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Dietary Issues Dietary issues are a common cause of diarrhea in German Shepherds. Some dogs enjoy rummaging through the trash, which increases their risk of consuming contaminated or moldy food. This includes old food they might find on their daily walks. German Shepherds also frequently have a wide range of common food allergies or intolerances to particular ingredients in their diets. Did you know you can get an at-home pet food intolerance test? Runny poop can be a sign of digestive issues, such as eating too much food or treats too quickly. Typically, this could be: the stuffing from a favorite toy pieces of plastic from a rubber chew anything they put in their mouths! German Shepherd puppies, particularly prone to eating inedible objects, are the best example of this. Stress and Anxiety Despite their intimidating exteriors, German Shepherds are susceptible to the effects of stress, which can show up in a number of ways, including diarrhea. You might be surprised to find their bowel patterns react to changes in your lifestyle! Medications A German Shepherd may experience diarrhea and episodes of runny poop from certain medications that irritate their stomach and intestines. Some examples of drugs that may result in diarrhea as a side effect Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs : These drugs are generally given to relieve pain, such as in the case of arthritis, but can cause stomach irritation. Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer are not well-tolerated in some dogs and have side effects, such as diarrhea. Antidepressants: Some dogs on antidepressants to help with anxiety and stress issues may experience bouts of runny poop while on the medication. If your German Shepherd exhibits any unusual symptoms while taking medication, call your veterinarian right away. They may suggest switching to a different drug or adjusting the dosage. Bacterial and Viral Infections German Shepherds can develop diarrhea from two common infections: parvovirus salmonella If your dog consumes contaminated food or drinks dirty water, she could become ill with salmonella. Salmonella levels are higher in stagnant bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. These are the same places that many German Shepherds enjoy sipping from and swimming in! In addition to being extremely contagious in dogs, another virus called parvovirus can be fatal if not treated quickly. For German Shepherd puppies, it poses a particular risk. These parasites can affect the digestive system and harm the gut lining, resulting in diarrhea, stomach aches, and inflammation. They might also obstruct the intestines, which might result in episodes of runny poop. Giardia, on the other hand, is a protozoan parasite that attaches to the gut lining and causes irritation and inflammation, which can result in diarrhea. As long as your dog is eating and drinking and otherwise seems like their normal self, then treating them at home is generally safe source. Temporarily withhold food. Withholding food for a short period of time is one of the most recommended treatments for German Shepherd diarrhea. This allows the digestive system to rest and lets the stomach recover from irritation. Many dogs will naturally be reluctant to eat when their stomachs are upset, but some will continue to eat almost anything you put in front of them. Your German Shepherd needs access to clean, fresh water to avoid dehydration while experiencing diarrhea. Give them small, bland meals. This allows their stomachs to gradually adjust to processing food once more. Your German Shepherd can be fed a bland diet for up to 3 days. After 3 days, start gradually weaning them back to their regular food. A bland diet is an easy-to-digest homemade food that helps German Shepherds with diarrhea by promoting stomach healing and easing the signs of an upset stomach. There are generally two main ingredients: boiled, skinless, boneless chicken and cooked unseasoned white rice. The main objective of feeding your German Shepherd a bland diet is to give them easily absorbed protein and carbohydrates while keeping them away from any ingredients that will worsen their diarrhea. After your German Shepherd starts passing solid feces, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food over the course of a few days by blending small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet food. Add daily probiotics to their diet. A probiotic supplement may be beneficial for some German Shepherds because it contains healthy bacteria that can balance the gut microbiota and support digestive health. Probiotics for German Shepherds PetHonesty makes this delicious probiotic for German Shepherds available as chewable, simple-to-take tablets that contain various probiotic strains. Giving probiotic supplements to your German shepherd may also have the following benefits: Improved digestion. Signs of worms in poop Your vet will treat diarrhea depending on the cause, and further investigations may be required. Never give your German Shepherd any anti-diarrhea medications e. How to Prevent Diarrhea in German Shepherds It would be impossible for your German Shepherd to never suffer from the odd case of diarrhea. But there are some things you can do. To prevent diarrhea in your German Shepherd, feed a complete and nutritious diet, and avoid table scraps and titbits that your dog is not used to. Avoid anything toxic and ensure your GSD does not get into the garbage. Ensure worming treatment and vaccinations are up to date. Follow these simple guidelines to prevent diarrhea: Make sure you know all the dangerous poisonous foods for your German Shepherd. Ensure your GSD keeps to its usual diet. Prevent guests to your home from feeding titbits, especially toxic foods that they may be unaware of, for example, grapes or chocolate. Be wary of feeding bones , as they must be raw and be of the correct type and size for your dog. Keep all toxic substances out of reach of your dog. The Pet Poison Helpline has a complete list of these. Consider a muzzle when you are out in the woods or park to prevent your dog from scavenging if they are that way inclined. Keep worming treatment up to date. Vets recommend every three months — but check for your breed. Keep vaccinations up to date. Exercise your German Shepherd regularly, especially if they suffer from stress. Refrain from exercising your dog immediately before or after a meal. I like to give my German Shepherd a good hour on either side, which also helps prevent bloat. Acute diarrhea, which is the most common type, usually lasts for one to two days and can sometimes last up to two weeks. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts for at least four weeks. The duration of diarrhea in German Shepherds can vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, a temporary change in diet may be recommended by a veterinarian to help manage the diarrhea, but this should only be done under the guidance of a professional. Feed your dog plain, easily digestible food such as chicken and rice to get him back on his feet again. I hope you found the above prevention tips helpful, which will minimize the risk of this unpleasant and messy occurrence! Related Posts You May Like:. Dietary issues or consuming rotten or toxic foods are the main causes of diarrhea in German Shepherds. The best way to help your GSD is with a temporary fast if appropriate before following a bland food diet. Bouts of diarrhea will certainly happen to most German Shepherds throughout their life, at least a handful of times. Diarrhea is a standard reaction to sudden changes in their GI health or even reactions to stress in the world around them. Each cause requires a different treatment approach, making it essential to get to the bottom of their troubles! Dietary Issues German Shepherds are extremely curious, meaning they often try to eat anything that may seem edible. Not only do they scarf up any food that crosses their path, but they can get their paws on human food as well. Dietary issues in dogs refer to eating anything outside of their normal diet. This can include getting into the trash, eating a greasy piece of bacon, or even eating something rotten found outside. When a dog eats something outside of their normal kibble, this can cause a sudden shift in the bacteria in their gut and intestines. This is made much worse by any high-fat content that could be in the food, along with any dangerous bacteria that could be present as well. Whether your vet suggests a new food or your pup no longer likes their kibble, an occasional diet is sometimes needed. A sudden change in diet can cause a shift in this balance, leading to GI irritation. A change of diet that is not done over a gradual period will likely lead to diarrhea, and even vomiting in some cases. Stress Just like you and I, our German Shepherds can experience stress and in severe cases, even depression. While they may have different triggers than humans, their struggles are just as real. Dogs can react to this stress in multiple ways, one of which being diarrhea. There are many factors that can cause a GSD to become stressed. They may react to changes in their normal routine, new people in the home, the sudden absence of someone they love, or any other change that impacts their life. This is extremely common in dogs that are boarded while their owners are away, so much so that kennel owners know to be on the lookout for any sign of diarrhea. Bacterial Infections Our German Shepherds are exposed to different types of bacteria all the time. Bacteria live in the soil they touch, the bowls they drink out of, and even some of the toys they play with. Because of this, dogs can fall victim to bacterial infections that cause an upset stomach. Most dogs with a bacterial infection will experience diarrhea, vomiting, change of appetite , abdominal pain, and more. Bacterial infections often require veterinary care, as most pups will need antibiotics to get them back on track. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites are foreign invaders that cause serious GI upset in our German Shepherd friends. Shepherds with intestinal parasites may experience diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss , abdominal pain, distended abdomens, and more. The best way to prevent intestinal parasites is to have your pup dewormed from the moment you adopt them, and then offer them monthly heartworm prevention. Most heartworm prevention contains ingredients that stop worms in their tracks. Serious Illness Diarrhea can be a symptom of serious illness in German Shepherds. This combination can cause diarrhea for many dogs, especially if it is a GI illness in particular. Be sure to keep a log of all the symptoms your dog is currently experiencing, so you can help your vet make an accurate diagnosis. While any diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours should be seen by a vet, there are a few at-home options to try. Withholding Food Withholding food for hours is an option that can be practiced in certain dogs. If you know that your dog is having diarrhea due to something they ate, this can be a successful way to let their stomach calm down. Fasting should only be practiced in healthy adult dogs, and when approved by your veterinarian. You should never fast a German Shepherd puppy or senior dog, as this can lead to more complications. Switch To a Bland Diet Switching to a bland diet is one of the most successful ways to combat diarrhea in your canine companion. When a dog is experiencing an upset stomach, it can be challenging to properly digest their normal food. The most popular bland diet option is boiled chicken breast and white rice, but you can also purchase a bland diet from your veterinarian. Some vets do approve pro-pectalin for use at home, but this should always be approved before giving it to your furry friend. Your vet can also prescribe antibiotics that help with diarrhea, along with medication to firm their stool. Diarrhea is often a result of some type of irritation in the GI tract, making probiotics useful in many cases. Probiotics are packed with beneficial bacteria that helps to promote digestive health. Adding daily probiotics to a bland diet can help your pup get back on track. This is especially important for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs, as they may be easily triggered by certain changes. The general rule is to always seek help if their diarrhea does not resolve within 24 hours. However, there are a few special circumstances that require veterinary care much sooner. Final Thoughts As you can see, German Shepherds can experience diarrhea due to multiple causes. Be sure to review the information that we discussed above, and you can help your pup at the next sign of diarrhea. The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. What Is Diarrhea? Diarrhea refers to a condition where a dog passes soft or watery stool during bowel movement. Doggy diarrhea is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying issue. The stool will usually occur in large amounts and in greater frequency than normal. Physiologically speaking, diarrhea occurs due to fecal matter passing too quickly through the intestine while the absorption speed of electrolytes, nutrients, and water is decreased. Symptoms of Diarrhea in a German Shepherd Diarrhea can appear on its own, but it can also have other accompanying symptoms. The most common symptoms are bloody stool red or black , a low-grade fever, lethargy, flatulence, loss of appetite, and vomiting as in gastroenteritis. In cases wherein these symptoms also appear alongside diarrhea, it is best to bring your dog to the vet immediately. What Causes Diarrhea in German Shepherds? Throughout the lifetime of your German Shepherd, she will most probably experience diarrhea at least a few times. The most common causes of diarrhea in GSDs are the following: Viral infections, such as one that is caused by parvovirus or canine distemper virus , especially in young, unvaccinated dogs Stress brought about by a change in environment or traveling Abrupt change in diet or treats Poor diet Food allergies or sensitivities, such as dairy products Intestinal parasites which can come from raw meat Ingesting poisonous substances, spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects Antibiotic medication In rare cases, tumor s in the digestive tract cancer Types of Diarrhea in German Shepherds Diarrhea is a general term, but there are several different types of it. Acute and Chronic Diarrhea Depending on the underlying cause, diarrhea in your GSD can be acute short-lived or chronic happening intermittently over course of weeks or months. Sudden acute diarrhea can appear if your GSD ingests something that does not get along well with her intestines. GSDs have a higher prey drive than most breeds, making them susceptible to chasing rodents and squirrels when left to their own devices. If your dog ingests the meat of these animals, the bacteria in the meat can upset her stomach. German Shepherds and larger breeds in general are more predisposed to this chronic disease than smaller dogs, especially during middle age. Oftentimes, veterinarians prescribe medication to manage the symptoms, as this is an incurable condition. Small intestinal diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial and viral infections, parasites, food sensitivities, IBD, ingested garbage, poison, or foreign objects. In this type of diarrhea, your GSD may pass large amounts of stool about three to five times per day, without straining. Your dog may also vomit, pass gas frequently, and lose weight. On the other hand, large intestinal diarrhea also known as colitis is often caused by whipworms, colon ulcers, colon cancer, IBD, and stress. Colitis is characterized by more frequent passing of stool more than five times a day in smaller amounts, and your GSD may strain in the process. Blood in the stool may appear bright red, and mucus may also be present. Unlike small intestinal diarrhea, large intestinal diarrhea does not always cause vomiting or weight loss in dogs. In some cases, your dog may exhibit a combination of these two types of diarrhea. For instance, the problem can start in the small intestine and then proceed to the large intestine. However, always provide plenty of fresh water nearby to avoid dehydration. After the hour fast, feed your dog a bland diet. Opt for skinless, boneless boiled chicken and broth. You can mix in a few small spoonfuls of mashed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or potatoes, but make sure that they are unseasoned and unsalted. Rice can be added, too, as long as your GSD is not sensitive to it. These foods will help to firm up the stool. Start with small meals every two hours, then gradually increase the amount of food and the time in between meals. Be very cautious when transitioning your GSD to her previous diet. The transition should be spaced out and gradually done over a few days. If this successfully resolves the diarrhea, you can get her back to her regular food. You may be tempted to give your dog some medication to help ease her discomfort and cure her diarrhea. It is important, however, to understand the risks and to follow proper instructions before you do so. Imodium Imodium is a common over the counter medication that many people give to their dogs to treat diarrhea. Imodium, known generically as Loperamide, is effective in slowing down the movement of the intestines, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more slowly. As previously mentioned, and this bears repeating, you must be very careful when administering Imodium to your GSD. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog Imodium. Imodium Loperamide is a synthetic opioid, and it is possible to overdose your dog if you are not careful. Never give Imodium to puppies, pregnant and nursing GSDs, senior GSDs, and those with other medical illnesses such as liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Some of the side effects of Imodium may include: Constipation. As your dog produces more solid bowel movements, you can start reintroducing his dog food. What are the best dog foods to prevent diarrhea in German Shepherds? If your dog has diarrhea every once in a while, it is completely normal. Yet, if your German Shepherd has diarrhea several times a month, he may have sensitivities to his current dog food. You can have your dog tested at the vet to see what foods he cannot tolerate. Then, you may need to switch dog foods. There are many different types of dog foods you can try to help prevent your dog from having diarrhea. Limited Ingredient Dog Food Limited ingredient dog foods have a short list of ingredients. You can read the ingredients to find out if there is something your dog may not tolerate well. Limited-ingredient diets are great for avoiding the typical triggers for diarrhea. These dog foods still provide balanced nutrition. Actual food allergies are rare in dogs. Most people confuse sensitivities with allergies. This is usually because of an enzyme deficiency. Allergies are an intense immune response to an ingredient. Allergies cause diarrhea, but they are often coupled with other symptoms. These can include intense itching and respiratory symptoms. Hypoallergenic dog food manufacturers take animal protein and split them at the atomic level. This dog food is best for a dog who has a known allergen causing his diarrhea. These dog foods target the exact cause of stomach irritation. These diets are tested by nutritionists and veterinarians to specifically treat certain conditions. These dog foods are only available through a prescription from your vet. These dog foods are for German Shepherds with known medical conditions causing their diarrhea, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. GSDs need to re-establish healthy bacteria in their digestive tracts, especially after a bout of loose stools. Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs is one of the most commonly used products in this category. This should help your dog build up the healthy bacteria he needs to create solid stools. You can also buy dog food with probiotics in the formula. Purina Pro Plan is a good option for promoting digestive health. This brand incorporates probiotics in the formula, helping to balance gut flora on a regular basis. This dog food is good for German Shepherds who have loose stools and occasional diarrhea. Homemade recipes There are several foods you can serve your dog at home when he suffers from diarrhea. Immediately after an episode, you can give him chicken and rice, which is easy to digest. This way, you can control what ingredients your dog ingests. If you choose to feed your dog homemade meals, make sure to research carefully. Your dog needs a complete balance of nutrients to be healthy. Does wet dog food make diarrhea in German Shepherds worse? But, German Shepherds have a difficult time switching dog foods. The change in diet may upset his tummy for a few days. This should clear up once your dog gets used to the new diet. Wet dog foods are high in protein and water, which is good for a German Shepherd. Your dog needs to stay hydrated if he often has diarrhea. However, wet dog foods can also cause tooth decay. So, be sure to read the list of ingredients. How do I choose the best dog food for my German Shepherd? German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs. They are both prone to stomach upsets and picky eating, so finding the right food is essential to making sure your dog is healthy. Puppies need more nutrient-rich foods, more often to aid their quick growth. Very active German Shepherds need more calories because they are constantly burning them. Older dogs need smaller portions, fewer calories, and reduced protein. As your dog changes and grows, it is important to select dog foods that cater to its needs. Take a look at the ingredients The most common ingredients German Shepherds are sensitive to are beef, lamb, dairy, wheat, chicken, and soy. However, dogs can be sensitive to any ingredients in dog food, including preservatives. If your German Shepherd has a sensitivity to a certain ingredient, you should make sure to avoid it. The smaller the ingredient list on a label, the better. Lower-quality dog foods add many fillers and preservatives to their formulas. Determine your price range Dog food is expensive, especially for a large dog like the German Shepherd. You may be looking at the price of these specialty dog foods and wondering how you can afford them. Although many of the higher-quality dog foods are expensive, they are worth it in the long run. Quality dog food prevents stomach and other health issues. You will have fewer diarrhea messes to clean up and fewer vet bills. So, the cost will balance out. This prevents you from contracting bacteria from the feces. If the stool is on a hard surface, you can grab a paper towel and wipe it up before it dries. Then, place the soiled towels into a disposable bag. If you have hardwood or vinyl, grab a disinfectant safe for those surfaces. Then, spray the area and wipe it again with a fresh paper towel or washcloth. Finally, use a pet odor neutralizer such as this one here to remove the scent from the floor. Removing diarrhea stains from carpet If the soft stool is on the carpet, you will want to grab your gloves. Pick up as much of the feces as possible with a paper towel. Then, use a butter knife, dustpan, or scraper to free the particles from the carpet fibers. Use a damp cloth or a water bottle to rinse the carpet area until there is no longer any visible stool. Mix equal parts of the ingredients. Be cautious, they produce a chemical reaction that spews everywhere. Then, apply the paste to the carpet and rinse with water.

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:. I am looking for advice about our chocolate lab, Hunter, who is about to be 6 months old. We are kind of at a loss! We had a yellow lab for 14 years prior to this and he had his share of antics but they were occasional things. I feel like our current problems are unmanageable. Something has to give. My kids 14, 12, 8 are getting tired of it, even my husband has mentioned how long we can keep up with this. I have had my fair share of days when I am in tears trying to love a dog that seems hell-bent on destroying everything we own. Let me start with the positives.He is crate-trained and mostly-we have some barking problems when he can hear people in the house does great with it. He walks on a leash pretty well without major distractions. He has a decent command of sit, stay when we are playing with a treat , lay down, shake, come again, without distraction and wait for his food, or a treat. There is also a lot of time especially, now in the summer when he is outside in the yard with us or the kids. We live on land but he is starting to wander outside of the "yard" area that he is supposed to stay in which makes it harder to let him roam free. We have an underground fence arriving this week that will hopefully fix that problem. However, the majority of the time when he is out inside the house he is behaving terribly. It started like normal puppy antics when we got him at 8. He chews on my furniture there is no corner on my coffee table or paint on the legs of the end tables. He steals everything in sight-books, paper, pens, socks, shoes, laundry, etc. We keep all bedroom doors and bathroom doors shut to decrease our problems but between the kitchen, living room, mud room and laundry room he finds more than enough trouble. He jumps on counters, the table, and will take whatever he can reach off of them. His powerful jaws can chew an awful lot in a hurry, but he has no interest in giving it back. We've tried firm drop commands but he doesn't care. We tried offering treats to trade for the item and that worked for about a week. Now he'd rather not trade. I know it sounds like this is an unsupervised dog problem-but it's not!! He is not left alone-someone is on "Hunter Duty" anytime he is out of the crate. But we can be in a middle of a game with his toy and he iwll just start eating things. He also jumps on the furniture and refuses to get off, treat or no. We have to physically pick him up and put him on the floor. Most of the time this just leads to him running from one couch to the next Part of the problem is that he doesn't seem to be able to take a break and just relax in the house. I can count without using up my fingers how many times he has actually laid down in the house and chilled out, aside from being put in the crate. We have bought him 2 beds for the living room, hoping that it would give him a place to be calm. He ate them. Again, while being supervised. But a few bites here and there before we can get him to stop and pretty soon all of the stuffing is coming out. I have recently tried to leave his leash attached while in the house to make him easier to grab but he has almost chewed through it. We were having a lot of biting of us and our clothes, but that has greatly reduced thank. I will gladly take any suggestions! Click to expand.I don't really have any advice as such because I'm in the exact same position. Nelly is 6 months and I think it's similar to the terrible twos in children!!! Nelly does everything you say Hunter does! I always think I just can't cope anymore but then every evening she cuddles up to me and kisses me and it's all worth it in the end! Good luck- you're not alone. Most dogs show some maturity at six-months of age and all the work you have done up to this point assuming you have done the work in the previous posts should start coming together. Here is the training you can work on with your 6-month-old Lab puppy. About this series This is the final post of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba at 6 months Bubba has changed so much from the seven-week-old puppy we brought home to the gangly 6-month-old she has become. She is still Bubba — full of energy and mischief and always ready to go. But she has matured in many ways too. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. For instance, now, when I take her out of the dog trailer to train, she knows the process and embraces it. She understands that if she wants to do the fun stuff — the retrieving — she must do her obedience training. Bubba willingly sits still while I put on her electronic collar and chain collar. During the obedience work, she pays attention to the commands and complies quickly most of the time. She is still a 6-month-old puppy, so she makes quite a few mistakes and gets a little too excited at times, but she is progressing well. Maintaining this obedience will be key from now on. Obedience training your 6-month-old puppy Bubba is now old enough to go through electronic collar conditioning. She has been wearing an electronic collar for a few weeks already. The collar has never been turned on, but it has been something we require Bubba to wear each and every time we let her outside. This process, having your dog wear an electronic collar for a period with NO corrections, is called collar conditioning. Collar conditioning your Lab puppy Collar conditioning is necessary so that when we are ready to use the electronic collar for corrections, Bubba is none the wiser and has no idea that the collar she has been wearing for weeks is the source of the correction. It also helps so that down the line, Bubba will not become collar wise. Collar wise dogs are obedient only when the electronic collar is on and are disobedient when it is off. This is something we want to avoid if possible. Using the electronic collar to enforce obedience The second step in collar conditioning is using the electronic collar to enforce obedience commands that Bubba already knows. For instance, Bubba knows the command SIT. Previously, if Bubba did not obey when I said SIT, I would tap her bottom with the heeling stick or push down on her bottom. Now, I will do the same obedience drill, but I will use the electronic collar as the correction. Be very careful. There is a right way to introduce the electronic collar corrections, so be sure and read my post on introducing the electronic collar. Prior to using the e-collar the first time. Making the e-collar a positive experience Some dogs get very excited when the owner grabs the leash because they know that they are going for a walk. This is the same reaction we are looking for when putting an electronic collar on a dog. The dog should not act differently when the e-collar is on. If your dog cowers or fights you when you want to put the e-collar on, then you have introduced the collar incorrectly and your dog now thinks that the e-collar is a bad thing. This means that your dog is collar wise and will act completely different when the e-collar is on. This is a huge problem because it is very likely your dog will be obedient when the collar is on and disobedient when the collar is off. That is not what we want to achieve. We want your dog to be obedient with or without the e-collar on. Training and socializing a six-month-old Labrador puppy Most dogs that we train for hunting or competition enter our program at around the age of months. Bubba is coming right up to that point now. So, I will be switching from the puppy training program in the next few weeks, and she will officially start our Sportsman training program. Since she will also be going through our advanced program, some of the drills for the advanced work will be mixed into the training to move her along with the most efficiency. Here are the things I have been working on with Bubba this month. Many of these training concepts and drills will continue, but on a more interim basis since we have many more concepts to cover within the hunting and advanced programs. Self-control and restraint It is vital for all dogs to learn self-control and restraint. No dog should be allowed to just react on a whim and be excused for their action simply because they are a dog. Having a dog is a responsibility. A reactive dog with no training can hurt someone, and you, as the owner, will be liable for that injury. I am constantly amazed at how little expectation most people have for their dogs. Many people constantly make up excuses for why their dog is so disobedient or being a terror. The expectation is just so low, that many owners are willing to put up with anything. The truth is that working dogs can be taught self-control and restraint and you should constantly be working on this trait. In past posts I have given many examples on how you can do this, and quite honestly there are no limitations here. Many of our clients talk about having problems with their dog accosting anyone who comes through the door. Teaching your dog to kennel when the doorbell rings or when someone knocks on the door can quickly eliminate this problem. Yes, it will take some work and a LOT of repetition, but it will be worth in in the end. At five-months-old, Bubba was heeling on lead, but her attitude was not great, and she struggled with self-control. Now, Bubba heels so nice, it is relaxing to walk with her. She stays in the correct position and pays good attention to my legs so that she is ready when I turn or stop. We will continue to work on HEEL and will be adding off-lead obedience in the future, but her progress is right on schedule, and I am very happy with how well she is doing now. Learn more about How to obedience train a Labrador puppy. If you have been following this series, you know that Bubba struggled with a remote SIT for a long time. I knew it was a maturity issue for her, but I was unprepared for how quickly the maturity for this arrived. Bubba will now remote SIT with amazing steadiness. She will remain sitting when I tug on her lead, when I jump up and down and when I squat in front of her. Bubba may look away, especially when I squat right in front of her, but that is okay, she is looking away so that she can remain steady in her SIT. It is very fun to watch her progress on these drills. Her progress tells me she is smart and tractable. She wants to please and do what we ask her to do. This is a great characteristic for a working dog. Through lots and lots of exposure to this drill, dogs quickly learn that when I say HEEL and put my left hand out from my side slightly and they should come into that position. Of course, I knew that once I was able to start working with electronic collar, I would make progress. There is nothing that solidifies the HERE command like an electronic collar. It gives you the ability to reach out and touch your dog no matter where they are, and the ability to enforce the command immediately after your dog has refused is what makes all the difference. All dogs learn faster when the correction is closely timed to the refusal. Bubba is no exception. She now quickly complies with the HERE command except for a few testing moments. All dogs will test, they are not robots, the trick is to be ready for the test and respond with a quick correction. If you are not consistent with this, and your dog gets away with a refusal, then you are now on a slippery slope. If you do, you will quickly have made your dog collar-wise. Then you have even more problems. Expect your dog to test your authority and be ready to give a correction at the precise time. This is the most humane way to teach your dog to be obedient. She runs out like gangbusters, picks up the bumper or bird and runs back with the same enthusiasm. She will then flip herself around and wait for the next throw. Her enthusiasm is contagious and so much fun. I must take care though, not to overdo it. Too many retrieves is the fastest way to destroy desire, I want to stop while she still wants more. Our policy is to limit dogs to retrieves in one session. Especially for puppies of her age. Steady and Lab puppies At six-months-old we will not steady Bubba yet. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to steady their dog too early. For those not familiar with the term steady, this means to make your dog SIT and wait to be sent for the mark or throw. So we will leave steady work until she is a bit older. These are simple, single marks with a bumper that is easy to see white or a bird. More complexity such as deeper cover, longer marks and more complex marks with be added once Bubba is through force fetch. Because Bubba with be an Advanced Waterfowl dog, we also will start teaching her simple doubles and basic casting work this month. This is not something I would recommend for most dogs but because we have the experience and a very proven training plan, we like to begin introductions to this early on. What is next for Bubba? Bubba will begin our step-by-step training program for hunting dogs starting in her seventh month. This means she will continue obedience and start learning HOLD, force fetch, collar fetch and walk fetch. These steps are vital for the rest of the training. The training will take her through the next month and then she will be ready for the real learning such as hunting scenarios, blind work, and having live birds shot over her all while working through the very detailed advanced training. Final thoughts on training for your 6-month-old Labrador puppy Bubba has been a good example of the training we do here at Otter Tail Kennels for dogs purchased though our Custom Trained Retrievers. Each dog is different, and yet there are some very similar challenges with each one. It is always fun to watch these pups go from little fur balls to intense working dogs over a matter of months. I hope you have enjoyed following Bubba through this journey. I will continue to post progress photos on our Instagram and Facebook pages. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your 6-month-old Labrador puppy. What commands should my six month puppy know? And much more! Average 6 month old Lab size? It seems amazing that the little fluff ball you bought home just four months ago should be so big. And bouncy! But I know you want an answer, so as a very rough guide, many 6 month old lab puppies will weigh around 50lbs. The remainder of his growth, another lbs or so will take place more slowly over the next 6 months. What should my black, yellow, or chocolate Labrador weigh at six months? People often ask if there is any difference between the different colors with regard to weight and size. The answer is kind of. Working type American or field bred Labradors are often lighter at six months than show type English or bench bred Labradors. And in the UK at least, most field bred Labradors are either black the majority or yellow including fox red. Most not all, but most chocolate Labs in the UK are show or pet bred Labradors and tend to be more heavily built. There is a softness to his features that will last another couple of months or so. How much food does a 6 month old Lab need? How much food your puppy needs will depend on how much he weighs and what condition he is in. Have a look at our puppy feeding chart and also at the instructions on the packet of food that you are using. If your puppy is a little on the skinny side give him a tiny bit more food than recommended and if he is looking a bit plump, a little bit less. Consistent overfeeding will make a puppy fat. Consistent underfeeding will see him lose weight. How often should I feed my six month old puppy? Your 6 month old Lab can drop down from three meals a day to two without any problems. This means that you will be giving the same amount of food as before, but in two larger meals instead of three smaller ones. So, if your pup gets diarrhoea when you switch to twice daily feed, skip a meal to let his tummy settle, then go back to three meals a day for a few days. When you next try going down to two meals a day, give him two small meals to begin with and increase the meal size gradually over the next few days How far should my six month old be walked every day? If you are not familiar with it, the five minute rule says that a puppy needs five minutes of exercise per day for each month of his life. Like many young Labs, adorable six month old Myles loves everyone: by Ericka from the USA Most experts would divide that into two sessions. This refers to formal walks, not playing in the garden or messing about with other dogs. And the reason for that caution is that your puppy is still growing and the growth plates in his joints are still vulnerable to damage. So my advice would be to avoid hard exercise until your puppy is well past his first birthday and then to build up gradually over a period of several weeks. Sexual maturity in Labradors Puppies become sexually mature before they are physically mature and long before they are mentally adults. Some six month old puppies are capable of breeding. And definitely should not be allowed to do so. Apart from the ethical and moral implications, it may be physically harmful to breed from such a young female. Many female Labradors will have their first season sometime between six months and a year, so this is something you need to be looking out for. Neutering Some of you will have already had your 6 month pup neutered, others will be thinking about doing so in the next few months. If you decide against neutering, this is a good point in time to review the security on your property and make sure it is thoroughly dog proof. Labradors are surprisingly agile and can often jump higher, and dig deeper, than you imagine. Beautiful Poppy at just seven months old: by Karen R from Germany Once sexually mature, many a Labrador, particularly but not only males, will make more effort to explore beyond the boundaries of your property. And if you have a female in season, other enterprising males will do their best to find a way in! Whatever your intentions, the time for breeding is a long way off right now. Bear in mind your dog is nowhere near grown up. In many ways he is still a baby. Has my 6 month old Lab finished teething? Most puppies have shed the last of their baby teeth by six months of age. And will have cut many of their adult teeth by this point too. Most will have all their adult teeth within the next month or so. This is the point at which most young dogs start to lose their fear of losing you. This has some big implications for those that exercise their young dogs off leash in open country, where there are temptations such as wild birds and animals to chase. Which brings us to the next question. As a trainer of working retrievers I can tell you that I have had six month old Labradors that were quite advanced with their training and others that had barely started. All reached the same standard eventually. However, it is important to get started with training now. And while there is no set standard your puppy should have reached, it is definitely time to get some safety cues installed. What commands should my six month old puppy know? Most six month old pups have only quite basic obedience and are not yet reliably obedient when there are lots of distractions about. While many six month olds will sit when asked, and come when called in the house and yard. And a lot the majority of six month old Labradors are still pulling on the lead. Professional or serious hobby trainers aside, this is fairly normal. Most importantly, you need to focus on proofing these cues against distraction. Come The come cue, or recall, is important so that your dog can be allowed safely off leash and recalled if any hazards appear. You can find information on teaching recall here: How to teach a basic recall Even if you have made quite good progress with recall, now is quite a good point at which to be thinking about the about turn walk this is a technique to prevent your dog from getting too far away from you on walks. This is especially important as he grows bigger. Labradors are strong and often friendly dogs. This makes pulling on the lead very common as your puppy does his best to engage every passing stranger in a game. Gorgeous Charlie enjoying a run at six months of age — he also appears in our feature at the top of the page: by Julie T from Cornwall UK I have seen grown ups pulled clean off their feet by large dogs on leash. Being pulled off your feet, or losing control of your dog at the roadside is a very real risk. Many young Labradors are very friendly and while this is a great thing overall, it can cause some problems with training at this age. I mentioned proofing earlier, and proofing is the process which teaches our dogs to come away from other dogs or people. And proofing is the way to succeed. The main problem with proofing is that it takes time and help. You might also find proofing Labrador obedience helpful. What is the best way to train my 6 month old? Training methods are changing. We are in something of a new era with regard to dog training methods and there are now plenty of good trainers who can show you how to train your dog effectively without fear or pain. Behavior problems Most six month old pups are through the housetraining phase, though there may be very occasional accidents if a your dog is left alone for a lot longer than usual. Female dogs may have an occasional accident during their first season too, but these are usually isolated incidents. What about chewing? If you are expecting chewing to stop at the same time as teething coming to an end, you may be disappointed. We look at destructive chewing in more detail in this article , but it can be at its worst between 6 and 9 months of age. Which brings us to a common question Can I de-crate my six month old Lab? It seems mean to shut him away at bedtime. Why not give him the freedom of the kitchen during the night? Well, this can work. But often it does not and results either in a bad chewing problem or occasionally, in a relapse in house training. You can find out more in this article which includes detailed de-crating instructions. The other big issue for many puppy parents with six month olds, is excitable behavior. Particularly jumping up, and sometimes nipping How do I stop my six month old Labrador from jumping up? Jumping up is a common problem in young labs. These are friendly and affectionate dogs who enjoy close contact and like to greet their friends up close! You and your visitors not only tolerate it, but actually reinforce it by petting the puppy as he does it. Or rather over- excitement. This is the age at which excitable behavior can become quite a challenge again. Partly because the dog is now physically bigger, stronger, and more difficult to control. Now, more than ever, you need your dog to listen and respond to your voice. Playing safely More often than not, excitable behavior that has got out of control, started out as a game. However, if you are struggling a bit, you are not on your own. Drop into the forum and say hello to all the other puppy parents.

Any tighter than this and the collar will be uncomfortable while likely rubbing off the fur around their neck. Any looser than this and your dog may be able to slip it off over their heads! Whatever number you arrive at is the thickness of neck you want to buy a collar to suit, while making sure you leave some room for manoeuvre either side. Then buy a collar that can fit a range of neck sizes with this figure exactly in the middle. Best Collars For Adult Labradors and Large Dogs A collar and ID tag is compulsory by law in many places so you will want to make sure you always have at least two: One for every day use and another as an emergency replacement. Below you can see a selection of collars available from Amazon that are the correct size and perfectly suited to adult Labradors, all of which have received highly favorable feedback from previous buyers: 1. An extremely popular, durable, bridle-leather collar, padded with soft lambskin inside for the ultimate in comfort for your dog. The design spreads weight and stress around the neck providing day long comfort for dogs working long hours. Made by the American Amish community, the craftsmanship is second to none and quality is assured. This collar is highly recommended. All hardware is tarnish and rust resistant due to being nickel-plated, and the leather is trimmed with a thick and long-lasting waxed thread. The collar also has a plush suede lining for the ultimate in comfort for your pooch. This collar will look good any dog — at least we think so! Classic, Wide, Neoprene Dog Collar Made from a non-porous material to repel water and dirt, this long-lasting and easy-clean neoprene dog collar has lots of very good feedback from previous buyers on Amazon. It is reflective for increased night-time safety and comes complete with an ID tag holder that is separate to the stainless steel D-ring for leash attachment. Available in 4 classic styles: Camouflage, black, red and pink, this collar is well-designed, strong and we think perfectly suited for the working dog or one who likes to get wet and dirty. The camouflage styling has a look to match! Well suited to Labs that find every single muddy pool to play in! Easy to clean with nothing but warm water and very comfortable for your dog, sliding easily on their coats with no snagging or pulling on hair. They are very quick and easy to snap on and off, available in a wide array of colors and have received lots of favorable feedback from previous buyers. The main benefit to this style of collar is the quick release buckle that makes it incredibly easy to take off in a hurry. Just squeeze and off it pops. Very useful for removing with ease if yours is a dog who likes to swim or get deeply into coarse undergrowth when you should always remove their collar. Made from Nylon with strong bar-tack stitching and a welded D-ring for leash attachment, this collar has all the features you need. Like the collar above, this comes with an easy operation side-release buckle for easy attachment and removal, just squeeze and it comes away. Pleasingly simple compared to the struggles of a traditional buckle if you;re wearing gloves or have numb hands in cold weather! Very strong and durable, Shown here in red but with 6 rich colors available. Chewy is one of the best places to buy because there are so many options and so much competition that many products are offered with a sizable discount, keeping the prices very low. You can see the range of collars Chewy has to offer by clicking the following link: The best adult dog collars on Chewy, filtered to show only the highest rated and most popular. Best Collars For Labrador Puppies Puppies grow at a phenomenal rate so you will want to buy a collar that is highly adjustable to fit their expanding necks, otherwise you could be replacing the collar every few weeks. This collar has a quick release buckle, a D-Ring for leash attachment, is available in 3 sizes and comes in 2 colors, black or red. Soft and gentle for your puppy, strong and durable for you and your wallet it will not need to be replaced before they outgrow it this is a simple collar but with all the features you could hope for. Highly recommended. This collar has the highly recommended quick release buckle, perfectly suitable for a puppy so you can free them with speed and ease if they get it snagged on anything. Available in sizes to suit the smallest of puppies through to adult dogs, with 9 smart colors to choose from: Black, neon green, neon orange, neon pink, blue, brown, pink, purple and red. There is a color for all and it has very good customer feedback on Amazon. Chewy is one of the best places to buy because with so many sellers, competition is very high leading to many suppliers offering their products at the best prices to be found online. To see the best puppy collars that Chewy has to offer, click the following link: The best puppy collars on Chewy, filtered to show only the highest rated and most popular. High Visibility Collars for Large Dogs If you regularly walk your dog in low light or dark conditions, in the morning, at night or even during bad weather, then a high visibility dog collar is something you should seriously consider to improve your pets safety while out and about. High visibility dog collars allow other people, walkers, cyclists and motor vehicle users to see your dog and take appropriate caution, keeping not only your dog safer, but everybody else concerned too. Strong, durable and weather proof, with quick release easy to attach and remove fastening, it has all the features of a decent collar with the added bonus of making your dog as highly visible as possible for safety in the dark. A long life replaceable battery is included, so once received it is ready to go. One of the most effective high visibility dog collars available… with over 3, 5-star reviews on Amazon! This collar is perhaps the most recommended among the many illuminated collars that seem to have sprung up on the market as of late. Please remember: Not only do ID tags give you the best chance of being reunited with your with your puppy as quickly as possible if you lose them, they are also required by law in many places. This has absolutely no effect on the eventual price that you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. This product is perfect for animal lovers who spend too much time outdoors with their dogs. It will resist the forces of the most powerful, energetic, and playful dogs. An adult Labrador has a neck size between inches. An adjustable collar would be ideal for adult dog weight or fur thickness fluctuations. I remember going through several collars with my Lab pup until we found one that suited him perfectly. Opt for heavy-duty materials like nylon webbing or thick leather combined with strong D-rings for leash attachment. It ensures maximum durability and security during walks or training sessions. They come with an adjustable buckle or quick-release mechanism. Some include reflective stitching or material for nighttime visibility. A flat collar is what most people associate with when they think of dog collars. Martingale collars Also called limited-slip collars, are another excellent choice. They are designed for dogs like Labs with wider necks than their heads. A martingale collar is often used as a backup for a rescue dog. These unique martingale collars consist of two loops. When your Lab pulls on its leash, this design tightens slightly without choking them. This is an essential safety feature for dogs easily slipping out of flat-collared designs. Few specialized training collars focus on correcting unwanted behaviors , such as pulling during walks. Head halter-style trainers These provide greater control over large breeds like Labradors. They use gentle pressure points around their muzzle rather than applying forceful tension onto their necks. They offer maximum comfort during obedience lessons. Nylon webbing is an excellent choice. Like the Blueberry Pet Essentials collection , many nylon collars come in eye-catching colors. If you prefer a more classic appearance or a stronger collar, opt for Black Rhino Comfort Collar. It features nickel-plated hardware designed to withstand even large dogs pulling force. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar. Neoprene padding or nylon webbing prevents chafing. Personalized collars can identify your pup if they get lost or separated. Look for features like reflective stitching or LED lights for increased nighttime visibility. A light-up collar keeps your beloved companion safe during low-light conditions. Which best dog collars for labs to go for, then? From no pull to camouflage dog collars, the market is full. However, not all collars are comfortable and safe for your dog. Thankfully, we have found the top two picks after thorough research and testing. This piece is versatile and made of high-quality nylon material with sturdy buckle closure. Soft Touch Collars Luxury Leather Collars cannot be beaten for ultimate luxury and comfort during walks. What black lab collar is best? A black labrador looks excellent in a black, red, and green collar. A black collar perfectly complements the black coat of a labrador. What leads are best for Labradors? Most trainers recommend a six-foot lead with a secure clasp. Nylon leads are popular among pet owners as they do the job easily. A durable nylon lead with nickel-plated hardware is excellent for daily use. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. Or Biothane. The first is solid coloured, the second is translucent. VEry strong and it's being used in horse tack for long lines, bridles, halters. It will not absorb water so will not get wet or stinky. It has a high tensile strength but it is not chew proof. Oban's has two wee punctures from play with another dog. It comes in fabulous colours and some dog collars makers that use it put different colours together. I think Dublin Dog uses it in some of their collars, there are others. Blaze orange hunting collars here are nearly all made of the the translucent orange biothane. Oban's is kelly green betathane and was custom made by a young gal who makes halters and things for horses. It turned out a custom make was the lest expensive option and that way I knew the buckle was sturdy. When Oban rolls in stinky muck that sticks to it I just give it a light scrub with my potato brush, wipe dry as I would a washed dish, and it's clean and dry. It's a bit stiff when I first put it on him to go out on a winter morning when the heat has been down in the house overnight but warms up quickly with his body heat and is flexible. That way, you can check sizing as you go along! Once the collar is fastened, you want to be able to slip two or three fingers underneath. Anything tighter can cause discomfort, and anything looser will be easy for your dog to slip out of. These are usually made out of webbing or leather, without any padding. Padded collar. These are a good option if your pup has sensitive skin. Martingale collar. These are designed to be used during training sessions or on walks and should not be left on all the time. Once you come home, remember to remove the collar. You may want to replace it with a flat collar with an ID tag. This can correct their forward movement by causing discomfort and encourage them not to pull. Some owners prefer not to use a martingale collar to correct pulling and instead, focus on re-training that behavior. Collar material Most collars are made from either webbing or leather. Leather is of higher quality than webbing, so these collars are usually a bit more expensive. It does give a high-end, luxurious look that some dog owners love. Leather collars can start to smell a little if they are left damp. This hardwearing collar offers great value for money, as well as being tough enough to stand up to whatever an enthusiastic Labrador can throw at it! Our reviews are designed to make your life easier. So, instead of trawling through hundreds of options and feeling overwhelmed, simply choose one of our recommended collars instead! Which collar would you choose for your Lab? It is all rather bewildering, but there is no need to worry! This is where you can find the answers to those questions, and get some ideas and inspiration too. Collars are a great way to identify similar Lab puppies in a litter Labrador Dog Collars and the Law In many parts of the world, dogs must legally wear a collar when out in public. This is usually a disk attached to the collar, with your phone number and name on it. Collars can display IDs in a number of different ways. Some collars come with a brass or stainless steel plate attached to the surface, others have a metal ring for you to attach a tag onto. Others will embroider the ID into fabric or tool it into leather. Are Personalized Dog Collars Safe? But others feel that this is a dangerous thing to do. But most dogs are always supervised when outdoors, and many dogs are also microchipped so proof of ownership is more easily accomplished. Unless your dog is very friendly and spends time outdoors on his own, having his name on his collar is unlikely to put him at risk. Collars as a Fashion Statement A collar is the traditional way of attaching a restraint to a dog, for the purposes of keeping him safe. Before harnesses were invented this was an essential feature of life in a modern world, where cars and other hazards are everywhere. But in many homes and families, a collar has become something of a fashion statement too. A whole industry has arisen to meet the demand for different fabrics and styles. Training Collars for Labs Many people look on a collar, as an aid to training their dog how to walk on a leash. A way to get their dog to tread along nicely next to them, without dragging or pulling them along. They want to choose a collar that will best help them in this goal. Prong collars and pinch collars have been designed that are uncomfortable and even painful when a dog leans into them. The problem of course, is that pulling is often very rewarding for a dog he gets nearer to the destination he likes. So collars usually have to be quite painful if they are to successfully stop the pulling. Collars that can be used to pinch and choke dogs, are becoming less popular, as more and more dog owners want to train without using unpleasant aversives. And fortunately there are now excellent ways of teaching a dog to walk nicely without using collars at all. And in the meantime you might find it helpful to have a strong pulling dog fitted with a body harness that will give you more control without damaging his neck. Before you set off on a Labrador collar shopping expedition, you will need to think about sizes. And to know your Labrador neck size. Labrador Collar Size Not all collars are made in sizes large enough for an adult Lab. And one adult Lab will not have the same neck size as another. So you do need to whip out your tape measure in order to avoid disappointment Both my Labs have an 18 inch neck. They are medium build slim Labradors. But it really is best to measure. If you find it difficult to keep your dog still, just get someone to dip their fingers in some butter and let the dog lick it off while you take his measurements! Collars for adult Labs are usually about an inch wide — this allows enough space for a small ID plaque if desired. What Size Collar for a Lab Puppy? If you buy a puppy collar two or three inches longer than this it will last him a few weeks. Puppy collars are usually narrower than adult collars, half an inch is fine. And they come in some very cute designs. We have put together a collection of our favorite puppy collars to inspire you! So what kind of collar should you buy? Which Labrador Collar Style? We recommend that you buy your Labrador a flat collar with a buckle fastener. You can choose one to suit your taste and wallet. Especially if your Lab likes to swim. You can buy waterproof collars made from synthetic polyurethane type materials. Waterproof collars tend to resist odor and are easy to clean. They often come in striking bright colors — we love them and think they look cool! But not so loose that he can back out of it. You should be able to fit two or three fingers under it quite easily, but not much more. A collar that is too loose can be slipped by a lively dog very easily. It is also worth considering alternative forms of restraint. Especially for puppies and lively young dogs that can get very sore necks if leashed to a collar. Buying a Harness The breadth of choice in body harnesses for dogs has burgeoned in the last couple of years as people discover how great they are. A body harness is an excellent way to restrain a young dog that has not been taught to walk to heel. It has several advantages over a collar. It is almost impossible for the dog to slip out of. And most importantly, a puppy that wears a harness is not learning to lean into or pull, on his collar. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Welcome to the Minnesota state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, warm-hearted cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities, Minnesota is an excellent place to find and raise your new English Bulldog companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable MN breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the thriving dog-friendly scene in Minnesota, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Minnesota State Fair Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Holding the 20th spot in dog ownership across the United States, Minnesota is home to a canine population of approximately 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Minnesota. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Because one look at the sweet faces of these crossbreeds and poof! Immediately smitten with all of them. By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Published on March 7, Photo: Courtesy of little. That said, American cocker spaniels and English cocker spaniels are some of the most loving and bright cutie patooties around! These heritage sporting dogs were so named because of their ability to flush out woodcock and other game birds, but also know how to strut their stuff well in international shows and competitions. If you're interested in cocker spaniel mixes as four-pawed family members, keep in mind the genetics roulette wheel offers many chances for a good dog in temperament, intelligence, appearance, and total huggability. He recommends talking with breeders in-depth about their program to gain a better understanding of your potential pooch's longevity and possible medical issues. Knowing these intricacies is important because of inbreeding. One of the numerous problems with puppy mills is inbreeding, with little regard for the overall health of the offspring. A reputable breeding program tests for known health issues in both dog parents, and works with veterinarians and animal geneticists to mitigate the risks so each hybrid puppy lives a full and happy life—in fact, cockers alone can be your BFF best fluffy friend! Since there are so many choices for cocker spaniel mixes, and we could look at photos of them all day long and we often do! Smart miniature poodles are as hypoallergenic as dogs can be never percent and don't shed much : valuable traits for a sensitive, family-lovin' pup who wants nothing more than to follow you around for play and stake a claim to all available lap space. Friendly, bright, and quick with face licks, a frolicsome golden simply never met a stranger, so it's likely your golden cocker will be the consummate host and invite all the neighbors over for a rousing game of fetch and maybe a nice fruit plate afterward. This is also a dedicated doggo kiddos can't wait to share toys and games with every day. Chihuahuas , whose ancestors once pitter-patted across Mexican temple stone floors, are natural performers and love dazzling their audience with new tricks! A Chi-spaniel adores her fans … but isn't necessarily an automatic people pleaser, so consistent positive reinforcement training helps her star shine bright. Add in the endearing temperament of a cocker spaniel, and you have an adorable bocker. Want a pooch to explore national parks with? Your bocker is eager to tag along. The dog park down the street suits him fine, too, or simply a fenced backyard , where he can sniff to his inherited hound heart's content. Naturally affectionate and entertaining, dockers fully blossom with early socialization. Since one branch of their family tree is badger hunters, barking is in their job description. But dockers are mighty intelligent, too, and respond well to cues about when to alert you "Squirrel! He even likes cats! Also called cockadors or cockerdors, active families can't go wrong with spanadors. These pups keep the pace on hikes , walks, and other outings. As long as this easily-trainable pooch can enjoy the outdoors with you, there will be many memorable moments. She might experience separation anxiety if away from you for too long, so plan together time with at least 30 minutes daily of mental enrichment and exercise. After all, just because a cock-a-tzu is a small dog doesn't mean she'll laze around looking pretty all the time. Their border collie parent, considered one of the smartest dog breeds around, almost ensures you'll have a whizbang wonder at solving puzzles and maybe even talking with buttons. Extra treats please! A cocker collie, no matter how mellow by nature, still needs much more exercise than the average pup, so outfit him with a proper harness and make every day together an adventure. She'll be ready for ample cuddles and pats once she gets the job—whatever you assign to her—done. A coltralian is an intelligent companion for experienced pet parents , always eager for adventure and new activities, so if this describes you to a T, your new pup pal awaits! A spritely mix of Pomeranian sass and spaniel charm, the cockeranian is tiny but mighty. Clever with the right dash of mischief, this mix doesn't need really long walks but is a lively soul, happy taking life one playdate at a time. While grooming is never a chore with such a handsome pooch, he might inherit a double coat that requires more attention than most. Was this page helpful? Coat German Shepherds have dense undercoats combined with medium-to-long, rough guard hairs. In contrast, Cocker Spaniels are known for their luxuriously long, silky coats. A cross of these two breeds could inherit any of these two types of coats or even a combination of both. However, other color combinations, as well as markings, can be inherited, especially from the Cocker Spaniel side. On the other hand, the GSD double-coat sheds quite heavily but requires brushing only once or twice a week. Make sure you keep it dry especially after every bath to reduce the risk of ear infections. All other grooming requirements i. Strength German Shepherds have impressive strength but the opposite is true of Cocker Spaniels. Nevertheless, Cockers are hardy dogs and can be quite athletic thanks to their hunting and sporting heritage. German Shepherd — Cocker Spaniel crosses are generally quite strong. However, they are not expected to compete in strength with purebred GSDs as they are smaller and less muscular. This should be unsurprising as the ability to run fast is an important trait among game dogs. Nevertheless, they could still be expected to reach top speeds of 30 miles per hour. However, they will still need regular exercise to maintain the muscle tone their bodies are built for. Generally, these sporting dogs will thrive with 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. Playing fetch or going on long walks are good options. Additionally, romping around with other canine companions would count as exercise. Trainability According to the dog intelligence ranking developed by canine psychologist Stanley Coren, German Shepherds belong to the top tier of dogs. Their intelligence enables them to master a command in fewer than 5 exposures. Mixing Cocker Spaniels with GSDs is likely to result in a less intelligent, although still a remarkably bright dog. Purebred Cocker Spaniels belong to the second tier of dogs, which means they can master a command within 15 exposures. Even if the two parent breeds differ in intelligence, any German Shepherd — Cocker Spaniel mix is still expected to be highly trainable. Apart from intelligence, they are eager to please and have a strong work drive. They are affectionate, patient with young children, and tolerant of other pets. Additionally, they are protective but less vigilant and more accepting of strangers compared to purebred German Shepherds. They also tend to be gentle and even-tempered. Health GSD — Cocker Spaniel mixes tend to be of good health but could develop severe health conditions that stem from the size difference of their parents. Or, they could develop organs that are disproportionate to their bodies. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure proper development, monitor their overall condition, and address possible health risks early on. Additionally, GSD — Cocker Spaniel crosses that inherit floppy ears might be prone to ear infections. Much care has to be taken to keep the ear canals clean and the flaps dry. Lifespan Although some health issues might stem from the significant size difference of the two breeds, healthy Cocker Spaniel — German Shepherd crosses actually tend to live long and happy lives. In fact, they have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. To improve longevity, it helps to give your dog a high-quality, well-balanced diet as soon as you get them. This program was specifically developed so that mixed breeds can participate in various AKC events, including title recognition programs like Flyball and Diving Dogs. Finding a German Shepherd— Cocker Spaniel cross would be difficult because they are not very common. Enthusiasts of each breed prefer to keep their breeding stocks pure, typically to conform to AKC standards. If they are mated the male is usually the Cocker Spaniel as the potential size of the puppies could be too large for the smaller Cocker Spaniel to carry. Nevertheless, you might be able to find one caused by mismating or accidental breeding. And, they might experience some health challenges due to the size difference of their parents. Nevertheless, their more timid nature is a delight for households looking for loyal yet calm and affectionate companions. His personality is sure to be lively. A Springer Spaniel coat is an important indicator of its personality. A long-coat breed will need to stay logged in with deep water at least twice per week while a type such as the German Shepherd may only need medium sudsing sessions because his fur is short enough not to require much coverage or attention. Make sure your pet understands where he fits into this family by showing appreciation on either side. Weight, Size, and Lifespan: The Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Mix , is a proud dog with an easygoing personality that makes it one of the most popular breeds. They have friendly eyes and their quick wagging tails give them high spirits. The females weigh 45 — 55 pounds while males can range from 40 up to 60 pounds but usually average around 52 lbs. You will need toys for him so he can keep his teeth clean and still have something interesting like furniture or shoes, but the best part about this breed is their interactions with people! He needs at least ninety minutes of playtime each day to stay happy and healthy. This way both parties know what may or may not happen in the future down the road if any issue arises during childhood which can oftentimes lead us into adulthood without realizing how much our lifestyle choices affect these outcomes. The English Springer Spaniel is often mixed with the German Shepherd Dog, and these two breeds share many common health problems. For example, they can be prone to joint dysplasia or hypothyroidism as well as other Raynaud disease-related issues such as dog tears on their paws from working in wet conditions all day long. Diet Requirements: It is important to know that overfeeding Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Mix can lead to health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia getting worse. A good diet for your pup would be a Raw Food Diet which will make them healthier than ever before. Post navigation. The same holds if you are considering bringing a hybrid mix dog into your family. In this section, we take a brief look at the history and lineage of the German Shepherd dog and the Cocker Spaniel dog. German Shepherd history The German Shepherd is the second most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. This dog was first developed in German in the s by a man named Captain Max von Stephanitz. He achieved his goal and the German Shepherd went on to become one of the most popular military, police, security, service, therapy, and pet dogs as well. Cocker Spaniel history The Cocker Spaniel is the 30th most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. This dog breed looks like a plush lap dog and they do love laps but was bred to be a sporting dog to hunt birds. There are two distinct breed lines and both are registered: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. German Shepherds are known to be highly people-focused and want to please their owners. They are very people-centric dogs who want to be with their people as much as possible. German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel personality and temperament In this area, the German Shepherd and Cocker Spaniel have a lot more in common than their wildly differing outer appearances might suggest. Both dogs are intensely devoted to their families and are very driven to please their owners. So here it is hard to predict what temperament traits your puppy may inherit. An adult German Shepherd dog can easily weigh 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders. The Cocker Spaniel as an adult typically weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and stands .From this, you can see how the size of your adult German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix puppy may vary quite a bit! Working with a later-stage hybrid breeder F1, F2 or later can help control for any size issues imposed by your living situation. In general, you can expect your GSD Cocker pup to stand between 14 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. However, Cocker Spaniels can also be surprisingly energetic, given their sporting dog heritage. German Shepherd training and exercise needs These dogs are working dogs to their core and their focus on tasks is unparalleled. While GSDs are now extremely popular as companion canines, they still need a lot of activity and exercise and do best when involved in work or agility of some sort. Training the German Shepherd becomes easier once you realize just how people-centric these dogs are. However, because the GSD is so smart, only positive training and reinforcement methods work well. Treats, pats, praise, and play are the best rewards. Cocker Spaniel training and exercise needs Cocker Spaniels are more all-around companion canine dogs and so as long as they have plenty of daily playtime and regular walks, they will typically be quite content as pet dogs. Cocker Spaniels are very smart and extremely sensitive emotionally. Only positive training and reinforcement methods should be used, as Cockers can get their feelings hurt very easily. Praise treats, and pats are great training incentives and rewards. But just how high that energy and drive to stay active is will depend on the influence your puppy gets from either parent dog. The German Shepherd coat is a thick, double-layer coat of a medium-length, thick, coarse, water-resistant outer layer and a thick, soft insulating under layer. Since maintaining coat function is of the utmost priority to keep the working GSD warm and dry, the coat sheds continuously year-round. The coat also sheds visibly and profusely at the changing of the seasons. You will want to keep your brush, lint roller, and vacuum cleaner handy during these times. You will need to commit to daily brushing and detangling sessions and regular bathing. Professional grooming may also be desirable, especially if your time is limited. The fine, thin hair can easily tangle and this can cause damage to the skin. Careful combing is essential — pulling on any mats or tangles can tear the skin. The coat should always be detangled before bathing or the tangles may become unmanageable. If the tangles are not groomed out daily, they may become so matted that there is no other choice but to shaving. This means you only want to choose a Cocker Spaniel if you have enough time to do at least one brushing and grooming session daily. If your puppy takes more after the GSD side, your time will be spent vacuuming, lint rolling and brushing. If your puppy takes more after the Cocker Spaniel side, your time will be spent brushing, detangling, bathing, trimming and perhaps making trips to the groomer. Here again, when you choose to work with a later-stage hybrid breeder F1b, F2 or later this can help you guesstimate the adult coat type of your GSD Cocker puppy with more accuracy. This can often strengthen breed health as well as contribute to other desirable traits.

A blue merle Frenchie for sale will have the same broken pattern as any other variant of Merle Frenchie. The shaded color will in this case be blue. So it would be blue over white, as opposed to black, lilac, tan, brown, etc. Our most famous french bulldog stud, Mr. Elon is a Blue Merle with orange tan points, carrying testable chocolate and Fluffy, to also make Isabella, and fluffy Frenchies. His pups can be basically any color under the rainbow depending on the female he is paired with. Merle French Bulldog puppies for sale are available from at least 3 of our 6 total litters of the year! Blue merle French bulldogs are probably one of the most stunningly unique looking Frenchies. These little nuggets are quite easy to recognize, having a light base coat with darker patches of their inherent color usually blue, lilac, Isabella or black around their body. Did you know that Merle Frenchies often have light to ice blue eyes? So if you are looking for a pup with green or blue eyes, choose a Merle! Usually we have a few Merle pups in every litter! He is absolutely stunning, well mannered and one of the best structured studs carrying testable chocolate, cream, and fluffy currently working within the USA! Reserve an Elon pup today and experience one of his amazing offspring! Elon can make Blues, blues and tans, Isabella, Isabella and tan, New Shade isabella, Lilac, Lilac and tan, fluffies, creams, basically everything under the rainbow with AMAZING compact structure, big heads, with both intelligence and temperament to boot! On Average, a quality blue merle frenchie puppy will be on the more expensive side of average colors as a pet, and more if you are looking for full AKC registration for breeding your Frenchie. Lastly, with french bulldog genetics , there are a wide number of french bulldog colors available to consider! Also called french bulldog merle for sale these are some of the more exotic colored frenchies. Our puppies that are sired by Elon are short, thick, compact, great heads, and are just perfect. With a broken pattern, no two Merle Frenchie for sale look alike! These are the most unique of all colors and coat types. Some of them are even available as fluffy Frenchie as well. These are certainly also some of the most unique as no two patterns are alike! French Bulldog puppies for sale are readily available through internet websites, most using puppy mills and Amish puppy mills. Please be sure to steer clear of any puppy mills for any dog purchase of any french bulldog merle for sale. Merle French bulldogs for sale A quality blue merle French bulldog puppy is hard to come by and cost a pretty penny. You are looking for both structure and genetics. Other colors that are popular are the lilac merle french bulldog. Lilac Merle Frenchie puppies are also super cute, just a little bit lighter in color than the blues. Our Merle French bulldog for sale are some of our most popular of all of our pups. Most people who are knew to frenchies in general are unaware of the merle french bulldog puppies colors. Since our favorite stud to use is our own Elon Sacks, son of the famous Mr. Banks, we always have a few merle french bulldog puppies for sale , when we have litters. Blue merle frenchie pups are rare, stunning and always unique! With the broken patterns, no 2 will ever look the exact same. French Bulldog Merle for sale Other colors include the blue and tan frenchie , which is equally stunning with tan points and a solid blue french bulldog. We do not work with brindle or pied dogs so you have no risk of having a pied or brindle broken base color. Blue Frenchie puppies are super cute and were once rare and the most expensive but now are a bit more common. There were times when many people were on the waiting list for blue frenchie puppies for sale. We breed for shorter bodies and legs, not long legged giraffes. We are proud that all of our Frenchie puppies for sale are raised in our home with our children, under foot. Every single French Bulldog puppy are well socialized and you can expect a playful, smart, inquisitive and loving professional Snuggle Bug. Available Puppies Notification List. Blue French Bulldog The blue french bulldog is a beautifully colored and is a dark grey color. The blue coloration on a blue French bulldog comes from a recessive gene dilute gene. Sometimes, brindling can happen with this color — depending on the genetics and quality of the parents. These include patches on their face, ears and body. A blue French bulldog can also have brindling in their coat which is when blue and black hairs are intermingled. Blue frenchies are a beautiful color range to the French bulldog breed and has become more and more popular as more breeders are focusing on producing quality blue French bulldogs. Although you might think a solid black dog would be plain to look at, the black french bulldog is a showstopper. Fluffy Fluffy French Bulldogs are becoming more and more popular as breeders work hard to perfect fluffy Frenchies. They have more hair than other Frenchies. So what causes this adorable fluff? This gene causes an increased amount of long, coarse, thick undercoat and reduced very short dense topcoat. The fluffy parents will produce fluffy offspring always. The L — long hair gene is dominant so if you breed two fluffy dogs together only 1 parent needs to have the L — long hair gene for all pups to be fluffy! If you are breeding a fluffy with a normal-coat French Bulldog, 1 parent will need to be fluffy, and it will take 1 fluffy parent to produce fluffy pups. Fluffiness comes in many degrees of fluff. Fluffy Frenchies can range from a fluffy Frenchie to a fluffy with an almost twice as thick coat like the fluffy toy in one of our pictures. This means that breeders are developing and working with the coat gene. Still, fluffy Frenchies are cute and fantastic pets; they have a fluffy, cuddly look to them and are super playful. Chocolate What is so special about chocolate French bulldogs. Most chocolate Frenchies also have chocolate brown noses, lips and often even eyes! They truly can be chocolate brown — chocolate is not just an optional color. The chocolate color comes from the chocolate gene, which is recessive so chocolate French Bulldogs must have two chocolate genes to be chocolate; for this reason chocolate Frenchies are very rare and sought after. Not all chocolate French Bulldogs are chocolate brown, some chocolate French Bulldogs have very chocolatey, dark coloring making them look almost black — these dogs still carry the chocolate gene of course. Something extra special about chocolate frenchies is that their eyes come in green, brown, golden, and even bright yellow color. Elite breeder of Quality French Bulldogs. Merle French Bulldog For most people, the merle french bulldog is the most interesting in color — two are never the same due to the pattern. Their fur has unique patterns with colors that include dark brown, tan, chocolate, blue, cream, or black depending on genetics. The color that dominates is usually cream or fawn all mixed with other darker colors. The merle gene by itself should not cause any health issues. A merle French Bulldog is a dog that has the merle gene. This merle gene causes the dog to have mottled patches of color in its coat and can affect skin pigment as well. The merle pattern itself, does not cause any health issues. Some merles will sometimes have bright blue eyes as well. They may have one merle parent and one parent with a solid color or they can inherit merle from both parents. Merles that are predominantly white pied merle should only be bred to dogs with a solid coat color. The merle gene when bred with another merle can lead to health problems in their pups. Breeding merles to merles or merles to dogs with solid coats can produce merle merle pups that have two copies of the merle gene. These pups will be mostly suffer from severe health problems such as deafness, blindness, or even death. Merle French bulldogs should only be bred Ito other solid color frenchies that do not have the merle gene. Lilac french bulldogs are often high price because of they have a recessive gene which gives them their lighter color. Lilac french bulldogs often have light-colored eyes such as yellow, light brown and blue and as they mature their coats become lighter and lighter. Newborn lilac puppies look very similar to blue french bulldog puppies. Sable In the sable French bulldog, a reddish sort of pigment with basic fawn coloring is seen. In sable French bulldogs, the sable color is almost always accompanied with a mask and dark ears. However, this occurrence is very rare and unacceptable, because sables should always have a mask and dark ears. Another common trait of sable colored frenchies is they have black and black-tipped hairs. Call Us Thank you for visiting Melzano Frenchies — elite french bulldog breeders. We offer french bulldogs for sale throughout the year. Please check our site for updates and available french bulldog puppies for sale. Our puppies are raised in a home environment, and we have french bulldog puppies available year-round. We provide full after sale support for all of our french bulldog puppies and our puppy pack, french bulldog eBook, and 30 day health insurance policy. Merles are primarily known for their unique markings, a genetic expression of the M-locus or Merle gene which causes random skin pigmentation and lightens their eye color. They come in a variety of colors and range in spectrums of white, grey and black, white and beige, dark brown, beige and white and mixes of greys and Beiges together. The lilac genetics are expressed in the flash of red in there light blue colored eyes and a combination of chocolate and blue base color in their coats. Black, tan and fawn make up the black Merle and they often have brown eyes or blue eyes. On occasion, a combination of both will express itself where you will see one brown eye and one blue eye or a streak of one color inside the other. Genetically they come from the black Merle whose color base has been diluted to create a blue hue. Health of Merle Bulldogs French Bulldogs like all other breeds have certain health risks. For a golden retriever it is hip displasia. For a french bulldog it is a vulnerable back that encourages good practices for their owners to have stairs in place always at sites where dogs should not be jumping from such as a high bed or couch. It has been rumored that Merle french bulldogs are less healthy than standard french bulldogs. This would only be true if poor breeding practices are exercised. That would be breeding one Merle dog to another. Common problems include blindness and deafness as well as chronic allergies, immune disorders, heart murmurs and hip dysplasia. A responsible breeder will tell you about this. Additionally to encourage better health throughout a dogs life Feeding your dog a raw diet and giving them NuVet supplements are required by our standards. In general a raw diet has been proven to lengthen life span. Also not spaying and neutering before the age of six and preserving hormones will encourage longer life. Merle is not a color, its a pattern. There are some patterns recreated by breeders that have become popular and also despised upon by other breeders. Merle French bulldogs are such dogs whose pattern has become very popular due to its rarity and the diversity of patterns. The gene alters the color of the dogs and creates patterns over patterns and this creates mottled patches in the colors of the litter. Also, the gene modifies the color of the eyes nose and the paw pads. Blue eyes are common in these dogs and also an odd colored set of eyes can also be present. No Merle dog will be the same as the patterns will always differ along with the color. There are three types of genes that the dog can carry. Breeders take advantage of the availability of French Bulldogs in up to 20 twenty different colors. They then create a rare, low maintenance dog. Merle is one of the most expensive colors of French bulldogs out there and one of the rarest. Merle French bulldogs are not pure breeds. The color is a mix of other patterns mixed together by careful selection and breeding. If the breeder messes up on the color combination, the puppies can come out unhealthy and weak with birth defects. No French bulldog has the merle gene and therefore, Merle French bulldogs are not purebred. Many dog breeds have this gene, however, Chihuahuas are used to introduce this gene in the French bulldog family. Some breeders can also crossbreed the puppies to create a purebred Merle French bulldog. The pattern depends on the gene dilution as there are variations in the pattern of these dogs. Blue, black, lavender are some of the colors which are diluted with the merle gene. These dogs are very rare and are sought out for all over the world. Color variations Blue merle French Bulldog Blue merle French Bulldogs are one of our most sought-after puppies of all the colors. They got their name after the blue patches on their light-colored coat, which are essentially grey with a bluish shine in the light. The shade of the grey parts may vary from very light to almost black, while their base color also ranges from a yellowish cream color to light grey. Lilac merle French Bulldog Lilac merle French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue merle Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac merle Frenchies have very light, almost ashy or silver colored patches on their light coat. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to carry the blue, chocolate and merle gene. Lilac merle French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes which are glowing red. Chocolate merle French Bulldog Chocolate merle French Bulldogs have dark brown mottled patches all over their light-colored bodies. Choco merle pups also have unique genetics so they are quite rare and hard to come by. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but their grey shade is more of a champagne color. Breeders have managed to mix in the merle gene as well producing the Isabella merle French Bulldog, but these dogs are extremely rare. Black merle French Bulldog Black merle French Bulldogs have black mottled patches often covering most of their bodies. Their base coat is also slightly darker than in other merle Frenchies, ranging from light grey to light brown. Fawn merle French Bulldog There are a number of different variations of fawn merle French Bulldogs, like blue fawn merle, lilac fawn merle or chocolate fawn merle. The dark patches these Frenchies have are less distinct looking than in other merles, as they are only a bit darker than their light fawn base color. One of these rare traits is their sparkling blue eyes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Because of how dominant the merle gene is, merle Frenchies should only be bred to a dog with a solid coat color. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owners. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a Merle Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. As you might expect, colors that are considered common for the breed have the lowest prices, while colors which are more unique and harder to produce are more expensive as well. When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, they are already in a higher price range, but depending on the color variation their prices may further vary a lot. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye. Reviews 0 Merle french bulldog for sale Are you looking for puppies and dogs for sale online but are unsure of where to look? We have the largest range of French bulldogs from the most ethical French bulldog breeders in the USA online. Every puppy purchased via us is covered by our industry-leading year health assurance since we have the most extensive network of well Socialized frenchies for sale. History of Merle French Bulldog puppies The Merle coat pattern is a pattern characterized by irregularly shaped patches of color in a base coat. This pattern is not considered a standard coat color for French Bulldogs, but it can occur as a result of breeding with other breeds that carry the Merle gene. However, some breeders may produce Merle French Bulldogs by breeding French Bulldogs with other breeds that carry the Merle gene. The Merle gene is a dominant gene, which means that if a French Bulldog is bred with a dog that carries the Merle gene, some of the puppies in the litter will have the Merle coat pattern. However, breeding two Merle French Bulldogs together can lead to health issues, as it can lead to the expression of the double-Merle gene, which can cause vision and hearing issues, and also skin problems. A well-socialized and trained dog, regardless of its coat color or pattern, can make a great companion. They are a small domestic dog breed that is known for being great companion animals. They have been popular for over a century and are one of the most beloved breeds in the world. French Bulldogs are known for being very sociable and affectionate towards their owners. They are very loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are also known for being playful and energetic, they love to play with their owners and other pets. They are also known for being very adaptable, they can live in apartments or houses, and they can adapt to different living environments. French Bulldogs are also known for being very trainable and intelligent. They are quick learners and can be easily trained to do various tricks and commands. They are also known for being very protective of their families, they make great watchdogs and will alert their owners if they sense any danger. This adorable French Bulldog pup will be the very best friend you have been looking for. He is super social sure to be the center of attention everywhere you go. This baby is being raised with children that enjoy running around playing with him daily. He is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and health guaranteed. Both parents are French Bulldogs. If you are interested in this amazing little guy then pick up the phone and call his breeder about him today!!

We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Her coat is hypo-allergenic and non-shedding with a wonderful soft texture to it. This wonderful little girl is a shining light to all around her. Mabel has a full wavy fleece coat that is Red Caramel w White. Her nature and temperament are a wonderful blend of independence and loyalty. This beautiful girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Red w White Tuxedo. Norma is a wonderful continuation of the Barksdale line of Authentic Australian Labradoodles. This gorgeous girl has a wonderful solid red fleece coat. Her nature and temperament are a wonderful blend of affection and spirit. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Red Caramel w White Tuxedo. This wonderful Barksdale is waiting to be placed with a Guardian Family and currently lives at Barksdale. Mione is a wonderful continuation of the Barksdale line of Authentic Australian Labradoodles. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful Tuxedo Red fleece coat. Her nature and temperament are a wonderful blend of softness and spirit. This beautiful little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel w White. This small medium girl was born 07 January .This tremendous girl not only has a fabulously soft coat but a sweetness that matches. This little darling Caramel should have been named Cream Puff. Yes, her name should have been Cream Puff to match that wonderful personality and appearance. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel w White. This small medium girl was born 27 October .This tremendous girl not only has a fabulously soft coat but a soulfulness that matches. Tia is a wonderful continuation of the Barksdale line of Authentic Australian Labradoodles. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful solid red fleece coat. This wonderful little girl is just the sweetest ever. Sage has a full wavy fleece coat that is Caramel w White. Like her Grandmother Fawn she is the Queen of her Domain. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel Cream w White. Everyday Nessa is joyfully spreading her charm. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is caramel with red highlights. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel. This beautiful little girl was born 20 September, .Bonnie is a miniature with a gorgeous Red with White Markings with a wonderful softness to her coat. Her coat is hypo-allergenic, non-shedding, with a wonderful soft silky texture to it. Briana is a love of life and people girl. Briana should be is a comfortable medium and 19 inches tall. Briana has a fleece apricot coat! This Miniature Barksdale ALd makes people stop and want to pick her up as she sits there looking straight into their eyes. Pebbles weighs 18 lbs and is .Her coat is hypo-allergenic and non-shedding with a wonderful soft silky texture to it. This Miniature ALd brings wonder and love to those around her. Orchid weighs 16 lbs and is .EIC Clear. This Miniature ALd brings excitement to those around her. Rain should weigh about 18 pounds and be 15 inches tall. Rain has a wavy fleece dark red coat, Bbee carries the black and brown genes, carries the cream-white-red-apricot gene. This wonderful girl has a zest for life and is soo affectionate. This wonderful girl has all of the is fabulous in all respects. Halo has a wavy with light curls fleece coat that is a Caramel with a full White Chest. His birthday is 18 October .His birthday is 04 April .His birthday is 23 December .This little guy was born 11 April .This wonderful little Red Charmer is just the best. He has a full wavy fleece coat that is Red w White. Barksdale thanks Cotton Creek Labradoodles for letting us has have this little guy. Registration : ALAA

We are tentatively planning a trip to North Carolina in late October! Delivery will be much cheaper than normal! All litters WILL be ready to go home then! As a breeder, our top priority is to ensure the safety of our furry-family members! Please don't just show up, as we might not be home. Contact us first and we can set up an appointment so you can meet our beautiful English Labrador Retrievers! When you contact us, let us know if you served or are serving! Thank you all for your service, and God Bless You! We specialize in breeding English Labradors. Our pups are raised in our home, and are well socialized by the time they find their "furever" homes. We continue working with them, starting with basic obedience and continue to more advanced training as each of our English Lab puppies get older. Breeding Labs is our passion and we focus on producing a dog perfect for the family and the hunter! Our main goal is to produce healthy, AKC breed standard pups who have temperaments to match their good looks! With their gentle personalities, calm attitudes, and stunning looks, they excel at almost anything! From your home, to the field, to the show ring, they are winners! What sets us apart from another breeder? They are introduced to new sounds, and sights, and are always being handled! Each puppy goes home with an amazing foundation and ready to take on the world! This allows us to choose the best pair ups, and avoid any genetic issues that could be absolutely detrimental for a pup! We are also ranked in the top 5 breeders in Wyoming! This is out of the hundreds of breeders in our state! From a hunting dog to a service dog, our English Labs are great at almost everything! They have a gentleness that cannot be taught and a love for people that makes them into the perfect family dogs! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Yellow English Labrador dogs range in color from white cream to fox red, are famous in Alabama and many states like Florida, Georgia, North, and South Carolina. We are breeders of yellow English Labradors located in North Alabama. Labradors are on the top of the AKC list of registered dogs and nearly breeds worldwide. It is no wonder that people fall in love with Labradors because it is their beauty and friendly nature that we fell in love and is the passion behind why we breed for the gorgeous yellow color. The English Labrador breed is renowned for its stunning looks; a broad head, barrel chest, and stout body with a thick otter tail that will make anyone fall in love with it. Not only does the English Labrador serve as a handsome specimen but the calm temperament and friendly demeanor are the icing on the cake! It is the reason that our Lab puppies remain in high demand and why are interested clients reserve a spot on our puppy waiting list. The Yellow English Labrador is known best as a guide dog for the blind. Generally, yellow English labs get referred to as Golden Labradors, but come in many shades of yellow, from white to fox red. They are also easy to train to serve as search, rescue, guide, hunting, and other multi-purpose dogs. We breed the highest quality yellow English Labs around with remarkable temperaments and looks to die for. All of our dogs are rigorously health tested to produce only the best quality, yellow, English Labradors. Available by phone:. A furry companion who will be by your side for years to come? Look no further than our adorable Labrador puppies! These dogs are sweet, gentle, and affectionate. Lab puppies are the perfect option for individual companionship or a family pet. These pups will make you feel right at home! They love nothing more than spending time with their owners and making new friends. These dogs are known for their sweet and gentle nature, and they make excellent companions for both adults and children. They are also very playful, which makes them an ideal pet for anyone who wants to have fun with their dog. In the past, Labrador Retrievers have been used for many purposes including guide dogs, therapy dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs. The fact that they have the ability to learn quickly and easily makes them a popular choice for many types of work. English Lab puppies can be very energetic when they are young but as they grow up, they become more laid back and relaxed around the house. They tend to be very loyal to their owners but not overly aggressive towards other people or animals and their gentle nature makes them great family pets for families with small children. English Labrador Retrievers — The Perfect Family Pet If you are looking for a great family dog that loves to play, then you should consider getting an English Lab puppy. Our Yellow Lab puppies for sale are a dependable and pleasant breed that is excellent with children. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners have made them one of the most popular breeds in the USA. All of these factors combined make English Labrador Retrievers the perfect family pet. We do this by intentionally breeding only the healthiest dogs from a well-researched bloodline. Learn more about how we keep our Yellow Lab puppies for sale healthy by visiting our health guarantee page! What our clients say.He has a clean facility for the dogs and takes excellent care of all of them. His family are all involved in with the puppies so they are used to children. Our Lacie white as lace loves everyone and has picked up commands quickly. I would highly recommend visiting Richard is you are looking for a lab puppy. Having their puppies is like icing on the cake. We absolutely LOVE having puppies around to play with and love! We don't even own a kennel. My husband always had Labrador Retrievers growing up, so it was only natural that he would want his children to also have a Lab to love. Enough for all our kids to play with and love. We are VERY blessed to be able to homeschool our children, as being home with our children and pets is extremely important to us. We couldn't imagine a life without Labs! Our Labs sleep in our home and run freely on our property.NO kennels for our sweet fur kids. They are family and family likes to be with family. Boarding includes crate and leash training, continued socialization, as well as early potty training. This works great for families that are not home all day when their puppy is still young. It is a wonderful way to stay connected with siblings and other BoulderCrest Lab lovers. Inquire for more info. These guys have had all their puppy shots and are crate trained. They sleep quietly from about 11 pm - 8 am and are learning basic obedience. They both had the wonderful English Lab temperment. She is playful and fun and would love to be with an active family. She is a girl who knows what she wants.She will love all the attention and love that her new family will offer and will give it right back. We have had so much fun with them and they have even done very well with their initial training sessions! Labrador retriever puppies in TN need extra water during these hot summer days, and boy oh boy do they love it! Thank you all. Our waitlist has begun making their selections from this litter and I believe we will have a few Labrador retriever puppies available. Scroll through the yellow cuteness below, and contact me if you believe one of these pups is your new Best Friend. Mr Gray Available This sweet boy is silky soft, sweet and cuddly as can be, and his paws are simply huge. Want info? See the form below! Cuddly, playful, ready for any game or belly rub, this pure bred yellow lab is available! I expect he will be smaller than his brothers, estimated by us to reach 70 ish pounds full grown. Contact me for info! Mr Green — Available This guy is going to be quite the stud. Darker yellow than his siblings, large and athletic, I believe this pup will be the quintessential Labrador retriever. Calm, social, up for a romp — this puppy is just waiting for his best friend. We expect him and Mr Gray to be the largest of the litter, topping out at an estimated pounds. These pups will be ready to head to their forever homes in just a week and a half or so, so be sure to contact me soon if you are interested! Looking for a beautiful Labrador Retriever Puppy, but hoping for a black? We have those available, too. Click here for more info. These Gorgeous Yellow English Labrador Puppies come from stellar overseas pedigrees and have amazing parents. They are both eager-to-please, affectionate, and take well to training. We believe their pups will follow in stride. We offer a one year genetic health guarantee and all pups come up to date on vaccinations and deworming. Our pups are with us, in our lives, well loved and cared for. Click here to read more. Until next time.