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We have answers. Am I limited to Bakersfield German Shepherd puppies for sale? Looking for your dream German Shepherd, Bakersfield? If you're looking for a dog that matches your particular lifestyle, and don't want to compromise on quality or find one that's been bred specifically for the local market, Uptown Puppies is the perfect choice. We work with breeders and businesses throughout the United States who are experts at transporting dogs securely and getting them to major airports so that you can pickup your new pet. How do you screen breeders with German Shepherd puppies for sale in Bakersfield, California? German Shepherd puppies for sale? Bakersfield has the best! We are a network of ethical, humane breeders who care about our puppies and customers. We screen breeders who want to join our network, and we only allow those with a track record of excellent breeding practices, caring for their puppies, and customer service. Are German Shepherds trainable for novice owners? What about the best German Shepherd puppies Bakersfield has to offer? Whether German Shepherds are easy to train or best left to professionals is up for debate. The breed is extremely intelligent and obedient, so they're sure to make great family members. German Shepherds love to serve and will be perfect companions for those who have the time and patience to train them well. We at What Families Want understand that many families are looking for a quality puppy, but they don't want to be scammed or find a puppy mill. That's why we created our puppy finder network. What is a puppy mill? Do they have cheap Bakersfield German Shepherds for sale? In fact, these breeding facilities often have a negative impact on both the dogs and the humans who work there. Puppies in mills typically come from unethical breeding practices that can cause them to carry undetected genetic issues. Are German Shepherds for sale in Bakersfield, California good for apartments? German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world, but they need proper exercise and room to roam in order to be happy. If you don't have time for your German Shepherd to run around, they may become destructive and anti-social. Are there any German Shepherd puppies for sale near Bakersfield? Don't miss your chance to get a German Shepherd puppy! The only problem is that puppies listed on Uptown Puppies are always taken quickly. New and upcoming litters can be scooped up within hours. If you see the Shepherd of your dreams, act fast before someone else does! Are German Shepherd puppies near Bakersfield right for me? Well, that depends on what you want! Do you want a loyal and intelligent dog who will stand by your side through thick and thin? The German Shepherd is a protective pooch, but they're also extremely friendly towards their family. If that's what you're looking for, join the club- there's a reason Shepherds are so popular! Are German Shepherds good family dogs? German Shepherds can be quite intimidating, but they are also very loving towards their family. They are also quite protective of their home and will stand up to anyone who threatens it. Proper socialization from a young age is key to avoid these issues. Where do German Shepherds come from? Are they only available from German Shepherd breeders near Bakersfield? The German Shepherd originated in the United Kingdom in the late s. The most intelligent, responsive and obedient local shepherd dogs in the UK were bred to create what is now known as the Welsh Corgi. This breed was responsible for herding cattle and protecting flocks from predators. Are German Shepherds smart? German Shepherds are some of the smartest dogs around. They're usually considered to be one of the smartest breeds, according to a study that ranked intelligence based on each breed's ability to learn and obey commands. Because they're so smart, proper training is essential if you want your German Shepherd to stay under your control. Without regular reinforcement and discipline, he may quickly outsmart you and take over the household. How fast can German Shepherds run? Where can I find the best German Shepherd for sale Bakersfield has to offer? German Shepherds can sprint quickly, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. That's pretty fast! Keep in mind that GSDs can run for hours if they need to, so be aware if you're out walking and see one running off quickly. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Size Color. Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Next litter coming end of .We are proud to say our family has been involved with breeding and raising Australian Shepherds since .Transportation to Bakersfield, CA available. Australian Shepherd puppies for sale from trusted breeders. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. 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Find Australian Shepherd puppies for sale The Australian Shepherd is actually an all-American dog, bred to work on ranches out west. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation. Australian Shepherd, California » California City. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Size Color. Australian Shepherd pups california, bakersfield. If you have never had the pleasure of owning a German Shepherd then you are in for a real treat. There are many places where you can adopt a German Shepherd. If you live in the country a good place to adopt a German Shepherd is at a boarding kennel. This kind of facility will often allow you to find the perfect dog for your family. However, you can also search online and find that there are many different places to adopt German Shepherd puppies. The Bakersfield German Shepherd puppies craigslist ad is one of the most popular places to adopt a German Shepherd. The price of this ad is very reasonable and you can save money if you are adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue group instead of a breeder. There is also a wide price range as far as German Shepherd breeders are in the US. When it comes to looking for a good home for your German shepherd puppies the internet has opened up so many opportunities. There is an adoption kit for you to search through and find the perfect home for your new dog. There is even a Bakersfield ca area directory that you can look at to find local organizations that will help you find a good home for your new puppy. When you search for the German Shepherd puppies craigslist ad you will get some interesting results. One of the things that you will find out about German Shepherd breeders who are in the area is that they will put up a sign on their premises that states they do not accept cash payments for rehoming. But if you have the time to spend, you may be able to find some great deals on a decent dog. You can also look at the different classifieds in the paper in your area and see if there are any ads for German shepherd puppies. It can be a great idea to check out one of the classifieds in Bakersfield ca, and see what kind of price range that they have. These are some of the best German Shepherd breeders that you can find. They have the experience that you would expect, and you will have your new family member very quickly. If you are interested in German Shepherds in general then you may want to take a look at an online breeder in the area. There are many different sites that you can use to find a reputable breeder in the Sacramento area. If you live in the Bay Area, you will want to make sure that you take a look at the California German Shepherd puppies on the craigslist app. Not only will you be able to find the perfect pet for your loved one, but you will be able to get him or her quickly. The other place that you may be able to find some wonderful German Shepherd puppies is at the different dog shelters. Bakersfield CA has a large number of excellent shelters and rescues where you can go and look at the different dogs that are there. You can also contact the local vet and ask them if they have any German Shepherds for sale. No matter what happens though, you should make an appointment with the local vet so that you will be fully prepared for when you bring your new German Shepherd puppies home. These dogs are amazing companions and very lovable. The black German shepherd puppies that are for sale in the Bakersfield area are some of the most adorable and fun German shepherd puppies that you will ever own. You can purchase one of these dogs from the local breeders near you can purchase one from the Internet. Either way, you are in for a wonderful treat. Share this:. We have always enjoyed the outdoor life, hiking, camping, dirt bike riding, and horseback riding. The White German Shepherd has proven to be an amazing companion that fits right on in with everything we do and life is so much better when we have a loving, loyal companion in our lives. Many years ago our family bred Rottweilers. We still love the breed but found the White German Shepherd to be a better fit for our family and friends. We have had White German Shepherds in our lives since .We fell in love with the breeds family oriented personality, incredible intelligence, athleticism, sense of humor, adaptability, loyalty, kindness to children and smaller animals and traits of a loyal family protector. When searching for our parent dogs, we searched for intelligence, good conformation, good genetics, straight backs, upright ears, beautiful kind almond shaped eyes, athleticism, calmness, sweet temperaments and loyalty. We found all these traits in our Duke and Duchess. Our puppies are part of our family; they are raised indoors in a comfortable, climate controlled home. They play inside with us and outside in the sunshine with our watchful eyes on them. They are raised and socialized around children, our family, our friendly neighbors and our horses. We have a health guarantee with each puppy's bill of sale. We are here for support if a new puppy buyer has questions. Our puppies will have a health examination from a veterinarian before leaving for their new home. We love our puppies and want each of them to be the right fit for their new forever homes. We give the new owner an AKC Puppy Folder with healthcare tips and training tips, a bag of puppy food that the puppy has been used to eating, and lifetime support. Puppies will be 8 weeks old on April 18th and ready to join their new homes. We are often busy having fun with our dogs and horses. And we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you so much! We look forward to meeting you and showing you our beautiful dogs and puppies! We live near the beautiful Ventura County area of Southern California. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Rocky Oak.
Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. 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. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts.
All rights reserved. The material presented on this website, may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of CTC Productions. The League has succeeded in developing a breed with a stable temperament and sound body by using a scoring system to eliminate critical problem areas. German Shepherd Dogs produced by the League and only those dogs are safe with the family, cheap to run and lead long and healthy lives. Appearance The true colour of a German Shepherd is not known until the puppy coat is shed and the full adult coat has grown. Pure black german shepherds are also available, but white is considered undesirable in show ring dogs. Male dogs weigh kg lbs and are cm in tall, while bitches weigh 28 — 34kg lbs and are 56 — 61 cm 22 — 24 in tall. History of the German Shepherd As the name suggests, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany where it evolved from herding dogs that were used to tend and protect sheep. Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz, the proclaimed father of the breed, founded the German Shepherd Dog Association in .The dogs were recognised as being excellent guard and attack dogs and were used by the police and the military. After the First World War English owners changed the name to Alsatian because nobody wanted to be associated with anything German. German Shepherds first arrived in Australia between and but then the government imposed import bans which were not lifted until because the dogs were believed to be dangerous. Temperament German Shepherd Dogs have suffered an image problem which was in part deserved. Many years ago there were significant problems in the breed with temperament. Today however, as a result of the work done by the German Shepherd Dog League, the temperament of these dogs is excellent. The League acknowledged that a gene for fear biting had crept into the breed. Affected dogs are timid, can become frightened and will attack people out of fear. Over the last twenty seven years, the German Shepherd Dog League has used a Breed Survey Scheme to virtually eliminate fear biters from the breed. German Shepherds bred by the German Shepherd Dog League are loyal, loving, intelligent dogs and are willing to do anything for the people they love to the point of giving their own lives. The breed adores and protects its family. Although the dogs are good with children, they should not be left alone with small children because both dogs and puppies can be boisterous. Health and lifespan German Shepherd Dogs not bred by the German Shepherd Dog League can be prone to health problems including haemophilia and hip and elbow dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog League operates a number of Breed Improvement Schemes that are designed to reduce the incidence of diseases with a possible genetic link, by selecting for breeding only those animals which pass stringent selection tests. In Australia, the German Shepherd Dog League has established an A-stamp Certificate system which is designed to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia, a crippling disease of the hind legs. The A clearance means that the puppy is of a quality acceptable for breeding. A similar certificate system exists for elbow and haemophilia problems. People buying pups should ensure they view the certificates and should expect the parents to have been breed surveyed and x-rayed for hip problems. In order for the Breed Improvement Scheme to be successful, all dogs are tattooed for identification at seven or eight weeks of age. The tattoos are a permanent link to the individual dog, to the breeder and to the details held by the Canine Council. German Shepherds can also experience some skin problems. Proper care of a German Shepherd includes regular worming, about 3 times a year, and clean, flea free sleeping quarters. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 12 years. Feeding German Shepherds are not particularly big eaters and breeders suggest one meal each day with a dog biscuit in the morning. A balanced diet could include a mix of dry food, mince or mutton flaps and heart worm tablets. Breeding It is uncommon for German Shepherds to experience whelping problems, although some bitches do require caesareans. An average litter size is between 6 and 7 pups. German Shepherd Running Housepet Potential German Shepherds are good inside the house, but when shedding their coat they need to be brushed regularly to minimise accumulation of shed hairs on people or in the house. The dogs require house training; a relatively easy task because of their intelligence. Grooming The German Shepherd needs little grooming, however, during the seasonal change from winter to summer it is often necessary to strip out the dead, woolly coat. This should be done as quickly as possible with a rubber brush specifically designed for the job. Uses German Shepherds are used in police work, including tracking and searching for guns and drugs. They are excellent at obedience work, make good companions, guide dogs and guard dogs. The dogs can also be involved in schutzhund, a sport where dogs attack on command. German Shepherd in Training Trainability German Shepherds are reliable, intelligent and responsive to training. They need obedience training early in life, particularly those that are boisterous, strong minded and dominating. Well socialised German Shepherd Dogs are easier to introduce to new people and situations and make a more stable companion. If you wish to buy a German Shepherd, ask if the breeder is part of the League. We would strongly advise that you avoid buying any German Shepherds which have not been produced by German Shepherd Dog League members. To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations. Source Due to the remarkable abilities of German Shepherds, it is easier for them to adjust in any situation and environment. As a pet owner, you need to make sure that your dog feels safe and cared for in your house. All in all, German Shepherds are pretty good at adapting changes and new environments. Hence, for adaptability, they have scored 3 out of 5 stars. Some important factors behind such ratings are: They can be your good roommate in your apartment. They don't dislike the apartment lifestyle and will do great if trained properly. Make sure to provide them with a healthy lifestyle and a lot of love. They'll learn to live in your apartment quickly. If you want German Shepherd to be the first dog that you would own, you need to think it over. Since German shepherds are working dogs, they might be quite difficult for you, a newbie, to handle. German Shepard Dog require more attention, care, exercise, activities, and training than other dogs, which seem tiring and exhausting to the novice owners. So, German Shepherd Dog scored only 2 out of 5 for novice owners. The reality of the breed that is often considered to be the most courageous and brave among all is that the same breed is highly sensitive as well. They might look and act fearless and muscular, but deep down, German Shepherds are very emotional. They tend to get tensed by the slightest of inconveniences. That is why they have scored 5 out of 5 stars of sensitivity. German Shepherds like to be around their family. They would do anything to create a strong bond with their owner. If left alone for a long time, they might end up getting anxious and tense. This will increase their aggression, which results in destructive behavior such as chewing, barking, and whining. If you have a tough routine and are afraid you won't be able to give your pet much time, then you should not adopt German Shepherd. Their tolerance being alone scored 2 out of 5 stars. They are strong enough to tolerate cold weather. They can easily live in cold weather though you must make sure they're not out there 24 hours. But staying out for a while won't be an issue. Their tolerance to cold weather got 4 out of 5 stars. They can live in hot weather too. Make certain that they have access to cold water and shade, though. Their tolerance to hot weather scored 3 out of 5 stars. Even if the parents are completely healthy, they can pass down the genes for any of these diseases to their pups. So if you see a German Shepherd pup selling for a fairly low price, you can definitely expect there was no screening for hereditary diseases. On the other hand, you may also notice some rather overpriced German Shepherd puppies. In fact, there are as many as 13 different German Shepherd colour combinations. With that being said, certain fur colours are still rather popular due to being rare, such as white or grey. However, not every puppy is the same. And sometimes, not even the price is an indicator of how well-bred a puppy might be. Unfortunately, puppy scammers are a real problem. Given that online ads are unregulated, many fake ads aimed at frauding Australians searching for a new pet go unnoticed 2. And given that they look rather realistic, telling fake stories from real ones can be really tough. For now, at least one can implement their advice on how to distinguish scam ads. And you'll see five different pages come up with the exact same testimonials. That's how I find even more scam pages because you can see the real one and all the other pages that have copied it. Ultimately, your pick will depend on the breeder. When choosing one, there are a few things to keep an eye on. Trustworthy breeders take the health of every litter very seriously. As you know, how much is a German Shepherd puppy depends on how much was spent on the kennel. The breeders should have all the vaccination and documentation ready, which also costs money. And in this case, you should aim for more expensive pups. It also shows you how and where the puppies are raised. You can find amazing German Shepherds in shelters all around Australia, waiting to be adopted. True, most dogs in shelters are adults, although there are always exceptions. But getting an older pooch can also be very rewarding. Older dogs are already trained, have grown into their personalities and usually have shorter adjustment periods compared to puppies. These groups have huge directories with dogs from all over the country. If you prefer a face-to-face meeting, you can also visit a local shelter and search for a German Shepherd there. German Shepherds are prone to several hereditary issues, and the key to finding a healthy, happy puppy is to find a reliable breeder. Alternatively, you can consider adopting a German Shepherd from the shelter. Although older, these dogs are just as ready to give their love and devotion to a new pet parent. References Wahl, J. November .Retrieved April 02, .Currently pursuing a Masters degree in Semiotics studying the communication between animals and humans. Vedrana is able to use her expertise to analyse and review dog products and write informative posts on canine behaviour and training. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. What Price are Pedigree Papers? What questions should I ask the Breeder? Are you listed with the German Shepherd Dog Club? Are the parents x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia? What are their scores and could you view their documents? Are the parents Breed Surveyed? Can I view their Breed Survey? What is Main Register? Australian National Kennel Council Main Register is a pedigree Blue in Colour for pedigree animals which can be exhibited in the conformation ring, trialling ring and bred with. What is Limited Register? Australian National Kennel Council Limited Register is a pedigree Orange in Colour for pedigree animals which can be exhibited in the Trial ring, they cannot be shown or bred with. They can be transferred to the Main Register with the Breeders authorisation. What is a Contract? Contracts are an agreement between two 2 parties, the Breeder and the purchaser of the animal. Prior to signing any contract you should read it carefully and fully understand ALL of the conditions involved in the contract. If you are unsure of any condition in the contract ask for an explanation. Note: Not all breeders tie up animals on contracts What information and assistance will I receive with my pup? Is there feeding information? Is there information on training or suitable Club to receive training? Are there any guarantees with the pup? Kennel Name:. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? I purchased Georgie on the 20th January .Georgie was desexed by Dr. Ton Tancharoen on 26th of March .Full veterinary treatment history included from The Lost Dogs Home. Georgie is now 5 years old, Georgie has been known to show aggression towards smaller dogs than herself and female dogs in particular. Georgie is very loving, loyal and protective over her family. Over the past year Georgie has shown a huge improvement in her behaviour as we introduced a Saint Bernard puppy into the family. Georgie must go to a home without birds or cats. I'm moving back in with my Dad and there isn't enough room for her there. Please consider Georgie to be a part of your family. Olympia Arnold Purebred German Shepherd puppies looking for a loving family and forever home. It is considered a low-maintenance dog due to its grooming needs. They are pretty faithful and have fearless personalities. Pros and Cons: Pros: Intelligent, protective, ideal companion Low maintenance Excellent herding and working skills Ideal for homes with lawns Fewer Health issues Cons: High Activity requirements Not recommended for allergy sufferers. I have 5 males and 1 female from a purebred Red Cattle dog and purebred German Shepherd. The pups will be ready at 8 weeks on the 22nd September. Pups have had their first vax and been wormed. Please message me your interest. Legitimate buyers only. Well fed and well looked after. Dogs are mostly from Europe and USA. I can help with boarding and all training needs. I will happily take back ANY dog I have supplied for whatever reason. Dogs are fed raw. Bob Border Collie x German Sheppard Shollie The Shollie is a excellent family dog who forms close bonds with the humans in their life and will act as a protective guardian. The mixed breed is also known for being smart. It cannot be stressed enough that the Shollie is a smart and energetic dog—so they need a family who can commit to an equally active and involved lifestyle. Available for their furever home .I will not be selling to anyone. Furever homes only. They have been socialized with children and adults from birth and are very friendly, cuddly and healthy. They have been fed perfectly and are big robust pups. The puppies have been vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. They are ready for their new homes and will make wonderful family pets and property protection dogs. Bella and Jacko their parents are friendly but alert. We live in the country so the pups have plenty of room to run, roam and explore. Please text or phone me so we can chat or I can give you more info. We have been breeding German Shepherds for 12 years and take great pride in the health and well being of our dogs. We strive to make the best pups possible for their new family. Vaccinated, microchipped and vet checked. Up to date on worming and flea treatments. Comes with a puppy pack and 4 weeks pet insurance. Great temperament, very loyal. Would also make a great guard dog. She has grown up with kids and other dogs. Ali's Kennels Shepskt These dogs have an abundance of energy and require a firm pack leader to get the best from them. Shepsky is loyal, alert, affectionate and intelligent. They are good with children and have protective instints and generally, they are calm, gentle dog with a slight hint of michievousness. Aries is 7 months old, intelligent, and incredibly loyal. He loves long walks, playtime in the park, and cuddles on the couch. Aries has been raised in a family environment and is well-socialized with children and other pets. He is up-to-date with vaccinations, regularly vet-checked, and in excellent health. Due to a change in my living situation, I am sadly unable to keep Aries. I am looking for a responsible and caring owner who can provide him with the love and attention he deserves. If you think you can offer Aries a safe and happy home, please contact reach out. Aries really is a wonderful dog and I would like to see him go to a home where he will be loved and cared for with someone who has time to nurture a strong relationship with him. Rehoming fee negotiable based on circumstances. Thank you for considering Aries and giving him the love he deserves. They are all happy with cuddles and lots of play. Scheduled for forever homes by Sept 3rd. Blue dob. Lola is their Mum. Lola loves her cuddles and her rope for fun. Frankie is their Dad. Frankie can play fetch with his ball for hours! Three predominantly black with a little tan and the rest black and tan mixed. All wormed vaccinated and microchipped. Mum is a beautiful black and tan lean family dog raised around children and pets and can be veiwed. Dad is a long hair dark tan and black and can be shown a photo. Both parents and puppy have beautiful temperaments, very well socialised and children friendly. She is very affectionate and gentle, sleeping through the night and is house trained. Pure black puppies from working line parents. The parents are protective of their home and family. She has had her health check and is microchipped and vaccinated. She is pure breed with paper. She is de sexed and up to date with Vet appointment. She is very docile and playful. Loves people, kids and other dogs. Walked daily. Glamour coat, medium coat and sables available. Puppies are German shepherd, health checked, no heap problems, vaccinated and microchipped. They all great with family, and children. They are gentle, active and happy puppies. Mum and dad are in the photo for your review Majd German shepherd puppy's, 2 boys and a girl, 7 weeks old, microchiped and vaccinated, toilet trained and responde to basics commends, ready for their forever new home, with their new loving family. White Black Interestingly, white German Shepherds are the least desirable variant within the breed. Whereas Black German Shepherds are considered to be the rarest and most sought after. When looking for German Shepherd Breeders in Australia, make sure to keep an eye out for: Breeders with trusted reviews and a long history. Breeders who encourage you to meet the parent dogs of your soon-to-be German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who take health testing seriously. Trustworthy German Shepherd breeders monitor the health of all of their dogs very closely. This helps ensure that the chances of dogs being born with physical and mental health problems are minimised. Sometimes, you may choose to go to a shelter when looking to adopt a German Shepherd. Although shelters are usually made up of older dogs, and purebreds tend to be few and far between, there are always exceptions. You should consider adopting through a shelter or rescue when: Looking for an older dog. Adult German Shepherds or even older dogs have already grown into their temperaments and have been trained, so they can adapt to their new homes much more easily than a puppy would. Looking to give a dog a second chance. There are plenty of sweet, loving dogs waiting for a new home all over the country. You can have a look at a well-known German Shepherd shelter here , and other dog rescue programs here. Due to their association as guard dogs or security dogs, German Shepherds are often stereotyped as being unfriendly or aggressive. Is a German Shepherd a good family dog? German Shepherds are a great addition to the family if they have been properly socialised and trained. The nature of this dog is to be incredibly loving and caring to its owners. You can read more about how they fair with kids below. Do German Shepherds get along with kids? German Shepherds are extremely child-friendly, so long as they are trained and socialised properly from a young age. Due to being bred for the purpose of guarding and herding, these dogs will most likely take care to watch over and protect the younger members of their family. Do German Shepherds shed? German Shepherds are known for shedding continuously and relentlessly! They lose one of these layers, their undercoats, twice a year which means they shed even more during the spring and fall months. How long do German Shepherds live for? Most sources state that the average life expectancy for a German Shepherd is around years. Unfortunately, these dogs are also known for their genetic health conditions, which may shorten their lifespans. However, as long as they are purchased from reliable breeders and their health is monitored closely, German Shepherds can lead long and happy lives. Which German Shepherd is best? Only you, as the owner, could determine which type is best suited to you. You can read up more on the different types of German Shepherds here. Why are German Shepherds the smartest dog? Experts agree that German Shepherds rank amongst the most intelligent dog breeds. This is because of their comprehensive and retentive memory, which allows them to easily memorise commands and instructions picked up during training. Additional Resources on German Shepherds Read about K9 dog breeds to learn more about the best police dogs.
German Shepherds, like other dogs, have a day gestational period. It is approximately nine weeks of total pregnancy, but a female German Shepherd can give birth as soon as 58 days or as late as 68 days. This day difference in the average length of German Shepherd gestation may vary depending on the number of puppies and the size of the mother. To put it simply, the more puppies there are, the longer it takes, and vice versa. In some cases, a pregnant German Shepherd may only have one puppy, while huge litters might produce up to 15 puppies. Generally, in canines, preterm delivery is uncommon, and most pregnant dogs deliver their puppies at full term. However, being a few days earlier or later is normal and is frequently caused by a wrong assessment of the date when a female German Shepherd becomes pregnant. Furthermore, if you know when your German Shepherd has mated, you can use a dog pregnancy calculator to acquire an accurate estimate of its due date. Many breeders or even seasoned owners find it difficult to tell if their German Shepherd is pregnant, especially in the early pregnancy stages. Furthermore, unlike humans, there is no at-home pregnancy test for animals. Veterinarians perform ultrasounds between 25 and 35 days of gestation. They will analyze the levels of relaxin , a pregnancy hormone that is taken throughout the breeding process, using a blood sample from dogs. The veterinarian will determine the exact number of German Shepherd puppies in the womb 55 days or more after breeding. Abdominal Palpation: It is a traditional way to detect pregnancy of German Shepherds. It is done around the 28 to day mark by looking for uterine swellings that indicate the existence of developing puppies. Although German Shepherds are independent during pregnancy, there are still a lot of preparations you must make before the puppies are delivered. Generally, the average age for a German Shepherd to get pregnant is around two years old, but it can be as early as five months old. Additionally, because German Shepherds are a large breed, it takes them a while to fully mature before getting pregnant. So, they must be at least 18 months old if you plan to breed them. Once they reach full maturity, German Shepherds can be pregnant during the fertilization period in the second stage of their heat cycle. The heat cycle of female dogs consists of proestrus , estrus , diestrus , and anestrus. During the proestrus stage, female dogs begin to attract males, which will last for nine days. Meanwhile, during estrus, a female dog is marked as available to a male dog, usually lasting for three to four days. Then, the diestrus is the final day of the reproductive cycle when the female dog will no longer permit mating. However, like other large dog breeds, a German Shepherd Dog has its first heat cycle in the latter months. Thus, there is no precise date at which it can get pregnant. Yet, you can expect your dog to be pregnant when it is six months old because it is when the anestrus phase occurs. It is the time elapsed between one heat cycle and the next. That said, knowing the four stages of the heat cycle is important for estimating how long German Shepherds are pregnant. Week 1 Within a few days after breeding, the sperm reaches the eggs, and fertilization occurs. Week 2 Fertilized egg cells will begin to develop, separate, and descend towards the uterus for implantation between the 12 and day mark during the second week. There will be no physical changes to the German Shepherd, but it will become either more affectionate or irritated. Therefore, getting your female dog groomed is advised to lessen its stress. Week 3 During the third week, the embryos will begin to travel to the uterine horns to embed themselves in the uterine wall. The embryos will continue to develop while receiving essential nutrients within the womb through the uterine lining. Some body parts, including the placenta and nervous system, will develop on the 18th day. The placenta will be fully formed by the end of this week. In addition, your German Shepherd may gain weight, and its abdomen might begin to swell. If you notice these changes, confer with your veterinarian, who will provide veterinary advice about the right food and diet plan for your pet. Week 4 This week is the most critical stage when a fetus develops facial features, limbs, and vital organs. So, your German Shepherd must avoid rough play and serve its food in smaller portions. This is also the optimal time to bring your German Shepherd for an ultrasound after the 25th day to know how many puppies your dog expects. Week 5 The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to resemble actual puppies during this period. On day 35, all major organs of the puppies should already have developed. Thus, a pregnant GSD might increase her weight by 20 to 50 percent as it has growing puppies in its abdomen. Therefore, it will need more calories and nutrients than usual. Furthermore, it will avoid normal routines like walking and become more sensitive because of discomfort. Week 6 The puppies develop more rapidly and should have their skin colors. Their eyes remain closed but have lids, claws form, and their heads begin to grow hair for the first time. Furthermore, your female dog will be more uncomfortable and may occasionally vomit because of the increased pressure on its stomach. There will also be clear vaginal discharge, which is completely normal. It will also decrease appetite and produce a clear and odorless vaginal discharge. Furthermore, preparing a whelping box for your female dog to nest in and give birth within the next few weeks should be done during this period. Week 8 Puppies have grown fur and are swarmed into the uterus, moving towards the birth canal. Also, your German Shepherd Dog will spend the majority of its time in the whelping box digging in the bedding. It will also feel restless as its body grows, so give your dog the comfort and attention it needs, especially when it is in pain. You can also get an X-ray examination to determine how many puppies your German Shepherd will have. Week 9 During the last week of pregnancy, the puppies are now fully developed and ready to be born, moving toward the birth canal. You will notice that your German Shepherd may appear uncomfortable, restless, or anxious during this stage. Keep an eye on your dog as it seeks a safe place to give birth. To make your dog feel at ease and to avoid stress, keep your house clean and quiet. Afterward, you must start taking its rectal temperature every 12 hours. In this way, you always obtain the best possible outcomes and perhaps get to meet your litter of healthy puppies. German Shepherd Pregnancy Signs Apart from the fact that conception is unpredictable and varies from dog to dog, no noticeable physical changes occur during the early stages of pregnancy. Nevertheless, similar to people, there are some early signs and symptoms that can indicate if a German Shepherd is pregnant: Change in appetite. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your German Shepherd Giving Birth German Shepherds are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog giving birth will be one of the most important things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible 3-minute video of a German Shepherd giving birth. Nature is truly amazing: German Shepherd giving birth incredible video Even though dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to the actual birth, there are still plenty of things you will need to do to get her ready and get the area ready where she will be giving birth. Talk to Your Vet The best way to be proactive in the success of your German Shepherd giving birth will be to have frequent discussions with your vet and maintain an open line of communication with them. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her to your vet for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the crucial first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and alert you to anything you need to be aware of. As with pregnant humans, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet straight away and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your German Shepherd during the coming months and the birth itself. They will give specifics for your dog and anything else you need to be aware of. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many pups she is carrying. You should gradually transition this, and the feeding schedule should be little and often aid digestion. But if your vet specified anything additional due to an individual circumstance for your GSD, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready. And remember, you will want this checklist to include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. That will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You will want to have some of the blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If she has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. But you will also need additional towels and blankets ready for the little pups after birth. Ensuring they are all warm and cozy after the birth will be, first and foremost. A pile of German Shepherd puppies bundled up with mom surrounded by comfort blankets is also just really adorable. Heating Pad or Heat Lamp Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature. The new mama understands this and will do her best to keep her pups warm using her body temperature and cuddling them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the space warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies lie. It also has loads of temperature settings and timer settings, giving you plenty of options. If you opt for a lamp, be sure it is far enough away not to be too hot and burn the puppies. Place your hand underneath it to gauge where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping, a whelping box will be required for the German Shepherd puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while the mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make one yourself using a large cardboard box. German Shepherd puppies, on average, weigh around 0. As we know, German Shepherds seem to go from adorable 2-pound pups to majestic pound protectors in the blink of an eye. So, knowing how much they weighed after birth and monitoring their weight gain throughout their infancy is an essential step to proper health. There is no need to take them directly from mom and plop them onto a scale straight away. Give them time. But have it ready to take their weights within the first day or so. According to VCA Hospitals, the area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, and the mucus causes breathing troubles. The mom will do her best to lick it away, but if you see one of the German Shepherd puppies still struggling with taking breaths, you need to have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon, ready to go. Gently swaddle the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suction the mucus out and hold him for a while after, massaging his chest very gently. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Typically, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace are essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during it. But if there is an emergency or you have any concerns, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have the crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets and familiar smells ready to go if you need to transport your GSD. This is never an ideal situation, so it should be avoided whenever possible, but under emergency circumstances, you may need an impromptu trip to the vet. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during birth, it will help to have someone with you. Consider asking a few close friends or relatives. They can drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This is going to be a scary moment for your German Shepherd, and she will appreciate being able to have you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will take much of this care during the prep stage. You will be placing clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you will want to help maintain that environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a comfortable environment for your German Shepherd: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as toys, soft clothing, and blankets that she likes. If there are open windows and loud noises, shut the windows and do everything you can to limit the amount of noise and distractions around her. Give words of encouragement occasionally in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need a breather. Make sure she is supported and comfort her during these breaks. Your German Shepherd will begin nesting behavior during the onset of labor, and her temperature will drop. She will become restless and may refuse food, pant, pace, shake, or vomit. But how do you know when the birth is imminent? You will see clear fluid from her vulva before the first birth. The first puppy should be delivered within minutes of hard straining. Giving Your German Shepherd Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your German Shepherd during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. All dogs are instinctual in ways that amaze us mere humans. GSDs are also incredibly smart. So, between their instincts and intelligence, they have a knack for understanding what to do during and after giving birth. They will know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger in your German Shepherd. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best, and she will need her space. Once you have completed all preparations and have done all that you can from your end, the best thing you can do is sit back and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your German Shepherd Dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your German Shepherd gives birth is also knowing that she may need you, and, if so — be ready. If you have done the proper preparations, everything will be ready in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Here are some warning signs to be aware of as you watch the process and when you need to intervene: Your GSD has shown signs of going into labor, including a temperature below degrees, and does not end up going into labor within 24 hours. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling. She appears to be in pain, and is yelping or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen halfway through, which can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions for more than 45 minutes without another puppy coming. If there is something more complicated, you will need to take your girl to the vet. This is another reason the buddy system is a great step to take. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups once she is done. She is going to be exhausted, needing lots of rest and love. And the newborns will be adorable little helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Making sure they all stay home, clean, and healthy is the number one priority after birth. During your discussions with your vet, this should be something that is covered. Your vet will offer specifics if there are particular health concerns for your German Shepherd. But otherwise, they will have general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound. Once your German Shepherd has had enough time to recuperate and seems to be doing well after the last birth, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. She may not want to, as she wants to stay with her newborns, but encourage her to go outside for a quick pee and move around. Next, try to get her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this point, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let Mom join them and begin nursing them. They are going to be hungry, sleepy, and hungry again. Your job is to make sure the pups are getting enough food from Mom, and that mom is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your German Shepherd stops producing milk for a while, you will need to have supplements and formula on hand so you can feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are smart, instinctual, and fiercely protective. They also make amazing moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. We hope this article has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your German Shepherd is giving birth. You will know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in. You will soon be hugging those little bundles of joy and wondering what to name them. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! Puppies If your German Shepherd is pregnant or you are planning on breeding you may be wondering how many puppies can a German Shepherd have. The amount of puppies each German Shepherd has will vary on many different factors. This article will answer dive into the factors to help you better predict the number of puppies your GSD will have. Generally, you can expect a German Shepherd to have between 5 and 8 puppies per litter. However, German Shepherds have had litters as large as 14 and as small as only 1. There are many factors that contribute to the size of the litter. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. Large dogs like German Shepherds go into heat around every 6 months. During their heat is when they are capable of becoming pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two and four weeks long. Thus, if you breeders or individuals who are looking to breed their GSD track their heat timing and plan to have them mate during their heat. German Shepherds are pregnant for nine weeks on average. Factors That Affect German Shepherd Littler Size Although it is normal for a German Shepherd to have between five and eight puppies a litter, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the litter size. The most common factors are below: The size of the female dog The size of the dog has a big impact of how many puppies they can carry. Although German Shepherds are considered to be a large dog breed some female German Shepherds are larger than others. A female GSD that is larger will be able to carry more pups than a smaller one. Inbreeding Another factor that can contribute to litter size is inbreeding. A pregnancy that is the result of inbreeding will generally produce less puppies than one that is not. Accordingly, if you want to increase your GSD litter size make sure not to bred a female with a male that is related. The age of female The age of the female German Shepherds also plays a role in their potential litter size. Older German Shepherds will generally have smaller litters. The prime age to breed a GSD is between 2 and 5 years of age. You should not breed an elderly GSD. Just like with human males, the sperm count of male German Shepherds will decrease as they age. This decrease can make it harder for them to get a female pregnant and can also impact the litter size if they do get a female GSD pregnant. Health of the female Another factor that is important is the overall health of the female German Shepherd. In order for any dog to produce a healthy plentiful litter of puppies the dog carrying the pups has to be in prime health. Leading up to pregnancy your dog should be fed a high-quality diet, and during pregnancy a GSD will require a diet in that a certain amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates to ensure a health pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant German Shepherds can sometimes need dietary supplements if they are not getting the appropriate nutrients through their diet. Conclusion There are many factors that impact how many puppies German Shepherds can have. Most commonly German Shepherds will have between five and eight puppies, but age, health, and inbreeding can cause a GSD to bear a smaller litter. Breeders who are looking to increase litter size will need to make sure that all those controllable factors are in line and let nature do the rest. On the other hand — not all of the pups survive their first weeks in natural environment. Than read what are the simple things you can do to help. Average Size and Weight Babies Normally, the average size of German Shepherds litter is puppies that are born in period between hours. The newborns are blind, deaf and have no teeth. They weight about 0. You need to make sure they are breathing properly. You can swing it in strong downward motion be careful and hold its head and shoulders firmly or rub him vigorously with towel. You can also try to put a drop of strong alcohol to his tongue or dip his body into cold and hot water, giving pup a contrast shower. Sounds like a torture, but these methods can help you reanimate a weak puppy. Mark each puppy at birth with a colorful thread around the neck, so you can tell the difference between them later. Keeping Newborn Puppies Now, when you made sure the baby is fine — let it suck on his mother breast straight away — this will help to stimulate new contractions. Place them in the warm box, better with the heating pad in it, until the new pup is born. Then immediately let the mother resume nursing. When the labor is finished you should place the new mother and pups in prepared in advance whelping box. Basically is should be a bed, large enough for the puppies and the mother to fit in with a bit of space for free movement. Proper Care The under layer has to be replaced every day, so you can make is from newspapers or special substance. Cover it with warm blanket, but make sure its tight enough and puppies will not get entangled in layers of cloth. The mother takes as much care as she can for her kids poo and pee, but still make sure the bed is changed every day and pups are laying in dry place. Temperature Control Sometimes the heat lamp will be a necessity. If they laying in pile, trying to hide their noses — they are chilled, if they are not even touching each other — they might be overheating. Make sure they do not dehydrate — pinch the skin on their necks. Healthy puppy eats every two hours in first week and after feeding has a good round belly. Now, if everything went fine — take care of the mother and she will take good care of her pups.
Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits. He has AkC Star Puppy and is involved with obedience, rally, and scent work. His most charming attribute is his calm disposition and his ultimate goal is to do therepy work. He is cleared of the common panel of Labrador diseases, not being a carrier of any either. His OFC prelims look great too, no hips or elbow issues. Dam Sadie is AKC registered golden retriever with a beautiful red coat. She also boasts an outstanding calm and obedient disposition. She also has had her hips and elbows tested with good results. She is loved and adored as our family pet. We start the puppies off with ENS early neurological stimulation and they are worked with and handled daily. The dogs will make wonderful companions and have a striking appearance. They would make great therepy dogs. Each puppy is sold with one year health guarantee. They will have a full health check with our veterinarian and get their first shots. Deworming is done at 2,3,4,6,and 8 weeks. They will be ready to go home the weekend of the 25th. If you are looking for a friendly, loyal, smart companion, the Goldador is your ticket. Little Bear.
Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild, and 5 being very loud and easily detected. When a dog is relaxed or sleeping, rates above 35 breaths per minute signify heart problems and warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. Count each rise during that period, then multiply that number by four to find out the number of breaths per minute. By the time you see visible signs of a heart problem — difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and collapsing — your dog may have heart disease. What are heart murmurs? There are two broad categories of heart murmurs in dogs: A congenital murmur is present from birth. Congenital murmurs are usually caused by a structural heart defect. Fortunately, most murmurs in young puppies turn out to be benign in nature. An acquired murmur is one that becomes apparent later in life. Acquired murmurs are usually due to heart valve abnormalities or cardiac muscle disease. Fortunately, most dogs with acquired valvular disease never develop congestive heart failure, as long as they receive proper care. The most common cause is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, which is a progressive degeneration of the mitral valve. The cause is unknown, but in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a genetic link has been identified. Larger breeds also sometimes develop murmurs associated with cardiomyopathy, which is a term for cardiac muscle disease. Learn more about dilated cardiomyopathy The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium upper chamber and left ventricle lower chamber of the heart. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes into the left atrium, where it is transported to the left ventricle, which then pushes the blood out to the rest of the body via the aorta. When the mitral valve degenerates, it becomes bumpy and irregular and no longer closes all the way, allowing blood to wash back into the left atrium. The heart becomes less efficient, making it work harder with every beat. Eventually, fluid backs up into the lungs. When that happens, the dog is in congestive heart failure and will require cardiac medications for the rest of their life. Monitoring is your best defense If your veterinarian tells you that they hear a heart murmur, they will likely recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function. Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and usually done without anesthesia or a sedative. A simple blood test, called pro-BNP precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide , is a useful tool for monitoring as well, as pro-BNP levels rise in the face of cardiac muscle stretch and stress. Obesity makes it harder to breathe, which strains the heart. It also makes it harder to exercise, and exercise is good for the heart. These diets are sodium-restricted, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and supports healthy blood pressure — both of which are important for cardiac patients. The nutrients include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other things that support cardiac function. If you are told that your dog has a heart murmur, you should schedule regular follow-ups to monitor its progression, help your dog lose weight through proper diet and exercise, and consider using a prescription diet for canine cardiac health. Your attention to cardiac management could be the difference between a dog who ends up with congestive heart failure and one that does not. If your puppy does not outgrow their murmur, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine the cause, cardiac status and prognosis. This is important whether your dog is intended for breeding or not. For dogs intended for breeding, the echocardiogram will help determine whether the dog ethically should be used for breeding. For dogs undergoing spay and neuter procedures, the echocardiogram provides your veterinary surgeon with important information regarding the risk of anesthesia. The ultimate prognosis depends on the type of congenital heart defect. Many puppies will live a normal lifespan. For other puppies, surgery may be an option. The few dogs with very loud murmurs, however, may be subject to fainting, and there even may be sudden death. Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected. Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected. It should be stressed that minor "flow" murmurs are commonly found in young in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds, but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs" are not associated with heart disease in the adult. The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic stenosis has increased in recent years, although the number of cases is still very low in relation to the number of dogs bred. To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A breeding control scheme has also been established. Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognised in a Boxer it should be referred to one of the cardiologists. The breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result. Dependant upon the findings the condition may be treatable. If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a specialist cardiologist. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects The heart is a four-chambered pump which is divided into left and right sides. Each side has two chambers: blood enters into the thin-walled upper chamber atrium. It then flows into the larger, lower chamber ventricle. The ventricles have thick walls composed largely of heart muscle. Between the chambers of the atria and the ventricles there are valves that prevent blood flowing backwards from the latter to the former. On contraction, blood flows from the ventricles into the major blood vessels. There are also valves at the junction of the ventricles and these blood vessels that preventing blood flowing backwards. The right side of the heart receives blood from the whole of the body other than the lungs, via the venae cavae. The blood accumulates in the right atrium and during a heart beat it is sucked past the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and then as the right ventricle contracts squeezes its muscular wall, the blood is pushed through the pulmonary valves into the pulmonary arteries that take it onto the lungs to take up oxygen. The left side of the heart receives this oxygenated blood from the lungs, via the pulmonary veins. The blood accumulates in the left atrium and during a heartbeat it is expressed past the mitral valve into the left ventricle. Then, as the muscular wall of the left ventricle contracts, the blood is pushed through the aortic valves into the aorta and onto the other major arteries which carry it around the body to perform all the functions of blood circulation such as delivering oxygen and nutrients and sharing heat and metabolic products throughout the body. So, the left hand side of the heart has to pump blood around the major organs of the body, whilst the right hand side only has to push blood through the adjacent lungs. This difference does not affect the structure and function of the atria very much but requires that the muscles of the left ventricle have to be much stronger than the right. As strength is largely a function of muscle size the muscle wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the right Aortic stenosis is a condition of the heart in which there is a narrowing of the aortic valve of the heart that controls the flow of blood from the left ventricle. The condition is characterised by an abnormal ring of tissue at the valve which interferes with normal blood flow, creating resistance to the passage of blood and causing an obstruction The lesion of aortic stenosis in the dog commonly occurs in the subvalvular position, and thus the condition is called subaortic stenosis. The severity of the lesion can range from mild to severe, from an incomplete ridge of fibrous tissue to an extensive fibrous band encircling the aorta. A heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound of blood rushing through the valve when the heart contracts, is heard in dogs with the condition since there is turbulent flow through the obstructed valve. The degree of murmur, and its duration correlates with the severity of aortic stenosis Kvart et al .Exactly what happens in an individual depends on the degree of obstruction of the aorta, whether or not other valves of the heart are affected, and the degree to which conduction of heart beat signals are interfered with. The consequences of various manifestations of the disease are outlined below. When resistance to the flow of blood is high, the left ventricle has to contract more forcefully to expel the blood and this causes high ventricular pressures which may cause the left ventricle wall to become thickened and lead to damage. As a result of this abnormally high ventricular pressure, the intramural coronary arteries - which supply the muscles of the heart with blood- will thicken and collapse, and the muscle wall of the left ventricle will start to degrade necrosis and scar tissue will form fibrosis. Eventually, the cardiac tissue does not receive adequate blood flow and thus does not receive enough oxygen for normal function myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Heart failure may start to occur since the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the narrow valve to meet the requirements of the body. The reduced volume of blood past the stenosis valve causes abnormally low blood pressure in the rest of the body hypotension. The body is able to compensate, to some extent, for impending heart failure using various mechanisms although some of these can themselves lead to further problems. When there is inadequate blood flow from the heart, heart rate is increased so that blood supply to the organs is maintained. However, this raised heart rate may restrict the ability of the ventricles to relax as there is less time between each contraction; time in which the ventricles can relax and fill. Increasing heart rate can cause backward or congestive heart failure, in which fluid builds up in the lungs pulmonary oedema and in which the amount of blood that the heart can push forwards around the body decreases. A further problem is that it is during relaxation that the heart muscle itself receives blood via its coronary arteries so when beating quickly its own oxygen supply can decrease and heart muscle can die. Inadequate blood flow from the heart also causes the body to react as though there has been a loss of circulating blood volume. Hormones are released in response, which cause fluid to be retained even though there actually has been no loss of blood. The amount of fluid in the body thus increases and this is another reason that fluid accumulates in the lungs. As the walls of the left ventricle thicken the heart shape changes and the valves of the heart can become distorted and leak. Leakage regurgitation of blood in the reverse direction from the aorta back into the left ventricle, and this may manifest in a diastolic murmur Schaer .When the valves, the tricuspid and mitral valves, between the ventricles and atria are affected, they may allow blood to flow backwards into the atria during contraction which causes further backwards or back pressure heart failure problems and the problems, outlined above, associated with this. The abnormally thickened muscle often contains scar tissue or fatty infiltrates which interfere with the conduction of nerve signals through the heart resulting in uncoordinated contractions dysrhythmia or arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeats can contribute to both forward and backward heart failure. Forward heart failure occurs when the left ventricle provides inadequate blood flow to the body and this can lead to weakness, collapse, fainting and sudden death. Other congenital heart abnormalities may be associated with aortic stenosis, including pulmonic stenosis, and atrial septal defect Oliveira et al , though more often than not aortic stenosis occurs alone. Affected dogs may also be at risk of complications such infections of the inner lining of the heart endocarditis , caused by bacterial infiltration due to the defective valve. In one study, a smaller aortic annulus at the junction of the aortic valve and ventricular septum and a steeper aortoseptal angle relative to body size was notable in both healthy and affected Boxers, and these may be key factors for the development of aortic stenosis Quintavalla et al .Return to top 2. Dogs with mild narrowing, which does not progress, may have a normal lifespan, with very few changes to quality of life. Dogs that are moderate-severely affected by the condition may experience serious welfare problems. They may exhibit an inability to exercise, fainting and muscle weakness. The build-up of fluid in the lungs, due to pulmonary odema, leads to difficulty in breathing with the animal showing rapid or laboured breathing or coughing. Where the heart muscles receive reduced oxygen as a result of the obstructed blood flow myocardial ischemia and hypoxia , dogs may experience fatigue or chest pain angina. Affected dogs may be at risk of complications such as changes in heart rhythm arrhythmias — which in themselves may directly cause welfare problems by making the dog faint or collapse - congestive heart failure or infections of the inner lining of the heart endocarditis. In one study of Boxer with aortic stenosis, infective endocarditis and left heart failure tended to occur later in life and in dogs with mild to moderate obstructions Kienle et al .These complications may lead to sudden death. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Aortic stenosis is not a true congenital defect, since it develops after birth Pyle et al .Aortic stenosis is often a progressive disorder, and the severe forms can lead to death in early adulthood. In one study of 96 Boxers with aortic stenosis, 21 dogs .The prognosis for long-term survival of dogs with untreated mild or moderate aortic stenosis if favourable, with an average median survival of 4 years 3 months and 2 years 6 months respectively, but the survival of dogs with severe aortic stenosis was poor, with an average survival of 1 year 7 months Kienle et al .Definitive treatment for severe aortic stenosis requires surgical intervention, either excision of the lesion or replacement of the valve, but the surgery should be performed before 6 months of age for greatest success Muir et al .Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The true prevalence of aortic stenosis in dogs is currently unknown, since the previous studies are based on small, local, veterinary populations. Heart murmurs are commonly reported in dogs; over a 4-year period in the UK, .However, it is important to note that these heart murmur data are not specific to aortic stenosis, and that not all heart murmurs point to significant cardiac disease. Aortic stenosis has been reported to be one of the most frequently recorded congenital cardiac abnormalities in the dog Tidholm .Of dogs with aortic stenosis, the Boxer breed has been shown to have an increased relative risk of the condition, with an odds ratios of 9. A prevalence of 1. As part of a mandatory breed screening programme in Italy, Boxers were screened for cardiac abnormalities and of Boxers 8. There is no reported difference in the predisposition of males and females for aortic stenosis. Return to top 5. Initial diagnosis results from detection of a heart murmur using a stethoscope, although murmurs can be indicative of other heart conditions or even of normal function. Murmurs are categorised on a six point scale from Grade 1, the mildest and least audible, which can be heard with a stethoscope only in a quiet room to Grade 6, the loudest and most turbulent, which can be heard with the stethoscope not touching the chest, or even without using the stethoscope. Echocardiographycan be used to evaluate: heart size, function including the direction and speed of blood flow, and valve appearance. Other diagnostic tools used to determine the severity of the disease and the presence of heart failure, include: ECG recordings, blood tests, chest radiography and full physical examination. ECG can be used to detect occult disease eg heart rhythm abnormalities at a stage before animals show any clinical signs. Return to top 6. Genetics An inherited basis of aortic stenosis is strongly suspected in the Boxer, though there is no definitive data to support this. Boxers have a higher risk of aortic stenosis compared to other breeds, and there are specific conformational traits associated with the Boxer breed that affect the morphology of the aortic valve small aortic annulus, steep aortoseptal angle; Quintavalla et al which may be linked to the development of the condition. To our knowledge, there are no studies of the genetics or mode of inheritance of aortic stenosis in Boxers. Aortic stenosis is considered to be a dominant trait in Newfoundlands Stern et al but in Golden retrievers, the condition is more likely to be a rescessive trait Stern et al .In both studies, authors also suggest that the inheritance pattern may be more complex and involve multiple genes, and especially considering the variation in age of onset and the lesion type and placement associated with the condition Pyle et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? Since the genetic mechanisms or mode of inheritance is not known for this breed, there is currently no way of telling specifically which animals are likely to become affected. Importantly, not all dogs that carry the genotype show outward clinical signs and there is a range of severities of affected dogs from mild to severe. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Although dogs with a mild form of aortic stenosis have a low risk to develop symptoms of the condition, it is still important to identify these dogs for the purpose of eliminating the condition from the breed Farrell et al , since mildly affected and asymptomatic dogs may pass on a more severe form of the condition to their offspring. Since , a breeding scheme has been in operation in the UK for the Boxer breed, and it recommends cardiac screening for murmurs of dogs at 12 months or older. Dogs with grade 3 murmurs of higher are considered unsuitable for breeding, and dogs with grade 2 murmurs are only recommended for breeding with a dog clear of a murmur. Further research is required to determine the mode of inheritance involved in the development of aortic stenosis in Boxers, in order to establish a valid method to eliminate the condition from the breed Meyers-Wallen .Return to top 9. Return to top .Human Genetics —48 Tidholm A Retrospective study of congenital heart defects in dogs. Because of this blockage, the Boxer dog's heart must work much harder and faster than normal. Yes, it can be. It is a tricky condition.Some Boxers have a mild case which does not affect life span at all.However, with others, it can be severe and fatal. Abnormal heart rhythms in a dog can lead to sudden death. Any dog that is being considered for breeding should be tested for this - along with Doppler studies a particular type of ultrasound machine that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel - by a board-certified canine cardiologist prior to any pairing. Diagnosis Once a heart murmur is detected, your Boxer dog should be referred to a canine heart specialist. One of the most important aspects will be to determine the severity of the murmur. This is helpful to see the size and shape of the heart. Any abnormal enlargement of the heart's chambers can usually be spotted, which would indicate a more severe case. EKG - An EKG is important as it will determine the severity of the heart's valve narrowing and it will measure electrical impulses to the Boxer's heart. Ultrasound- With Aortic Stenosis, the left ventricle wall of the heart thickens. This test will measure the extent of the thickness and well as the internal dimensions of the heart. Doppler Test - A Doppler test is a specialized ultrasound test that measures the flow of blood through a blood vessel. Of most concern, will be the left ventricle. The flow rate can tell you a lot. Flow is measured by meters per second. If a dog has a flow that is LESS than 4 meters per second, he will usually live to full life expectancy and not have any major problems. If a Boxer has a flow that is MORE than 5 meters per second, this is an indication that the dog will be affected by this disease; though all tests will be combined together to give the murmur a 'grade'. Medication will most certainly be given and the dog must be monitored on a regular basis. Studies have shown that this procedure does not significantly extend the life span of affected dogs. The 3 most commonly prescribed beta-blockers for Boxers with Aortic Stenosis heart murmurs are propranolol, atenolol and metoprolol. It is available in tablet, injectable and liquid forms. Owners should immediately report any side effects to their dog's veterinarian. It is given as tablets but is also available as injectable doses. It is given as a tablet. Note: Always follow the exact dosing instructions for any of these Aortic Stenosis medications, as an overdose can be toxic and sometimes fatal. A dog should be checked every 6 months to 1 year, with testing done to see if there are any changes. Boxer dog health issues - A list of the health conditions most likely to affect the Boxer dog breed. Boxer dog exercise requirements - Ensuring that your Boxer puppy or dog stays active for a healthy body and mind. Boxer dog is skinny - There is a phase that some Boxers goes through that occurs around the 14 to 22 month old mark, in which the ribs may be visible and the dog looks too lean. Why Boxer dogs drool - While they do have big lips, is it normal for this breed to excessively drool. The few dogs with very loud murmurs, however, may be subject to fainting, and there may even be sudden death. Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected. Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected. It should be stressed that minor "flow" murmurs are commonly found in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds, but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs are not associated with heart disease in the adult. The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic stenonsis has increased in recent years, although the numbers of cases are still very low in relation to the numbers of dogs bred. To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A breeding control scheme has also been established. Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognized in a Boxer it should be referred through the vet in charge to one of the cardiologists. The breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result. Dependent upon the findings the condition may be treatable. If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a specialist cardiologist. Welcome Testimonials "Can't be happier with our Rosie who we picked up November .Great temperment, easy to train, and the friendliest fun loving girl ever. We are already thinking of another o.These Boxers are amazing. Top of the line Their temperament, their disposition, their health.I have 3 amazing boxer babies from t.Associated Data The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. Abstract The detection of a congenital heart defect at purchase is an important step in early detection from a clinical and legal standpoint. Indeed, some cardiac abnormalities may be corrected with surgery, and very often, treatment needs to be performed early before congestive heart failure or irreversible heart damage can occur. From a legal viewpoint, if the defect is revealed in a newly purchased puppy, the buyer may be required to return it and receive compensation. Puppies affected with congenital heart defects are likely to die prematurely, causing emotional suffering to the owner. Furthermore, by considering breed predisposition, early recognition allows breeders to avoid breeding from particular dogs with genetic defects and prevent the continuation of genetic defects in breeding lines. Given gaps in the literature about the recognition of murmurs in the puppy trade, the present article describes how to identify a heart murmur in a puppy during a pre-purchase examination and its significance from a clinical and legal viewpoint. In the canine population, the prevalence of cardiac defects ranges between 0. Pulmonic stenosis is the most common defect found in puppies, followed by patent ductus arteriosus, subaortic stenosis, and ventricular septal defect. On the basis of the above considerations, the veterinarian should recognize and identify the murmur following a protocol for routine examination of puppies involved in trade. Keywords: cardiac murmur, puppy, purchase, heart defect 1. Introduction Buying a puppy is an important step for most pet owners. The prospective owner aspires for the puppy to be healthy and fit well with the new family, often acting on impulse driven by the opportunity and enthusiasm to get a dog. Instead, a pre-purchase examination before selling is strongly recommended in order to evaluate the health status of the animal. The ground rules for a pre-purchase examination are the same as those applicable to clinical evaluation. On the one hand, there are some buyers for whom any risk is acceptable as they do not perceive clinical signs as a problem, but rather as a normal breed-specific characteristic [ 1 ]. On the other hand, some buyers may want assistance to arrive at an informed judgment on the risks related to buying a dog, given that there may be diseases associated with some breeds which reduce the life span or make it unsuitable for its intended use by the purchaser. Indeed, heart diseases of proven or suspected hereditary origin in puppies may constitute a defect vice in buying and selling, making the animal inappropriate for its intended use, or significantly decreasing its value [ 2 ]. The innocent murmur is a common physiological finding in puppies, generally as a result of physiologic anemia. Rising hematocrit in growing puppies can explain the spontaneous disappearance of innocent murmurs with aging [ 4 ]. Generally, puppies are sold when they are at least 6—8 weeks old to ensure that the puppy has received an adequate supply of milk from the mother dog and has completed the period of socialization. Conversely, the detection of a continuous murmur in a puppy requires a complete cardiologic and medical workup. Once the presence of a murmur has been identified, the aim for the veterinarian during the pre-purchase clinical examination is to determine the existence, severity, and exact origin of the underlying cardiac disease. Cardiac examination should be performed to evaluate heart rate, rhythm, and the presence of normal and abnormal sounds. Auscultation should be executed in a silent room, with the animal in standing position, auscultating the precordial valve areas in both sides of the chest and, if an abnormal sound is detected, the point of maximum intensity should be identified. Given the gaps in the literature regarding a clinical protocol or guidelines for the identification of a cardiac murmur during puppy trade, the authors describe how to categorize heart murmurs in the animal during a pre-purchase examination and its significance from a clinical and legal viewpoint, as murmurs can be physiological or pathological. Clinical Examination of the Cardiovascular System Clinical examination is a great help to the veterinarian in the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Variations in mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time, jugular distension, dependent oedema, tachycardia, and tachypnoea are common findings of congestive heart failure CHF [ 5 ]. The auscultation of the heart is fundamental for the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Normally, it is possible to hear two heart sounds: S1, caused by the closing of the atrioventricular valves at the beginning of the systole, and S2, generated by the closing of the semilunar valves at the end of the systolic event. Two other heart sounds also can be found in pathological conditions: S3, caused by the rapid filling of the ventricles in diastole, and S4, generated by atrial contraction. Additional sounds generated by turbulent blood flows are called murmurs. The heart murmurs are classified according to intensity, frequency, quality, duration, configuration, primary location point of maximum intensity, PMI , and site s of radiation [ 6 ]. The intensity indicates the loudness of the cardiac murmur and is classified on a scale from 1 to 6 [ 6 ], as summarized in Table 1 [ 6 ]. This is strongly related to the blood velocity at the site of origin of the murmur and is classified as high, medium, or low. The murmurs that originate from mitral valve insufficiency typically have a high pitch [ 7 ], while the murmurs originating from aortic stenosis typically have a low or medium pitch [ 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The quality or timbre of the heart murmurs indicates the type of sound, which can be soft, harsh, rumbling, musical or a mixture of these. The shape, also referred to as configuration, indicates the intensity that it assumes during the cardiac cycle; therefore, a murmur may be crescendo, decrescendo, crescendo-decrescendo or plateau. A crescendo murmur gradually increases in intensity, while a decrescendo murmur gradually decreases in intensity. A crescendo—decrescendo murmur is characterized by a gradual increase in intensity, followed by a gradual diminution. A plateau murmur conserves a moderate continuous intensity regardless of their intensity grade. The duration or timing indicates the portion of the cardiac cycle that the murmur occupies and not in which the murmur onsets. Murmurs may be systolic early systolic, mid-systolic, late systolic, or holosystolic , diastolic early diastolic, mid-diastolic, late diastolic, or holo-diastolic or continuous. A continuous murmur initiates during the systole and continues extending on the second sound, throughout diastole or part of thereof. The location indicates areas on the precordium where the murmur is perceived with a higher intensity and correspond at the site of murmur origin Figure 1. When a murmur is heard at a site other than the point of maximal intensity, it is said to radiate. The murmur may radiate near to the site of origin following the direction of turbulent jet. An aortic stenosis murmur radiates up the carotid arteries, while mitral murmurs radiate dorsally within the thorax. The first and often most challenging step is to determine the clinical importance of a murmur. It is essential to distinguish pathological heart murmurs from functional ones and, in puppies, from innocent heart murmurs [ 11 ].
These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around San Jose. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Labrador Retriever puppies vary in price, depending on many factors such as breeder experience, coat color, parent pedigree, and more. Puppies fly in the cabin and not down with the luggage , meaning your dream Labrador Retriever is just a quick flight away—even if there are no American Labrador Retriever in San Jose CA. How do you screen San Jose Labrador Retriever breeders? We get dozens of applications every day from businesses and San Jose Labrador Retriever breeders who wish to join our network. Have a look at our Breeder Pledge for more info! The internet makes it easy for anyone to sell their puppies online. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are like factories and prisons, where dishonest breeders churn out hundreds of sick, poorly raised puppies to sell for cheap. Puppy mill dogs develop crippling health and behavioral problems easily, can cost you thousands in added vet bills, and tend to die far too young compared with properly bred animals. Looking for Labrador Retriever puppies near me? Begin our MatchMaker process below! What is the MatchMaker process? MatchMaker is how we help match great families with great puppies. How do I know I can trust you? We help you screen out the dishonest breeders using our strict vetting process and Breeder Pledge, only allowing the truly elite to join our network. Will you help us end puppy mills and inhumane backyard breeders?
You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Miniature Bulldog, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to English Bulldogs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Bulldog from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Miniature Bulldog puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Miniature Bulldogs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Miniature Bulldog Puppy Breeders in Maryland I'm sorry, there are currently no breeders that we have located in this state Report a broken link or other error here. Click Here to add your information! We hope that this site helps you locate the perfect breeder near you. However, please keep in mind that while we have the largest dog breeder directory on the internet, we cannot personally vouch for any individual breeder we list. Make sure you thoroughly check them out yourself to make sure they are honest, ethical, and raise healthy, happy puppies! Maryland Miniature Bulldog Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Local Puppy Breeders is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Copyright localpuppybreeders. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting an English Bulldog, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to English Bulldogs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Bulldog from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Bulldog puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many English Bulldogs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!
It gives Goldendoodles the appearance of a cute teddy bear. It is a common color to find among breeders since Apricot Poodles are recognized by the AKC as an official breed. Apricot coats typically grow lighter over time and may sometimes be confused with cream or tan Goldendoodles. These Goldendoodles will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails inherited from the Poodle breed. Cream Goldendoodles are commonly used to breed multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles. The physical features of cream Goldendoodles can vary greatly. Some have lighter attributes, while others have slightly darker noses or eyes. It is highly unlikely that you will find cream Goldendoodles with the same physical features. However, most cream Goldendoodles will have pinkish skin under their coat. Red Goldendoodle Like apricot-colored coats, red Goldendoodles also have a teddy bear look because of their color. The mahogany color is the most vibrant of the various coat colors. It is usually achieved by breeding a poodle carrying a darker coat with a yellow Golden Retriever. It is one of the most popular colors for Goldendoodle coats and is somewhat common among breeders. The red coat does lighten over time as your Goldendoodle puppy grows. Another popular coat for Goldendoodles is brown. Many brown Goldendoodles may also carry a recessive silver or black gene, so they may produce puppies of various colors or patterns. It is one of the more common Goldendoodle coat colors. A Chocolate Goldendoodle is a brown Goldendoodle without lighter markings. Tan Goldendoodle A tan Goldendoodle adult chilling in a backyard Tan Goldendoodles are not as popular as other light-colored coats. This breed is a combination of the cream and apricot Goldendoodle. Their fur often has shades of light apricot and white, which come from the Golden Retriever dog breed. If you want a tan Goldendoodle, you may want to find a reputable producer that breeds apricot and cream Goldendoodles to find this variety. Black Goldendoodle This Black Goldendoodle puppy is having a rest! Like brown Goldendoodles, black Goldendoodles also inherit their dark coat from their Poodle parent. It is not as sought after compared to the apricot or cream-colored coat. If they inherit curly fur, this breed could be mistaken for a regular Poodle. Black Goldendoodles are a unique variety, and finding this type of color is rare. The black coat will often stay dark unless they carry the recessive gray, silver, or blue gene. Then the color will lighten as they grow older. Their physical attributes, like their paws, noses, and eyes, will almost always be black. As puppies, their coats first appear black but will lighten as they grow to a full coat of blue, silver, or gray. As they age expect some white markings. If you have a gray Goldendoodle grey Goldendoodle for our Aussie and UK readers check our our mega list of actually good gray dog names! Sometimes known as the Tuxedo Goldendoodle, this type usually has a black coat with a white nose and chest. It also carries a streak of white on its head. However, Tuxedo Goldendoodles usually have slightly different markings, such as white hind legs, belly, and bib, with black extending down its back. It gives the impression that your Goldendoodle is wearing a tuxedo. You can achieve the black and white variety by breeding a parti Poodle with a Golden Retriever. However, it is very rare to find this type of Goldendoodle. Sable Goldendoodle One of the most unique Goldendoodle coats is sable. Their coat is dominantly a tan or lighter cream with the tips remaining black. As puppies, sable Goldendoodles are dark brown or black, but their puppy coat lightens as it grows out. However, those dark tips do not fade with time. Patterned Goldendoodle Colors In addition to the solid colors of the Goldendoodle, this breed can come with rare patterned and multi-colored coats. These coats are not always predictable before they are born or even when they are puppies. The rare varieties will also cost as much as three times more than a more common Goldendoodle. Below are some of the various color options that are rarer for Goldendoodles. Parti Goldendoodle coats happen when the recessive genes of the coat override the solid color. Rare recessive genes, therefore, need to be combined with other rare recessive genes. This variety is very difficult to predict before they are born. Parti Goldendoodles often come from multiple Goldendoodle generations with strong Poodle genes. Merle Goldendoodle Merle Goldendoodles are rare because their coat has patterns with random marks. Unlike Partis, merle Goldendoodles have dominant genes that override the solid color. Chocolate or blue Merles are born when the gene is carried by a chocolate or black Goldendoodle. Sometimes people refer to them as watercolor merle coats or chocolate merle. Merle Goldendoodles are sometimes manufactured when a Goldendoodle is bred with a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd , technically making them an Aussiedoodle. However, there are serious health considerations when breeding merle Goldendoodles. If you breed two merle Goldendoodles, their puppies may be born with deformities or be blind or deaf. To be considered a phantom breed, the Goldendoodle needs to have a primary color covering the majority of its body and a secondary color appearing on its eyes, muzzle, and lower parts of its legs. They are always born with those markings, so it is easy to tell right away if it is a phantom Goldendoodle. The color combinations may vary, but the most common is black and tan. Their coat is very rare, and two phantom Goldendoodles will seldom have the same look. Conclusion Though the AKC does not recognize the colors of the Goldendoodle, the three Golden Retriever colors and seven Poodle colors create thousands of coat color possibilities. Extensive DNA tests are the only way to get an exact picture of how the puppies will look. Look for a reputable breeder and choose the color that you like best. If you are looking for a specific Goldendoodle color, you may need to ask several different breeders and take a look at the parents and their litter. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. FAQ Here are the answers to some of the most pressing questions about Goldendoodle colors. What is the most popular color for Goldendoodles? The most popular color is apricot for Goldendoodle coats followed by cream. Red coats come in third. Sable is also a highly sought-after color for Goldendoodles. What color is best for Goldendoodles? There is no best color for Goldendoodles as it all depends on your personal preference. Whichever color you choose, make sure that it is one you and your family can enjoy. However, even these darker colors may change if the dog carries the blue, silver, or gray recessive gene. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. The main traits people find attractive about the Goldendoodles are the low shedding, hypo-allergenic coat, coat color varieties, and the adorable ragamuffin look of this breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden Retriever has three standard colors: dark, golden, and light. There might be more we have yet to discover, but we will keep this article updated as we find more. Below, we look at different Goldendoodles colors with pictures and the differences in each. We also discuss what makes each color unique and so recognizable. Your Goldendoodle coat type will depend on the kind of curl gene they inherit from each parent. If you are curious to know what coat type and color coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have, you can perform an at-home DNA test to find out. Curly coats are the most popular coats in Goldendoodles and are seen more frequently in F1B and F3 breedings. These types of coats are considered to be the most non-shedding kind. A characteristic trait, if you will, of this hybrid breed. They tend to have more shedding than Goldendoodles, who carry furnishings, and they look more like Golden Retrievers. To ensure you have a proper coated Goldendoodle, you need to DNA test the parents or puppy before getting one. If you have a family with allergies, a Goldendoodle with an incorrect coat is not the best match for you. Long hair is a recessive trait, which means that for a dog to be long-coated, the FGF5 gene needs to be inherited from both parents. The Goldendoodle coat should be about 2 to 3 inches in length. Coat Color Changes In Goldendoodles Dogs of any age, gender, or breed can experience pigment changes in their skin and coat. Generally, puppies will change color as they mature, especially light and medium color Goldendoodle coats. The exceptions are black and darker brown Goldendoodles. However, these can still change to grey, silver, or blue if they carry the recessive gene. Goldendoodle coat changes pictures. Typically, the final coat color of a Goldenpoodle will settle and stay when they reach 4 to 6 months of age. That is when puppies lose their puppy coats, according to the AKC. Did you know feeding the wrong diet kibble to Goldendoodles can dramatically affect their coat, skin and health, and overall health? Chapter 2 All Goldendoodle colors in pictures Goldendoodle Colors Here is a compilation of the most popular, not-so-popular and rarest Goldendoodle colors. Brown Goldendoodle. Black For even more variety, there are patterns of these colors found in the Goldendoodle, including parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Merle is a varied coat pattern. While a beautiful color, the merle gene can cause blindness and deafness if two parents carrying the merle gene are bred together, so merles should be bred only by very knowledgeable breeders who test for the merle gene and understand the genetics involved. Brindle patterns appear as stripes, the color and the width vary with each dog. With careful breeding, breeders can now produce litters with predictable coat types and shedding propensities. One of the things that many people find attractive about the Goldendoodle is the low shedding and hypo-allergenic qualities of the coat, and the adorable ragamuffin look of the Goldendoodle. No longer do you need to rely on the generation of a Goldendoodle to determine appearance or shedding intensity! This is why some Labradoodles have short coats in the early generations, whereas Goldendoodles do not. Curl KRT71 gene Goldendoodles can be curly, wavy, or straight. They inherit their number of curl genes from their parents. If a breeder tests the parent dogs for the curl gene, they can better predict the appearance of their puppies. Even more interestingly, genetic technology has taught us that furnishings are what confer the low- to non-shedding coats on our Goldendoodles that help make them such optimal family dogs. Based on Mendelian genetics, this educated guess was often just that—a guess about the odds. This is when the use of notations like F1 and F1b came about and what has caused many people to think they need to know the generation to guess about furnishings. In the recent past, new commercially available tests have been developed that allow us to genetically test our parent dogs for furnishing genes and other coat genes as well, such as curl so we can better predict coat type in puppies. This is much, much more accurate and dependable than the old Mendelian filial F1, F1b, etc. The gene responsible for furnishings is dominant; so by testing the parent dogs DNA, it can be determined if a breed pair will produce puppies that all have furnishings, or if there will be some puppies with an incorrect or Golden Retriever like coat. Dogs with one copy of the furnishings gene Ff or F IC are lower shedding than dogs without furnishings. Dogs with two copies of furnishing genes FF are typically non-shedding. If you have a family with allergies, a Goldendoodle with an incorrect coat is not the best match for you. Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. J Hered. The Shedding gene is still relevant for shedding for NON-furnished dogs short facial hair , but have no impact for shedding for our furnished Goldendoodles. Even a Goldendoodle with two furnishings genes does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to a particular dog. Allergies are very complex and shedding is just one of the components that factor in the equation. Consider that dander, saliva, proteins, and allergens carried on the dogs coat, etc. As you can see, there is a lot of science that goes into the selection of breeding mates to produce the ideal Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle Association supports its Member breeders by providing access to the latest research and guidance from experts in fields such as breed development, canine reproduction, and puppy development. This is a widget ready area. Add some and they will appear here. For all other questions: Email: admin goldendoodleassociation. Your membership helps to fund research and development regarding health, genetics, puppy development, and more. Member Application.
chocolate labradoodle puppies 8 months - This comes at no extra cost to you. This is peak puppy biting time and it will get better soon. So to prepare you and help you be the best puppy parent you can be, this article will show you: What to expect from a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy How big a four-month-old Golden is How much sleep a puppy needs at this age What kind of exercise a four-month-old Golden Retriever needs How to train your four-month-old pup How much a four-month-old Golden Retriever should eat How to deal with teething and chewing 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behaviors Oliver at 4 months old! At four months old, your puppy has had a couple of months to learn how things operate around the house. This can make things easier for you because your puppy is likely falling into your daily routine. Now that your puppy is a bit older, they may experiment to see what they can make happen for themselves. This does not mean they are a bad pup! You might observe that your four-month-old puppy has even more energy than when they were three months old. This is normal as they gain better coordination and stamina. Always remember that energy is both physical AND mental. What 4-Month-Old Golden Retrievers Look Like Your week-old Golden might start looking a little gangly with long legs that seemingly sprouted overnight see the video below of Oliver. They might also begin losing their cottony puppy coat, which can cause them to look a bit funny as their more coarse adult coat grows in. The picture above is Oliver at four months old, as is this video below. He was so lanky and goofy! Ideally, you were getting your puppy out and about safely, and giving them positive experiences that will prepare them for life as an adult dog. Remember to keep outings with your puppy fun and positive, and avoid things that might be scary or overwhelming. As your puppy shows more signs of physical maturity, it can be easy to start expecting more from them. Be consistent in teaching them how things work, how to act and what to expect. Keep showing them that you are a kind, trustworthy person who meets their needs and keeps things fun and safe. While your puppy may have been a cute round ball of fluff at two months of age , they should be kept nice and lean at this age. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can be prone to joint issues. You should be able to easily feel their ribs without having to dig around too much. Four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies need about 18 hours of sleep per day. Sometimes it can feel like they have tons of energy that you need to burn and it can be tempting to keep them really active to try to wear them out. While they definitely do need exercise and fun activities, too much go-go-go can actually backfire and push the puppy into an overtired state. A puppy that is overtired might be really wild — bouncing off your furniture, barking a lot, and biting you more than usual. Creating a routine around nap time and bed time can really help your puppy relax and fall asleep more quickly. They ate, they pooped, you took them on a nice stroll and played with their favorite squishy ball. You even did some fun training games and they worked on a puzzle toy. Your puppy parent sense tells you that they are ready for a nap, so you take them outside for a final potty. When you come back inside, you grab a frozen stuffed Kong or toppl for your puppy to enjoy in their crate. Puppy goes in the crate and you give them their frozen treat. Then you cover the crate, and turn on a white noise machine to drown out noises while they rest. Any time your puppy is making you pull your hair out, ask yourself when their last nap was. So often, an obnoxious puppy is actually a tired puppy and the solution is sleep! Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training much easier! Fifteen to twenty-minute walks are best for four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies, but a general rule is to let your puppy set the pace when it comes to exercise. If they need a break and flop down in the shade, let them take a breather. So while you may hope your Golden Retriever pup grows into a great running or cycling partner one day, keep things short and easy for now. And by four months of age, your puppy probably has all their necessary vaccinations, which is such a relief. This can open up their world a bit more, which means you have more options for exercise. Get a well-fitted harness and a long leash , and hit up a local trail or open space with your puppy. Unstructured time outdoors is ideal exercise for this breed. That means your pup is free to sniff and frolic around, rather than being in a perfect heel position by your side. Golden Retrievers were historically bred to spend a lot of time outdoors, running through the fields and bounding through water. Modern Goldens still love these activities and giving your four-month-old pup some nature therapy will set them up for physical and mental wellness. Neighborhood walks can also be a nice outlet for a pup of this age. Always allow your Golden to stop and sniff on walks. In addition, you can also work on:. This comes at no extra cost to you. At three months of age, Golden Retriever puppies get a little more confident, mischievous, and, of course, bigger! As a puppy parent, you might have lots of questions about your three-month-old Golden. Is this normal? Am I handling this the right way? Should I be doing something differently? At three months old, a puppy is feeling more settled in their new home. They are experts at identifying patterns and routines, and are understanding how things work around the house. You may notice increased confidence and curiosity around the house, as exploration can be fun for sixteen-week-old Golden Retrievers. This confidence boost may also come with more antics, like shredding the toilet paper in the bathroom and pulling down your nice throw pillows to wrestle with. You might observe that your three-month-old puppy has more energy than they did last month, as well. At this age, they also have better control of their bodies and are more coordinated, as opposed to when they were a two-month-old puppy. You may notice that they are running faster, jumping higher, and tackling obstacles like stairs. At three months old, a pup is still in the critical socialization window. What your puppy learns and experiences between three and sixteen weeks of age helps set a precedent for the rest of their life. Providing them with positive educational experiences with the sights, sounds, and experiences they will encounter as an adult dog is extremely important during this time. Avoid scary and stressful experiences with a three-month-old Golden Retriever puppy , as those can leave lasting negative associations resulting in a fearful or anxious dog. Remember that a pup at this age is still so young and needs lots of patient guidance as they grow into their adult self. Three-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Size Most three-month-old Goldens will weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, but each puppy is a unique individual so there could be some that fall outside that range. Female puppies tend to be smaller than males, but there are exceptions to that rule. They will be growing a lot this month, so you may notice those legs getting longer by the day! Their cute little snout may also get a little longer as they develop. Golden Retrievers can have a variety of builds and sizes, so your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. With all that growing comes the need for a lot of sleep. Sixteen-week-old Golden Retrievers need about 18 hours of sleep a day. As much as possible, let your puppy sleep as much as they choose. At this age, they may not always be the best at settling themselves down for a nap even though they really need rest. Sometimes puppies can get overly tired and become super wild and bitey — puppy tornado mode! This is when your puppy needs you to step in and help them get the sleep they need. Utilizing a crate or pen is super helpful for this as it limits their options and promotes settling in for a nap. Set up the crate or pen so it has a comfy place for them to snooze. You can also offer them something like a bully stick or a stuffed kong to work on while they drift off to sleep. Many three-month-old puppies do well when the crate is covered, which cuts down on visual stimulation. You can also drape an old bed sheet over the panels of a pen to give the same effect. If your puppy struggles to settle, you can sit near their crate or pen, as your presence is a comfort to them. If you notice your pup curling up for a nap, you can pick them up and put them in their pen or crate. Behavior issues like excessive chewing , biting , barking and just general hyperactivity can come from lack of sleep. Ensuring that your puppy gets enough uninterrupted sleep is very important for their physical, mental, and behavioral wellbeing. If you got your puppy when they were two months of age, you may now notice that your three-month-old Golden seems to have more energy. With all that puppy energy, you might think that you need to wear your puppy out with exercise. While puppies certainly do need exercise, be careful not to overdo it. Exercise should be guided by the puppy. That means letting them set the pace and duration of exercise. Three-month-old Golden Retrievers do not yet have the physical and mental stamina for structured exercise like long leashed walks. Instead, short, easygoing walks are great at this stage. Think of walks more as adventures! Instead of trying to walk a certain route or distance, set an amount of time for the walk. Ten to twenty minutes is probably sufficient at this age. Free play is also a great outlet for exercise for three-month-old Golden Retrievers. Indoor playtime with toys is also a fun way for active pups to burn some of that puppy energy. Avoid long games of fetch, as the repetitive nature of the game can be hard on their growing bodies. Finally, getting your puppy out in nature is a great way to get them some exercise while also providing lots of mental stimulation. Historically, Golden Retrievers were bred to spend a lot of time outdoors in the fields with their owners. Our modern-day Goldens still absolutely adore getting outside in nature, and puppies are no exception. I recommend putting your puppy on a well-fitting, non-restrictive harness , and a fifteen or twenty feet biothane long line. This longer leash allows your puppy to explore more freely and makes pulling the leash less likely. Keep these outings short, and let your puppy take breaks as needed. It sounds a bit silly, but it can be easy to forget that a puppy is not a human! Keeping this in mind helps you stay patient as you teach your new best friend the ways of the world. One of the most important things for a puppy to learn is how to be alone. Even if you work from home, you have to run errands, hang out with friends and family, and go to doctor appointments. Using a crate or pen, or gating off a small space, is invaluable, as leaving a three-month-old Golden Retriever loose in your house would likely be a disaster! This e-book walks you through all the steps to teach your puppy how to be comfortable with confinement and being left home alone. Potty training will also be an ongoing process, so keep at it with your puppy this month. Just a few minutes every day is enough to start building some great skills with your puppy. You may also notice that some days your puppy has more energy, and on other days they are more relaxed. With their growing bodies comes a bigger appetite! Most three-month-old Golden Retrievers eat about two cups of food a day, split over three meals. As always, each puppy is a unique individual and so some puppies may eat more or less than that amount each day. Some days your puppy may eat all their food, and some days they may leave a little in the bowl, though Goldens are known to be chowhounds so your puppy might scarf down each and every meal. It can be really fun for both you and your puppy to feed meals in more creative ways. There are lots of toys available that make mealtime more mentally and physically enriching. You have to feed your puppy, so why not burn some puppy energy in the process! Here are some favorites:. But to develop properly, your puppy needs your help and encouragement. This is because the biting peaks at about 4 months old. The exercise needs of a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy Training for a four-month-old Golden Retriever Feeding four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies How to deal with chewing and biting What to Expect From a 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever By now your puppy has been in your house for a couple of months and has learned about the rules and the way things work in their environment. This means that your puppy is getting comfortable and falling into step with your daily routine. Because of this, things are a little less chaotic in dealing with your pup than they were when you first brought them home. When your pup pushes boundaries and does new things, this is actually a sign of intelligence and mental development, neither of which are bad things. Your puppy will also have more energy, stamina, and coordination than they had in the previous weeks. Their coat will also look a bit odd. This will result in some random patches of fluff. At 4 months old, your golden should be roughly half of its adult height. When it comes to how much they should weigh, the average is around lbs. There are different types of Golden Retrievers and they come in all sizes. Heredity plays a part, as well. If your pup had small parents, then your pup will likely be a little smaller. And if your puppy was seriously ill for a prolonged period of time, then it may have inhibited its ability to grow properly when compared to healthy puppies. But usually, once the worms have been eliminated, the puppy will start to grow normally again. This means that your puppy will have already learned a lot of the socialization skills it needs to develop properly. The socialization your pup experienced prior to their four-month milestone will affect their behaviors and temperament going forward with their lives. Hopefully, you let your puppy go on adventures into the world and they had safe positive experiences. You should still take them out in public and teach them how to be well-behaved. You still need to keep your socialization light-hearted and safe. Your puppy is a baby animal, and they can become traumatized the same as human infants can. You also need to be more patient with them during this time period. Your four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy will sleep somewhere between 11 and 18 hours per day. While your puppy will be really energetic and hyper and your instinct may be to give them lots of exercises to burn off the extra energy, this can actually backfire on you. To avoid an overly- tired puppy, make sure your pup is getting naps in. You can use a crate or pen to help confine them to their sleep area. Developing a nap time routine is quite easy. Once your puppy has eaten, played, and went potty, you can put them in their crate with a soft toy to chew on. Puppies chew to soothe themselves to sleep. Intense exercise and prolonged repetitive motions can even cause injury to their developing joints and muscles. Not to mention the fact that when puppies are over-stimulated and exhausted it causes them to act up. So, how much exercise should a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy get? Your pup has more energy than they did last month, so they can now go on walks for 20 minutes at a time. In general, you should let your puppy decide how much exercise they can handle. If your puppy stops and decides to lay down in the middle of the walk, let them. They obviously need a break. By the time they reach this age, golden puppies should be up to date with their vaccinations, which is great because they love the outdoors. The type of exercise that your Golden Retriever puppy will likely enjoy the most involves unstructured play outside. Originally, Golden Retrievers were bred to hunt and do fieldwork, and your golden puppy will likely love the outdoors because of this. You can gently put them in the water, or allow them to get in themselves. People who live in more urban environments will find that their golden pups will enjoy walks around the neighborhood. Smells will engage brains and provide mental stimulation. You should be focused mainly on teaching your puppy to be comfortable with alone time, as well as potty training. Keep treats with you when you take your pup out on walks to reward positive behaviors and a good job on their leash. For instance, if you typically give your pup a treat when they come back inside from going potty, then you can use this opportunity to work with them to sit and stay and wait for their treat. To work with them about being comfortable with being alone, you should put them in their crate or pen and then gradually stay out of their sight for longer and longer each time. This takes practice. So this training is important. For more information about separation anxiety, check out our article about goldens and separation anxiety. For more information about training, check out our article about training golden retriever puppies. Your four-month-old golden pup should be eating 3 meals a day , spread throughout the day. They should be eating about 1 cup of food at each meal. Golden Retrievers have a major problem with overeating. Like us, they find food enjoyable and comforting too. A good rule of thumb to determine whether your pup is overweight is to pick them up. To find out for certain whether your pup is the right weight, you should take them to the veterinarian and follow their recommendations. Four months old is typically the peak chewing and biting period. This makes their gums uncomfortable and painful. You should also make sure that there are lots of chew toy options and chewy treats in your house so that your puppy can get the chewing out of their system without doing anything destructive. Using pens and gates can be really useful during this time. Just walk to the other side of the pen. If you missed the other articles in this series, you can find them here:. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun!
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chocolate labradoodle puppies 8 months - As such, you may have a female or male with a weight slightly less than the ranges noted. However, provided that is their average weight, and the weight is stable, it is okay. They might be a smaller-sized dog, which is their normal. So, maybe the average weight for your female Golden Retriever is 53 pounds once fully grown; whereas, another owner has a female that is 63 pounds once fully grown. Both are healthy dogs with no underlying medical issues, and both are exercised and fed appropriately. Both dogs are at their normal weights because they were born to be that way. The baseline is one of the main criteria in determining if your Golden Retriever is becoming too skinny. Consider a large adult female Golden Retriever with a breed standard weight of 65 pounds. Notice that 55 pounds still falls within the breed standard or normal range for a female. Keep in mind that just like humans, weight can fluctuate daily and weekly. For example, a two-pound gain or loss might not be a reason to panic, especially if your dog is eating and seems otherwise healthy. It may just be water loss or gain, bowel movement, dehydration, or other normal fluctuations. However, once a Golden Retriever becomes an adult weighing them is not often easy or feasible, or we may be ill-equipped to do so. This is why it is essential to be aware of some of the physical signs of a skinny or underweight dog — it provides another tool as part of the weight management process. Often the first indications we have that our Golden Retriever is too skinny are the physical signs. Often these become the first indications that there is a problem, and we need to contact our veterinarian. Very little or no body fat. Ribs may be visible and easily felt. The curve from waist to hips is excessive and very obvious. This poor guy is grossly underweight too skinny and malnourished. Notice the protruding hip, back, and rib bones, and excessive abdominal taper. A very pronounced taper from waist to hip is one way to tell, and using your hands to feel for protruding ribs, shoulders, and backbones is also helpful. Your veterinarian may ask that you bring your dog in for an examination. Identifying an issue early on ensures you can work with your veterinarian to develop a structured plan to address the problem. Calories in must equal calories out. Your Golden Retriever will lose weight if: Its energy expenditure from daily physical exercise exceeds the intake of calories over a prolonged period. Calorie intake is below the level needed to maintain weight, i. The food is of poor quality. The dog is a finicky eater or fed table scraps, i. A change in environment or stress levels results in a loss of appetite or reduced physical activity, e. Regarding the last point, I wrote an article on common reasons a Golden Retriever might be suddenly lazy or lethargic, and it can be found here: A Lazy Golden Retriever? Do They Exist and Possible Causes. Please take a few minutes to read it as it identifies some reasons why a Golden Retriever may suddenly become less active. On the brighter side, provided any of the above is the cause, then the outlook is excellent. As a first step, a visit to your veterinarian is essential. Your vet will need to rule out any underlying medical problems that may be causing or contributing to the weight loss and determine the best course of treatment moving forward. Provided there are no underlying physical or medical causes; you may be required to do one or more of the following to help your Golden Retriever gain some weight: Change the brand of dog food to a more nutrient-dense one. Increase the amount of food at one or more meals. Decrease the amount of physical exercise. Address stress levels or a change in the environment. The key takeaway is that you should work in consultation with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues and ensure appropriate dietary changes. Then, monitoring and follow-up with your vet until the weight issues are resolved may be required. The most effective ways to ensure your Golden Retriever maintains a healthy weight is to: Feed it healthy, high-quality food. Provide the appropriate amount of food for its normal body weight and activity level. Ensure your dog gets adequate physical activity — not too much and not too little. Most Golden Retrievers are food-driven and enjoy eating. Therefore, if you need to increase the amount of food, it is usually well received by your dog. As well, Goldens are highly active dogs so getting them to exercise is typically not a problem. An inactive dog is usually a byproduct of an inactive owner. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight is not all that different from us humans if you think about it. A healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and keeping our intake of calories the same as our expenditure is pretty much all it takes for us. Apply that same formula to your Golden Retriever and adjust as necessary, and there should be little to no issues keeping it at a healthy weight. Genes The cause of your Golden Retriever being skinny could be that it is genetic. This would be more likely if it was also relatively skinny as a puppy, it has not become skinny suddenly and if the vet has found no issues and you have been feeding it the right amount. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause could also be that there is a problem with its diet. It could be the case that you have not been feeding it enough or that it has not been getting the right nutrients in its diet. It would help to consult with your vet about its diet and to make sure that you have been feeding it correctly and in the right amounts. You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a breed that is meant to get a lot of exercise on a daily basis so if your Golden Retriever is getting a lot of daily exercise it would likely be a good thing. However, it might be the case that it is not eating the right amount of calories to match it. This would be more likely if it was not skinny as a puppy and it has become skinny since being more active. Again, it would help to make sure that it has been eating the right amount of calories and it would help to ask your vet about it when you next see them. Illness Another possible cause is that it has gotten an illness or disease. This would be more likely if it has become skinny suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as fatigue, not wanting to eat or vomiting. If it seems like it might be ill or it might have a medical condition the best option would be to take it to a vet. Stress It could be the case that something has been causing it to be stressed which is what is causing it to lose weight. This would be more likely if your Golden Retriever has started to become skinnier suddenly, if it has been showing other signs of being stressed and if there was recently an event that might have caused it to be stressed such as an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny If your Golden Retriever was not always skinny, it would help to consider what else happened when it first became skinny. If it did become skinny suddenly it would be more likely to be due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would also be important to take it to a vet. Whereas, if it has always been skinny it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny Below are some things you can do to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your specific Golden Retriever and to rule out illness or medical causes. Make sure that it is getting the right diet It would also help to make sure that it is getting the right diet by talking to your vet about its diet when you next see them. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your Golden Retriever it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a Golden Retriever should be getting an hour of exercise per day. It is recommended for sedentary Golden Retrievers to eat between and 1, calories per day and active ones to eat between 1, and 1, calories per day. Female Golden Retrievers should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, while males should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. The ribs, hips, shoulders, and backbone may be apparent and easily felt as physical symptoms. Furthermore, the abdominal taper between the ribs and hips may be severe, with little to no body fat. Bear in mind that each dog has its individual characteristics and body type which gets affected by multiple aspects, so as long as your dog is closer to this range, it is fine, but if you notice a huge difference, this should get your attention. Solution: Ensure the diet you choose is complete and balanced. Choose large, raw, meaty bones. For recipes and recommendations, check out my guide to Golden Retrievers foods and treats for every age here I even included homemade Ice cream, so make sure to check it out. Your dog could also be eating the wrong diet for their age. You can learn when and how to switch your golden to adult food here. Health Issues An underweight Golden Retriever or one that is losing weight too rapidly may be suffering from parasites, diabetes, or thyroid problems. This is especially probable if he has suddenly grown thin and has been exhibiting other symptoms of illness such as tiredness, a lack of desire to eat, or vomiting. Solution: If your dog appears to be unwell or has a medical issue, the best course of action is to take him to a veterinarian. This is more likely if his parents were skinny by nature or if he was reasonably skinny as a puppy if he did not become skinny abruptly, Solution: Pay your vet a visit, and If you have been feeding it the proper quantity and the vet detects no problems, then it goes back to genetics. It would not be a reason for concern in this situation unless your dog has been exhibiting symptoms of health issues. Stress Have you recently started leaving your golden retriever alone for long periods of time? Have you gotten more busy than usual? Have you gotten a new puppy? These can all cause your dog to feel stressed which may cause a lack of appetite and weight loss Solution: take a look at any changes that may have happened recently that could be causing stress to your golden retriever and try to get him used to this new environment. Solution: If you feed your dog dry food, you may want to try topping it with wet or fresh food, and try encouraging your dog to eat whatever there is by not changing food if he refuses to eat. Exercising routine Golden Retrievers normally need a minimum of 1 hour of high-intensity exercise every day to keep them healthy and free of any pent-up energy that may cause them to act aggressively or have a change of behavior. But if your dog is getting too much exercise and not enough nutrients to compensate, then he may lose weight excessively. Solution: the key is balancing between the energy that your dog spends and the intake of food that meets his nutritional needs. Change of Environment Did you move to a new house recently? Did you change parks? Has the staying or sleeping area of your dog changed? How to fatten up your golden retriever There are always methods you can use to make your golden retriever gain a little bit of weight, but make sure you choose the right, healthy track. Here are some tips that will help you fatten up your golden retriever: Feed your dog high-protein food Make sure the amount of exercise matches the amount of food he gets and not exceed it by a mile. If this does not improve, it is advisable to get him examined by a vet to inspect him and determine what is causing this. When to worry and check the vet? The slope from waist to hips is exaggerated and noticeable. These signs are often your red flag to go and see the vet. Related Questions What is the favorite food of golden retrievers? The favorite food of golden retrievers is dry kibble, canned foods, and a mixture of meat and vegetables. When it comes to taste, golden retrievers are huge fans of poultry, kidney, turkey, beef, and salmon. What to do if my golden retriever is underweight? If your golden retriever is underweight make sure he is getting enough food quantity and quality to satisfy all his nutritional needs and promote a healthy lifestyle. Is it normal for a golden retriever to be skinny? It is normal for golden retrievers to be skinny but extremely rare, as they are more prone to be overweight. Being skinny may go back to genetics, health issues, dietary habits, malnutrition, or even stress; pay your vet a visit to create a lifestyle that will keep your dog healthy. How can I make my puppy gain weight fast? Helpful Resources. Why are some Golden Retrievers Skinny? Some Golden Retriever owners become worried if they notice their dog is skinnier than others of the same breed. The truth is all dogs are different! While your dog may appear skinnier than others, they may be just as healthy; however, it is important to keep watch on their weight! Many influences can cause a Golden Retriever to appear skinny. Some of the most common reasons include injuries, disease, stress, old age, picky eating, etc. A lot of Golden Retrievers are naturally skinny either from genetics or exercise. Goldens are a breed that require a lot of exercise, so it is no surprise that they are a skinnier breed! NOTE: Stress is a major factor in Golden Retriever weight loss, most of the reasons listed above are driven by stress! Injuries, old age, and illness can not only cause weight loss themselves, but the extra stress added on can make the weight loss even more significant. Stress can also be caused by environmental factors such as moving to a new house or going on walks in strange places; this can cause a Golden to become uncomfortable and stressed, leading to weight loss. Thank you, Karen B. How to know if my Golden Retriever is Underweight? There are several ways to see if your Golden Retriever is underweight including keeping track of their weight and checking to see if any bones are showing because of their lack of muscle mass. Another great way to check and see if your Golden is underweight is to look at them from above and from the side. TIP: A vet will typically use a body condition score chart to determine if your Golden Retriever is at a healthy weight or not. A healthy Golden will have soft, shiny, dense fur ; however, when they are underweight, their fur may appear dull, course, sparse, or it may even stop growing completely. Not only are there physical signs to tell if your Golden Retriever is underweight, but they may also have behavioral changes. If your Golden Retriever is losing weight and you are unsure why, there could be more serious issues going on than just their genetics or extensive exercise. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are prone to a wide range of health issues, more so than a lot of other breeds. This is why it is sometimes hard to determine what is causing a Golden to lose weight so drastically. One of the most common causes of rapid weight loss in Golden Retrievers is that they have developed worms. Thankfully, this is easily treatable by medication and should go away within a couple of weeks. TIP: Dog foods with probiotics are a good option for dogs who have had parasites! It is usually easy to tell if your Golden Retriever has developed parasites here are some of the most common symptoms: Weight loss. And after that, they stop growing. Does your puppy weight according to this chart? When your puppy weighs more, it might be overweight. But, if it weighs lesser than the above value, it might be skinny. But how to know whether your Golden Retriever puppy is getting skinny or not? Sometimes, the owners fail to notice subtle signs that their puppies are getting skinny. Thus, it seems like they are ignoring their pals. However, if you are parenting a Golden Retriever puppy, neglecting its health can be dangerous. Therefore, look for these signs in your Golden Retriever puppy to know whether it is skinny or not: Are the ribs of your puppy visible? Does it feel like they have ribs just beneath the skin without a layer of fat? Can you feel the hip bones, shoulder bones, and spinal cord of your Golden Retriever with ease like they lie just beneath the skin? Are the bones in the tail of your Golden Retriever puppy protruding? Are the ribs of your puppy too clear? Can you get a clear view of ribs and hips from the top? And does it feel like your pal is hollow without tummy? Further, if your answer to all these questions is yes then, your puppy Golden Retriever is for sure skinny. Read further to get your answer. However, there are many reasons why your Golden Retriever puppy might be skinny. And, those influencing factors are: Genes Some Golden Retriever puppies are naturally skinny. Further, these dogs have a higher metabolism. And thus, they are less likely to gain fat. Besides this, when the parents are skinny, the puppies born inherit their genes. Hence, they become lean and thin. Can you? However, when your Golden Retriever is active and happy despite being skinny. Then, it is natural. Picky Eaters Most Golden Retrievers can eat any and everything. But still, you will find a few dogs nagging about their food. Further, since puppies are new to the environment, they need time to get familiar with the surrounding. So, picky eating is more common in puppies. So, these puppies avoid their food and become skinny. Thus, they prefer peaceful and quieter surroundings. Besides this, when puppies are new to the surrounding, it needs time to settle down. But if their new environment is noisy and disturbing, they may be anxious, uncomfortable, and nervous. So, instead of accepting the surrounding, they suspect everything as a threat. Hence, puppies stop eating, playing, and interacting with people. As a result, a puppy Golden Retriever will be skinny. In addition, extreme environmental conditions like too much hot and too cold might also make a puppy Golden Retriever aggressive and destructive. Thus, it avoids its meal. Sickness Or Injury Owing to the complex genetic makeup, Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to several health issues like cancer , hip dysplasia, joint problems, eye disease , ear infections , allergies, etc. As a consequence of these diseases, the dogs lose their appetite and become skinny. Besides this, puppy Golden Retriever is very playful and active. So, they like to run, play, and jump here and there. Thus, they are prone to injuries. Therefore, due to the immense pain of injures, the puppy loses its appetite. Poor Breeding When your puppy Golden Retriever comes from an abusive breeding environment, it is less likely to have an interest in eating and playing. Since those puppies lost trust in people, they resent everything. Thus, these dogs avoid eating food served to them, assuming it is a threat. Further, these puppies are vulnerable and emotionally unstable. So, they have a lesser urge to eat and are skinny. Too Much Or Too Little Activity Generally, for proper development of bones and joints of a Golden Retriever puppy, it needs at least an hour of exercise daily. So, when your puppy lacks adequate physical training, it might be lazy, inactive, and moody. As a result, it stops eating its food. Thus, intense physical activities might degrade their bones and results in strain and tearing of ligaments. Therefore, your pal will experience immense pain and loses interest in eating. In addition, limping , grunting , frequent barking, and biting are the most common signs that indicate your pal has health issues. Underfeeding Since puppies are in a growing phase, they require more nutrients in their diet. But some owners fail to understand this fact. So, they end up underfeeding their pal. As a result, a Golden Retriever puppy becomes skinny. Thus, low-quality dog food can make your puppy underweight. Furthermore, you cannot use human foods for your puppy. Since your pal cannot digest those foods, it suffers from health issues like constipation , bloating, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Along with this, adult dog foods are low in carbohydrates and proteins. Thus, adult dog foods cannot provide adequate nutrition to your puppy Golden Retriever and make it skin. As humans, it is essential to manage the weight of Golden Retriever. Moreover, a study also says that a healthy Golden Retriever can live more. So, after you find that your puppy Golden Retriever is skinny, you might want to increase its weight. Schedule The Daily Activities When you schedule all the daily activities, you ensure your pal is living a qualitative lifestyle. Further, you can feed, train, and play with your pal at an appropriate time. Thus, it keeps your pal happy and active. Besides this, you can also manage the essential foods and time for serving your pal through the schedule. As a result, your pal will get an adequate amount of nutritious food to gain healthy weight. Hence, your Golden Retriever puppy will get its ideal weight. Thus, you can change your schedule accordingly to help your puppy get an ideal weight. Although, low-quality food might be cost-effective. Besides this, Golden Retriever is an expensive and sophisticated dog. Moreover, qualitative dog foods are high in nutrition and contain the exact number of calories that will help your puppy gain weight. Feed Frequent Small Meals If your Golden Retriever puppy has a small appetite, feeding it frequent small meals can be a good idea. Further, ensure the small meals contain all the essential nutrients for your pal so that it can gain weight. Generally, if you manage the meals properly, your pal tends to eat more through frequent small meals than a single meal. Hence, it is helpful for your skinny Golden Retriever puppy to get some extra pounds. Incorporate More Exercises Exercise and physical activities burn the calories of your dog and make them calorie deficient. Thus, your pal tends to eat more after exercise and training. Besides this, exercise helps in the proper development of the bones and joints of your pal. So, it gives a healthier life to your furry friend. Furthermore, adequate training helps to discipline your pal. Hence, a trained Golden Retriever puppy follows your every command and eats what you offer. As a result, your puppy can gain weight. However, be careful about the intensity of exercise. Since puppies have weaker bones, avoid intense physical workouts. But you can give behavioral training like potty training , bite inhibition training , barking control training , and training to control aggression to your puppy. Use Weight Gain Snacks Since some Golden Retrievers might not find meals appealing, you can entice those dogs to eat using special high-calorie treats. Further, as per professional suggestion, you might even give your pal higher protein and fat-rich food that helps to gain extra pounds. Besides this, some supplements can also help your puppy to get the missing nutrition in its diet. So, try food supplements. Along with this, you can even include healthy natural foods as snacks. Thus, you pal might eat more and gain weight. How are you helping your pal to gain weight? Further, while choosing dog food, make sure that your puppy likes it and is high in nutrition. However, if you are struggling to find the right food for your pal, I will try to narrow down and include the best options below: Natural Foods To Fatten Skinny Golden Retriever Puppy Since Golden Retrievers love their owners , they always search for ways to get closer to their owners. So, the food options that are healthy and easily available in the kitchen are: Lean meats: To increase the calories in your puppy, you can steam, boil, and roast food high in proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Sweet potatoes: As cooked skinless sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, they can promote strong nerves, bones, and muscles. Thus, they can be a superfood for your Golden Retriever puppy to gain weight. Peanut butter: Besides being tasty, peanut butter is higher in fats and proteins. Thus, it can help your pal gain extra pounds. Pumpkin: Although pumpkins are cheaper, they are rich in Vitamin A, zinc, and fiber. Besides this, they hydrate your pal. Therefore, pumpkins can be the best food for the health of your puppy. Thus, they are:.