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Aside from forcing you to get more active, having a canine friend can reduce stress for people of all ages. For starters, vaccinations start at weeks old and should be spaced out every two weeks. Golden retrievers have a reputation for being some of the best dog breeds for families. Are you looking to bring home a golden retriever puppy? Read on for an in-depth golden retriever guide to prepare you for your new best friend for life. Are Golden Retrievers Good Dogs? Of course, all dogs are the best boys and girls and deserve all the belly rubs in the world! However, when people ask if a golden retriever is a good dog, they want to know if the breed is a good fit for them. Some dogs also require extensive maintenance and can be too much for a beginner dog handler. For people wanting to make sure a golden is good for their lifestyle, the quick answer is yes. Golden retrievers are an all-around versatile breed for all kinds of people and are the best dogs you could ask for. Golden retrievers are amazing with kids and make for great family dogs. Goldens are a gentle bunch, and their intelligence and patience are often under-appreciated. They can handle household noise and curious toddlers with the patience of a saint. As a breed, they are well known for their loving, patient, gentle, and fun-loving nature. This is largely a result of upbringing and conditioning, as any dog can become aggressive if mistreated. If you want a friendly golden retriever, do your part and give them the love and care they need. Golden Retrievers Are Affectionate Goldens are affectionate and are sure to get along with any dog or person they meet. This is why you often see them excelling as therapy, comfort, and emotional support dogs. Golden Retrievers Have Wonderful Personalities There is nothing to not like about the personalities of this breed. They love to have fun, but they also like going with the flow. Given their history as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are curious and will go often go exploring if you let them. They also have plenty of courage and work ethic, making them great working dogs. Golden retrievers will always want to greet strangers and sneak a chance at some playtime. This makes them a poor choice to defend your home, as they might befriend the intruder instead. If you want a guard dog, a golden retriever may fall short of its responsibilities. They Can Be Mischievous This one should be obvious for anyone scrolling social media. Goldens have a penchant for tomfoolery and mischief, which can often be hilarious. Golden retriever puppies are particularly notorious for this. Part of this stems from their natural curiosity but also their relaxed and loving nature. While temperament is often a genetic arch-type and can differ from dog to dog, most of it is solid. This is a huge factor for families with multiple dogs or a cat. They May Have Trouble Behaving in Public Because goldens are so friendly, they sometimes have trouble behaving in public. Their temperament naturally pulls them toward new potential friends. You can work on these through socialization and by going slow. Take them to less crowded or busy places first, and work your way up until they get the hang of it. Keep an eye out for body language and physical contact. As we said, some of this comes built in, but you also have to work on it. There are two major things you need to do. If you want to ensure your golden has that loveable personality, start socializing them at a young age. Training is a must, and golden retrievers are usually eager to please. It also helps to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, not from any pet store or puppy mill. At My Golden Retriever Puppies , we breed and raise our puppies with the love and attention they deserve. Golden Retriever Traits Aside from personality and temperament, goldens have great traits. These include their trainability, intelligence, and energy levels. It also includes behaviors to watch out for, like chewing. For a quick dive, keep reading. Golden Retrievers Are Smart Golden retrievers are much more intelligent than people give them credit for. A great example is how the police love using them as sniffers and tracking dogs. As long as you put in the work, your golden will be able to flex its stuff. This has a lot to do with their intelligence and obedient and loving personality. Golden Retrievers Need Exercise Despite being pretty flexible with their energy levels, Goldens still need to exercise. Examples of this include frequent zoomies around the house or getting into messes. They Can Be Chewers Goldens can be chewers, and this stems from adolescence. Teething golden puppies will chew anything they can get their hands on. A great way to handle this is training and exercise. Goldens need stimulation. Playing tug of war or fetch is a great way to address that bad chewing habit. They are cute and smart, easy to train and grow up to be fantastic family dogs. Visit us today to bring the newest addition to your family home. A golden retriever is happy, loyal, affectionate, non-aggressive, and almost always friendly. They get along with almost everyone, including kids, strangers, and other animals. Do Golden Retrievers Bark a lot? For example, your puppy may boop things with their nose or use their paws to communicate. Are Golden Retrievers Well Behaved? Golden retrievers are some of the most well-behaved dogs out there. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Pin it Pin on Pinterest Golden Retrievers are considered to be some of the most lovable and gentlest types of dogs in the world. Because of this, they are a popular breed for many homeowners to add to their family. However, while these bundles of joy are a great addition to the family, they come with a few needs, especially if you plan to get Golden Retriever puppies. It is believed that Tweedmouth bought a yellow-coated retriever from a litter of mainly black retrievers. He then bred the retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel which eventually produced four yellow puppies. Eventually, the breed came to have the characteristic it is known for today, such as a bright yellow cup and long wavy coat. Golden Retriever puppies will eventually grow to be very large dogs, although how big depends on their gender. Males will grow to be anywhere near 23 to 23 inches tall and weigh about 60 to 75 lbs. Females will grow to be about 22 inches tall and weigh about lbs. Puppies will usually reach their full height and weight after a year. Types of Golden Retrievers Believe it or not, there are three different types of Golden Retrievers which range based on fur color and breed type. Fur can range from golden, light golden, and dark golden. The three types this breed comes in include American, Canadian, and English. So, how do you tell the difference between the types? An American Golden Retriever will look like your average Golden Retriever with a thin body and golden to dark golden coat. On the other hand, a Canadian Golden Retriever will have a thinner coat compared to the American version, although they will usually have the same fur color. An English Golden Retriever is a bit stockier compared to the other two and their coat tends to be very light in color. They are Affectionate These dogs are considered to be one of the most affectionate types in the world. They are very calm and enjoy sitting and being around people. They are also very patient and will gently play around with you because they want to be around you. These dogs also enjoy cuddling. They are Eager to Please Golden Retrievers want to be your best friend, and because of this, they will almost anything to please you. This can range from bringing you things to trying to be around you often. This makes them the perfect breed to consider if you want a faithful companion. They are Gentle While they might be big dogs, Golden Retrievers are very gentle, even when playing. Because of this, they are perfect to keep around children. They are Playful Golden Retrievers are very happy dogs and love to play. For those who want a dog to stay active with them, this breed is ideal to consider because of this. However, despite being playful, they also know when to stop because they want to please you. When they see that you are upset or sense they are causing pain , they will stop and calm down. Keep in mind though that this might be a little harder for puppies to understand as they are happy to play. The older the dog gets, the more relaxed they become. Food for Golden Retriever Puppies Golden Retriever puppies have a strict diet that needs to be followed so they stay healthy and grow. While there are some pre-made food products you can buy for them, you can also add some other healthy food options like vegetables for dogs to their meals. Carrots While carrots should be given in moderation due to their sugar content, they have many benefits. This includes keeping their teeth clean, improving their digestive system, and are high in Vitamin A which helps their immune system. When giving carrots to a puppy Golden Retriever, you should ideally grate them or cook them and mash them up. Green Beans Green beans can be given to dogs raw, cooked, or steamed. However, they need to be plain and without any type of seasonings. Sweet Potatoes Dogs tend to love sweet potatoes which is good as they are filled with fiber and can help their digestive system stay healthy. They also contain beta-carotene which is a rich antioxidant which helps to improve their skin. You can mash this small fruit up or give it to your dog whole. Bananas Bananas contain Vitamin K and potassium which can help with skin issues your dog might be having. However, keep in mind that they should only be given occasionally as they are high in fiber which can result in diarrhea. Pumpkin Pumpkins are a healthy sweet treat to give your retriever puppy thanks to its fiber content, high water content, and impressive levels of antioxidants. This supplement can also help to reduce inflammation in their body and keep their coat shiny. Check the Fillers Many dog foods contain fillers, used to cut down production costs, like corn and rice flour. Some fillers are used to provide extra volume and vitamins. This means that your dog might be getting some benefits from eating it, they are also eating fillers and other animal by-products which are generally not good for them. This can help to prevent them from getting medical conditions such as arthritis. While calcium is important, too much of it can also lead to problems like kidney disease and even some types of cancer. Retriever puppies usually need to eat about three times per day to ensure they get enough vitamins and nutrients for their body. Keep in mind that because these dogs love to eat, it could end up leading to obesity. This could end up causing health problems down the road, such as heart disease and painful joints. Below are some important things to consider. By doing so, it can make your training a bit easier. Some things to start teaching your puppy are potty training, basic commands like sit , and stopping leash tugging. These might take some time to do, but they are very simple. After doing so, let them sniff the treat and then bring the treat up over their head. This will cause them to sit down. Keep doing this process until your puppy is able to do it without needing the treat. When they indicate they need to go outside to use the bathroom, reward them. Eventually, they will learn the right behavior to use because of this. Make Sure to Stop Leash Tugging Most Golden Retriever puppies do not like leashes and will tend to pull in their leash to try to get out of them. If not stopped, this can lead to it making it difficult for you to walk your dog down the road. To help with this, you can use a harness and fixed-length leash. The harness will wrap around the front section of their body which will let them walk around, but help you to maintain control over where they go. A fixed-length leash will also help to keep your puppy in one place as it will only give them a certain distance they can go. When they start to pull on the leash, they will only be able to go as far as you have set the length to be. Eventually, they will get tired of the strain on their body when trying to pull away which can stop leash tugging. Many dog trainers also recommend tiring your dog out before they walk. This can include letting them play and run around for a few minutes. This can help them to stay calm when walking which can result in less leash tugging. Golden Retrievers are considered bird dogs, so they need to move around and stay active to get their energy out and to stay happy. You can let them run around in a dog park or take them for a swim, something which they tend to love doing. This can help to keep their coat smooth and healthy while removing any dirt or particles from their fur. On the other hand, you could also take your puppy to a groomer who will bathe your dog and give them a haircut. However, this might be a little expensive. Be Sure to Brush Them In addition to giving them baths and haircuts, you also need to make sure to brush them daily. This will help to remove excess fur and any other particles that might be in their coat. Otherwise, they will get very itchy and could end up shedding even more on furniture and floors. Carefully Consider Spaying and Neutering Your Puppy Golden Retrievers will have a little more issues when it comes to spaying and neutering. In fact, some vets have found that neutering Golden Retrievers could end up causing them to have joint pain or even cancer down the road. Because of this, some vets recommend that you consider using other means of preventing breeding. Because of this, they could end up chewing electrical cords, getting caught in window cords, or sniff household cleaners which could contain harmful chemicals. Give Them Things to Chew These dogs love to chew, something which many pet owners are surprised to find. You could also consider giving them a puzzle toy which can help to keep their brain active and healthy. However, how do you know which breeder is best to buy from? You can tell by keeping a few things in mind. One to look for is a contract that they will write up. This will tell of important things both the breeder and the buyer need to know. This way, you can tell that they are serious about the work and intend to provide you with healthy puppies. You should also make sure that the breeder has health certifications. Another thing to consider is the history of the breeder. Do many recommend them? Do they have years of experience? You should also consider looking at Golden Retriever puppies for adoption who might be at your local animal shelter. Adoption can also help to provide these puppies with a happy home rather than have to stay in a depressing kennel. Golden Retriever puppies are great dogs to have, but they have certain needs that need to be followed. For instance, they require plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. However, this will help them to stay healthy and give you many years together of fun adventures. 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. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? Posted on December 2, by Galen Kauffman Share: There are few dogs in history more famous and easily recognized than the golden retriever. In fact, Golden Retriever facts will reveal to you that this beautiful dog even has aristocratic roots. A flat-coated retriever and Tweed water spaniel were bred to bring about the Golden Retriever. They earned their namesake because they were originally bred for bringing back waterfowl shot by hunters out of the water. Sport hunting in Europe and North America increased interest in the development of gun dogs and Setter, Pointers and Retrievers have specific attributes that make them superb sporting- and gun dogs. It comes from decades ago when there was the need for a gun dog that could plunge fearlessly into the water to retrieve game from the water after being shot down. The breed was originally created by Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland to be his attractive, cheerful hunting companions. It would have been impossible for him to navigate the marshes, bogs, water, and land to retrieve the birds were it not for his energetic, enthusiastic Golden Retriever companion. These working dogs retrieved ducks and waterfowl during hunting trips and would gently pick the birds up without breaking their bones. Tweedmouth got that distinctive long-haired golden look from mixing the Tweedwater Spaniel, a now-extinct breed, with the Flat-Coated Retriever. The Tweed Water Spaniel became extinct but is best known for being involved in the y development of the Golden Retriever breed of dogs. The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is a strong, muscular dog with an intelligent, friendly expression. They come in 3 colors and they have a strong desire to please people. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a distinctive breed, a natural breed with strong hunting abilities. Later in their history, to further diversify the breed from the pack, Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Red Setters were introduced. This resulted in the Golden Flat-Coat dog. Later on, the dog was named the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever has a double coat with a short undercoat below the coat. Both the layers help to insulate the dog against cold, moist weather. The double coat also has a waterproofing effect. Those coats come in two distinct layers, the upper, wiry one keeping water from penetrating the fluffy lower coat. The Golden Retriever has a double coat, meaning there is a topcoat and a bottom coat. The outer coat of the Golden is slightly more coarse than the soft, fuzzy undercoat. Both the layers have an important role to play — protecting the skin from moisture, cold, and heat. Some urban legends say the breed originally came from a pack of Russian sheepdogs in a traveling circus. But it nonetheless makes you think of these pet urban legends. After all, Golden Retrievers love learning new tricks and they are easy dogs to train. People say their antics, their smiling face and the way they train so easily is because they once performed in a Russian circus. There is no truth in this pet urban legend. The breed was made official in when they were registered with the American Kennel Club. To this day Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular show breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in .To become a recognized breed, a dog must have an interested, active following of admirers and this the Golden Retriever has in abundance. They are large dogs with the males being about 23 to 24 inches tall. The males weigh in at about 65 to 75 pounds. The females can be anything from 21 to 24 inches in height and they can weigh between 55 to 65 pounds. They usually stand somewhere between 1 foot 9 inches tall and two feet, making them great medium-sized dogs. Because nothing is set in stone and a Golden Retriever is totally unique, you can safely class your Golden as a medium to large breed. Some will be a little larger and some smaller, but they are always beautiful strong athletic dogs. Goldens usually have a 10 to year life span, making them great family dogs. So while the Golden typically lives between 10 and 12 years of age, with good nutrition, good exercise, and a wonderful lifestyle for your pet, he can push through to 17 years of age and even older. The females are typically smaller than the males, only measuring up to about .You can always pretty much rely on the standard, but there are always variations. Each one is different in a few subtle ways. One thing is certain, they are all purebreds and they all fall under the one Golden Retriever breed. The Canadian Golden Retriever looks just a bit different from the other two in that his coat is darker and shorter and not quite as thick as the other two. The shorter hair also means less feathering on the neck, tail, and legs. The British or English golden retriever is more solidly built than the Canadian and American retrievers. English goldens also tend to be just a bit smaller than the other two varieties. American Goldens tend to have thin, dark coats and are usually the thinnest of the three. The American Golden Retriever is the most popular of the three. Its coat is darker in color than the other two varieties and it is generally taller and slightly more slender. Canadian Goldens usually have darker coats and can sometimes be the tallest of the three options. The darker coats can lean towards being a dark reddish color, almost like a Red Setter. British Goldens tend to be the lightest in color and are usually stocky and muscular. English Golden Retrievers are characterized by their muscular, stocky builds. The entire head and neck area are bigger. Their coats can be very light or golden. All three types of Goldens share the same head shape, with a broad, straight muzzle that comes to a well-defined stop. In fact, while the three types of Golden Retriever differ slightly, all three are famous for their beautiful coats, the broad head, the well-spaced eyes, and straight, bluntish muzzle. Generally, dogs with sharper pointed faces and wolf-like features tend to live way longer than their flat-faced cousins. Dogs with longer, more pointed faces live longer than broader-faced dogs such as the Golden Retriever. The coat of the Golden is dense and water repellent complete with an undercoat. The coat creates a waterproof jacket for the dog. They should never be shaved or have their coats cut very short unless needed for a medical reason. That coat is long and fluffy for good reason! The long coat protects the Golden from the heat and the cold and it should never ever be cut except for medical reasons as suggested. Its beautiful coat serves a purpose. You can always pick out a Golden Retriever with his long golden locks. Despite their name, Goldens actually range in shades. Some are a much darker, richer gold color, almost orange even, while others are much duller and muter yellow cream color. Golden Retriever colors are quite varied in the golden color range. You can see shades that are milky, some creamy, some gold, and some red. Not all the colors are recognized as a standard color by the American Kennel Club. The official colors are golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. Even though they are immensely popular, a white Golden is frowned upon by the British and American kennel clubs. You can usually get a pretty good indication of what shade your puppy is going to end up being by checking their ears. Goldens tend to have their coats get darker as they age, usually getting their true color by about a year old. Golden Retrievers promise to stay beautiful forever but their fur does get darker as they grow older. At about a year old, a Golden is considered full-grown. A Golden Retriever may well have reached his full size by one year of age, but mentally they only reach maturity at about 18 months of age. It comes about because of a breakdown of an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which produces pigment. This Tyrosinase is seen in order dog breeds too, one of which is the Husky. As sporting dogs, these Goldens are going to need plenty of exercise. As active members of the sporting group, they are always ready for action and are natural athletes. They are used for everything from hunting and tracking to rescue. Goldens are known for their kind, friendly, and confident demeanor, a selling point for their breed. Goldens are super easy to train. They love pleasing their masters, taking instructions, and learning new things. They are capable of learning voice instructions but can understand hand gestures too. So long as everyone in the family uses the same words and gestures so as not to confuse him. Golden Retrievers are immensely charming in the way they carry their puppyhood behavior well into their adult years. Golden retrievers are great family dogs, fantastic with babies and kids, and get along great with other pets in the house. No wonder they make such superb therapy dogs. Golden retrievers were trained to retrieve and hold onto wild birds and this is why they instinctively love to hold toys or your shoes in their mouth. Goldens love to carry stuff around as they were selectively bred to retrieve birds. Socialized Goldens are always good off-leash but it is best to be cautious when outside your property and have him on a leash. Because of how high-energy the breed is, Golden Retrievers make great playmates for other dogs. They make great playmates for other dogs and for kids. They fit well into active families. Goldens need, at a minimum, 30 minutes of playtime per day to live their healthiest and happiest. You should probably plan for more! An energetic, sporty breed like the Golden Retriever must get 30 minutes of playtime every day to be at their most content. Leaving a Golden outside for long periods of time often can lead to major skins problems and environmental allergies. Atopic dermatitis can affect some Goldens and things such as dust and grasses can cause your Golden to develop inflammation. Keep an eye out for scratching and lesions. Goldens are incredibly social animals that need to be social with other pups as much as possible for them to live their best, happiest lives. Due to their innate sense of loyalty, Goldens will likely want to be with you at all times. So yes, Golden Retrievers do get jealous. The social Golden Retriever loves his human family so much he feels disconnected, depressed, and lonely when separated from them and he will even suffer from separation anxiety. A great way to give your pup some relief from separation anxiety is to give them a piece of clothing with your scent on it. Because your Golden Retriever is such a people-loving dog, it is far better for him to have a pet sitter stay with him to keep him company. Maybe consider looking into a doggy daycare if nobody you know is free to hang out with your dog. With doggy daycare, your dog will have other doggy friends to keep him company. This is important as dogs are social, pack animals. Also, with doggy daycare, he will be exercised. Your Golden might be used to having food in his bowl throughout the day and also from getting treats from you. Having food available to him throughout the day can cause him to eat from sheer boredom. Speak to your vet about how to feed your Golden so that he stays the muscular, lean dog he was designed to be. Your vet can recommend the right kind of food for your Golden and the right food portions. Golden Retrievers can sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, skin conditions, and various eye diseases. From 3 to 6 months, they have rapid growth which will slow down by the time your puppy reaches 6 months of age. The whole idea of this slow-grown plan is to ensure a slow rate of growth for puppies between the ages of 0 to 4 months. The slow growth rate allows the healthiest possible development of bones and joints. Rather, give the coat a good brush 2 or 3 times a week. Dogs with folded over ears, like Goldens, are extra susceptible to ear infections. Make sure to keep an eye out and keep those ears as clean as possible. Floppy-eared dogs like Golden Retrievers and Basset Hounds do tend to have more ear infections than those dogs with upright ears. They are often water-loving dogs and the moisture trapped in the ears results in the growth of bacteria. A Golden Retriever Club of America study showed that 61 percent of Goldens die from some form of cancer, a worrying trend. Make sure you take your pup to the vet often. It is thought that Goldens have this high probability for cancer as environmental toxins may concentrate on the nails of the dog. Tests are still undergoing to prove this, but if you suspect your beloved Golden is ill, get him to the vet immediately. Both will cause serious health issues. Chocolate certainly is toxic to dogs along with other human foods. Make sure you do research on this. Make sure you keep grapes and raisins away from your pup. Both can cause liver and renal failure. As a health threat to your beautiful pup, their toxicity can cause your puppy to develop acute kidney injury with anuria which is a lack of urine production. If they eat too much, they can suffer from anemia. Even onion rings from the takeaway joint are highly toxic for your canine friend. There are a few symptoms to look out for — weakness, decreased appetite, pale gums, vomiting, and elevated heart rate. Avos are delicious for us but for your pet, the persin can cause serious health problems and even death. Veterinarians tell us that dogs are particularly resistant to persin than other animals. They tend to shatter and can do some serious internal damage to their guts. Bits of bone can even lodge in the esophagus, and in the gut causing internal bleeding as they pierce the organs. When dogs are overheated or stressed they do breather heavier than normal to cool themselves. Golden Retrievers are at their most active super early in the morning because of their history of waking up early to hunt. In fact, all dogs dream, causing them to twitch and paddle intermittently. Golden Retrievers, like most other dog breeds, have a faster heart rate than smaller breeds. The average is somewhere between 60 to beats per minute. So there is no cause for alarm as a larger dog breed does have this faster heart rate. If there is any cause for concern, get your Golden to the vet. Your Golden has around taste buds, way less than the average human with ! Dogs also have taste buds in the back of their throat, so that food that they gulp down they can actually taste! Goldens usually have around puppies at a time, giving you a massive litter of pups! Some Goldens can even have .This is because of the many scent receptors they have. For each scent receptor we have, a dog has about .Contrary to popular myths, your Golden can see color! They do it to keep themselves warm and protect the belly. Believe it or not, dogs actually have three separate eyelids. Dog experts say that dogs have floating shoulders giving them speed and agility. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs have the same two noseprints. Just like us humans have different fingerprints, dog noses each have their own unique pattern of ridges. Goldens are a quick, athletic breed that can reach up to 30 mph on average. Goldens are the go-to choice for therapy, search and guide dogs all over the world. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden retriever is the 3rd most popular breed. Of course, and for good reason, as they are friendly, loving, playful, energetic, and utterly companionable. Despite being a relatively large breed, Goldens are great dogs for apartments or semi-small living spaces. While they can live in apartments, you will have to give more attention to their physical and mental needs, taking them out regularly for exercise. Goldens can be trained to detect epileptic seizures up to a full hour before they actually happen. It makes them invaluable for people who suffer from them. Being naturally sensitive, gentle, and attentive, they offer emotional support for anyone with a disability or suffering from depression. Ancient Egyptians loved their dogs so much that they would shave their eyebrows, smear mud in their hair, and publicly mourn when they died. Dogs were kept in Ancient Egyptian homes and apart from being terribly sad when their pets died, they would sometimes even mummify their pets and insist on them being buried with their pets. He also wants to mark his territory and while urinating, in this vulnerable position he wants to send out a warning. Supposedly, the best dog for attracting a date is the Golden Retriever while the worst is the Pit Bull. Anyone though should check out the way a person treats a dog, as they will likely treat their date like that too. Goldens are a popular choice for movies because of how trainable they are. Add in intelligence and you have the perfect canine film star. Goldens are a popular pick among celebrities and politicians, including both President Reagan and President Ford. These people are all achievers in one way or the other, and they appreciate an intelligent dog that adapts well to situations and the people they are with. They are people pleasers and will drool over strangers, but their own human family gets the most kisses and loving nudges to show their adoration. They have a low tendency to snore. Yes, all dogs snore at some time but some are heavier snorers. If yours is, rather clear it with the vet as sometimes a health issue could be causing his snoring. They have a medium tendency to bark, but will often get very excited and bark at their owners to play. If he does dig, it could be out of boredom or anxiety, and then there are things you can do. Before you buy a Golden Retriever, understand their need for attention and activity. Goldens have been as high as the second most popular dogs on the AKC charts in .Studies suggest that Goldens are the sixth least likely breed in terms of aggression. They can be trusted not to bite. Goldens have webbed toes to help them swim better. These are water dogs and this helps them swim better. Because of their thick coats, Goldens are known to shed a lot. They shed throughout the year and that is why it is important as an owner of a heavy shedding dog, to ensure you have the proper grooming tools and to brush his shedding coat three times a week to remove loose hair. Goldens respond best when positive reinforcement is incorporated into training. Golden Retrievers want to please their human owners and they want to learn. It is why they respond so well to positive reinforcement training techniques. The intelligent Golden Retriever quickly learns that good tasty treats come to them when they please their owners. Owning your Golden can make you happier and help you live longer That makes perfect sense, because, in a world of fickle human beings, the constant love and loyalty from a Golden Retriever is like therapy to people who are finding it difficult to trust human beings for true companionship. Their wonderful, gentle, happy-go-lucky natures make them sought-after therapy dogs. What makes Golden Retrievers so special? Where most dog breeds have one or two exceptional qualities the Golden Retriever has many. How smart is a Golden Retriever? The Golden Retriever is ranked smarter than most other dogs and comes in as the 4th most intelligent dog there is, easily managing to learn more than commands. What do Golden Retrievers like to do? Do Golden Retrievers bite? Highly unlikely, if ever. If they are feeling sick or feeling threatened they may nip someone. What do golden retrievers eat? Avoid most human foods. If in any doubt, speak to your vet. Why are Goldens so mouthy? They were bred to retrieve soft birds that their owners had shot. Their soft mouths are able to hold things without the teeth putting any pressure on what it is they have in their mouth. Conclusion The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dogs breeds of all time. To appreciate them as they are, these facts about these Golden Beauties will inspire you to investigate buying a puppy. Always make sure to choose the most reputable Golden Labrador Retrievers to benefit from all these amazing qualities. My Golden Retriever Puppies are breeders who are a minefield of information on Golden Retriever puppy facts. Are you in need of a sincere friend today? There is no doubt that an exquisite, friendly, loving Golden Retriever puppy is going to improve your quality of life. History and Origins Sir Dudley Marjoribanks Lord Tweedmouth took a liking to the yellow colour of the retriever and acquired a dog called 'Nous' from Brighton, England, in and used him on a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, which was a liver-coloured retrieving dog. In 20 years of further breeding, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers , Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden Retriever dog breed was developed. In , it was registered and shown as Golden Flatcoats until when the listing was changed to Golden or Yellow Retrievers until finally, in , they took the name they bear today. Ideal Owner Ideal Golden Retriever owners understand that this breed only becomes a loveable, cuddly best friend if trained and socialised well and given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks in mud and rain are part of the joy of the Goldie, cleaning up muddy pawprints and vacuuming shed hair will need to be also! Exercise Needs Adult Golden Retrievers require a reasonable amount of exercise to keep them in peak condition. A couple of hours of daily exercise should be sufficient for a fit adult, though this dog will happily accept more if you can offer it! Like many gundogs , they can easily become overweight if not given enough exercise - especially as they love their food! Space Requirements At heart, this is a country dog that loves the great outdoors and long walks in the countryside. Plus, given the Golden Retriever size, they will most likely feel more comfortable with access to a large backyard. However, they can adapt to smaller spaces as long as they have a garden and plenty of daily exercise. Nutrition and Feeding Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Golden Retriever is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Grooming Golden Retrievers Because of the density of the coat, the Golden Retriever grooming process has to be done regularly. The undercoat, because of its water-repellent nature, is extremely thick and must not be allowed to mat, causing unnecessary suffering to the animal. Whilst the length of the coat attracts water and mud, this is easily cleaned off once the coat has dried. Training Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are great dogs to train — whether in obedience or more traditional gundog work— bas they are smart and enjoy pleasing their owners. They need sensitive reward-based training to help them gain confidence and excel. As well as walking exercise, they excel in any games that use their natural retrieving abilities and love working with their owners. The Golden Retriever is an ideal dog for families as they love everyone, are gentle, and enjoy being involved in all activities. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. He and his handler John Gilkey worked at the site for three months trying to locate people buried in the rubble. Golden Retrievers are said to have extremely soft mouths, so soft in fact that they can carry a raw egg in their mouth without cracking the shell. Due to their high intelligence and willingness to please, Golden Retrievers are often used in films and TV shows, some famous ones include Buddy from Air Bud and Shadow from Homeward Bound. They are thought to be the 4th smartest dog breed in the world. No, Golden Retrievers are known to be high energy and very active so if there are signs of laziness, they might be experiencing medical issues or emotional distress. Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot? When they do bark, however, it mostly sounds like a friendly bark instead of a menacing one. Is a Golden Retriever good for beginners? Absolutely, Golden Retrievers make great pets for any potential owner, regardless of the experience they have with pets. How many times a day does a Golden Retriever need to be walked? Depending on age, a Golden Retriever would need between 15 minutes and 2 hours of daily exercise. Similar Breeds.

Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. 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. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. 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. Home » Blog » What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks You certainly want to know about every minute of your sweet puppy. Last year we did a documentary about our breeding program in which we showed where our Frenchies live and we also wrote about how our program has grown over the years. In this article, we share with you how we help our little puppies on the TomKings Puppies farm, from the first moments of their lives until we find a forever loving family for them. The vet checks if everything is fine and we take them home. The average birth weight of a Frenchie is 0. Their size strongly depends on the size of the litter; when there are a fewer of them they can be as big as a two-week-old puppy from an other litter. Newborn puppies are deaf and blind and absolutely helpless so we are here to assist their mother to nurture them. In the first two weeks They are breastfed every 3 hours, and then their mom stimulates them to pee and poo. Not all mothers are eager to do this, in which case we assist them with a dam, warm cotton towel. The puppies spend the rest of their time sleeping they often seem to be dreaming! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email They are so cute as they love to huddle together, but we also keep them warm with an external source like an infra lamp. As the puppies are very small, there is a threat that the mom accidentally smothers one or more of them. In the first 4 weeks We make strict precautions to keep the newborn babies sterile to avoid the risk of them being infected. They sleep in the house with us, and only a small circle of carers are allowed to touch them who use lots of hands sanitizing. As the mother has less and less milk we gradually switch to give them milk from a bottle and then crushed food. The puppies open their eyes when they are days old, and then they are able to hear — a whole new world opens up for them. At the age of weeks, the little explorers start crawling and then the first few shaky steps. At this stage, they are already very playful and start love-biting each other. New born puppies are very helpless. They are born blind and deaf and unable to regulate their body temperatures, so we have to use an external heat source when the puppies are not in direct contact with mom. During this time period, their mothers have to stimulate them in order for them to urinate and have bowel movements. This is a very busy time for us and we are usually very sleep deprived because we assist the mothers every 3 hours around the clock to make sure that all puppies are latching on well, growing, and being stimulated to urinate and defecate. It is a critical time in which the puppies are so small that an unaware Frenchie mother could accidentally smother one or more of her pups, so we monitor them very closely. Lacey takes a video of each litter at 3 weeks of age and posts them on our website under New Puppies so that our clients near the top of the list, as well as other clients and prospective clients, can get a early look at them. They continue to gain weight rapidly over the next several months of their lives. At two weeks age their ears open and they are able to hear, and another big part of their new world opens up. Prior to this event, about all they do is grunt or mew, but afterward their vocabulary includes yelps, whines, and even little barks. At three weeks of age the more advanced puppies start taking their first shaky steps; prior to this their basic mode of transportation is basic army crawling. They are now able to urinate and defecate on their own and will move away from their sleeping area to do so. Up to this point it is strictly the mothers and us Donna, Lacey, and Bick who have handled the pups with lots of hand sanitizing before and after and they have been kept in their kennel. Even though it is hard on the kids, we do not let them or their friends handle them until 4 weeks of age. At four weeks we start introducing them to solid food initially crushed and moistened. By the end of the 4th week they are eating their crushed puppy food, with no water added, three times a day. Because they are not nursing as long or as often, we provide fresh water for them at all times. The kids are allowed to hold them now closely monitored and with clean hands and we allow the puppies to run around and explore our large main room in the house. At 5 weeks of age they are starting to run around all over the place when they are let out to play, and, when they are in their kennels, they play sometimes rather roughly with litter mates. It is during this time when some of their adult personalities will start coming out. By the end of this week their puppy teeth are all in, and they love to chew on things, including fingers if you let them. However, even at this age, they will spend most of their time sleeping, probably close to 20 hours per day, with only short times between naps when they are alert and active. By the end of the 6th week they are completely weaned from their moms and eating solid food well. We frequently take them out of their kennels to scamper around. They are full of energy and love to play with their litter-mates and the kids. This is the time that we really focus on socializing them and we even start their paper training. By 7 weeks they have already passed through most of their puppy milestones and are continuing to grow rapidly; they are generally in the 4 to 6 pound range. This is when their personalities really start coming out! It is so fun to watch them play with the kids and their litter-mates and observe their new fascination with toys. They have become somewhat accustomed to going potty on pee pads so that when they are out running around the room they often recognize them on the floor and will go potty on them. Though they are fast, active, playful little puppies at this point in their lives, they still are like babies and require lots of sleep probably over 18 hours per day and are still quite fragile. This video will show the color and conformation of each puppy, in addition to its personality. Their their third DAPP and 2nd Bordetella vaccinations are given at 12 weeks and then a yearly booster thereafter. The rabies shot can also be given at 12 weeks no later than 16 weeks. They are also regularly de-wormed and given a medication for the prevention of coccidia and giardia. Occasionally we hold onto puppies a little longer if we do not feel they are quite ready to go to their new homes. Our clients are encouraged to come to our home to meet their fur babies if this is feasible. When this is not possible, we arrange for one of our responsible puppy chaperones to hand deliver our puppies to meet their new owners at their nearest major airport. In fact, even as adults they will sleep at least half of the day in a series of long naps, and probably closer to 14 hours per day. Have More Questions?

All of our puppies are sold with full AKC registration. California sales tax included in price stated above when required. Puppies need to be paid for in full at 5 weeks of age. See shipping cost below. Pick puppies need to be selected by 7 weeks of age so we have time to select the other for the people waiting. All other puppies will be selected by Jim to fit what each client has told us they are looking for. Shipping will have to be American air or ground transport. Shipping charges will have to be calculated at time of shipping. These are extra expenses required on ALL puppies that have to be shipped. If we have to ground ship we ask that the buyer try to sets up their own shipper. We can set it up but as it requires a lot of scheduling and price difference it works better if the buyer is in contact with the transporter. We keep an ongoing waiting list for our litters. Balance due at 5 weeks of age, in order make arrangements for shipping. You can make payment by personal check, cashers check or money order, it must be made out to James Reed Louis ave, Oroville, Ca .All deposits are non-refundable, if a puppy is not available you will be moved to the next available litter. Or for your convenience of payment you can use PayPals system. Simply click on the PayPals button below. This will lead you directly to PayPal's secure payment screen. Please email or phone us for availability before placing a deposit, thank you. This litter is spoken for. He brings back the old-style heavy bone type along with tremendous working abilities. He has the legendary look of the East German bloodlines along with the superior temperament and performance qualities of the West German working lines. Transitions between active and passive behavior perfectly on command. Shows an excellent relationship with his handler in obedience with reliable fast reactions to the commands. Steady and sure, impossible to find fault, always full of self-confidence with nerves of steel. More dominant than GSDs of other colors because sable will show even if there is only one sable allele. Or sell a puppy into a family that already has a puppy under 2 yrs old. A Von Breker GS puppy is a loving companion that will never leave you alone. Providing wonderful German Shepherds to many families in Texas and across the nation. Sable german shepherd puppies for sale. Sable Long Haired German Shepherd Puppy As doggies, their ears hang down close to their head, anyway as they develop, their ears become erect. Chanel Vom Fernbrook: Available. Shyness runs in certain GSD lines, and you want to avoid timid pups. Sable German Shepherd puppies have a tendency to change color as they grow. Sable German Shepherd dogs are not rare, but even so, it is hard to find a breeder that has a regular litter of sable-colored puppies. German Shepherd puppies, black sables dark sable and sable puppies. Their coats have short hairs or long hairs. All of our puppies come from German lineage that is carefully selected for. I have 8 German shepherd puppies but 7 of them are for sale as I have already sold one I have 4 boys and 3 girls left all will be Micochipping and wormed please contact me for me information about them Mum is black and tan Dad is white Mum and dad are both full German shepherd. Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting. German Shepherd Puppies. Visit our Sable German Shepherd puppies for sale page to learn more about German Shepherd colors and to reserve your sable puppy! The Sable coat color in German Shepherds is the most dominant gene. This advert is located in and around Merseyside. They are properly socialized and active in. Our German Shepherd puppies come in the colors solid black, sable, black and tan, black and red. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. A quick daily brushing, especially during. Trained Puppies Available Now! German Shepherd Puppies for Sale near me. Upcoming German Shepherd Litters. Panda dogs look like tricolor German Shepherds, a result of a rare KIT gene that causes piebald or a specific. Professional training and world class German Shepherd puppies for sale. They can darken or lighten, or have parts of their coats darken while others lighten! Dark sables are often born tan, with their darker fur coming in later. This noble breed is hallmarked by their intelligence, loyalty, and temperament. California German Shepherd Rescue. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. But no matter the purpose, they are all professional, reputable, and responsible breeders. We work hard at breeding healthy, attractive Shepherds that display exceptional prey. German Shepherd puppies are the affectionate, ultra-loyal family dogs you've always wanted but never knew you needed. Below are our currently available German Shepherd puppies. Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. There is a mix of colours as mum is Black and Tan and dad is a Blue Sable. Reserve Your Sable Puppy. Type : For Sale Date : 3. Not taking deposits until after making the. Panda dogs look like tricolor German Shepherds, a result of a rare KIT gene that causes piebald or a specific expression of white spotting. And also show line German Shepherd puppies, imported from West Germany. A group for owners and admirers of sable German Shepherds. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. These beautiful German Shepherd puppies will be ready to leave for their new forever homes on the 5th of June .We have a lovely litter of boys and girls looking for their loving forever home. Accepting reservations now! Email us Puppies come with AKC papers, health and hip guarantee, up to date on shots, etc. Long coat puppies available. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. They are properly socialized and active in the sport of Schutzhund and titled. She is clear in the head with no issues with people, dogs are noises. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. All our German Shepherd puppies are raised with quality care from day one to insure a happy, confident, well balanced temperament. German Shepherd Classifieds. Our puppies come from top breeders, and we are happy to offer you any of our German Shepherd puppies for sale with two types of guarantees: 10 year. Our mission is to produce a wonderful dog for your family. Christians Guardian Shepherds. Filter Puppies for Sale. This litter will be dark sables with potential for solid black. Email us Puppies come with AKC. German Shepherd puppies for sale. Other colors in a German shepherd for sale are solid black, white, sable, bicolor, blue, liver, and Panda. Most litters we have are sable or bicolor puppies, but from time to time we also offer all black as well as black and tan puppies. Most of the breeders focus on "standard" red and black or tan and black German Shepherds, and only occasionally offer real Sable GSD puppies. Welcome To Weberhaus German Shepherds! We work with top bloodlines from Czech, and DDR working lines. Born on the 1st of October .Anja Vom Herrn … Incredibly intelligent, high ball and food drives, good bite grip and her unfailing loyalty and protection. This is subject to bloodline, family and raiser. Von Breker German Shepherds. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Bred to herd sheep and help with pastoral tasks, German Shepherds are not only smart and versatile, they are good-natured and have the stamina to work and play all day long. Our German Shepherd breeding program is small and carefully monitore with a keen focus on health and temperament of the German Shepherd puppies. Sometimes multiple litters will be born with no long coats born in the litters at all, while other times, there could be puppies born. Purebred German Shepherds. German Shepherds with longer coats are no different than a normal coated German Shepherd in any way, other than the length of the coat. Both parents can be seen in the photos but mum can been seen if you want to come and view the beautiful puppies. We occasionally offer solid black, bi-color, white, black and tan, black and red, black sable, silver sable and even blue, Liver, and Isabella German Shepherd puppies and all coat lengths. Looking for good, fun, loving forever homes. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Sable German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Vom Banach K9 German Shepherd puppies are happy, healthy, well-socialized and confident. Breed: German Shepherd Dog. Weberhaus German Shepherds. All this is registered in an international vaccination book Pet Passport. Silver sables would have the opposite effect and be born dark, lightening along their sides as they age. They are large and agile dogs with a muscular body, almost giving them a wolf-like appearance. German shepherd puppies for sale. The Super Silver Sables: 1. Visiting the German shepherd puppies for sale will give you a lot of insight before you make the final decision on your purchase. Also the occasional rare wolf masked German Shepherds. Received first vaccination, junkmail. Super Silver Sable Litter. I will NOT sell 2 puppies at the same time to the same family. Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of were released on March 16, , based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. German shepherd import puppies. Ideally recommended for family protection. Contact Us At cell If you are interested in buying one of our puppies, please complete an application for a puppy and email it to us at. Puppies from this litter will not develop DM. All deposits are transferable to other German Shepherd litters, if you need to wait for your perfect puppy! The German Shepherd. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our for sale page at the top of the site! Not taking deposits until after making the decision to purchase a german shepherd man. Longer coated German Shepherds are not available in every litter born. German Shepherd Puppies for sale German shepherd puppies - Sold! February 28, 4, German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies for sale. Find your German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale. Thank you! Full blooded German shepherd puppies for sale. A German shepherd puppy should be adventurous, bold, and open to meeting you and making contact. Sable German Shepherd Puppies for Sale …. A German Shepherd puppy will not be held without a deposit. Pups are fully vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro-chipped and checked by vet multiple times. We are delighted to announce that we have 2 boys and 4 girls available for sale. Golden Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Hanabrit German Shepherd Dogs. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. The owner of the True Haus Kennels from. Blue sable blue sable german shepherds are a bit different than red sables in that the gene giving the dogs their blue tint is a mutation known as an allele. A sable German shepherd is one with different bands of color on one hair shaft. Wolfgang Haus German Shepherds in Texas. Shipped worldwide with 10 year Health Guarantee. They should have good bone structure, blocky heads and excellent drive. We offer German Shepherd puppies and adults - perfect for personal protection, law enforcement, family protection, and family companion.

They are also known for their distinctive "bat ears" and squishy faces, compact and muscular body and a broad head with a flat forehead. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes which makes them appealing to different tastes. French Bulldogs can be found in colors such as blue, lilac, and merle, which are considered to be rare and unique colors. At Country Club Frenchies, we are a reputable and responsible breeder based in Georgia, dedicated to breeding quality French Bulldogs. We have strict breeding practices in place and only breed dogs that meet certain health standards. We are transparent about our breeding practices and are happy to provide information about the parents of our puppies, as well as any relevant health certificates. We have a wide variety of French Bulldog puppies for sale, with a variation of colors including blues, lilacs, merles and tri-colors. Our French Bulldogs are well socialized and have great personalities, easy to train, and make great companions. We also offer stud services for other reputable breeders in Georgia. We understand that bringing a French Bulldog into your home is a big decision and we are happy to provide all the necessary information about French Bulldog care, training and health. Our dogs receive the best care and nutrition, and we also provide information about genetics and how to keep your French Bulldog healthy. We also believe in the option of adoption, and we encourage people to consider adopting French Bulldogs from shelters and rescues, who are waiting for a loving home. French Bulldogs are low maintenance and don't require a lot of exercise or grooming, which makes them a great option for people who lead busy lifestyles. If you're interested in bringing a French Bulldog into your home, please visit our website www. You can gain further insights about us by exploring our informative blog posts. These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time!

We have answers. Instead of coming to a dead end at the end of a long day you can speak with an intelligent puppy raiser and begin your journey to meeting an adorable new German Shepherd. Begin by browsing some of the vetted breeders below. How do I avoid fraudulent puppy raisers? When you begin to search for reputable Albuquerque German Shepherd breeders you may find yourself coming across breeders who are operating out of their backyard or maybe even a spare room in their place of residence instead of spending the money for a top of line facility. The term for these businesses is backyard breeders. In order to empower more Americans to avoid these backyard breeders our network is set up with a thorough screening process to filter through the countless applications we receive each week. Can I find German Shepherd puppies in Albuquerque now? Of course you can. Instead of wasting time trying to find a reputable local breeder who may not even exist you can begin your process of finding a litter of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Albuquerque right now! Having a hard time finding German Shepherd breeders in Albuquerque? Are German Shepherds easy to train? Dogs that are intelligent and capable of accomplishing complex tasks like the German Shepherd are perfect for dog lovers who want to own an obedient pup. Just remember, when it comes to choosing a reputable breeder all you have to do browse the pre-screened businesses below. Yes, puppy mills are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do I have to choose from a local breeder? Before companies like Uptown Puppies existed, consumers were pretty limited when it came to finding qualified German Shepherd breeders. Luckily, the breeders with German Shepherds for sale in Albuquerque who have been accepted into the Uptown network have decades of experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US, which makes your search easier than ever! Can German Shepherds make for great family dogs? German Shepherds are fun-loving, loyal dogs that were bred to join and fit into a pack. Early on in your search for a new German Shepherd puppy you will realize just how coveted these dogs are and how quickly they will become attached to your family. Is it difficult to find a well bred German Shepherd for sale in Albuquerque? It can be difficult to find a properly bred litter of German Shepherd puppies mostly because these dogs are extremely popular among dog lovers across the country. At Uptown Puppies we are committed to making your shopping experience as easy as possible! Instead of wasting countless hours sitting at your desk searching for reputable breeders all you have to do to find your next companion is browse some of the pre-screened businesses below. Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than offering cheap puppies the breeders who tend to get approved to join the Uptown Network offer a more boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards and even puppy transportation for out of state customers. I also completed a small animal dietitian program and regularly attend seminars and clinics around the country to stay abreast of pet related topics. Several articles I wrote appeared in national dog magazines and books, and it has also been my pleasure to be a featured speaker on dog-related topics. Since , Hodenhof German Shepherds has maintained the highest standards of breeding top Schutzhund, Obedience, Tracking and Herding dogs. We have won numerous national titles and continue to be actively involved. Equally important to us, our dogs have won the hearts of the many families they have touched over the years. Many of our long-time clients are now enjoying their third generation Hodenhof GSD. They are such little characters, aren't they and make the very best lap dogs?! In , due to many requests, we made the decision to breed our beautiful female, Kimchi and now have two more exquisite young females in our family! We look forward to raising a limited number of litters from these three.We are enjoying showing Pugs again, on a limited basis, as we explore our new home state. Jana Mitchell. The breed we will be focusing on today is the fiercely intelligent and loyal German Shepherd Dog! We love the German Shepherd I mean, come on, have you seen those precious ears? Petland Albuquerque always has German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan! He immediately bought the dog and started the first German Shepherd Dog club. As Germany became more industrialized, von Stephanitz realized he had to find a way to maintain the GSDs relevance for all time. Because of their keen intelligence and eagerness to please, they were a perfect fit for both police work and service workers. Thank you, Max von Stephanitz! The German Shepherd Dogs were big-time movie stars. Most everyone knows the story of the GSD puppy who was rescued from a bombed-out kennel in France during World War I and rose to Hollywood stardom in the s. He was preceded by a retired police dog, Strongheart. The on-screen heroics of these two superb dogs were the first glimpse of this incredible breed for most Americans. Handsome as any movie star, Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart had other qualities, like courage, athleticism, and brains, that made them irresistible—the kind of rugged heartthrobs who could do their own stunts. They catapulted the breed to the top of the popularity charts, and people are still writing books about Rin Tin Tin to this day. Their heroism knows no bounds. German Shepherds will do anything for their owners, protecting their loved ones is their number one priority! Even GSDs with no training whatsoever have taken bullets for their owners, dash through the wilderness to get help, and plunge into raging waters to drag drowning children to safety. When you have a German Shepherd Dog, you have a bodyguard for life! Well, we certainly hope you liked learning more about this wonderful, family-friendly breed! Want to find out more about the German Shepherd puppies for sale in our store? Check out our available puppies page to see all of our adorable German Shepherd puppies for sale! Are you finding yourself wondering if you bought a cow instead of a dog? Many dog owners find themselves scratching their heads and w.Daily walks are great for you and your dog — you both get some needed exercise and.Are cuddles—or worse conference calls! How about your adult dog and how to make sure that they have the right at-home dental care? Here are 5 interesting facts a.Well, what about popcorn for dogs? Can dog.Just as you protect your skin from nature and sun exposure, you should do the same for your pup. There are actually a lot of possible reasons that your Puppy is being so energetic. Here are a few. It needs more exercise Many different types of dogs are bred to do energy-intens.Here are 5 things that you do tha.Their excitement and cuteness are infectious with their little pa.Well, the great news for you is that you ca

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Prices for Labrador Retrievers may be influenced by several things. Expect some to be more expensive than others because these canines are grown and raised differently by each breeder. The following are some typical elements that influence the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy. Physical Appearance The yellow Labrador Retriever often commands a more excellent price than the chocolate or black Lab. Labrador Retrievers are available in various hues, including red, yellow, black, chocolate, and Dudley. They can also be categorized as English or American Labradors; the latter is the more reasonably priced canine. Due to their different uses, American Labradors are more commonly employed for fieldwork, whereas English Labs are primarily utilized as show dogs. Click here to learn more. Purebred puppies sprung from a show championship bloodline are unavoidably more expensive than a Lab puppy of pet quality, even though this has little influence on their ability to be loving companions. Although younger canines will cost more, you will get to enjoy them while they are still puppies. On the other hand, an older dog will likely be calmer and cost less money but may have behavioral problems that need to be addressed. Training A puppy will cost more than the usual price if the breeder has previously trained it. Raising a well-behaved dog is also more likely a result. Different breeds require different amounts of sleep, but how much sleep do Labradors need? Even though it is more expensive, this is a better and more ethical choice than purchasing a dog from a backyard breeder or a puppy factory. If you want your puppy to have this certification, be prepared to pay more for a Labrador Retriever. Health Health problems can arise in Labrador Retrievers. The most frequent conditions are progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, you should always ask the breeder if they have checked the parents for hip, elbow, or eye issues before purchasing a Labrador puppy. The cost of the puppy will be lower if the pedigree has a history of hip or elbow dysplasia. A reputable breeder will provide health records and certificates for both parents. The puppy will be protected from inheriting progressive retinal atrophy and will have a higher likelihood of having healthy hips and elbows. Because unskilled owners misunderstand how much exercise these working dogs require and cannot exhaust them, American Labradors are more likely to wind up in shelters. An English Lab is unusual to come across at a shelter. That is because they are show dogs and frequently have more seasoned owners. They are also much less energetic, making them a good choice for young families searching for their first dog. Although labs are generally calm and easygoing, a rescue Labrador may not be the best choice for new parents. They may require special attention and instruction because of behavioral problems brought on by previous neglect. Other Factors In general, service dog-trained Labrador Retriever puppies cost much more than regular Lab puppies. An assistance dog must undergo considerable training, which adds significant expenses to its upbringing. To avoid unforeseen costs, ask the breeder specific questions about what is included in the bill. How Much Is a Labrador Puppy? This becomes particularly true if the Lab puppy you intend to buy comes from a line of champions. Labrador Retrievers are a friendly, devoted breed that gets along well with kids. Additionally, labs are very clever, driven, and simple to teach. They are, therefore, excellent dogs for new owners. Particularly in America, it is not difficult to discover Labrador pups for sale. A Labrador can be adopted in various ways, including from dog shelters and breeders. For instance, there are several blends, colors, and types of labs. Click here to find out. However, getting a black Labrador puppy from a top-notch retriever could be pricey. Although yellow labs are not uncommon, because of their high level of popularity, adopting one of these puppies can be expensive. It is less expensive to adopt than to purchase from a breeder. When you purchase from a reputed breeder, you also increase your chances of receiving a healthy puppy. They prepare to move to a permanent home when they are eight weeks old. Before this age, no Chocolate Lab should be sold. Make sure the breeder you choose to get your puppy from is reputable. Avoid puppy mills and pet retailers when purchasing pups at all costs. You must be prepared to pay a little bit more if you want a Silver Lab or charcoal or Champagne. Despite their growing numbers, they are still uncommon, particularly in the UK. This fact has led some people to conclude that breeders only chose to breed this uncommon gene for this purpose. Prices will probably decrease as they grow more widespread, but they might never get to the point where they are comparable to regular labs that adhere to AKC rules. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. Tweet on Twitter How much is a Labrador puppy? Including bloodlines, coat color, and the cost of using a reputable breeder. Average Cost of Labrador Puppy The cost of a Labrador puppy can vary depending on a number of factors. Perhaps the most influential factor is who you buy your Lab puppy from. Different breeders can have different priorities in breeding and raising Labrador puppies. Puppy Mill Versus Labrador Breeder Prices There is often a huge difference between what a puppy mill and a reputable health-conscious Labrador breeder will charge for a Lab puppy. In contrast, a reputable Lab breeder who who genuinely cares about the dogs being bred will do both and much more. This can drive up the cost of breeding a litter of puppies quite a bit. So if you compare how much is a Labrador puppy from a puppy mill and a reputable breeder, you will see right away that there is a big difference in the asking price for a puppy. If you find a Labrador puppy for a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. You may want to look deeper before you commit your heart and your wallet to take care of that puppy for a decade or longer. There are three main coat colors for Labrador Retrievers: the black Labrador, the chocolate brown Labrador, and the yellow Labrador. There is also a fourth color that is newly popular, which is the silver Labrador. For many years, the black Labrador was considered the best coat color and everyone wanted a black Labrador. During these years, the black Labrador puppy price was often higher than the price for a yellow Lab or a chocolate Lab. Today, you may still find that Labrador dog black puppy price is higher than the other three standard coat colors, which include yellow or chocolate brown. However, as interest in silver Labs grows, at the time of writing demand is outstripping supply. So right now, you might find that silver Lab puppy price is higher than you would pay for the standard Labrador puppy with a coat color of black, chocolate brown or yellow. Of course, these coat color trends can quickly change. What you want to look for more than anything else, including coat color, is a reputable and responsible breeder who will sell you a healthy Labrador puppy. Labrador Puppy Price and Labrador Type If you are just learning about the history and lineage of Labrador Retriever dogs, you might not know that there are actually two types of purebred Labradors. The two types are the American or working Labrador and the English or show Labrador. The American Labrador dog is the most common pet Lab type and also the most common choice for a working Labrador. The English Labrador dog is the most common choice for owners who want to breed or show Labradors. The two types of Labradors can differ quite a bit in everything from body size and overall conformation to temperament and personality. Do you want to participate in working dog athletic events such as dock diving or you want to go hunting with your Lab? Then you will likely want to purchase and train an American Labrador. In contrast, if you dream of standing in the show ring with a champion Labrador, you will likely be searching for an English Lab puppy to purchase and train. But the gene pool today for purebred Labradors is somewhat limited. So it is vital to ensure your new Labrador puppy has been bred from parent dogs who are as unrelated as possible. They should also be health tested for known serious breed-specific health disorders. Lab puppies can face a number of heritable genetic health issues. The three most concerning health risks are hip dysplasia and eye issues. Another newer serious concern is called exercise induced collapse EIC. If you purchase your new Lab puppy from a health-conscious dog breeder, you may wonder why your new puppy is so expensive. The answer is simple: Your breeder has to calculate the costs of preventative screening and health testing into how much is a Labrador puppy from their kennel. This can cause a lot of pain and dysfunction, including lameness. Lab puppies will start to show signs of hip dysplasia when they are around 6 months old. In very mild cases, your Lab may not display any symptoms of hip dysplasia until well into adulthood. Hip dysplasia is a condition that can be passed along from parent dog to puppy. So it is vital to do health testing on the parent dogs before breeding to reduce the risk that a puppy will inherit hip dysplasia. These health tests are not cheap, however. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia, as the name suggests, is an abnormality in how the bones and cartilage of the elbow joint grow and fit together. Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a congenital condition, which means it can be passed along from parent dog to puppy. As with hip dysplasia, symptoms of elbow dysplasia may not begin to appear until a puppy is 6 months or older. In mild cases, the warning signs may not show up until your dog is well into adulthood. Eye Issues Purebred Labrador retrievers can suffer from a variety of congenital, or inherited, eye disorders. The most serious of these is called progressive retinal atrophy PRA. PRA is a congenital eye issue that can eventually cause blindness. Another serious health issue Labrador retrievers can face is called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Researchers have only recently pinpointed the gene responsible for this genetically heritable health condition, which has allowed development of a screening test. This is in addition to the other costs a breeder bears for stud fees, whelping, weaning, advertising and veterinary care for each a Lab puppy. Your breeder will also bear the cost of microchipping, worming, vaccinating, and flea treating each pup. New Lab Puppy Costs One of the biggest surprises in terms of how much is a Labrador puppy is how much it can cost to welcome a new puppy into the family. For instance, your new Lab puppy will need many supplies , including a home and travel crate a leash and collar an I. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like. And for good reason! Labradors make fantastic family pets, and they are notoriously great with kids. Labradors are also highly affectionate, energetic dogs. However, you may be wondering how much a Labrador Retriever actually costs. The cost of your Labrador Retriever will depend upon several factors. While you may be thinking about that original price tag when you purchase your puppy, there are so many more factors to consider when it comes to working out the true cost of what your Labrador puppy will cost you. This is down to several different factors. One of the most important factors will be down to the breeder that you choose to buy your labrador puppy from. This is a decision that will require a lot of thought and research. Especially if you want to use them with any American Kennel Club events. You can look for an older dog that has been trained for certain things such as dock jumping or hunting. Puppy Mills And Backyard Breeders Choosing the right breeder will be essential when it comes to finding your Labrador retriever puppy. Puppy mills and backyard breeders only care about making a profit from their dogs, so will cut corners when it comes to caring for them. In order to save money, these breeders will do things like miss essential vaccinations. Chances are these dogs could have a bunch of health and behavior issues. Cost Of Feeding A Labrador As with any dog, you will also need to factor in how much it will cost to feed your Labrador. When your labrador starts to grow up, they will need to eat more and more food. Remember that Labradors are large, very active animals. The right amount of food for your dog will differ depending on their age, gender, how active they are, and their daily schedule. Dry dog food The general rule of thumb for an adult Labrador is around 3 cups of dry dog food per day. Typically, this sized dry dog food bag will give you around cups, which should be enough to last your Labrador for around 40 days. This cost will also depend on the brand of dog food that you opt for. Again, the cost will vary from brand to brand. This is presuming you will be giving your labrador a single can a day. You may need to adjust this amount depending on the number of calories they need to consume in the day. One of the best things about Labradors is how easy they are to train. Treats will be a necessary part of this if you want to train your dog. Try these homemade treat options and you may save some money. There are things that you will need to have in place beforehand, such as food bowls, a crate, collar, leash, puppy pads, as well as some basic chew toys. This is also where your puppy will sleep on his first night away from his litter. There are two ways that you can tackle this necessary purchase. Here are our 5 top picks for the best crates for puppies and our best puppy toys to keep your Labrador busy in the crate. Buy a quality crate Of course, you can splash the cash on a high-quality crate that will last your dog for its whole lifetime. If you choose this option, the crate will be much too big for your puppy, and it could also make crate training virtually impossible. You can get around this issue by making a temporary divider that can keep your puppy in a smaller portion of the crate. Some crates are sold with dividers like this MidWest Homes dog crate. This will also allow you to adjust the divider over time to give your Labrador puppy more room as they grow up, and until your dog gets the hang of crate training. Buy a cheaper crate The second approach is that you can buy a crate that fits the exact size of your puppy now. A wire crate design is a good choice to opt for as it makes it even easier to clean up any accidents. Plus when it comes time to put your puppy to bed, all you need to do is throw a blanket over the crate to encourage them to sleep. Once your dog has outgrown this kennel, you will need to buy a larger model. Tips for using a crate for your puppy How to stop your puppy from pooping in the crate Inside Fence One of the best ways to house train your labrador puppy is to invest in an inside fence. This will help to keep your puppy contained in the early stages of potty training. This Amazon Basics foldable pen will be perfect for your needs. Ordering your new inside fence online will make the process much easier for you, and can even help you to save money. This is one of the biggest mistakes that owners can make with new puppies, as they could then start to do their business in places other than the training pads. Stock up on puppy pads! Your puppy will go through a lot whilst you are potty training them. Vet Costs It can be tricky trying to calculate the exact cost of your vet bills when it comes to a new Labrador puppy. The fantastic thing about Labradors is that they are typically a much healthier breed than other pedigrees. There are some diseases to which Labradors can fall victim to. Just like any other dog, they can be prone to suffer from some things more than others. Some of these diseases can even be very expensive to get diagnosed and to treat. The above figures are rough ballpark estimates, but you can see how conditions like these would add up over time. Depending on the severity of the issue, it can get incredibly expensive. It will be different for everyone. Dog Bed You may not think your Labrador puppy requires a soft bed at the start of your journey together. However, as your dog starts to grow older and they gain weight, they will need a good quality orthopedic bed so that they can sleep comfortably. Here are a few suggestions for miscellaneous household items that you might not have considered. Toys for training Your energetic little pup will need an outlet for all that playfulness. Training can be a fantastic way to get them to focus their energy. So you will need to buy training toys to help them learn a trick or two. This will be especially useful if you want to teach your pup how to retrieve things. Another great way to get your pup to use their energy is to invest in a couple of chew toys. These can help your Labrador to burn off some of that energy until you can take them for a walk. Labradors have a bad but valid reputation for destroying chew toys. Dog staples There are of course other staples you will need to buy when it comes to owning a Labrador puppy. Treats will be a must-have, especially if you want to train your new dog. These treats should be soft and have a high nutritional value for your puppy. These should be used to motivate your pup during your training sessions. A collar and leash will of course be important if you want to take your new Labrador puppy out for a walk. You should always have some of these to hand every time you take your Labrador puppy for a walk. The average lifespan of a Labrador is around 10 to 12 years, so this should be a fairly accurate estimate for your new dog. Reasons You Should Still Get A Labrador Retriever While we can easily predict how much a Labrador will cost your bank account, there is no way to measure how beneficial owning one will be to your mental health and physical wellbeing. In fact, there are several studies that show that owning animals, in general, is incredibly beneficial for you. Some of these include improving your health, as they can help you exercise with daily walks. Owning a Labrador can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety, and give you a positive place to focus your attention. Pets such as Labradors have also been proven to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. They can be a great source of comfort for the whole family, giving you loyal, loving companionship. Labradors, just like all dogs, will come with a healing role in your family life. This makes it hard to measure their true worth as pets, as your new pup will be invaluable to you and your family. Frequently Asked Questions What do I need to know before buying a lab? Labradors are naturally very energetic dogs, so they will need a fair amount of exercise. The benchmark is one hour of exercise each day for a Labrador in good health. Labs are pretty much bottomless pits and will eat whatever you give them. However, because Labradors are highly motivated by food, this also makes them incredibly easy to train. How much does it cost to buy a lab? The cost of a Labrador will vary depending on where you get them from, and how old they are. But so will any dog that you choose to invest in.

The cost of a Pug varies substantially. The puppy will most likely have papers but will not be of show quality or have breeding abilities at this price point. Although it is a great amount of price, knowing the dog comes from a good line may be worth it. You will need to account for various expenses in addition to the purchase of the puppies. Puppy mills and backyard breeders should never be considered when it comes to adopting canines for a household. Puppy mills are commercial breeding factories that mass-produce dogs for sale in pet shops, advertisements, or the Internet. Due to insufficient or filthy food and water, animals die of malnutrition or starvation. Many go through major behavioral issues. Besides, animals that are sick or dying obtain little or no veterinary attention. Profit is also a motivator for backyard breeders. Backyard breeders may seem to be your friendly next-door neighbor. It may be difficult to find a trustworthy Pug breeder in Nevada. To find the ideal Pug breeder, you will need to be patient. Here are some suggestions to assist you in this procedure. This strategy produces excellent results for many prospective buyers. Consult Your Local Veterinarian Speaking with your local veterinarian is an excellent approach to ensure that your information is coming from a reliable and experienced source. Speak with your veterinarian about what to look for in a breeder. What should you inquire about? What warning indicators should you be on the lookout for? Additionally, contact the veterinarian for referrals for reliable Pug puppy breeders in your region. Get in Touch with Your Local Dog Club After you have examined the directories, look into your local dog club in further depth. Chat with Other Dog Owners If you have a friend who owns a Chinese Pug, discuss the methods they took to locate their pet. Another alternative is to contact obedience or training school directly. Locate and approach other Pug owners. There are a few items you should have on hand as you welcome your puppy or adult dog into their new home to make things easier for both of you. Pugs are affectionate, have cute looks, are loyal, and have a laid-back attitude. Pugs thrive on human affection and are better suited to those who have a lot of time and love to offer. They are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They enjoy being held and get patted, and they can become envious or upset if your affections are focused on someone else. Their primary disadvantage is the significant clinical problems that arise from that lovely short snout, so make sure you have enough money to cover any future health problems. Pugs, which were originally bred to be lap dogs, thrive on human company. If you are considering adopting a Pug, there are a few things to consider. The following are some key facts regarding this dog breed. Pugs Shed a Lot Pugs, despite their adorable appearance and affectionate nature, are one of the most shedding dog breeds. It has been observed that fawn Pugs shed significantly more than black Pugs. The fundamental reason for this is that fawn Pugs have two coats, whereas black Pugs have one. They Crave a lot of Attention Pugs love their owners and want to spend as much time with them as possible. They were bred for companionship and are perfectly delighted to spend their days snuggled up on the sofa with you. They Suffer From Many Health Issues Pugs suffer from various health difficulties that can negatively impact their well-being. The Pug is a brachycephalic breed, which means its face and nose are short and compressed. This can cause breathing issues, which is why Chinese Pugs snore a lot even when they are not sleeping. Skin difficulties, breathing problems, vision problems, tail difficulties, and other health issues are also common in Pugs. They Are Very Stubborn While each dog is unique, it is safe to say that Pugs are strong-willed to the point of being stubborn. Whether it is food or love from their owner, a Pug will go to great lengths to get what they really want. They prefer temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Make sure your Pug has a comfortable place to sleep and does not spend too much time outside in inclement weather. Pugs are good for families with children since they are usually gentle and enjoy playing games with them. They are nice and enjoy being cuddled. They are mostly harmless due to the form of their mouth, which prevents them from biting hard. If you have kids, you will see that Pugs will quickly become their best companions. How Long Do Pugs Live? This is significant since it will assist you in estimating the number of years your fur baby will remain at your side. This makes them one of the most long-lived dog breeds. Female Pugs have a life expectancy of .You may extend the life of your Pug by making her happier and healthier. Have you ever wondered how many different colors of Pugs there are? Only two colors are possible in a purebred Pug: fawn and black. The American Kennel Club, as well as other major kennel associations, regard these colors as standard. Like any other state, In Nevada, the popular fawn-colored Pug is the most well-known variety to see. This is due to the fact that two-thirds of Pugs are fawn or in the fawn range. When most people think of a Pug, they imagine it in this color. The majority of people are unaware of the white Pug or the Albino Pug. Despite the fact that fawn is the most popular color in Pugs, the black gene is dominant. Black Pugs feature a rich, dark coat, as well as a black muzzle or mask and ears. Silver-fawn is frequently referred to as a fawn. Their coats have a gleaming gray luster and are the lightest color a Pug can be. Silver-fawn Pugs are uncommon, and many people who own them refer to them as fawns rather than silver-fawns. Over To You Thank you for taking the time to go through my article. Did you find the above information helpful? If yes, which part of the subject grabbed your attention the most? Were you aware of these specifics before? If not, what did you discover in this article that was new and perhaps exciting to you? Which colored Chinese Pugs are you looking for? I like the black ones. Please let me know if you believe I overlooked any points on this issue that would have made the post more interesting. You can also tell me if you have any other topic in mind that you would want me to talk about. Let me know your opinions in the comments area. Share this article with your friends and family if you found it useful. Related Topics:. Latest Dog Articles Dog in the house Dog - a real one, with the advent of each person whose life is changed. Someone enjoys wonderful moments spent with the animal, someone eventually get tired of careful care of them. Anyway, the pet will always meet his master with eyes filled with love an How to take care of a rising puppy If you have a puppy of a small breed, it will be easier to take care of it. You will need a comb and a small brush. If your four-month puppy has already overgrown grown-up pet dogs and continues to grow rapidly, now while walking you have to handle its to First commands for training dogs Training a dog is a very responsible thing. During first weeks talk with your dog calmly and softly. Whatever are his faults blame yourself, but not him. You are his master who has to foresee everything. Little puppy could be so scared by loud and dreadfu People train dogs to improve their natural skills and abilities, but not all dog trainers do it righta and that subsequently causes an unacceptable result. Actually, dogs are full-fledged members of Grooming is hygienic care of pets necessary for any dog. Some dogs need bathing, combing, cleaning ears and eyes but others need more. Dogs of some breeds need haircut. It's because of hygienic and aesthetic requirements. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Exercise Grooming The pug has origins majorly from China and Netherland. The Modern pugs are imported from China; the earliest breeds have also been known to originate from there. However, the pugs have a history with royal families in the Netherlands and England. The Modern style pugs were brought in to Britain in from China. The pugs were tended by the ruling families in China. The imperial court kept pugs because they were treasured by the Emperors who assigned guards to protect them while they the pugs lived in extravagance. Keeping pugs in Europe started at the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The pug became the official pug of the house after it saved the Prince of Orange from Assassins. Although these pugs were said to have been brought from China, the pugs from Europe at that time, as seen in pictures depict longer legs and nose. The pugs became prominent in the United States in the nineteenth century. They easily became family companions and show dogs. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This occurred in , it was the first time a pug would be winning the show since it began. The pug would do anything to please its owners this is what makes them suitable to keep in many homes. Their loyalty is unwavering, they do well with children their calmness and sturdy physique allows them to tolerate children easily. Their Alertness makes them good security dogs but they are not predominantly used for security purposes. Pugs are stubborn, but this does not transform into aggressive manners. The pug thrives indoors. It is usually kept close to families that own it. It is classified by most Kennel Clubs as a toy dog. Despite their adaptation to heat, pugs cannot thrive well outdoors in hot and humid regions Pugs do not require high-intensity exercises; however moderate exercising will be sufficient. A reserved and reasonable amount of space for the dog to move around is ideal. The pugs have a fine coat that is sufficient to protect them from heat and cold. Maintaining a pug has low requirements. However, wrinkles and eyes have to be cleaned daily. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Do Pugs eyes fall out? Yes, pugs have a shallow eye socket. Therefore, excess force around the eyes can lead to the eyes falling out. This condition is called ocular proptosis. It is also common to other dogs that have shallow eyes sockets and big bulging eyes; Bulldogs, Pekingese and Chihuahuas. Do Pugs snore? The pug is a brachycephalic dog breed; having a short muzzle and a flat face. This makes breathing difficult and leads to the pug snoring. The pug is more likely to develop eyesight problems that could cause blindness. Their bulging eyes also make them susceptible to eye injuries. What are the foods I should avoid feeding my Pug with? Avoid mushrooms, onions, garlic, and avocados. Green tomatoes and Raw potatoes are also harmful. Do not give any alcohol and caffeine-containing food. Is the Pug good with family? Yes, the pug regardless of its physical outlook is very friendly and playful. Its history of intimacy with humans makes it suitable for the family. Can Pugs be left alone? However, it is okay to leave your dog alone for about 8 hours. Note that pugs are companion dogs and want to be with their owners all the time. Why are Pugs hyperactive? Pugs have been bred for a very long time as companion dogs. They naturally get excited about seeing their owners and this leads to a series of hyperactive displays. Would a Pug ever calm down? Pugs generally become less hyperactive as they grow older. A pug might reach about 2 years of age before showing signs of calmness. However, a calmer adult pug will occasionally go into a hyperactive mode when exited. Keep your dog from situations that will result in a fight. Maintain healthy conditions for your pug and yourself; avoid smoking, it can be harmful to your dog Do Pugs drool? All dogs drool to a certain extent. However, your pug might drool more given the architecture of its mouth. Its loose and large lips contribute to some drooling, especially when engaged in any physical activity. The pug Is a very playful dog, alert and even-tempered dog. Good with family and children especially. Clingy and popular dubbed as a shadow, this loving dog will follow you everywhere you go. Are you interested in purchasing a Pug? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We live in a charming rural community in the beautiful High Desert of Nevada. My husband; Gene and I are retired, so when a litter of puppies come into our lives, we dedicate ourselves to taking the best care of our Pug babies. We absolutely love each and every one of our Pugs. We do everything we can to make sure our Momma Pug's health is well maintained all year round, taking special measures during their pregnancies by keeping them on a proper diet, in order to whelp very healthy, robust pups. When it's time to deliver, we're at her side, comforting and supporting her in every way. Giving each pup our Human Imprinting from the moment they're born. Adding to the high caliber of quality, Our pups are hand raised in our home from the time they're born, to the time they are placed with their families. We shower them with lots of love and attention, socializing and preparing them for a long life of loyal companionship. We teach them to go potty outside weather permitting. They're crate trained which is great for traveling, or a safe place to put them while you're out of the house, and a cozy spot for bedtime. We take our pups on car rides to get them used to traveling as well. We're always in search of better ways to bring up a litter, and over time have found some wonderful methods and wiser ways of doing things. We learn from every litter. We have some of the best looking Pugs around. We take great care to keep our line within the Pug standard, no ultra bulging eyes in this line. We hear from our Sweet Apple families that received a Pug from us in the past, and still get pictures as well as from our new families that just got their puppy home. It's a goal we strive to meet with every puppy. We have 1 to 3 litters in a year. We do not over breed our Momma Pugs. We do have a Future placement list, so when a litter is due, we send emails to all those on the list that we have interviewed, before we place an ad on the web. Placing a puppy before they are born or soon after their birth is ideal. Our puppies are wormed with some of the best formula on the market and are up to date on their shots when they go to their new homes at 8 weeks old. To take some of the burden off our Sweet Apple family, we do offer, for a nominal travel fee, to meet those that are coming a long way to pick up their puppy. We do offer shipping as well. Our pups are shipped on Continental Airlines. Arrangements must be made well in advance, due to the pup needing: approval to fly, a health certificate from the Vet, purchasing of an airline approved crate, an airline ticket, along with setting up a time that the new family can be at their airport to pick up their puppy. All of our puppies have arrived to their families safely and in good health. Shipping is extra. We can't tell you enough wonderful things about having a Pug as part of your family. As far as we're concerned, Pugs are the best breed you could possibly have for a companion. They already love you, all you have to do is love them back. With a lot of Patience and a Nurturing style of teaching, our Pugs turn out to be very smart, confident and so very loving, it almost breaks my heart to see them go. They are such a blessing in our lives and in turn we take great joy in bringing a blessing into the lives of others, through them. We appreciate your interest in our Sweet Apple Pugs and hope we can assist you in your search for that perfect Pug puppy for you.

When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Labrador Retriever Puppy Growth Chart and Development with Pictures Large breed dogs, like Labs, gain weight and grow rather rapidly in their first year. They also develop certain skills at approximately the same time. Lab puppies at this age are entirely dependent on their mother. They are born without teeth, vision, or hearing. The mother Lab will also stimulate them to eliminate and eat their waste to keep her nesting area clean. Most Lab puppies will have their eyes opened at 2 weeks of age, and their ears will begin to open around this time too. This period can be called the awakening of senses, as they are growing to be more conscious and inquisitive. Try to spend some time with each puppy daily, so they get used to being handled. They should not be removed from their litter for more than 10 minutes at a time as this could cause them to miss out on important life lessons. Mama dogs will teach her pups some discipline and dogs that are taken from their mom before this age often suffers from behavioral issues. You should handle them often and can begin basic training. Treat your puppy gently, with no harsh discipline. Your 8-week-old Lab puppy will be able to start sleeping through the night and have better control over its bowel movements. Potty training can be introduced at this age, but you should avoid bringing them to crowded places. Most puppies get their first vaccination before heading to their new homes. You should keep your new puppy away from other dogs until they complete their vaccinations to prevent them from contracting infectious diseases like distemper or parvovirus. Lab puppies eating their dog food At 2 months, Lab puppies should be fed 4 small meals a day. Knowing how much to feed them is key. Your Lab puppy will begin to test you in order to figure out what their position is in the family. Labrador Retriever puppies at 3 months might ignore commands they are familiar with. Some dogs might start nipping. To combat this, direct them to chew appropriate toys instead. Be patient with them and keep reinforcing positive behavior because they will grow out of it soon enough. They are still establishing their role in the pack and might assert their dominance over little children or pets. You can start incorporating other activities like obedience or agility to divert their attention and help them understand their role in the family better. Some dogs will go through another fearful stage at this age. You can help them through it by desensitizing them and being kind and understanding. They are still puppies at this age, after all. They should not be forced to face their fears in hopes they will get used to it. Appropriate exposure with lots of praise, attention, and treats will do the trick. They will have grown into the dog they are meant to be and will have a consistent personality. They should also have settled into a routine and know their place in the family. Following a UK study, Labs grow into their adult weight by their 1-year-old birthday. Mentally, Labradors will stay a puppy till they are 2 or 3 years old, but some never really do grow up. When Do Labs Stop Growing? Lab puppies generally gain 2 lbs 1 kg a week from birth until they are 6 months old. After that, their weight gain tapers off slowly. Most people think that dogs mature at the same age, but small dogs like a Terrier or a Pomeranian might reach adulthood at 9 months of age whereas a Great Dane might fully mature at 3 years of age. It has been noted that they reach their full height at 1 year of age, and their adult weight at 2 years of age. How to weigh a Labrador dog? Weighing your dog is a good way to keep track of its growth. A less strenuous and stressful way to weigh your dog would be to buy a weighing scale for dogs and weigh them regularly. You can incorporate this into your dog training and reward them every time they stay still on a scale. There are reasonably priced pet scales on Amazon but if you do not have a budget for a dog weighing machine, you can get your dog weighed at the vet. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. A chubby-looking Labrador might have the same weight as a lean and strong Lab. Testing Physical Appearance There is a system called BCS or Body Condition Scoring that allows owners and health providers to assess whether their dog is at a healthy weight from a glance. There are 9 levels, with the 1st level representing extreme emaciation, level 5 being optimally fit, and level 9 being life-threateningly obese. However, if they are outside of that spectrum, you might want to consider seeing a specialist as your dog might have some underlying health issues. It can also cause lots of health problems such as joint problems, respiratory or heart diseases, and even cancer. The bad news is that Labradors are prone to obesity due to their genetics. A large portion of the Labrador population has a malfunctioning POMC gene that stops them from being full. Even without the condition, Labs are notoriously greedy! Look at Midnight eating in her dreams: Hyperthyroidism and Insulinoma are disorders that can cause unexplainable weight gain. How to help your Labrador achieve a healthy weight? If they are suffering from certain disorders, you will need to treat them first. If they are simply being fed too much, remove any excess calories from their diet by cutting down treats including table scraps! You can also encourage them to move more through exercise, play, or work. Being too thin is also unhealthy, especially if your puppy is still growing. Weight loss or not being able to gain weight can be caused by worms, illness, or a lack of calories. Active dogs will need to be fed more than those that lead sedentary lifestyles. What you can do is increase their intake and monitor their growth rate. Another commonly asked question is when to fix their male or female Labradors. The general consensus is that you should fix your dog around 6 months, but there are new studies to suggest that early neutering might create more problems for your dog. Another specialized study suggests pet owners to neuter or spay after 37 weeks. This prevents excessive growth that can aggravate hip or joint problems. Will my Lab still grow after being neutered? Depending on when your dog is neutered. If it is neutered after sexual maturity, it will most likely have already reached its adult size and will not grow any taller. However, most neutered pets gain weight much more easily due to a decrease in sex hormones. This will cause their metabolic rate to slow down so you should adjust their diet accordingly. Differences between variations of Labrador Retrievers English Labs are show dogs that are bred to be more heavyset. Therefore, they can be slightly on the heavy side. As for American or working dogs, they are generally more athletic and lighter. Gender also plays a role in their weight, with females nearing the lighter end of the spectrum and males being on the heavier side. Chocolate Labs and White Labs are usually bred for the show ring. It is entirely possible to have an English Fox Red and vice versa for all other colors. Leading a healthy lifestyle will keep your pup healthy. Further reading: Additional puppy growth chart guides. Labrador puppy weight. It can be hard to know what the right weight is for your specific pup. An American Lab is likely to weigh less than an English Lab in general, but not always! How much do Labs weigh in general? Male Labradors weigh between 60lbs and 80lbs, while females weigh in at between 55lbs and 75lbs. But many healthy Labradors fall outside these averages. As you can see, there is quite a range! Labrador Puppy Weight Lots of our readers want to know how much should my Labrador weigh at this age or that age. Labrador puppies are growing fast, and their weight is constantly changing. We used the data from our forum to create the Lab weight chart below. If you want a rough idea of how much your pup should weigh at different stages of their young life, just compare them to this chart and see how they match up. But remember, average Labrador weight is not totally straight forward… Average Labrador Weight Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. You can expect English Lab weight to be around 60 — 70 lbs for a female and 70 — 80 lbs for a male. Some of our chunkier, show bred Labs can be a good twenty pounds or more heavier than their field bred cousins, without necessarily being overweight. Whereas the American Lab who is field bred is likely to be at the lower end of average. Volume for volume, muscle weighs more. So it is worth bearing in mind, that a very fit dog will have more muscle and may weigh more than an unfit dog of similar dimensions. Black Lab Weight In theory there should be no difference in weight between Labradors of different colors. Black Labrador weight for an English black Lab will probably be at the higher end of the range, for an American black Lab it will likely be lower. Black Labs are frequently found in both these categories, but some Lab colors differ. For example the chocolates. Chocolate Lab Weight Chocolate Labs are more likely to be show bred than field bred. English Labs weigh more than American Labs in general, and may therefore be at the higher end of average when it comes to weight. This is because yellow Labs are commonly found in both categories. White Labs are more likely to be English Labs, and will therefore probably be at the heavier end of the scale. Fox red Labs are normally American Labs, and will often be thinner in build and therefore lighter in weight. The way to effectively judge whether your Lab is at an ideal weight is not through the scales. It is by feel and appearance. You should not be able to see ribs, but if you press firmly along his sides you should just be able to feel your fingers bumping along them. But in most cases it really is not necessary to weigh your puppy every day, or even every week! Any more than you would weigh your three year old child on a daily or even weekly basis. There are however, some exceptions. Very thin puppies Occasionally we have people post up about puppies that are desperately underweight and clearly failing to thrive. Most of these comments come from people that have purchased puppies that are not ready to leave their mothers, and should not have been sold by the breeder. Some of these puppies are as young as three weeks old. If you have inadvertently been sucked into this horrible trade in underage puppies, do contact a vet for help with feeding your puppy, as a matter of urgency. If you are concerned that your puppy might be seriously underweight, again, your vet is the first port of call. As a very rough guide, many Labrador puppies will weigh around a kilo for every week of their lives. So you would expect a ten week puppy to weigh something in the region of ten kilos or around twenty-two pounds. A twenty percent variation around this would be fairly normal. If your puppy falls outside this variation he may still be perfectly healthy, but if you are inexperienced, a check with the vet is a good way to put your mind at rest. Should I Weigh My Dog? You may need to weigh your dog if he needs medical treatment. Determining the appropriate dose of some drugs requires that we know the exact weight of the patient. But in this case your veterinarian will probably do it for you at their check-ups and assessments. The main reasons to weigh a dog are loss or gain. Trying to put weight on a very thin puppy? You may want to check your progress with regular weigh-ins for a while to make sure they are sufficiently gaining weight. Trying to help your adult Labrador weight decrease? Checking their weight each week will help you to know that you are succeeding, along with visual checks. How to weigh a dog If you need to weigh a puppy, and he is small enough to hold in your arms, you can do this at home. Just weigh yourself on the bathroom scales without him, then weigh yourself again whilst holding the dog, and subtract the first weight from the second. This is accurate enough for most purposes. Larger dogs will need to be weighed on purpose built scales. Most vet surgeries have one in the waiting room, and some pet stores have them too. Really tiny dogs can be weighed accurately on a good sized set of kitchen scales. For once, this is a situation where appearances really do count. Try to get into the habit of looking at your dog objectively and of avoiding comparing with other dogs, many of whom will be overweight. You may find that some other dog owners will tell you your nice slim Labrador is actually too thin. This happens a lot, largely because people are simply getting used to so many dogs being overweight, including some of those receiving the highest accolades in our show rings. Again, if you are worried, check with your vet, but the chances are if someone is telling you this that actually your dog is healthy, and it is really their dog who is overweight. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. However, their weight can vary quite a bit. Male and female Labrador Retrievers vary slightly in size. According to the official breed standards of the AKC , males weigh about pounds, while females weigh pounds. Almost all dogs fall within this guideline, though there may be a few rarer dogs just on the outside of the weight guidelines. Because of how carefully bred these dogs often are, this is extremely rare, though. Male Labrador Retrievers stand between .Females stand at .As you can see, males Labrador Retrievers can be a bit larger than females, though they may not necessarily be. This is particularly true for American Labs. In other countries, the weight and height minimum for males is often higher than it is in America. What does a 4-month Labrador Retriever weigh? From their birth to about six months, Labrador Retriever puppies grow very rapidly. Right after birth, they often gain about two pounds a week or more. This rapid weight continues as the puppy ages. By four months, most Labrador Retrievers weigh about 25 pounds. Smaller dogs will often stay smaller at this point, while larger dogs often stay bigger. How big is a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers should continue to gain at least two pounds a week until they reach six months old. Most of them will gain even more than this, putting the average weight of a 6-month-old Lab at 50 pounds. That is double what they weighed at four months. However, six months does mark the end of this rapid period of growth. The average Labrador will typically start growing slower at this point, though they will still grow for quite a while. When is a Labrador Retriever fully grown? Most Labrador Retrievers reach their full height at around six to 12 months. Typically, they grow very quickly in the first six months of their life, but this growth slows down considerably after the sixth month. After that, they may still continue to gain a little bit of height, but their full adult height has basically been reached. Many dogs are often lanky during this period for this reason. However, once they reach their full height, the calories can be put towards muscle gain and fat storage. Too many calories can make the dog grow too quickly, which can cause hip dysplasia and other problems. Your dog will have plenty of time to bulk up. Because all Retrievers such as also Flat-Coated and Golden Retrievers are very food-motivated, you need to be careful to not overfeed your dog. Is a Labrador a medium or large dog? Technically, a Labrador Retriever can fall into either the medium or large category. They straddle the line as a breed. Individual dogs will either fall at the upper end of the medium category or rest just inside the large category. For this reason, they are often described as medium-to-large-sized dogs. What is a healthy weight for a Labrador? This depends on the dog. The health range for a Labrador is pounds if they are a male and pounds if they are a female. That is a large range. A dog that is naturally 55 pounds would be terribly overweight at 80 pounds. They will be able to accurately weigh your dog and determine if they are a healthy weight or not. Why is my Labrador so skinny? Many Labradors will appear skinny as puppies. It takes them until about the age of two to bulk up to their adult weight. They will bulk up naturally as they age. Gaining weight too fast can put unnecessary strain on their joints, which can cause health problems further down the road. It may seem that your Lab practically stops growing after about six months. However, they do have growth spurts after this, and they are all focused on muscle and fat gain. This especially applies if your Labrador is a senior dog that has stopped eating. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. 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