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These hard working dogs quickly made a name for themselves, and eventually became one of the most popular retrieving dogs in the world. They are then sent out to collect it and bring it back to hand, often navigating harsh terrain or rivers in the process. English vs American Lines Over the years they have been developed into two very distinct lines, one bred for work and the other destined for the show ring. The English Labrador is a dog built for show while the American or Field Lab was selected for their retrieving skills. In general you can tell them apart fairly easily, as the show bred dogs have broader heads, more barrel chests and the more typical standard otter tail. Working bred dogs tend to be slimmer, narrower in the muzzle and often have less of a show standard build and tail. Variations in Appearance The black Lab size depends on if he is a male or a female. For example, a female black Lab will usually be around 21—.A male black Labrador can grow to be .The black Labrador can weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds if female and upwards of 65—80 pounds if male. The Labrador Retriever is a handsome dog with a sleek, water-resistant coat. By breed standard, black Labs should be entirely black, especially if they are for show. Coat Color Genetics The black coat color is so prevalent in Labradors because it is a dominant trait. That means that a puppy only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to have an all black coat. Grooming and Shedding All Labs shed equally regardless of coat color, but and they all shed a lot. You will also want to give your black Labrador a bath every now and then. This is especially so if he has gotten himself messy, since he loves to swim and get dirty. Are Black Labs Friendlier? Labradors have a great reputation for being easy going and loving dogs. Dogs with common coat colors are also possibly less likely to suffer from problems related to line breeding. Where breeders mate related dogs back to each other to retain a certain characteristic. There is no evidence black Labradors are any different to their yellow or chocolate cousins, but all Labs have a pretty great personality. They are confident, friendly and loyal. They are unlikely to be great guard dogs, but they might bark to alert you to a stranger arriving at the door. Training and Exercise Since black Labradors are so intelligent and active, we recommend giving them doggy jobs and training that you can incorporate throughout their lifetime. You can also utilize puzzle toys to keep their active minds busy. They will need a good amount of exercise every single day. Long walks, hikes, jogs, or swimming can be great exercise routines for you and your black Lab to share. Are Black Dogs Healthier? There are no links between the black coat color in Labradors and health problems. However, they are prone to the same diseases as the rest of the members of the breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia, sight problems and cruciate ligament disease are all fairly frequently found in the breed, but the former three are made less likely by health testing potential puppy parents. A healthy black Lab will live around 10 to 12 years. Make sure you know whether you want American or English lines, so whether your puppy is destined to be a pet, working dog, agility champion or show ring star. Ask to see evidence of hip and elbow scores, a clear eye test and a certificate to say the parents are PRA clear too. If you are looking for a black English Labrador puppy that is show quality, keep in mind the price will likely be a bit higher. From puppyhood to old age care The black Lab is up to 24 inches tall and weighs up to 80lbs. Depending on on their ancestors, your black Labrador puppy may be a little smaller than this when they are fully grown. And the hunting or American Lab may have a lighter frame and a strong drive for retrieving. The lifespan of a black Labrador is 12 years, and some purebred black lab puppies can live even longer given the right diet, exercise and a healthy dose of luck. He was my constant companion almost into adulthood. He came on countless runs through the woods, spent hours playing ball in the backyard, but also sat with his head gently rested in my lap whenever I was sad. It has always amazed me that despite the black Labrador being the most common color, it is in some ways the least appreciated. With an amazing history of working alongside human companions, and a fabulous temperament, this pup really is one to watch. This black retriever has been favored by the hunting community for generations. But they were bred from a fishing companion that has been extinct now for nearly fifty years. This breed was also most likely the route of the rather different, and bigger, Newfoundland. Albeit often with white markings. Do you ever feel like you see more black Labs around than any other color? The first chocolate Labradors that we know of were born in the s, but colors other than black were not at all popular until the mid 90s. Horribly, for many generations most puppies born with chocolate or yellow coats were routinely euthanized at birth! If a puppy has inherited the gene for black coat color from either of her parents, this is the color that her coat will be. These both come from a pigment called eumelanin. More eumelanin leads to a black Lab, less leads to a chocolate. Genes come in pairs. Here we are dealing with B genes at the B locus. B is dominant over b. So a pairing of BB or Bb will give a black coat. Only bb will give a brown coat. A puppy gets one gene from each parent. With me so far? This is because these genes are also effected by another set of genes, at the E locus. E is dominant, and does not get in the way of the B genes. But e is recessive, and this does. It has the potential to stop the B genes giving a black or brown dog, and gives us yellow Labrador pups. And these all interact with each other differently to give different coat colors. This diagram explains them nicely: You can see from these combinations alone that the most common result is a black Lab puppy. But also how chocolate and yellow Labs were hidden for a time through careful matings and selective culling. But there is another twist to the black coat color tale. Occasionally a Lab is born with the dilute gene. This genetic twist essentially tones down the shade of the dark coat color. In the same way that the chocolate Lab looks silver when this gene is activated, the black Lab looks charcoal. In genetic terms, this dilute gene lives at the D locus. Popularity of Black Labs Black Labs have always been the most prevalent color, but their popularity has changed over the years. In the sporting dog community owners of hunting dogs still often prefer the black coat, but pet and show owners often show a preference these days for the paler colors. Chocolate and yellow Labs can even fetch higher prices from some breeders, not to mention the less common fox red and silver tones. Black Dogs Are Harder To Rehome There is a sad phenomenon in pet shelters, which impacts the rehoming rate of black dogs. Prospective owners often pass them by, regardless of temperament, in favor of the brighter colored pups on offer. But these adopters are missing a trick, because black dogs have so much to offer beyond their coat. And what they do offer differs slightly between the Labrador types. English Black Labs — bred for show There are two strains of Labrador. One was bred for the show ring, and the other was bred for the field. Although they are both Labs in the true sense, these separate strains can be quite different and are easy to pick apart if you know what you are looking for. English black Labradors are often preferred by pet homes as well as owners interested in the ring. The English black Lab has a reputation for being a little slower to mature, and a lot more playful. American Black Labs — bred to work American black Labs are slimmer, less excitable but more driven. They stand around the same height, but their heads are less broad and their tails often have less of the otter quality that their show companions sport. Although still friendly, they are perhaps less inclined to play than their show bred cousins. And in contrast to this have a stronger drive to retrieve and hunt. The English black Lab was bred for looks over purpose. Their broad head and barrel chest is matched with a straight, thick furred tail and a heavier weight on the scales. Black Labradors bred for show or as pets tend to be slower to mature, with a more playful personality, and are arguably less likely to run off after wildlife! Which Type Suits You? American black Labs may need more exercise and mental stimulation than English black Labs. They will benefit from gun dog style training involving retrieving exercises. Black Lab Characteristics Although there is no denying that the different Labrador strains have separated to a fair dramatic degree, these are still all fundamentally black Labs. And they do have some features in common that makes them who they are. The Lab has a double coat, excellent for keeping them warm in and out of the water. Their thick straight tail is described as having an otter-like appearance. And they are almost all one single color with no other markings. Mismarked Labs rear their heads from time to time, but this is generally just a case of white toes or a splash of white on their chests. Grooming and Coat Care Your black Lab needs no special grooming due to his coat color. In fact, the grooming requirements of your Labrador Retriever are some of the simplest among dog breeds. Their coats are designed to take care of themselves. Though your furniture and floors may benefit if your dog has a twice daily brush when shedding heavily. Other than that Labs have a wonderful coat that requires only occasional washing. The eventual size of your black Lab puppy will depend a little upon their upbringing, and a lot upon whether they are from American or English lines. An adult black Lab will weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 lbs, and be from 21 to .The English black Lab will tend to be closer to the heavier end of the spectrum, and the American nearer to the lower. Black Lab Temperament Labradors are well known for being friendly. Perhaps sometimes a little too friendly! This bouncy breed is more likely to leap up and lick a burglar than to stop him in the act. The downside of this is that they can be easily distracted at the dog park by wanting to greet everyone they come across. Their jolly, lively nature can also lead them into trouble with people who are unsteady on their feet. Although lovably clumsy, this dog also has a brilliant brain. Intelligence Black Labradors have been bred for generations as hunting companions. Deliberately bred from dogs that were attentive to their handlers and relatively easy to teach commands to, they are absolutely an intelligent breed. Because to get that black coat expressed is just a matter of mating two dogs, whereas to get the recessive genes you need to at least partially make your breeding choices based upon the colors of the parents as well as factors to do with temperament and trainability. But the most important factor when bringing together two Lab lines should always be one of health. Training and Exercising Your Black Lab Black Labs are intelligent dogs and training is an absolute essential for them and their owners. RUnning, swimming, cycling, hiking and even dock diving are popular pass times. Although American Labs tend to be more driven to fetch, English Labradors are often still keen too. Both types need a good workout every day to keep them fit and healthy. And to help them relax at home. You can exercise your dog with a traditional walk, by going for a run together or through play. Retrieving games are a great way to give your Lab a lot of exercise without you having to travel quite such a long distance yourself. You can find some great ideas for games you and your Labrador can play together in this article. Black Lab Health The best way to avoid health problems is by purchasing a puppy from health tested parents. The main areas to be aware of are joint problems and eye problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common Lab complaints. This condition ranges in severity and an adult dog can have x rays to assess their joint health, and be given a score to let you know how well their joints have developed. To avoid your puppy suffering from this either both parents need to be Clear or one Clear one Carrier. If one is a carrier, your puppy might carry the gene too. A general eye exam once a year will make sure that there are no other vision problems manifesting over time. Most breeders advertise online now, so you will need to be careful to have a good chat with them before committing to buying a puppy. Do not put down a deposit before meeting the mother and the litter at their home. The mum should be relaxed and happy to meet you, and for you to handle her pups. If you are looking for a pet you will need to decide whether you think a show or working temperament is better suited to your lifestyle and family needs. Make sure the breeder willingly shows you copies of health certificates from both parents. As a minimum they should be PRA clear, have a recent clear eye check from a vet, have good hip scores and an elbow score of 0. If one parent has been shown as a carrier for dwarfism or PRA, be sure to check that the other has been tested clear. Good breeders ask lots of questions because they care about what happens to their pups, and will be open and willing to answer all of your questions too. You might find it helpful to check out our article on Labrador breeders before you start searching for a pup. You might also want to read this article: Choosing the Right Dog. The information in these articles will help you avoid some of the common mistakes people make when looking for their new best friend. Rescuing a Black Lab Rescuing a dog is a great thing to do if your circumstances are right. And rescuing a black Lab is even better, as this color can be hard to home. Reputable rescues will work hard to match you to the right dog, and help you to make a choice that fits in well with your family. Rescuing such a dog can be very rewarding. We hope you will find our article Should you adopt a Labrador helpful. You can view a list of rehoming societies on our rescue page. They will also offer plenty of support and help once you bring your dog home. Especially when it comes to behavioral and training problems. White or grey hairs may start forming around their muzzle, giving them a bearded or grizzled look. This pale hair is nothing to worry about and happens to most black Labs sooner or later. As your black Lab reaches old age, you might find that he slows down a bit. His typical energetic black Lab personality may mellow. He will be less boisterous, and more inclined to spend the day in bed than bouncing up and down by your side. The average lifespan of a black Lab is around 12, but if you are lucky your pup might be with you for 14 or more years. A more comfortable bed, ideally with memory foam, can help support those ageing joints. Ramps for accessing the car can really help them out too. Depending upon advice from your vet you might also want to switch them to a senior dog food , which is easier to digest and has additives that some believe can help slow the pace of arthritis. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to 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. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Cairnoodle Highlights The Cairnoodle loves to play, but at the end of a long day they make a great lap dog, too. The Cairnoodle is a fairly easy breed to train. Consistency is key when training this breed. Daily training sessions that last minutes any longer can cause disinterest and backfire as far as creating progress are key to helping this breed retain good manners and stay on track. Basic obedience classes may help if you are a first-time dog parent. The Cairnoodle is usually a good fit for beginner dog parents. Without proper stimulation, the Eskipoo will grow bored and frustrated, regardless of how much love there is for them. Additionally, this breed can develop separation anxiety. Dog parents who are frequently home or able to bring pups to work are a good match for this breed, although not a requirement. This breed still craves mental stimulation they can find through training, scentwork activities, and other forms of enrichment. These breeds can be prone to behaviors humans find frustrating, like excessive barking and chewing. When understimulated, they will make it endlessly clear they are bored. Cairnoodle History The Cairn Terrier is descended from ancient breed of Scotch Terrier that was only developed as a separate breed in the 19th century. At the time, they were primarily distinguished from their Scotch Terrier brothers by their coat color. In the s, the Cairn Terrier was established as a wire-haired small Terrier of the Skye group in various colors, with the exception of white, which was designated for the West Highland Terrier. The Cairn is often confused for the Scottish Terrier, but the Scottie holds a more diverse genetic makeup, having a large gene pool history. The Cairn Terrier was limited to the Isle of Skye. The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed specifically for hunting waterfowl. Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into their own breed in France. Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. Although the Standard was used for duck hunting, the smaller varieties had use as well — while many kept them as lapdogs, they were also talented truffle hunters. The Poodle Club of America was founded in , but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in .Cairnoodle Size The Cairnoodle is a small-sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors from their combination of parent breeds. They will usually have a thick but curly-haired coat, along with floppy, curly-haired ears. Some individuals may favor their Cairn Terrier parent and have less curls, more of a wiry texture. They will often be — tan, brown, or black, but they may appear in other colors. Without exposure, this devoted breed has the potential to become reactive to perceived threats. Training any dog consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life and yours as an adult. Cairnoodle Health If the Cairnoodle originates from a responsible breeder, they are often healthy. However, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed. Hip Dysplasia. Poocan Description The Cairnoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She was named Bryn after her brindle coloring, which has changed from a darker grey when I first got her, to a very light grey, and now she is getting some cream to her coat. Her coat is very soft, I expected her to be more wire haired. She is four months old and weighs 7 lbs. I am expecting her to get to be about 12 lbs. She has a personality and a mind of her own! She isn't afraid of anything. She is curious about everything, always trying to get into things and find out what she is missing out on. Her favorite thing to do is to learn new tricks; she is incredibly smart. She is only four months old and already knows how to sit, lie down, dance, shake, give kisses, and to walk on two legs. She's learning how to crawl, play dead and sit pretty currently. I take her on walks every day , just to get some of that energy out! She excels in her puppy training class, which has certainly calmed her down. She is always ready to play, even if she's exhausted! She loves playing with other dogs, no matter what size they are and loves children, esp. I'm pretty sure the milk on their chins lures her in. She pretty much loves anything that moves. Her favorite toy is actually a cat toy, which had batteries that she can chase around. Overall she is a very lovable, well behaved, but very mischievous puppy. I am SO happy that I found her. My life has completely changed because of this little one! She is extremely independent, but does love to be around people all the time. She has the stubborn terrier personality and she loves attention. She is very intelligent and has been a wonderful addition to our family. The first picture was taken when she was about 3 months and the second was taken at 6 months. She is very smart and has lots of energy. We are in training right now to be a therapy dog. Lifespan Sociability Cairnoodles are energetic dogs. However, most of them inherit the laidback nature of the Poodle, requiring little exercise. On a scale of , the Cairnoodle gets a respectable score for energy. This dog inherits their intelligence from both of their parent breeds, making them easy to train. However, house training these dogs can be challenging for many owners. The lifespan of the Cairnoodle is slightly above the average lifespan of most dogs. This is mostly because Cairnoodles are quite healthy. Being designer dogs, they suffer fewer health complications than purebreds. They also come from a relatively healthy lineage, as their parent breeds are not prone to many diseases. For these reasons, the Cairnoodle scores well for lifespan and health. Cairnoodles are affectionate. However, they like being the center of attention and exhibit an interesting mix of sensitivity and stubbornness, inherited from the Poodle and Terrier, respectively. These traits give them an excellent score for sociability. They have an alias. The Cairnoodle is also known as the Poocan. They have ancient history. The Poodle, the other parent of the Cairnoodle, has ancestors that date back thousands of years. Poodles are sweet, sensitive, and demand attention. Poodle owners need to stimulate their dogs mentally and physically because these dogs are known for being extremely intelligent and agile. They get along well with children and other pets. On the other hand, the Cairn Terrier is feisty and a bit stubborn. They have an instinct to burrow into the ground, and if they are not trained well as a puppy, they will exhibit these traits in adulthood. The Terrier does not get along well with other dogs. With mixed breeds, it is difficult or near impossible to predict temperament even with dogs of the same litter. That said, most Cairnoodle dogs exhibit a healthy mix of the two parents. If your Cairnoodle leans more toward their Terrier side, training them will require you to be firm. If they lean more toward their sensitive Poodle parent, training should be positive , or else they will withdraw from you and exhibit negative behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are prone to separation anxiety , and when bored, they will get destructive. Chewing on upholstery and pooping in shoes are common examples, but their intelligence can inspire even more devious deeds. However, their gentle temperament allows them to get along well with kids and family members. Their small size makes it unlikely that they will knock over children or elderly relatives. However, your Cairnoodle will get along well with your other pet because it has no natural prey instinct. A post shared by ECHO life. Diet, exercise, grooming, and training will influence the lifespan of your pet. One and a half cups of food, split into two or three servings a day, will be enough even for the most active of dogs. But you must keep an eye on their weight. Obesity can bring a host of health issues for your dog that include diabetes, decreased liver function, and damaged joints. If you are unsure of what to feed your dog, visit the vet. They will instruct you on the right diet and when to feed your pet. As a mixed breed , their behavior is difficult to predict. If your Cairnoodle takes after the Poodle, they might be mellow and laidback, requiring only moderate exercise and mental stimulation. If they take after the Cairn Terrier, they will enjoy being outdoors and will require at least an hour of exercise every day. Chew toys will also keep your dog entertained indoors. Most Cairnoodles do not inherit the stubbornness of the Cairn Terrier, but the trainer still needs to be firm and consistent to effectively train the dog. As with all other dogs, the sooner training is done, the easier it will be and the better the results will be. However, their fur needs to be brushed daily to avoid matting and tangling. Do not bathe your dog unless you deem it necessary, and even then, use a gentle dog shampoo. Also, make a point of taking them to the groomer once every six weeks. Minor Conditions. It originated in the s and has been growing in popularity due to its ability to adapt to a wide range of living situations. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, the Poodle parent breed can get quite expensive, and you may need to pay more depending on availability. You will also most likely need to get your dog spayed or neutered and will need to pay for regular vet visits to keep your dog healthy. You will also need to purchase food, treats, toys, and plenty of accessories to keep your pet healthy and happy, which can cost quite a bit over time. It has plenty of energy and likes to play and go for walks. It tends to dig, so you will need to designate an area of your yard, or you will find holes everywhere. The Cairnoodle is intelligent and will pick up on your habits and routines quickly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It can help keep family members entertained for several hours with its clowning and desire to keep your attention. Yes, the Cairnoodle gets along well with other dog breeds and will even befriend cats if they allow it. However, it will likely chase after any rodent pets you have, so it may not be the best choice if you own mice, ferrets, or even rabbits.

Want to share this? Labrador Retrievers are everywhere, and everybody enjoys their company. Ask most dog owners what breed their first dog was and many of them will say their first dog was a black Lab, chocolate Lab, or golden Lab. In celebration of this amazing breed, we've put together a list of 20 fun and interesting statistics about this breed. Newfoundland — the home of original Labrador Retrievers. They were originally called St. They have been bred with many other breeds in order to give other breeds some of Labrador Retrievers' fantastic easygoing temperament and athletic skills. In the s in Newfoundland families had to pay a tax if they owned a dog. And they were only allowed to own one dog. Female dogs were taxed higher, so many breeders got rid of female puppies because the tax on them cost more. Thankfully the Lab was such a popular hunting dog in the United Kingdom that the breed managed to thrive there. They were bred to be water-loving dogs and even have webbed feet to make it easier for them to swim. But their biggest advantage in the water is their coat. Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that insulates them from the water and keeps them from getting cold even in cold water and colder weather. All the water just skims off that double coat making them dry fast too. Labs have been the most popular dog in America for nearly a quarter of a century. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dogs in America because they are so adaptable as well as many of these Labrador Retriever facts mentioned below. Labs can thrive as farm dogs, working dogs, security dogs, or as family pets. The NPR covered this story , and how the Governor had the dog thrown in jail for murder. The dog was given life without parole for the death of the cat and was sentenced to Eastern State Penitentiary where he lived for 10 years. There are also Silver Labs , which are really gray. And there are Red Labs which are a reddish-brown color. Originally, Labs Were Bred for Fishing One of the more interesting Labrador Retriever facts is that these dogs were bred to assist fishermen when they were catching fish. Labradors are natural athletes and working dogs that became popular family pets. They may not be the fastest dog breed on the planet, but they're relatively fast anyway and can reach a speed of 12 miles per hour in just three seconds. Puppies in the same litter can be Black, Chocolate or Yellow. After the visit by the friendly stray they named the song after this black Labrador Retriever. That simply means they have the right body type to be show dogs. A Black Lab Became a Mayor While one Lab was jailed, on the opposing side of Labrador Retriever's world spectrum, in the state of California, in a small town of Sunol, a black Lab ran for mayor, and won! But the dog was much more popular with the voting public than any of the other candidates. There are several reasons why Labs make the best guard dogs. They have a great easy going personality. They are eager to please. And they like to work. They are also loyal, not aggressive, and can learn quickly. That makes Labs the ideal breed to be trained to help people. One of the most recent discoveries science has made is that Labradors can use their exceptional sniffing skills to detect illness in the human body. Labs can sniff out cancer and other diseases. They can also tell when an epileptic is about to have a seizure. And they can snap into action to calm down a person with PTSD that is having a flashback or panic attack. Labradors are Still Used as Working Dogs Labradors may be the most popular family dog in America but they are also still very popular working dogs. They work on farms herding cattle. Labs also work as service dogs. They are still used for hunting. There are many jobs that Labs can do better than other breeds and they really like to work. They are Outstanding Search-and-Rescue Dogs Labrador Retriever facts list are full of outstanding abilities of this breed, and that still continues. Labs are the absolute best breed of dog to be used for search and rescue operations. They have an amazing sense of smell, and they can work on any type of terrain or in any environment. Their natural abilities combined with their desire to please and their love of people make them the perfect choice for search and rescue dogs. But what makes them the ideal family dog is their temperament. Labs are very social dogs. They love to be around people and be in the thick of things socially. They are good with other dogs and love children. All these traits make them the perfect family dog. The military mourned for the lost dog. But over a year later the dog found an American soldier and went right to him. After figuring out that the dog knew military commands the American military realized the dog was the missing Australian dog and returned the dog to the Australian military. Labs Put Everything in Their Mouths If you have a Lab or have ever had a Lab you probably know already that they will put everything and anything into their mouths. Over the years Labs have been bred to have an usually large mouth precisely because they use it so often in their assigned tasks as hunting dogs and other working dogs. But they are always gentle and rarely put things in their mouths to bite or tear. The Lab is just doing what it was bred to do. Let us know in the comments below so we can continue being proud of this breed walking among us! Related Articles. You can see why Labradors Retrievers are a popular family pet choice. They are just as comfortable on the couch as they are bounding around with their endless energy. There is a lot to love about the Labrador Retriever. Read on to learn more about this breed with these fast facts. They originated from Newfoundland, working with fisherman off the coast of Canada. In some parts of the world, silver is promoted as a colour, but not in Australia. More than one colour of puppy can potentially occur in the same litter and their colours are determined genetically. Did you know that chocolate and black labradors coats match their nose colour? Popular pets Labradors came to Australia in and they are one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia and in many countries around the world, such as Canada, Israel, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States. Smart animals Labradors are highly trainable and fast learners, so get them into puppy school as soon as you can! They love to please their owners, which is one of the main reasons they are selected as therapy and rescue dogs. They are also the most common breed of guide dog in Australia, United States and many other countries. Love eating Labradors have an endless appetite, so keep those snacks out of reach! They will try to eat just about anything that smells like food. It is very important to exercise a Labrador as they are prone to obesity as a result. Built for swimming Labradors are famous for their love of water. They initially helped fisherman by fetching nets and rope and retrieving fish from the sea. They swim with their large webbed feet and use their flattened, otter like tail for balance and to steer while swimming. They also have a thick double layer coat that blocks out water and keeps them warm. Fast runners Have you ever tried to race your Labrador? You might find they can outrun you. The average Labrador can hit a running speed of around 19km per hour in roughly three seconds! Puppies at heart Labradors mature at around three years of age and are known for their puppy like energy and enthusiasm before this time and sometimes beyond too. Whilst they may be constantly stopping to smell everything when you take them for a walk, it can also be used for positive things. They make great detectives, which is why they often work for the navy, military and police forces. They have a reputation for being even tempered and make an excellent family dog. They love to play and could fetch a ball or frisbee for hours. They are often very easy going and trusting with strangers, so are not usually suitable as guard dogs. What a clever dog! If you love dogs then there is no chance that you do not love Labradors. They are lovable, very friendly, you want to hug them and shower them with kisses and well their eyes win you over in no time. But did you know the fun facts attached to their breed, including their name? Scroll down to know more. They in fact have water resistant double coats that help with the insulation and the short fur prevents them from being dragged down when wet. If you notice, their paws are webbed which help with the swimming speed. When they were brought to England in the s, they eventually were bred as game hunting dogs. If you let them be, you will realise that they are naturally very good in waterflow hunting. Initially, Labs had the task of running around, swimming and working. Golden, black and chocolate brown. The golden one is the most common, then comes black and the brown one is difficult to get. However, it has nothing to do with their individual character. There are many myths going around that golden ones are lazy and black ones are the best hunters, but do not believe them. It is all about how they are trained and taken care of. Their ancestors were in fact St. Otherwise, the St. They may look lazy but these bundles of joy have the inborn ability to sprint and can hit 12 miles an hour in just seconds! The band named the track after a black Lab was spotted wandering around the Headley Grange studio where they were recording the album. Post by: Mara B. These dogs had black coats, sometimes white crests on their chests, and white feet. Portraits of them look like a cross between a modern Lab and a Border Collie. Like Labradors, the Newfoundland breed had webbed toes, a two-layered, water-repellent coat, and a strong, broad tail that works like a rudder in the water, making it a superb swimmer. The Labrador Retriever has grown to be the most popular dog breed in America. The fishermen found that these dogs had great endurance and strength, so some used them to tow barges. For a while, these trusty fishing dogs waned in popularity in Canada due to a tax imposed on dog owners. Fortunately, British travelers coming to port decided to bring the dogs to England. The breed was refined by English hunters to be better suited for retrieving game and named the Labrador Retriever. Since the 20th century, the Labrador Retriever has grown to be the most popular dog breed in America. Physical Traits of a Labrador Retriever Labs have thick, sturdy bodies, broad heads, and long, otter-like tails that help them to steer themselves in the water. Their webbed toes make for better paddling and keep snow from clumping up between them. They grow to be between 21 and 24 inches at the highest part of their back and may weigh pounds. Labs have an inner coat that is thick and soft to protect their skin from wetness and cold temperatures. Their special double coat makes them waterproof! Labrador Retrievers may be black, chocolate, or yellow, and all colors can appear in a single litter. The nose of the dog will match its coat. Labs usually have brown eyes. The exception to this is that some Chocolate Labs have hazel eyes. The Labrador Retriever Personality Labradors are known for their gentleness, tolerance, and intelligence. Their easy-going nature is what makes them the top choice as American family dogs. They are generally very good with kids and other canines. Of course, being completely adorable probably contributes to their popularity too! As natural hunters, Labs are also known to be active and love exploring. Regular exercise is a great way to let out some of their energy and help them maintain a healthy weight. With lots of playtime and proper training, even high-energy Labs can be calm and obedient. A coat cleaning every once in a while will help it look shinier and healthier. Labs tend to pack on extra pounds quickly if they are sedentary or overfed. Obesity is one of the most common health issues for Labradors, and hypothyroidism and diabetes are also not uncommon for the breed. When a dog becomes overweight, exercise can be tough on their joints and cause them pain. Moderating their treats and making sure to measure the proper amounts of food at mealtime are other ways to keep their weight in check. You can also opt for dog-safe fruits and veggies as an alternative to higher-calorie, processed treats. Labs are also known to develop cataracts and have troubles with their hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. Annual and wellness exams for these doggies should include check-ups on their eyes and joints. Important wellness procedures can be covered by a dog insurance plan. Start a quote for your best friend. Great Games for Labs Try doing these activities with your Labrador Retriever for fun and exercise rolled into one! Go Fetch! These natural retrievers love to chase after toys and bring them back — in the yard or the water! Balls, rope toys, ring toys, Frisbees, and dummies will all work well for a game of fetch. Take them to the beach, a lake, a pond, or a backyard pool and let them paddle around. Playing a game of fetch or chase in the shallow waters near shore can also be lots of fun. Just to be safe, you may want to investigate purchasing a dog life jacket. Nose work, or scent work, involves hiding objects marked with various scents for your dog to track. The activity can be especially stimulating for Labrador Retrievers because of their natural drive to hunt, but any breed of dog may enjoy it. How to teach your Lab to do nose work: Get scents. Essential oils like anise, birch, and clover are great choices for nose work. You can douse the object with the oil or inject the scent using a special syringe called a scent injector, which you should be able to find at your local sporting goods store, or online. Choose the mark. Dummies work great for essential oils. Get a few and douse each one with a different smell! You can use plush dog toys, pieces of cloth, or strips of leather for scent marking too. It can also be fun to leave a scent trail to the objects. To do this, drag the scent-marked objects along the ground leading up to their hiding place, or squeeze some drops of essential oil on the way to the chosen hiding spot.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts 7 months is the time when your cute fluffy cub turns into a naughty and disobedient teenager. Here, we have collected some tips and explanations that will help you deal with a lot of challenges the first month of adolescence imposes on a Shepherd and its owner. We hope our advice will be useful. Your puppy starts getting the right appearance of an adult German Shepherd dog. German Shepherds usually have 42 adult teeth at this age, and their coats complete the two necessary layers. The overall growth, however, slows down. The ears are fully standing in most cases at this age. Nevertheless, some dogs may have floppy ears until they are one year old. You may even think about taping. Anyway, you need to talk to your vet to ensure your pup really needs it. The sexual maturity of your doggy started not long ago, probably, in the last month. The animal will be developing its sexual behavior during the following two or three months. Make dogs, led by their hormones, start looking for a mate. This is a very responsible time because you need to keep your pup away from other dogs, especially stray ones. Even if you are walking with your pet along the street or in the park, keep an eye on other animals in the neighborhood. The time is pretty rewarding for training and learning. Activity and Behavior Physically, your German Shepherd of 7 months is not a puppy anymore. However, mentally it is, you can face many behavioral problems you have never seen before in your pet. Something can be even risky and inconvenient. Your doggy can start barking unexpectedly without any reason. It can try some bossy and disobedient things. It will chew everything it can reach and cause numerous accidents around your household. Nevertheless, it is a natural behavior for a pup with high hormone levels that are constantly changing. Therefore, it is a pretty responsible time for serious work with your furry pet. If you continue to pay much attention to its behavior, by its one year of age, you will receive the doggy of your dream. There is one more issue you may encounter with your pet. It will growl or snarl at you, your friends, family, or other animals who may try to approach, touch, or take away its belongings. You must do your best to stop this behavior as soon as possible, or your dog will show aggression toward other people or animals in public places. So, try to keep your pup away from dog parks at this age and continue socializing. You have to be very patient, anyway, because your 7 month old German Shepherd is a very energetic dog, so it always needs to stay busy. Your pup is extremely intelligent at this age, too. It can remember up to words, so teaching commands now is very easy. Your doggy needs at least 35 minutes of intensive exercise every day. One long walk or two short ones per day will do a lot of good to it. However, do not overload your puppy with physical activities. Its skeletal system is developing, so it is easy to damage its bones and joints at this age. You can also add the daily playtime activities and obedience training for at least minutes per day to keep your pup engaged. Try to be patient, rewarding, and understanding. Buy some safe and interesting toys for your pet to distract its attention from stressful factors. They need to be durable, too. Such things as kong toys, nylabones, and rope toys are quite effective. Kong toys are made of rubber and can be filled with food or treats. They also distract doggies from chewing household belongings. Nylabones are not chewable. They are made of plastic, and they are interesting to play with. Rope toys are a good source of stimulation, and they teach doggy interaction. So, your puppy will always be kept busy and entertained. Your dog will also need around hours of sleep at night at this age. However, there is no exact time your pup may want to nap. It can sleep about hours on average per day, which is considered a norm. Though there are some variations, you do not need to worry if your pet sleeps less or more. All three necessary vaccinations should have been received by this age. The next DHPP and rabies vaccines are usually administered when a doggy is one year old. Practice measuring your pup once a month to know for sure that your pet is growing properly. Some veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering the dog at this age. However, most specialists have already agreed that it is too early and you need to wait until the animal is one year old. It can be challenging for females because they can go into heat at this age. Though, try to postpone this medical procedure for as long as possible. Early neutering or spaying may lead to the development of hip dysplasia because the dog continues growing, and hormones play a great role in it. Proper nutrition and exercise are the main things that should be your focus at this time. Such diseases as arthritis, myelopathy, allergies, cataracts, diabetes, and others can display after 5 years of age. Nevertheless, it is good if you take advantage of a DNA test to learn more about possible future problems and health conditions. For example, degenerative myelopathy is a genetic issue that can be detected by this test. However, you need to be careful about such possible symptoms as heavy breathing, coughing, sneezing, itching, skin redness, a running nose and eyes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of weight, hard or excessive urination, drinking too much water, swollen or red gums, irregular sleep, and behavioral or personality changes. These symptoms may not mean any serious disease. However, you need to show your pup to the vet immediately when you notice something like that. The other recommendations for taking care of your German Shepherd of 7 months are the following: regular deworming and getting rid of other parasites; regular hydration by providing a stable supply of fresh water; arranging a cozy place for sleeping, for example, a crate; fur brushing several times per week during the usual seasons and every day during high-shedding seasons in spring and autumn; nail trimming and teeth cleaning not more seldom than at least once a month; keeping your pet away from any dangerous neighborhood or stray dogs. You may get some other, more individual recommendations from your vet. They can refer to specific diet or care needs. Feeding Correct feeding patterns are very important for your German Shepherd 7 month old puppy. It continues gaining weight and growing, so a healthy diet plays a great role in its development. You need to ensure that you offer your pet a proper number of calories and enough protein to support the health of its growing bones, joints, and muscles. There are two ways to feed your young doggy — an all-natural diet and ready-made kibble of the highest quality. If applied properly, both methods have their advantages. The natural diet should have enough lean meats, like fish, turkey, or chicken, that are rich in protein. It can also include some vegetables and fruit, such as pumpkin, peas, carrots, bananas, apples, blueberries, and others. Some fruits and vegetables are not recommended because they can even be toxic to your puppy. You also have to avoid too many treats while training. The treats should also be lean and non-fatty. Too much fat and sugar can cause obesity. The latter leads to many health issues, such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. The minus of the natural diet is that it can be rather expensive. Your doggy needs cups per day, with 2 meals — in the morning and in the evening. You have to be very accurate about the feeding times. You should feed your pet at set hours and remain consistent about it. It is also essential not to overfeed your German Shepherd. The consequences can be drastic — obesity, elbow-and-hip dysplasia, diabetes, heart issues, cancer, and many others. Training Obedience training is essential at this age. Reward your pup for its good behavior, and pat, and praise it whenever possible. You skip traits further on in the process of training and use only verbal stimuli as the main reinforcement. Train obedience in different environments. It will let your puppy make generalizations about the proper behavioral patterns in different situations. If you treat your pet positively while training, it will help establish closer bonds with your pup. However, remember that your German Shepherd has a short attention span at this age, so it can quickly become bored or inattentive. You must be patient and never use any sort of punishment if your doggy makes mistakes or cannot follow some commands. Use only positive reinforcement. However, you have to be strict and consistent enough. Stop the unwanted behavioral patterns at once. Training has to be fun for your pet, so regular lessons in the form of games will do a lot of good. Your doggy knows that biting is bad, has gone through potty and crate training, and was properly socialized. It should have been socialized by this time, or you may face a lot of challenges now. Your pet should know at least 5 basic obedience commands and 2 more complicated commands by this time. You can consider teaching it at least two more advanced commands every month since the present moment. Your German Shepherd may want to show up, be bossy, display aggression, or ignore what you order it to do because of hormonal changes. So, you need to be very consistent. The results can be pretty undesirable. The weight parameters may differ in various dogs at this age. Though, the average weight is pounds kg for males and about 50 pounds 23 kg for females. How much does a 7 month old German Shepherd sleep? A German Shepherd dog needs at least hours of sleep per night. Though, it can also sleep in the daytime. Therefore, the average sleeping time per day can be about hours. There may also be some variations, which are also considered normal. How much exercise should a 7 month old German Shepherd get? The best method to count how much time your GSD needs for exercise per day is to add 5 minutes to every next month. If you multiply 5 by 7, you get 35 minutes per day. The exercise has to include walking, running, playing, and obedience training. If the pup is exhausted, think about reducing the time, or you may get some health issues in your pet soon. Final Thoughts Your 7 month old German Shepherd can bring a lot of fun and joy to your life. However, you need to be sure that you can offer it a lot of care, exercise, and activities because such puppies are strong, energetic, and lively. They need to be busy all day long, or they can become bored or aggressive. This age in your dog can be rather stressful for you. It needs a lot of obedience training, too. Appropriate socialization is key to overcoming difficulties and bad habits caused by hormonal changes and disbalances at this age. You need to be very patient and consistent in teaching your doggy how to behave properly among other pets and people. Mental training is also necessary for your pet. Choose suitable toys for it to distract them from boredom and destructive chewing. Ask your vet if you see any undesirable features or symptoms in your doggy. Most of them are caused by hormones, and the behavior or physical condition will improve up to one year of age. Others may be signals of some health issues. So never ignore them if you want to spend a lot of enjoyable time with your healthy, clever, and obedient furry friend. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. The adorable, cute, fuzzy little furball, puppy days are over and your GSD now carries a lot more weight around the house. Their hormones will be fluctuating and they may attempt to disobey or get a little aggressive as they try to assert their dominance. Overall Behavior: A 7 months old, they are still big puppies but things could start to get a little dicey. In fact, your cute, floppy eared pup could turn into quite the pain in the neck. He or she may even take part in some behaviors that you have never seen before. They may bark a lot more, become bossy, chew on things, disobey your commands, or start having more accidents around the house. These are all normal behavior for a dog with changing hormone levels. In Fact: This is a crucial time to buckle down and make it work with your dog. This Pet Finder study found that .Resource Guarding: At this stage in their development, teething should be over but a new problem may present itself. Your German Shepherd may start to get really possessive about his or her belongings including chew toys, blankets, food etc. They may even growl or snarl at other animals or friends who try and take it away from them. This type of behavior has to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible or it can lead to problems in the future. Your dog may end up lashing out at other dogs or people in public settings. We recommend keeping your GSD away from dog parks especially at this age. We will discuss how to put a stop resource guarding in the next section. The window for socialization usually closes at approximately 16 weeks. They should also know at least 5 basic obedience commands and 2 advanced commands. From this point on, you should aim for teaching him or her 2 new advanced commands per month. Some tips to help you train effectively: Avoid being aggressive if they choose to be stubborn and not obey your commands. Be consistent and train them for a minimum of minutes a day. Communicate and relate with them on their level. Show them that you are the leader but never use force to get them to listen or learn. Use positive reinforcement and reward them with praise or treats when obedient. If you have been following our previous monthly guides, continue with the following intermediate commands. Last month we went over crawl and fetch. Intermediate Commands: Heel — Start by walking around the yard. Call your GSDs name and then point to your left side. Repeat several times. Now get them to walk over without calling or pointing. Increase the difficulty level. Speak — Run around and get your dog excited. Get them to bark. Repeat several times only rewarding them when you command them to bark. Also, only reward them for single barks and never multiple barks. Check out this video for some tips and tricks with training: Physical Development: At month 7, growth slows a bit compared to the previous 6 months. However, they are still more than half of their future adult size and most likely gained around 5 pounds since last month. Males are now getting closer to the 2 foot mark, standing approximately 19 to 20 inches at the withers. Females are closer to the 50 pound range weighing anywhere from 49 to 53 pounds. At this point they are starting to look much more adult like. They should have their adult full double coat of fur completely filled in. Brush weekly with a good undercoat rake to help with shedding. Ears will most likely be fully standing at this point although in some cases it can take up to a full year. Sexual Maturity Continues: Sexual maturity most likely started last month and will continue to develop until they are around 2 years old. For males, hormones will be kicking in and they will begin to search for female mates anywhere they can. This is a god time to keep them separated from any stray dogs in the neighborhood or at the local park. During this time, they will mark their territory. For females, their estrogen will kick in and they will begin to go into heat. Nutrition: Nutrition is still extremely important for a German Shepherd at this age. They are still young and gaining weight so a healthy lean diet is vital for their development. You want to make sure you are giving them the proper number of calories and enough protein to sustain their growing bones. We recommend feeding your GSD an all-natural diet. This includes lean meats that are high in protein such as chicken, fish and turkey. You should combine that with healthy fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, blueberries, carrots, peas and pumpkin. Be careful, there are some fruits and veggies that can be toxic to your dog. Avoid too many treats if possible, aside from training. Make sure to use lean non-fatty treats. Excess fat in treats can lead to obesity. Over time obesity can lead to other health issues including elbow and hip dyplasia. It can also increase the risk of your GSD getting certain diseases like arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and worst-case cancer. Keep in mind, feeding your German Shepherd an all-natural diet can get expensive. Calculate the costs to determine the best route. Feed your GSD 2 to 3 cups total over the course of 2 meals throughout the day. Be consistent with your feeding times. Health: They should be healthy and thriving but it is a good idea to confirm that they are meeting the standard height and weight requirements for their age. You can write down their monthly measurements in a journal to make sure they are staying on track. At 7 months, they should have received their first three vaccines. While some veterinarians recommend getting your German Shepherd neutered or spayed around this time, most breeders will say to hold off until they are at least one year old. This may not be easy with a female that is going into heat but try to postpone the procedure when possible. GSDs that are fixed before 6 months of age are more likely to develop the joint condition hip dyplasia. However, we recommend getting ahead of the curve to try and prevent any possible future health issues. You can do some research into the background and history of the parents to look for any potential hereditary problems in the bloodline. You can take advantage of certain tools like a DNA test to potentially predict future conditions. Although it is too early to be on the lookout for any major diseases, you can still look for any symptoms of sickness your GSD may run into. Take your dog to the vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Signs and symptoms to watch for: Breathing is labored Coughing, gagging or sneezing a lot Drinking and urinating an excessive amount Dry and itchy skin Eyes and nose are runny Hard time urinating. It combines in itself all the positive qualities of a working dog, possesses great intelligence and a perfect ability to be trained. Puppies of this breed like to learn since the young age and catch on new information very quickly. Thanks to all its qualities, a German shepherd is a multifunctional dog. It can be a guard, a protector, a seeker or a hunter. However, this is a pretty difficult breed that will need all your efforts to be trained well. Behaviour This kind of dogs has a great potential that shows itself through its behaviour and abilities. Here are the main of them: An ability to guard a family or a certain territory. It should be mentioned that the dog usually makes decisions whether to attack a stranger or not by itself. It can attack somebody only if it thinks that this action is necessary. This is the dog of nice scent. A lot of security services use this ability in their work. The function of protection. A German shepherd is a selfless fighter that will protect the owner to the last. If an owner gives a command, it will also fight without any hesitation. A puppy tries to assert itself in the world and shows a high level of independence at that time and till the reaching the age of puberty. Since this age, your pet begins to show disobedience and does not obey the commands it usually obeyed before. Do not allow it to behave in that way, otherwise it will become its habit. This difficult period finishes usually with coming of the age of puberty. For female dogs it is often at the age of seven or eight months, when the first heat starts. Male dogs begin to spray at this time and it comes a bit later. During this period the behaviour of your dog would be unstable. Maybe the pet would show you some of its puppy habits, but it will end a bit later. The ability of guarding and protecting is also shown in this period. So, pay attention to the proper training of your favourite pet. Recommendation: be very strict during this period in order to show your pet that you are the leader. Do not allow your dog to win and disobey you. Fear and a Puppy Your German shepherd can feel fear for several weeks during the period of adolescence. It usually happens about the age of seven weeks. The dog gets scared of well-known and unknown people, different things terrify it. Be patient and calm during these uneasy days and try to share your calmness with your animal. This period would not last long, but it needs a lot of efforts from the owner. Size, Weight, Height and Ears Physical development of your dog is as important as mental one. We suggest you to look at the main features at the age of seven weeks that you can measure and analyse how your dog grow. If there are some departures from the norm, go to a specialist and show your pet to get an advice. So: The height of the dog should be about fifty-three or sixty-three centimetres. The weight of a German shepherd must be from twenty to thirty kilograms. The norm of the chest size is about sixty-nine or seventy-five centimetres. The special attention should be given to the ears of your dog. At the age of seven months they should firmly be up. Look at your dog carefully! If its ears are not up, it can be the sign of the lack of mineral elements or weak immune system. A German Shepherd at Your House So, if you are going to bring a dog at your house and have not decided yet what breed to choose, you can take a German shepherd without any concerns. It will make your life better, anyway. Male dogs will stand 19 to 20 inches tall at the withers, while a female German Shepherd will be close to 17 to 19 inches tall. Regarding weight, males should fall between 57 and 62 pounds, while females usually hover around the pound mark. In addition to physical changes, your puppy will start to look much more like an adult dog. They should have all 42 adult teeth, and their coat will be fully developed. The best way to achieve this is by feeding them an all-natural diet with plenty of chicken, fish, and turkey. It would be best to supplement this with fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, blueberries, carrots, peas, and pumpkins. Be aware that some fruits and vegetables can be toxic to dogs, so avoid feeding them too many treats. Lean, non-fatty treats are the best option for dog training purposes. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which puts your GSD at risk for health problems like elbow and hip dysplasia, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Following these nutritional guidelines can help your German Shepherd live a long and healthy life. Physical and Behavioral Changes Pet parents should understand that dogs around this age may become more barky, bossy, and destructive as their hormone levels change. The best way to deal with it is to remain patient and consistent with your training. Keep in mind that your dog may also start to exhibit signs of resource guarding during this time. Your dog may become possessive of toys, food, or other belongings. Again, the best thing to do is to remain calm and consistent in your commands. This sort of conduct must be nipped in the bud as soon as possible, or it might lead to more significant issues in the future. Sexual Maturity at 7 Months Most German Shepherds will reach sexual maturity by the time they are months old. For males, this means that hormones will begin to kick in, and they will start to search for female mates. As for females, their estrogen levels will increase and start to go into heat. It is vital to keep your dog separated from other dogs in the neighborhood or at the local park, as they may try to mate with them. Additionally, males and females will begin to mark their territory during this time. Training Your 7-Month-Old German Shepherd At the seven-month mark, your German Shepherd should have a solid foundation that includes bite inhibition, crate or potty training , and plenty of socialization. The window for socialization is usually until about 16 weeks only. They should also know at least five basic obedience commands and two advanced commands. From this point on, you should aim to teach them two new advanced commands per month. Increase Positive Reward-Based Obedience Training Start by rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats, petting, or verbal praise. As a good trainer, you should make sure to obedience train in a variety of different environments so that your dog can generalize his excellent behavior to any situation. Positive training will go a long way in building a bond with your young dog. Tips for Effective Training Short and sweet is key to getting the most out of your good training sessions. Dogs have a short attention span and will quickly become bored or frustrated if you try to train them for too long. Remember, dogs are never too old to learn; it just takes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Puppies are full of energy and seem never to stop moving. They also like to put everything in their mouths. For a German shepherd puppy, finding safe and durable toys is essential. Kong toys — Kong toys are a type of rubber toy that you can fill with treats or food. It makes them an excellent option for keeping your puppy occupied and distracted from chewing on furniture or other belongings. They are trendy among German Shepherd puppies because of their durability and the fact that they can be filled with tasty treats. Nylabones — A generic term for a challenging, generally non-edible plastic toy, Nylabone refers to a company that produces dog chew toys and other pet goods. Rope toys — Rope toys are a great option for German Shepherd puppies because they are durable and can withstand a lot of chewing. They are also a good source of stimulation for dogs, as they are interactive toys that require interaction from the dog. It can help keep your pup occupied and entertained. It will help identify any health issues your pup may have. By the 7th month, your puppy must have the necessary vaccines for its early development. German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they are more susceptible to some health conditions than others. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a genetic illness that affects the hip joint. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the thigh bone does not fit snugly into the hip joint, which can cause pain and lead to arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint, caused by malformation of the bones. It can also lead to pain and arthritis. Both hip and elbow dysplasia are common in German Shepherd dogs and can lead to many health problems if not treated. Allergies German Shepherds are also prone to allergies. Allergies can cause various symptoms, including itching, excessive licking, and hot spots. If your German Shepherd shows any of these symptoms, it is vital to take them to the vet to rule out other possible causes and get them started on the appropriate treatment. It is caused by a deficiency of Von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps the blood clot. This disease can lead to excessive bleeding and can be fatal if not treated. Diabetes Just like humans, dogs can develop diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and lethargy. If left untreated, the condition can lead to serious health problems. What To Expect From A 7-Month-Old German Shepherd 7-month old white german shepherd The German Shepherd should start seeing a slow growth process in the 7th month when compared to the previous 6 months of its life. The growth still is present as they should now be at half of their total adult German Shepherd size and would have added a few pounds since the 6 months mark, however, the puppy growth should be very little. Mental maturity should also see a little decline in growth as not much difference can separate the 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy from the 7-month-old German Shepherd puppy. But when compared to the 5-month-old German Shepherd, the 7-month German shepherd puppy should be a lot less curious and a lot more familiar with the world it lives in. Energy levels for the 7-month-old German Shepherd puppy should be at all-time highs and this is mostly classified as sexual energy as it is mostly the strong desire to mate or for a mate that should be guiding the German Shepherd puppy by this age. You would mostly find the male German Shepherds, humping different items around the house if not properly trained. Speaking of training, you definitely would have a lot of work to do with the 7-month-old German Shepherd puppy as again they would be overtaken by adolescent hormones causing them to be a lot more uncontrollable than ever. But with the right combination of a good or proper training program with the right patience level, it should be managed properly. There are other attributes you might start to expect from the 7-month-old German Shepherd puppy and one of these attributes would be the possessive attribute. At this stage, your puppy might start gathering personal belongings around the house and might become a bit defensive if you try to interact with any of these belongings it acquires. At this stage, a lot of training and patience would be required to deal with these attributes or character traits. The stage of teething should be done by the 7th month as your puppy should now be in possession of all its complete adult dentition. Dental hygiene should be taken seriously from now on to keep your puppy healthy. They should have received all their vaccinations by the 5th month and should be awaiting new vaccination shots and deworming by the 12th month or 1-year mark. Regular checks with the vet are still mandatory. Grooming should also be something to be done regularly at the 7th-month mark as their rich double coat should be easy to shed, thereby leaving a lot of fur or dandy around the home. Use the appropriate steel comb to go through the coat of the German Shepherd to avoid things like the matting of the German Shepherd puppy. Make use of high-quality shampoo to keep them clean. There should be signs of dominance assertion present with your male German Shepherd at 7 months of age. You might often find them urinating around corners of the home or yard to help assert dominance over that particular territory. It is part of the possessive trait that comes with the raging teenage hormones of the dog. For this, a lot of training would be required to properly handle your German Shepherd puppy. With patience and consistent effort, you can try to ascertain dominance over the dog and its belongings using a firm but gentle form of training. Regular exercises are also needed as the puppy can handle a lot more exposure to intense workouts at this stage. Socialization is also quite crucial to keep the puppies satisfied, but do ensure that they are not left unsupervised especially with dogs of the opposite sex as they can try to mate with them and that could lead to complications and unexpected results. Always keep your puppy on a leash when in public and sometimes in their crate when at home. The 7-month-old German Shepherd should only be adding a few pounds extra than a month ago. The male German Shepherd puppy at 7 months old is a large dog breed and should be expected to fall between the 55 lbs to 65 lbs range. The height should be between 19 inches to 20 inches. The female German Shepherd puppy that is at 7 months old, should also be regarded as a large dog and should have a weight that falls between 45 lbs to 55 lbs. The height range for the female German Shepherd should be between 17 inches and 19 inches. As you should already know by now, the entire size of the German Shepherd can be influenced by different factors, one of these factors would be the diet of the German Shepherd. The breeding standards can also affect the overall size of the German Shepherd as working dogs are slightly smaller than show dogs. Other notable changes that could be evident in the 7-month-old German Shepherd are the coat and ears of the German Shepherd puppy. They should be larger and more pronounced than earlier and the 7 month German Shepherd should have fully grown out of its adult coat by this time. Their bodies are still pretty young and as such require a lot of food to stay strong and healthy. Their appetite should also be quite large considering the fact that the German Shepherd is a large dog breed. Because the German Shepherd at 7 months old is prone to obesity, you would want to stick to a healthy lean diet that is highly nutritious. It should contain the right proteins and calories sufficient for the German Shepherd puppy. Make the meal an all-natural meal that contains mainly rich lean proteins ranging from fish to chicken to turkey. It should also be rich in vegetables and fruits like carrots, bananas, peas, pumpkins, apples, and berries. But it is worth noting that some fruits and vegetables can be harmful or toxic to dogs, so speak to your vet and come up with a healthy plan. To further reduce the chances of your puppy becoming obese, you have to come up with a puppy feeding schedule and stick properly to the plan. Your German Shepherd puppy should be getting a minimum of 3 cups of high-quality kibble each serving for 3 servings each day. This can be spread evenly across the day, for example, feeding should be in the morning, noon, and evening. It is important that you allow enough time between feedings for the food to be properly digested. Good drinking water is highly important for the German Shepherd puppy and ensures that they eat early at least a few hours before they go to sleep. The sleeping requirement for the German Shepherd at 7 months of age should still remain the same. As we already know their bodies are quite young and still have a lot of development to go through, so they need enough sleep or rest to be fully active. With that being said, it is important that you provide the 7-month-old German Shepherd with a minimum requirement of 15 to 18 hours of sleep time each day for them to be fully active. Night sleep is crucial, but they should also get short time periods within the day to sleep. Try to force the puppy into sleeping early by engaging them in exercises and training to keep them tired and in need of some rest. And late night feeding can greatly affect the sleep pattern of the German Shepherd puppy so do ensure that you avoid it. They require at least an hour of exercise each day to stay strong, fit, and happy. Asides from that, German Shepherds are very energetic dogs and if left without enough exercise activities they can easily become restless and then turn destructive around the home. This is why you need to be committed to exercising your German Shepherd puppy each day. Make an hour of your time and come up with a plan for exercising your puppy. Try a minute walk around the neighborhood at least 3 times each day. Mental exercises are also quite important for keeping your German Shepherd sharp and easily trainable. Consider rewarding puppy puzzles for your German Shepherd to partake in. At this stage, they can develop a lot of negative habits which need to be corrected as quickly as possible. One of these is possession acquisition and Guarding, where the German Shepherd starts to gather items around the house and closely protect them. If left without correcting your German Shepherd might become violent when trying to protect these items. Leash training is also highly recommended at this stage, especially when going on walks to different locations. Because of their raging sexual hormones, the German Shepherd might attempt to mate with any canine of the opposite sex that it finds. You can correct all these with the use of the positive reinforcement training method and proper leash training. Patience is also quite key in properly training your German Shepherd puppy. At the 7-month mark, your German Shepherd puppy should have received a total of 3 vaccination shots as well as dewormings, the next vaccinations should be scheduled for 1 year or 6 months. If you are meeting the proper requirement for size and weight, your puppy should be healthy. They do, however, need to visit the vet regularly for checks to make sure they are healthy, and it is also essential that you look out for the following symptoms in your puppy. Reduced appetite.

These puppies will be alillte smaller than the wolfhounds and we have found with our three litters to date, their hair tends to be more wolfhound than poodle. But don't get us wrong, they still will be large dogs - some with heights from 16 to 33 inches at their withers for the males and for the females around 16 to 30 inches it depends on their parents. As an honest breeder, we are upfront with you, saying none of can really tell you at 8 or 9 weeks how tall or large your puppy will really be, we can look at their bones and at their parents. We are breeding them to extend their lifespan is the real reason this is even being done. As far as weight we are seeing around 85 to lbs for the males and 70 to for the females. Ollie, the proud papa, carries a blue eye gene so we are hoping that some day we will have one with blue eyes but so far none have had it, their eyes are usually dark brown to black but will look deep into your soul - these are humans in fur coats! Coat type - wolfhounds have a wiry top coat with a soft undercoat and as you know poodles have a curly coat - when you bathe your doodle, you will see the curl but we are seeing a soft cashmere puppy coat in most and a few with the wiry feel - don't think they don't shed , they do alittle but they love being brushed and the more you do this, the better! Hypoallergenic - some say that they are, we can't make that claim and be honest with you. Generations - F1s, etc - we breed only F1 Irish Wolfadoodles - meaning this F stands for "filial hybrid" a crossbred dog and then the numbers stand for the generations of breeding that has been done - we don't backcross which is called the B or BBs. Ours come from purebreed registered, genetically tested parents, both parents traits are in a ratio of .Lifespan - based on our research, by breeding these two breeds together, your puppy should could live up to 13 years. You are visitor number: .Jayme W. NC Male Transfer .Please make sure you are committed to the process and understand the time we put into managing our lists and working with families to keep them all updated and informed. We only book one list at a time with the option to transfer to a future list on choosing day. Transport options: 1. Cargo is available through American and Alaska Air. We prefer shipping out of Grand Junction, CO airport. We will meet you in the airport terminal so you can return home with puppy in the cabin with you. Pup plus carrier must be under 20lbs at the time of flight. Southwest, Alaska and Frontier are the most accommodating for pets. Our closest airport is Grand Junction, CO. We will meet you at Denver International Airport for an additional fee. Please coordinate arrival dates with us before you book a flight. Service Dog Requests: Many people are in need of canine assistance and we take our placement very seriously. Sadly, we do find that people come to us requesting a service dog because their name will be placed at the top of the list. Keep in mind, service dogs require a lot of your time and training. They need a job and if not given a task they will make their own such as chewing up your couch or barking when left alone. Service dogs need to be with their handler the majority of the day. They are not to be left for hours alone until their owner returns to walk them around the neighborhood. Service dogs need a job and a schedule. Service dog candidates must provide a letter from their Therapist or Physician outlining the tasks their pup should be willing to learn. They must provide proof their pup has been enrolled in board and train or private training by the time they are 10 weeks old and their trainer needs to contact us before our team evaluates the litter. Also, service dog qualified pups are matched to the job and owners do not get to choose their puppy. He has to be one of the most incredibly adorable and gorgeous big babies we have ever seen! He is 9 months old and loving and unique. He was tuned into us by his owner when their tiny ChiWeeny Chihuahua Doxy dog was mean to him and wanted to be an only child. The family loved and adored him, but realized he needed to be with dogs that wanted to play with him not try to beat him up like the tiny ChiWeeny was doing. Watson, of course, was scared of the "big mean Chi Weeny and ran away so you can guess that he is very sweet and non-aggressive in every way and is so happy to be here playing with all our big and even tiny dogs who love him. Now he is seeking a great home where he will be happy and safe and loved and cherished for life! Sherlock: Sherlock is a gorgeous 6 month old Wheaten fawn Irish Wolfhound Greyhound puppy who wound up in shelter with his brother Bond James Bond, that is! We rescued these two big babies who are adorable and loving and sweet to all. They are seeking the best homes where they will be loved and cherished and happy and safe for life! Bond: James Bond, that is! Bond is a gorgeous 6 month old Wheaten fawn Irish Wolfhound Greyhound puppy who wound up in shelter with his brother Sherlock. Buddy: Woodle - Incredible cream "Woodle" - Irish Wolfhound Poodle - Buddy's owners love and adore him, but he was much bigger than they are able to handle and a puppy, too. They were under the impression he would be a much smaller dog than he turned out to be as he is already big at one year old and will still likely grow upward until he is two years old and then fill out even more from two to four years old. Although they were hoping for a smaller dog, he is clearly in the right place with us where our adopters like them the bigger the better. Buddy is very friendly and outgoing and though very well behaved in general, he gets exuberant when he first greets you in the morning and when he first meets new people. For our breeds, we call this the "zoomies" and most of the young dogs of the breeds we rescue get it when they get excited. Buddy is a big baby who loves to play and makes no exceptions with whom he plays as he loves all people, kids, dogs, everyone! He looks like a smaller Irish wolfhound in his beautiful cream color and is really as beautiful and incredible as they get. He gives great "whiskery wolfhound kisses" and actually sits up on his hind paws to give you real hugs. No less than the best home on earth will do for this lover boy! Bentley: Woodle Schnoodle - Incredible black Irish Wolfhound Giant Schnauzer Poodle - Bentley's owners moved where they couldn't have a dog and brought him to a shelter. We rescued him on his last day. He is a loving, sweet, exuberant, big boy puppy. He gives great "whiskery" wolfhound kisses, loves to play, and is looking for the best home on earth where he will be happy and safe for life. Little Miss Muppet: Irish Wolfhound Mastiff - a 1 year old scared and shy puppy - Muppy was owned by a little old lady who loved her, but never introduced her to anyone or took her anywhere. As a result, she is experiencing total culture shock in that she was unaware that there were this many people in the world. She needs someone with extreme patience. She is great with all other dogs and cats and is fine with people, just scared of people. She lives here with us and all the other dogs and is housetrained and comes and goes just like the others, but does not come to us for pets, so we have to go to her. She does let us pet and love her, but may take a long time to act normally, though she always acts playful and happy with the other dogs. She needs to go to a home that has at least one other dog, and it would be better if they had multiple dogs so that she could be part of the group and not the total focus of attention. This is why people should always make sure that they continue to bring their dogs everywhere and introduce them to everyone to keep them outgoing and well socialized. With time and love and extreme patience, Muppie will be a great companion and has made great strides here. When she first arrived, we could not even touch her and she had to be separated, but now she has become a member of the household and lives like a normal little person with all the others. She has come a long way since arriving here, but still has a long way to go. Final Thoughts What is an Irish Wolfadoodle? The result of this crossbreed is generally a large, strong, loyal, and devoted dog that loves to please its owners. It is also known as the Irish Wolfoodle or Irish Wolfdoodle. They tend to have the patience and laid-back nature of an Irish Wolfhound combined with the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle. Additionally, they are known for being gentle yet alert companions who make excellent family dogs. The Irish Wolfhound has been bred since ancient times to be a guardian and hunter, while the Poodle was initially used as a water retriever. Both breeds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability, making them ideal partners in life. When I was growing up, my mom would fantasize about Irish Wolfhounds. I guess she met one as a child; its giant size and sweet temperament made her fall in love. Even though she always took a particular liking to Terriers, she dreamed of owning an Irish Wolfhound. The majestic Irish Wolfhound. Plus, as a family, we always had a house full of dogs — some planned, some by accident. My grandpa would taunt my mom that he would buy her one. It never happened, and my mom still adores the breed. I was taking a walk in Dayton, OH, with my Bernedoodle Murphy , and we saw a tall, regal dog that looked oddly like a wolf. He was off-leash and running at a casual pace. Both Murphy and I were a bit scared. Murphy meeting an Irish Wolfhound on a walk. He ran up to meet us and was so sweet, not to mention gorgeous. His owner was down the way, and with one quick whistle, the Wolfhound bounded off to meet up with him. He was majestic — a gentle pup packed into such a significant figure. I always stop and ask the owner for a pet! Irish Wolfhound History Irish Wolfhounds can stand over 30 inches in height. The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed that originated in Ireland. It is believed to have been developed from ancient Celtic hounds and used to hunt wolves and other wild animals. In later years, it was also used as a guard dog, protector, and companion. The breed has been around for centuries, with references to the dogs appearing in literature as early as the 6th century [1] akc. The Irish Wolfhound is still used as a working dog and kept as a family pet. Surprisingly, the Irish Wolfhound is noted to have gone extinct in the late s. However, a man named Augustus Graham made efforts to revive the breed using dogs believed to have been descended from Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and Great Danes and produced the Irish Wolfhound that the world knows today after breeding for a few generations. The debate still goes on if the modern-day Irish Wolfhound is related to the original Irish Wolfhound or is a new breed created by humankind [2] akc. The Irish Wolfhound has a long muzzle, and small ears set close together. This breed requires daily exercise, including extensive walks and lots of playtime, to stay healthy and happy [4] iwclubofamerica. Poodle Standard is the largest size of Poodle. The Poodle is a breed that originated in Germany, where it was initially bred as a type of water dog. The original purpose of the standard Poodle was to hunt ducks and other waterfowl. This is why the breed has a unique coat texture, which was designed to allow them to remain buoyant while swimming [5] akc. In the 18th century, the Poodle became popular in France among royalty and the aristocracy due to its intelligence, loyalty, and elegant appearance. These dogs were used as circus performers and became popular as a lapdog in France and the rest of Europe. By the 19th century, Poodles had become one of the most popular breeds in Europe, and eventually, they made their way to North America in the early 19th century [6] ukcdogs. The Poodle is an incredibly intelligent, active, and loyal dog breed. They are highly trainable, making them popular in various performance venues, such as agility and obedience competitions. There are three sizes of Poodle — standard, miniature, and toy. The Mini Poodle has all the same characteristics as the Standard — just smaller. They are social animals who love to be around their families, but they can also stand to be alone if necessary. Generally speaking, these dogs have an undercoat lighter in color than the outer coat, which is usually darker. The Irish Wolfhound also has a distinctive mane of long fur around its neck and chest, making it recognizable as a unique breed. The Poodle is known for its unique double coat. The outer coat of the Poodle is composed of tight, curly hair that can either be corded or clipped and groomed into show clips. This coat type helps protect them from inclement weather and prevents matting. The Poodle coat is available in various colors, including white, black, silver, and cream. Coat Type A typical Irish Wolfadoodle will have an even blend between both parent coats. The coat tends to be dense and coarse while retaining the curls or waves from the Poodle side. Shedding is typically light, with minimal dander. Coat Colors The Irish Wolfadoodle has quite a variety of coat colors in its genes. Both the Poodle and Irish Wolfhound contribute unique colors to the genetic pool. The parents will be the best determinant of your Irish Wolfadoodle coat. Below is a list of possible coat colors for the Irish Wolfadoodle: Black.

They are good-natured and even-tempered, which makes them a popular choice for families with young children. Labs are known for their enthusiastic tail-wagging and their boundless energy, and they will often approach strangers with a wagging tail and a friendly face. However, they can also be boisterous and excitable, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a calm and quiet dog. Since the Lab was bred as a hunting dog, this lovable giant will need lots of vigorous, outdoor exercise to keep him calm and centered. Yellow Labs are usually a big fan of fetching and chasing games, and enjoy a good romp in the yard with their family. Yellow Labradors also enjoy walks with their master, and are good swimmers that enjoy lakes, rivers, pools, and the beach. Overall, the Yellow Lab is a friendly, energetic breed that makes an ideal companion for those who are looking for an active lifestyle. Yellow Lab Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years — our Yellow Labs for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Yellow Lab puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. If your dog is constantly scratching or seems to have irritated skin, they may be allergic to something in their environment — like pollen or dust mites. Your vet can help you identify the source of the allergy and recommend the best course of treatment. Yellow Labs are also prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. And if you notice your dog shaking their head or scratching their ears more than usual, make an appointment with the vet right away. Finding a Yellow Lab puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat is typically yellow, but can also be ranging in color from light cream to fox red. When it comes to coat care, the Yellow Lab is relatively low-maintenance. The coat does not require trimming or special haircuts, although it does need to be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and mats. Labs also enjoy spending time outside, so regular baths are generally not necessary unless the dog gets particularly dirty. Meet Yellow Lab Puppies for Sale. All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.

Learn more » The Pug has become one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to their quirky appearance and friendly attitude. This tiny breed does have some unusual habits that set it apart from other breeds and while some, unfortunately, are caused by their brachycephalic facial shape, some are behavior-based attributes. Among the traits that some people accuse the Pug of having is that they are lazy dogs that sleep a lot. You may notice it more because of the heavy breathing and snoring that tends to emanate from that squashed face. If your Pug is sleeping up to 14 hours a day, it is normal, but if yours is sleeping more than this, you may need to investigate to determine the cause and look for ways to remedy the problem. About The Pug Note Though the Pug is a popular breed, they unfortunately suffer from a plethora of health issues as a result of generations of selective breeding and therefore unfortunately have a lower quality of life when compared to other dog breeds. Veterinarians around the world are urging pet owners to not adopt the breed as their genetic shortcomings cannot be overcome by proper care and management alone. If you wish to adopt a Pug, please be mindful that they will most likely need extensive medical assistance throughout their life, which may include necessary reconstructive surgery. The Pug is a toy breed of companion dog. The breed has been developed to accompany their owner and provide companionship and has never been a working dog. The breed is known to be affectionate with family, will bond with visitors and even strangers, and they will usually get along with other dogs and potentially even cats. Because this is several hours a day longer than most people sleep, it can seem like Pugs spends their entire life snoozing. Puppies can sleep as long as 20 hours a day while senior Pugs may sleep for 15 or so hours a day. Although you can take some steps to reduce this a little, you need to ensure that your dog is getting enough sleep to recharge and stay healthy. Aim for about 12 hours of sleep a day. Top 6 Causes Of Excessive Sleeping If you determine that your Pug is sleeping more than 14 hours a day, take a look at the possible causes. Such causes include: 1. Boredom Pugs like fun and they enjoy spending fun time with their owners. If your Pug gets bored, one of their few options is to go to sleep in the hope of waking up to something more exciting. Try to introduce more playtime, offer a greater range of more exciting toys, and look for ways to provide stimulation that will keep your pup entertained. Image Credit: Piqsels 2. You should provide up to an hour a day of decent exercise, including walks and playtime. Make sure you provide two walks a day, of between 20 and 30 minutes each, and supplement this with some time playing with toys or playing games like hide and seek. Stick to an appropriate diet and if your Pug is really overweight, consult a vet so that they can advise you on the best next steps to shed the pounds and achieve a healthy weight. Image Credit: Tanya Dol, Shutterstock 4. Poor Diet Diet is as important to dogs as it is to any animal. Pugs do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with the supervision and approval of a canine nutritionist or your veterinarian. Pugs like to follow their humans around and partake in some of the same activities. Determine how long you spend in front of the TV to see whether this could be the cause of your sedentary pup. Image Credit: Michelle Scott, Pixabay 6. Illness Some illnesses can cause lethargy and even fairly minor ailments can wipe a dog out, in the same way illness can leave us feeling jaded and in need of extra rest. Conclusion Pugs can be fun-loving, affectionate, and jaunty little pets that want to spend as much time as possible with us. While they do sleep for up to 14 hours a day and make a lot of noise while they are sleeping, they actually have similar sleeping habits to other breeds of dog. If yours is sleeping for longer than 14 hours a day, it may be worth investigating to determine the cause and changing habits to help achieve optimal sleeping habits. Pug Sleeping Habits Overview Just about any Pug owner will agree that this breed gets a bit of a bad rep in regard to sleep. The Pug is sometimes thought of as a lazy breed; a dog that takes over your favorite chair and sleeps his life away, snoring as if he doesn't have a care in the world. While it may be true that a Pug does tend to snore - and make a few other interesting noises - he does not sleep more than any other breed and he is not lazy at all. In fact, Pugs are super animated, very personable and eager canines that often are curious, emotional and expressive. They thrive on attention and tend to mimic their owner's mood and vibes. If you sleep a lot, your Pug is not going to pace around the room; he'll be right by your side. And if you're active, he'll want to be right there as well; in fact many Pugs need to have limitations set because they'll push themselves to far and can have overheating and breathing issues. One element that may make it seem as if a Pug sleeps a lot is that he is so obvious when he does it. Other dogs may retreat quietly away and an hour later, an owner may wonder 'where's my dog? In this section we are going to cover: How much Pug puppies should sleep Normal amounts of sleep for adults and seniors Reasons why a Pug may have trouble sleeping Things that may cause a Pug to sleep too much Common questions about Pug sleeping habits Emma, 20 months old, photo courtesy of Helen Gastaldo How Much Sleep is Normal for Pugs Newborns - Newborn Pug puppies - from 1 day old to 3 weeks - sleep just about all of the time, up to 22 hours per day. They will mainly only be awake to eat; after that's it's right back to bed, warm and safe next to the dam and littermates. The age of 3 weeks old is a huge turning point; at this time both hearing and vision are working well and with this comes a new found curiosity. A heightened interest in exploring his little world and for playing with siblings will cause the pup to stay awake a bit longer now. From 3 weeks to 8 weeks, a puppy will sleep anywhere from 20 to 21 hours per day. Puppies - Owners of new puppies often want to know how much Pug puppies sleep because they worry about the pup being overtired and perhaps sleeping too much and missing out on things. The first couple of months - age 2 months to 5 months - a Pug puppy will sleep from 18 to 20 hours per day. This includes both nighttime sleep and naps taken all throughout the day. This is a really funny stage, because often a Pug puppy will be so interested in his world that he struggles to stay awake. It's not uncommon for a Pug to zonk out in the middle of playing or even eating, resting his head on the rim of the bowl because he just couldn't make it to his bed. Each month that the Pug matures, he will sleep a bit less and stay awake for longer periods. By 6 months old, many Pugs are on the sleeping schedule of adults. Adults - Adult Pug dogs sleep roughly 14 per day. There are some reasons for sleeping less or more discussed ahead. This may seem like a lot - especially when compared to how much we get- however most of this will be done at night. When you subtract 8 or 9 hours of nighttime snoozing from the average of 14, this leaves 5 to 6 hours of on-and-off again naps. The amount of naps will depend on how much the Pug sleeps at night and most will shadow what their owners do. It's very common for this breed to start getting tuckered out when lights are dimmed and their humans are relaxing before bed. It's typical for a Pug to drift off about an hour before his human family; he'll try to hang on but will conk out as the house quiets down and everyone is relaxing. Then, most will pop right awake as soon as the alarm goes off of if they sense that their human has awoken. It's rare for a Pug to stay sleeping in the morning while everyone starts their day. Since canines - like us- need a good amount of deep REM sleep, if they do follow their owner's sleep schedule of 8 hours a night, this leaves a good 6 or so hours that will be napped away during the day. And if an owner is only sneaking in 6 or 7 hours with the Pug following suit, this makes for a lot more napping of up to 7 or 8 hours during the day. So, how much you actually see your Pug snoozing will depend a lot of your own schedule and whether or not you are home with your dog or are away at work or school. Seniors - As a dog ages, there are many changes… decreased metabolism, a slowing down that reduces activity, etc. These are gradual changes, so you may not notice that your Pug sleeps an extra 20 minutes or so; but as the years pass, this adds up to falling asleep an hour earlier than usual and it is then that it really becomes apparent. When a Pug Has Trouble Sleeping With puppies, it can take a while for puppies to accept their schedule; many may seem downright nocturnal, making you wonder if somehow an owl was crossed in the Pug's bloodline. It takes a couple of months for a pup to understand the cues of a day winding down and feeling isolated can cause a puppy to stay awake whining or barking at night. For those of any age, this breed will show appreciation for many of the care elements you provide and often won't be shy at all to announce when things are not right. Here are the top reasons why a Pug may not be sleeping as good as usual: 1: Quality of the bed - Choosing the right bed for your Pug is important for this breed that tends to have hips and back issues. Keep in mind that beds do not last forever; after 4 years or so, cushions can lose buoyancy and won't be as supportive as they once were. Also, a puppy may be outgrowing his smaller bed and seniors may a thicker mattress to better support aching joints. This has a base of 2-inch medical-grade memory foam, water-proof inner and outer fabric, and a cover that is resistant to mold and dust mites and washable. Pugs need a good place to rest but still like to be close to the 'action' so that - if they happen to prefer it, they can join in. While it is a good idea to give your Pug his own space - especially if you want him to get used to that area for when home alone - it should in a quiet corner of an familiar room that is used by the family such as the living room or den. Some owners may move a Pug's sleeping area further away if the dog snores loudly or is otherwise causing a disruption; however, a compromise should be made so that a Pug doesn't feel quarantined. Additionally, any chronic snoring noises should be evaluate by the vet for possible stenotic nares, elongated palate and other issues common to brachycephalic breeds. Drafts, which can cause interrupted sleep, are common near windows and doors, but can also be found hear exterior walls. Keep in mind that any cold spots may only be near the floor, so you may want to get down to your Pug's level to access things. With sleep apnea, a dog will stop breathing for 10 to 20 seconds, repeatedly throughout the night. While some stay asleep, many will gasp and wake up. This can cause sleep deprivation, which often manifests as troubled, moody behavior the next day. Reasons a Pug May Sleep Too Much Dogs will vary the amount of time that they sleep by an hour or so, just like humans. However, whenever there is a marked increase in how much a Pug is sleeping this is reason to take note. Possible reasons include: Mimicking- As we touched on a bit earlier, this breed is notorious for copying his owner. Even if you don't sleep much, if you spend a lot of time watching TV or zoning out with video games, etc. After all, very few Pugs will run around and stay super active if the owner is plopped on the sofa, aside from young puppies that may have high energy levels. Lack of Stimulation - If a dog has nothing better to do, he'll often do one of two things: bark or sleep. This breed often chooses the later and you really can't blame him. Dogs need interaction, challenges, sights to see and scents to smell! It's best for a Pug to have a fun session of command training after dinner, be taken for a late evening walk and have some interactional playtime as opposed to just lazing around. A dog's world is as small or as large as you allow it to be. If a Pug is kept at home without much going on, he's going to sleep more. If he's taken to different places, goes on new walking routes, is challenged by learning new commands, etc. Illness or Injury - Any time that a dog suddenly sleeps much more than normal, this is a red flag that there may be a medical condition. For puppies that appear to be suddenly weak and dizzy, this is a possible sign of hypoglycemia, most often seen in those 2 to 5 months old. With adults, any condition that causes the body to fight off disease or caused discomfort will make a dog sleep more. If you notice that your Pug is sleeping much more than usual, you cannot attribute it to any of the issues mentioned above and it lasts for longer than 3 days, this is your signal that it's time for a vet visit, even if there are no other symptoms. I'd swear my Pug does dream, he moves around and even seems to mumble. His eyes move around under his lids too when he's asleep. A: Yes, absolutely. Studies have proven that dogs do dream and quite often. They have eye twitching, lip movements and even vocalizations that you wrote about that point to REM sleep. REM sleep is the phase of deep sleep when dreams occur. It is believed that dogs and other animals can have complex dreams full of memories of actual events. So that's pretty cool; our Pugs are most likely having dreams about us. Q: Should my Pug sleep in my bed? Aside from hogging the mattress is there anything wrong with it? Would it be interpreted as spoiling? A: While you'll want to hold off until your Pug is housebroken, there's nothing inherently wrong with a Pug sleeping in his owner's bed. There are some cons, however. Due to heavy shedding you'll have to be prepared for how much fur may end up on your sheets, blankets and pillows. Also, know that once your Pug is allowed to sleep in your bed, that spot is claimed. Also, if an owner is currently single, some thought should go into the future when someone else may want the other side of the bed. Q: Is it okay for Pugs to sleep on their backs? My Pug will fall asleep, belly up, and his paws up in the air. It's pretty comical but I'm wondering if this can cause breathing problems or anything else? A: While this is not the 'normal' canine way of lying down to sleep, a small percentage of dogs do sleep this way. If your Pug finds that sleeping on his back is the optimal position for him and he must if he's doing it , this might actually be his way of breathing better at night. When curled up, this constricts the neck and makes breathing a bit more difficult. But if a Pug naturally lies on his back, neck extended back, this will open up the windpipe and may offer him better airflow though the nasal passages. Q: Is it normal for a Pug to sleep with his mouth open? My Pug does this and kind of drools while he's sleeping. A: Being a brachycephalic breed, Pugs are prone to stenotic nares, which essentially means narrowed nostrils. This can make it hard for a Pug to breathe correctly out of his nose. Excessive drooling while sleeping is a possible sign of sleep apnea. And snoring is a sign as well. But, with that said, if your Pug seems fine otherwise and the drooling is not too bad, it's nothing to be concerned with. Did you find this article helpful? You may also like: Pug Dog Separation Anxiety - Effective ways to help your Pug cope when home alone, whether you are gone for just a couple of hours or for the day. Pug Paw Care - The paws are an often overlooked area of the body, but one that should not be ignored. Read tips to keep your Pug's paws in good shape and help for treatment of common paw issues. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. April 24, by Susan When I first got my beloved Pug dog, I also stepped up onto a steep learning curve ladder! So while experiencing life together with my Pug was so exciting, it was often also very stressful. Take the first time I saw my Pug fall asleep sitting up. What the heck? Is this normal? What is wrong with my dog? If you have had a similar experience, this is definitely the article you want to be reading right now. According to canine veterinarians, there are a few simple reasons your Pug may prefer to sleep sitting up or even standing up : breathing problems, or health problems such as hip dysplasia. It could also be that your dog is just comfortable sleeping in this position. Similar to how people prefer to sleep on their back, side, or on their stomach. Dogs tend to have their favorite positions too. Pug dogs are adorably cute — no one questions that. This means that lying down may literally deprive your Pug of air! It happens when the respiratory passages become blocked for some reason, causing chronic sinusitis, canine sleep apnea symptoms, snoring, respiratory distress and heat intolerance, among other symptoms. It is important to know that not all dogs with short muzzles will develop BOAS. But it is equally vital to know the symptoms so you can keep an eye out and seek veterinary care for your Pug dog if needed. It may not make sense right away why your Pug decides to sleep propped up against a banister, chair, table, desk, toy, dog bed or even another Pug. Also, if you are caring for a Pug dog for the very first time, you may not yet know just how much Pugs love to sleep. They really love to sleep! A Pug dog can easily sleep for 20 hours a day , especially in puppyhood and during the senior dog years. Puppies are particularly prone to fall asleep whenever and wherever. Some dogs are just tired and will sleep anywhere if they can just get a quick nap in. As we briefly mentioned here earlier, dogs can get sleep apnea just like people can. In fact, most but not all people who get sleep apnea have facial structures similar to Pug dogs — short wide jaws, thick necks, narrow or obstructed respiratory passages. One of the warning signs of undiagnosed sleep apnea in people is suddenly falling asleep during the day, including while behind the wheel. But sudden bouts of daytime sleepiness can still be a sleep apnea warning sign. Here are some other warning signs to watch for: Snoring loudly. Fits of gasping or choking during sleep. Waking up from sleep because of gasping or choking. Open-mouthed breathing while asleep. Head and neck extension while sleeping. Sleeping propped up or sitting up! Pale or blue color to gums and lips indicates lack of oxygen. High pitched wheezing sound while asleep. However, according to Dogs Health, this breed is susceptible to developing both hip dysplasia and arthritis. Although, it is not as common in small dogs as it is in large dogs. It usually affects younger pups, but can develop later in life. Here are some warning signs to watch for: Loss of thigh muscle mass. Decreased activity. Difficulty climbing stairs, rising from a laying position, jumping, or running. If your pooch is displaying any of the symptoms above, you should take them to your local vet. They will be able to check your pooch and may be able to come up with a treatment plan. It could be that your dog finds it difficult to breathe in other sleeping positions. Therefore, they sleep sitting up, because it is the one position that allows them to let more air in through their nostrils while sleeping. Keeping their head up, makes it easier for them to breathe better. If you live with someone who snores, you know that they will snore louder depending on their sleeping position. Unfortunately, this breed is prone to several health problems and respiratory problems are just one of them. Like people, dogs will have their favorite sleeping positions. Some may like sleeping at your feet, pillow, or lay on top of you. Use of allergy medications for dogs and surgery are also frequently recommended management options. However, if this becomes a daily ritual, you may want to consider taking them to the veterinarian to ensure they are healthy.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Puppies are so cute! Just the thought of a little pup romping around the room and playing with his many toys makes people smile. And puppy kisses are the best! But it takes a lot of planning and work to have a successful relationship with the new addition. Remaining with them until then helps him learn how to appropriately play and interact with others. It also teaches him bite inhibition, so that he learns not to bite down too hard on our skin. So what exactly should we expect from our 8 week old puppy? Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are curious about everything. Choose the room your puppy will be in the most and make sure that electrical cords, hazardous chemicals, medications, and small items that can be ingested are out of his reach. When you get him, try to obtain a blanket or toy with the scent of his mother and littermates if possible. That will help him feel more at ease in a new environment. The breeder of my Lhasa apso Ralphie gave us a toy with those scents to help him make the transition, as he had a familiar scent with him which I placed in his pen at home. She was born in rescue but was the last of a litter of nine to be adopted when I saw her. But she made the transition fine. These include the following: Crates and exercise pens. But make sure you buy one with a divider included so that you can adjust the size of the crate as he grows. Collar and leash. Some breeders and rescues provide these. You may also want a harness to walk him. Clean-up tools. Chew deterrent. They make chew deterrents for various surfaces, such as for cloth or for wood such as furniture or baseboards. Toys and chew items. There are so many toys on the market today. Purchase a variety of safe types—some squeak, others rattle. And safe chews like Kong toys and Nylabones are important, because the puppy will explore the world with his mouth. Food and treats. You may want to change the puppy to a food you prefer. Many breeders and rescues will provide you with starter food. Then, if you change it, do so over at least a week or two. Other Preparations In addition to puppy-proofing your home and getting the above-listed items, there are other appointments you should have lined up prior to getting your pup, if possible. Have a veterinarian appointment set for your new puppy to be checked within the first few days after you get him. So, if you can, book the appointment in advance. When you meet with the vet, ask about what vaccinations your puppy will need. Puppies who are eight-weeks old generally have already had their distemper, adenovirus II, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. Discuss with your vet the appropriate heartworm preventative and flea and tick products for your puppy. Also ask about your puppy being microchipped. A microchip is really important should your puppy get lost. If you have the time, also look into puppy kindergarten and socialization classes. Make sure that the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience in training puppies. And the facility should be clean and well-run. All puppies admitted to any classes should also be required to have age-appropriate vaccinations. Post Arrival After your new furry bundle of joy has arrived, the fun starts! And play with him and train him. Some breeders and rescues may have already started to house train him. Scheduling Puppies need consistency. So have a schedule for his feeding, pottying, training, exercise, and socialization. At eight weeks old, he may be getting three to four feedings per day. So feed him each meal at the same time each day. And have a basic schedule for his other needs. You may need other people to help out with some of his needs, such as house training. Socialization Socialization means exposing your new puppy, in a positive manner, to all the things that he will have to face in the real world. So he should be trained to walk over various surfaces, hear everyday noises, and meet friendly people and pets. But you can still have friends and family members over to meet him. And give them tidbits of treats to give the puppy to make any encounter such as petting a positive one. Of course, first give your new puppy a few days to settle in at your home before you expose him to even more new experiences. At home, too, get him used to the sounds of water running, the dishwasher and other appliances running, and the vacuum. You get the idea. Make each a positive experience, giving him a piece of kibble or a small treat. And do this slowly not to overwhelm him. And get him used to car rides. A very young puppy will have to go to the bathroom after he eats, sleeps, and has any excitement including play. He has very little bladder control at eight weeks old. A young puppy can hold his urine about one hour more than his age. So he can hold it about three hours at two months old. You may want to have an exercise pen set up as a safe area. You can place a potty pad at one end and a bed or towel as his bed at the other end. And place a few safe toys, including a puppy Kong. I just make sure to take the puppy out at the right times. Handling Your puppy has to get used to handling and grooming. You can have him chew a safe chew or lick moist food or Kong stuffing out of a Kong to occupy his mouth and make the training exercise positive. Get him used to gently massaging his whole body, including feet and touching his nails. Get him used to gently opening his mouth. Calmly praise any calm behavior. Keep the sessions very short—a few minutes at most. You should do only a part of his body during each session or it will probably be too much for him. If he struggles, calmly wait until he settles before releasing him. Obedience Training Your new puppy is basically a blank slate. He has to learn all the commands to live with us successfully. Training also helps the puppy bond with you. Of course, give him a day or two to settle in for most commands. But you can still help him learn his identity. So, first, teach him his name. You can show him a piece of his kibble or a tiny treat and hold it near your face when you say his name. Do this a few times. Then try to just say his name, not holding the food near your face. When he looks at you, again praise and reward. Remember to never use his name in a negative manner, such as for a correction. Always start any training session without any distractions. Your puppy has to be able to focus on you to learn. One of the first commands we teach our puppies is to sit. You can hold a treat just above his nose and slowly move it back towards his forehead. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Another command I teach puppies in the first week is to come to me. I make it a lot of fun. Some puppies adapt easily, whereas others buck against the leash. Other Normal Puppy Behaviors Puppies explore the world with their mouths. So the little land sharks will try to chew on you and whatever they can reach. This is where your safe toys and chews come in. Always redirect him to the safe items and praise when he chews them. Puppy zoomies are normal. All of a sudden, your puppy may run around the room bouncing off the furniture. This is normal. Final Thoughts New puppies are so much fun! Do you have a puppy or have you had one? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. 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. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! As far as their height is concerned, most labs will reach their adult height of 22 to 25 inches 56 to .They will also reach their optimal weight of 64 to 80 pounds 29 to 36 kg by their 15th month. Labrador Retrievers are very food motivated, more so than quite a few other pups. Keeping your pup properly nourished is vital but letting your dog get fluffy is obviously ill-advised. With lots of myths and misconceptions flying around the place, many people believe that neutering or spaying your lab puppy too early will slow down its growth. There are some minor changes here and there, depending on the study, but nothing too significant. How big is the pup compared to the rest of its litter? The average time it takes for a Labrador Retriever to reach its maximum height is about 11 months or less than a year. Some puppies take a bit longer and others do it even sooner. A few weeks of variation are to be expected as long as your vet is certain your pup is healthy. As for the weight, this reaches its potential a bit later — around the 15th month. How can you tell how big a Lab puppy will get? It will also likely have a pretty dominant personality and require an experienced owner. How much do Lab puppies grow each week? In terms of weight, a 3 pound 1. From there, the growth will gradually slow down until the puppy reaches its maximum height around the month mark and its optimal weight around the 15th month. How big is an 8 week old Labrador? How big exactly is such a pup, however? The average 8 week old Labrador should be somewhere between 8 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 30 cm with females being an inch or so shorter. As for their weight, that can vary between 10 to 14 pounds 4.