. Provide a quiet and comfortable space Create a calm and cozy area where your Labradoodle can rest undisturbed. Ensure they have a soft bed or blanket, away from drafts or excessive noise. It may include avoiding strenuous exercise, jumping, or rough play. Gradually reintroduce normal activities over time as directed by the veterinarian. Administer medication as prescribed If your Labradoodle has been prescribed medication, follow the dosage instructions carefully. Ensure they receive their medication on time and complete the course as directed. Keep the surgical site clean and dry If instructed by your vet, gently clean the site as per their guidelines using mild solutions or disinfectants recommended by the veterinarian. Avoid bathing or getting the incision area wet unless your vet advises. Prevent licking or chewing Dogs may lick or chew at their incision site out of discomfort or curiosity, which can impede healing or cause infection. Consider using an Elizabethan collar cone or alternative protective devices recommended by your vet to prevent this behaviour. Maintain proper nutrition Provide a balanced diet and fresh water for your Labradoodle, following any dietary restrictions or recommendations the vet gives. A healthy diet will aid in the healing process. Attend appointments Make sure to attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your vet. Yes, spaying or neutering your labradoodle can impact their behaviour. In most cases, it has a positive effect. Spaying for females and neutering for males can help reduce unwanted behaviours such as roaming, aggression, and marking territory. It can also decrease the likelihood of certain health issues, including certain types of cancer. By eliminating the sexual drive and hormones associated with reproduction, spaying or neutering can help your labradoodle become more focused, calm, and easier to train. While there are different opinions and considerations, it is important to consult with your veterinarian and gather all the necessary information before making a final decision. Spaying or neutering can have numerous benefits for your Labradoodle. It can prevent health issues, such as uterine infections and certain cancers. Additionally, it can reduce unwanted behaviours, such as roaming, aggression, and marking territory. You also reduce the number of homeless animals by eliminating the risk of unplanned litter. This procedure can impact their hormone levels, affecting their growth and development. Your veterinarian can guide you based on these factors to help you make the best decision for your furry friend.