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Begin by drawing the dog's eyes. Use curved lines to outline the rounded square shape of the eyes, similar to anime eyes. Shade a large circle within each to indicate the pupil. Then, draw curved lines above the eyes to indicate the lids and brow. Note the tuft of fur on the inner side of the brow. Easy Labrador Drawing - Step 2 2. Draw the puppy's nose and mouth. Use curved lines to enclose the nose; notice that it is slightly pointed on each side. Draw two small circles within the nose to indicate the nostrils. Draw a wide "W" shaped line below the nose to form the mouth. Finally, draw curved lines on each side of the nose and at the corners of the mouth. Easy Labrador Drawing - Step 3 3. Enclose the tongue using a large "U" shaped line, and texture the center with a curved line. Enclose the open mouth with curved lines on each side of the tongue. Draw a line below it as well. Then, use overlapping curved lines to sketch the ear and top of the head. Easy Labrador Drawing - Step 4 4. Complete the ear with a curved line that doubles back upon itself, overlapping the existing ear. Then, use another line to draw the side of the head. Create a near-mirror image on the opposite side using curved lines. Easy Labrador Drawing - Step 5 5. Draw curved lines overlapping each side of the head to create the neck. Draw another set of overlapping curved lines to form the shoulders. On one side, draw one more overlapping curved line to outline the chest and belly. Add a series of short curved lines in a "V" shape to texture the fur of the chest. Easy Labrador Drawing - Step 6 6. Use long curved lines to outline the lab's legs. Notice how the lines overlap at the feet to form the toes. Easy Labrador Drawing - Step 7 7. Complete the foreleg, again noting the overlapping curved lines that create the toes of the paw. Then, use overlapping curved lines to sketch the crouching rear leg. Use curved lines to sketch the dog's back, rear paw, and remaining rear leg. Complete the remaining rear paw using a series of overlapping curved lines. Then use long curved lines to draw the fluffy tail. Notice the jagged points at the end that indicate fur. We've shaded ours a blonde or sandy color, making it a yellow lab. There are also black labs and chocolate labs. The latter are brown in color. The Time-Lapse Speed Drawing video: The Written step-by-step video tutorial: For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin. Step 1: Draw a big circle as a guide for the Labrador retriever dog's head. First make four small marks to indicate the circle's height and width. Then connect the marks using curved lines to create the shape of the circle. Sketch lightly at first so that it's easy to erase if you make a mistake. If you're struggling to draw the circle, trace the outer rim of a glass, a bowl or any other object with a circular edge. For a more detailed guide on the different ways to draw a circle check out this tutorial: Four simple ways to draw a circle. Step 2: Draw a long, curved, horizontal line across the circle to help you place the Labrador retriever's facial features later. On top of the horizontal line, near the left side, draw a shorter, curved, vertical line for another guide. Step 3: Draw a small circle on the lower, left side as a guide for the Labrador retriever's muzzle. Use the four-marks technique to draw this circle too. Place it directly below the horizontal guide. The lower, left side of this circle should be outside the edge of the big circle. Step 4: Add the guide for the dog's first ear by first drawing a long, vertical line on the right side. At the top, draw a line that slopes diagonally to the right. Pay attention to the length of these lines. Draw a line at the bottom that connects the first two lines to create a big triangle and finish the guide for the Labrador retriever's ear. Step 5: On the left side, draw a long, angled line as a guide for the Lab's other ear. The head is blocking most of this ear, so don't draw the whole triangle guide. We are sure that this guide will be useful and interesting for you. In this lesson, we will show how to draw a Labrador. We can safely say that this is one of the most charming dog breeds. Labradors are active, friendly, balanced and easy to train. It is dogs of this breed that are most often used as a nurse, guide, and companion. Labrador quickly becomes a pet and gets along well with people and other animals in the house. Labrador is a large dog with a strong physique. Labrador has a large head, hanging ears and kind, smart eyes. You see all these features in the figure, and now you have to draw the same dog. Time needed: 1 hour How to Draw a Labrador Prepare the base. Draw three circles of different sizes, and thus indicate the location and size of the main parts of the body. Add the back and limbs. Depict a smooth line that connects the head with the rest of the body and smoothly passes into the tail. Use thin lines to mark the location of the limbs. Depict the lower outline of the torso. Draw a smooth line at the bottom and thus depict the neck, belly and lower part of the tail. Draw the front part of the muzzle. Be careful in this step and try to draw the front of the muzzle correctly. Draw the big nose and draw the upper jaw with a smooth curved line. Sketch out the rest of the muzzle. Draw two eyes that are almond shaped, and add the lower jaw with one smooth line. Depict the ears. The Labrador has soft hanging ears. Draw the front paws. Use guidelines to draw the two front paws. Try to correctly portray all the bends on the paws. Add the lower parts of the front paws. Depict the contour of each foot, add the fingers with short strokes and add the small claws on each paw. Depict the hind legs. The hind legs have a wide base and a narrow lower part. Be careful when you draw bends in the joint of the joints. Add the lower parts of the hind legs. The feet on the hind legs have the same shape as on the front paws, and drawing these parts of the body should not cause difficulties. Correct inaccuracies. All contours of the body are already drawn, and now it remains to remove the extra lines and make the drawing more clear. Color the Labrador. Use beige to color the fur and do not forget to draw shadows so that the pattern looks more realistic. If you want to use a different color, you can color the Labrador in brown or black. After you performed all the steps in these instructions, you can evaluate the result of your work. We hope that you correctly painted all the parts of the body of Labrador and you have a great drawing. If this lesson was useful for you, then leave a little review.
All dog foods are not created equal. Make sure that you ask your vet for the latest recommendations at every veterinarian appointment as we are continually learning about new research and best species appropriate recommendations to optimize your dogs health and longevity! We offer our recommendations and advise based on the current information and experience we have accumulated over the years. Your vet may have new recommendations based on the latest research studies which are ongoing. We have a special discount code for you too! You usually see fewer stools as well. The cost of the food may initially seem high, but usually, you are feeding less than you would if you were purchasing a grocery store food. Your dog is a loved family member and deserves to be fed a quality rich food that will keep him or her in the best possible health for a very, very long time! Recommended Puppy Food feeding schedule All stages food and what we are feeding the puppies. We recommended Royal Canin Puppy G. WATER: give the first drinking water 40 mins after food, then freshwater all day. As the puppy grows give puppy more food. Water: Make sure your puppy always has lots clean water, we do a quart or more for a puppy and change-out 5 times daily. Your pup will go potty about 15 to 20 minutes after eating. Not with mealtime, about 4 times a weekly. Better than fish oil or most supplements. You can give organic cooked sweet potato ONLY about -1 tablespoon with cooked hamburger meat meatball size 3 or 4 times a month for extra nutrition. Introducing new protein sources with different flavors is important for a good dog diet. Best to give as a treat for a week with any new food , also especially introducing rich treats always start small and gradually then add more to puppy -dogs normal foods. Our dogs love Rawbble Beef as a supercharged treat! See lots of fun photos and videos of our GorgeousDoodles families on our Pics and Vids page , and on our YouTube and Facebook accounts! Low calorie but be careful not to overfeed Verdict If you want to train your Labradoodle puppy , go with Bixbi Pocket Trainers. These small treats are specially made for training young pups. It is grain-free, gluten-free, and made from natural ingredients. These treats are low in calories, so you can easily use them for training your puppy. These grain-free dog treats are made in the USA with premium natural ingredients. They contain no wheat, corn, or wheat gluten. There are also no artificial colors or flavors, which is great for sensitive digestive systems. The beef jerky bits in Wellness Core Marrow Roasts are delicious and healthy. They are a healthy option for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. These biscuits are packed with protein and vitamins. They are completely grain-free and made in the USA. Unlike other puppy treats, these ones are crunchy. Your puppy will love munching on them. Natural and Protein-Rich: In these treats, the meat is cooked in the marrow, which is infused with antioxidants to keep your dog healthy and supple. The flavor is enticing, and the ingredients are premium and wholesome. It is a natural and protein-rich treat. Grain-Free: It is one of the best grain-free treats for puppies. Besides being grain-free, these treats contain beef and chicken fat. They are made in the USA. These treats are also great for sensitive digestive systems. These treats are grain-free and contain premium natural ingredients without artificial colors or flavors. The recipe is based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on meat-based diets and is created by top nutritionists. Pros Perfect for puppies who prefer crunchy treats All-natural grain-free recipe Perfect for all breeds of dogs Best for puppies with a sensitive stomach Comes with The Wellness guarantee Cons Ingredients are sourced from around the world Verdict If your Labradoodle puppy is allergic to grain and has a sensitive stomach, you can buy The Wellness CORE Marrow Roasts Treats. These are grain-free treats made from natural ingredients. The recipe is created by nutritionists to offer better nutrition to puppies. It is rich in protein and good for your puppy. Puppies love to try new things, so make sure to give them a variety of different types. Your pup will love to eat these delicious morsels. Puppies love tasty snacks, and treats are no exception. Some of the best brands are available online, so you can save a lot of money. Most of the treats are made of natural ingredients and provide added nutrition to your puppy. Puppies need plenty of protein, and they need these nutrients. A high-quality chew will not only keep your pup satisfied but will make him feel happy and healthy. Some brands also contain other beneficial ingredients, including vitamins and antioxidants. These products will help your pup get the nutrients it needs and help him develop a healthy body. Another you should buy puppy treats for your Labradoodle puppy is because it works as positive reinforcement. You can use these treats to train your puppy from a young age. It will help you to easily teach them commands and make them obey you. It will help you in socialization as well as potty training. Treats work as a reward and naturally make the puppy do good things to impress you. When it comes to feeding your puppy, you must be aware of how many calories your dog needs on a daily basis. Generally, dogs need about to calories per day. The number of calories that your puppy consumes in one day should not exceed ten percent of their daily calorie requirement. It is important to note that these treats do not constitute a meal and do not replace it. When determining how many treats your puppy should eat, always remember that the amount of calories is dependent on several factors, including the size of your puppy and the level of activity your dog is engaged in. As a rule of thumb, the number of treats your puppy should consume should not exceed 10 percent of the total calorie intake. A ten-pound puppy, for example, needs calories per day and should only receive 40 calories from treats per day. You can also opt for low-calorie treats. When you are choosing puppy treats for your Labradoodle, make sure you consider these important factors to help you make the right buying decision. Ingredients: Before buying any treats, it is important to research the ingredients. Avoid candies with sugar because they can be harmful to a Labradoodle. Also, stay away from products with caffeine or other stimulants. Look for meat- or fish-based first ingredient. A byproduct or filler ingredient is not recommended. Make sure the treat contains natural and nutritional ingredients. Instead, look for a healthy treat with ingredients that your pup can digest and benefit from. The caloric content of the treatment is one of the most important factors to consider. Check the ingredient label to see how much protein is contained in each piece. Size: When you are choosing puppy treats for your Labradoodle, be sure to use bite-sized treats for training purposes. The smaller the treat, the more easily it will focus on your commands, and the less likely it is to tear it into pieces. For this reason, you should choose treats that your dog can easily swallow. Texture: When buying dog treats, you should pay special attention to the ingredients and texture. If your puppy is really small, you need to choose soft and chewy treats as they are easier to eat. Once the puppy develops proper teeth , you can go for crunchy treats. Taste: You also need to consider the taste of the treatment because if it is not tasty, your puppy will not eat. Puppies love tasty treats, so make sure it contains ingredients that your puppy-like. You can go for chicken, beef, or fish flavour treats. This is important because many types of dog treats are perishable. They should be bought as soon as they are on sale to ensure a long shelf-life. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of treat do Labradoodles like? There are many different types of dog treats to choose from, but the key is finding one that works for your Labradoodle puppy. Your dog is an individual, so you should try a wide variety to see which ones they enjoy. Before buying your dog any kind of treat, consider the ingredients in it. A little bit of chicken may not be bad, but it is best to avoid it if you have sensitive dogs. For optimal health and taste, try choosing a treat that contains natural meat. Labradoodles love treats that are made from duck, turkey, salmon, or chicken. Make sure the treat is low in calories and made from natural products. Can too many treats hurt my puppy? Too many treats can result in stomach upset, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Overfeeding can lead to further health problems. Also, too many treats can lead to obesity, which will make them more likely to suffer from other diseases. As with humans, too much treatment every day can cause a large impact. Some treats can be high in calories and can lead to obesity. Too much of a sweet treat can even cause your dog to have abdominal problems. Are all treats good for puppies? Look for artificial sweeteners and potential allergens. You need to avoid treats that are high in calories. Some treats can be too hard for your puppy to eat, so you need to consider various factors when buying treats for them. Bottom Line Treats are important for Labradoodle puppies as it speeds up their training and helps you to form a bond with them. However, you need to give them the right type of treatment in adequate quantity. It should be beneficial for them and help them grow. To help you make the right buying decision, we have reviewed the four best treats for Labradoodle puppies. Our team has taken important factors into consideration like size, ingredients, taste, nutritional value, and texture to select the best treats. We plan to update this page regularly as better products are launched. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. May not be ideal for pups who like crunchy treats Why We Like It This treat is made with meat as the first ingredient in all of their meat recipes, they have cheddar. They are sourced and manufactured in the USA. Click here if your pup is in need of a chewy and tricky training treat! Think small. You should consider something bite-sized when you are looking for a training treat for a Labradoodle puppy. Smaller treats are usually safer for small puppies because the dog will be able to trap them in their mouth without needing to struggle to break the treat into pieces. You should make sure your pup can easily consume the treat and keep giving you their attention and focusing on the training commands you are saying. Another thing to consider is treats that you can easily tear into smaller pieces. Avoid treats high in fat, preservatives, or salt. If you are able, search for all-natural dog food. Fat can contribute to weight gain and a variety of diseases, including pancreatitis. Also, an excess of salt is not ideal for dogs. Look for nutritional balance. You will want to ensure that your dog has a healthy diet, their treats are included in this as well. Letting them try a variety of treats with different ingredients can help. What does your puppy like? This is meant to be a perfect treat, after all! These are a few tips that you may want to follow when finding the best treats for Labradoodle puppies, but you should still ask for a qualified veterinarian opinion as well. What Not To Feed Labradoodles? These apply to all dogs and the list might surprise you: grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, nutmeg, alcohol, almonds, avocado, cinnamon, coffee, macadamia nuts, green tomatoes, and chocolate are no-goes for all dog regardless of allergies or breed. The reaction your dog can have from these foods can range from an upset stomach and vomiting to death. Even food that is considered safe can be contaminated by things on this list that can go unnoticed like the spices. It is important to read ingredients and be careful about what human-food you allow your dog to eat. We recommend this product above the others because it is made and sourced in the USA. It is also low in sodium which is important for growing pups. These little guys are perfectly bite-sized and chewy for your labradoodle puppy in training. The best part for you? No greasy residue on your fingers. Just kidding, the best part for you is that your puppy is likely to respond well during training with these in your palm. Conclusion We hope you enjoyed reading this post about the best treats for Labradoodle puppies. If you loved this post, then we are sure you would love these amazing posts about labradoodles:. Many of the snacks that claim they are healthy are not. Additives and preservatives can be found in almost all dog and puppy snacks available. Texas Australian Labradoodles have tried hundreds of commercially available snacks and treats. Some of the snacks our dogs had refused to eat, and others did not look or smell naturally. Our journey took us to SugarBay Creations and we found that we shared their frustration of providing wholesome, healthy and natural products for our four-legged babies. What makes SugarBay Creations different? Lets start with their motto. Simple ingredients for healthy and happy pups. We found that our dogs and puppies loved their snacks and training treats and that they contain no preservatives or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. We find that these two categories are sufficient for any Australian Labradoodles owner. Training Treats: Oatmeal Liver Bites is a bite sized snack that is perfect for training. These little morsels are packed with natural flavors and elicits great motivation even from stubborn pets. These training treats do not contain unnecessary growth hormones, antibiotics, or vaccines. This wholesome snack contains only three simple ingredients, including liver, organic oats and a touch of organically grown pitted green olives, these provide the optimum nutritional value to your pets. Snack Treats: Tuna Wafers are great and nutritious. These snack treats are made with organic oats and eggs from free range chickens. This treat is made from Non GMO wild caught Albacore Tuna packed in water with no added salt, which provides a healthy, protein packed choice with all the taste and none of the smell of regular canned tuna. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bones offer not only great taste but also many health benefits that pumpkin offer. These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bones are simply made of just that! Organically grown pumpkins, all-natural peanut butter with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, free range eggs, organic coconut oil, and organic oats. Texas Australian Labradoodles have personally met and spoken with the devoted Weimaraner owner and creator of SugarBay Creations. She informed me that she was very frustrated with the expensive treats she was buying for her dogs only to have them refuse to eat them a couple of weeks after they were opened. Also, she was done spending money on snacks that smelled of chemicals after opening a sealed bag. She therefore was forced to look to other sources for natural snacks that contained no preservatives and no artificial flavorings. After a long journey researching health-benefits of common ingredients for pets, she created these training tidbits and snacks that are highly desired by all kinds of pets. They contain no by-products, corn, soy, or wheat. Just chicken, vegetable glycerin, and salt go into these delicious, high-protein treats. The portions are large and can be cut in half or enjoyed whole to give your dog a healthy reward. Check the price now! Your vet can help you determine this. Once you have that number, consider what your dog eats in a day. We have to be careful not to let them overindulge though, because too many treats can cause weight gain. If you have a very active Labradoodle, they will burn more calories than couch potatoes. Your vet can help you determine the right amount of calories for your dog based on their age, weight , and activity level. Just remember to keep track of them! If your dog is going through training and needs a high number of treats each session, you can choose low-calorie treats or small pieces of carrots and apples instead. Choosing the Right Treats When browsing dog treats, choose ones that are specially formulated for dogs without a lot of ingredients. These could potentially cause allergic reactions or upset stomachs. Treats should be an after-meal snack, not before. If your dog is allergic to a certain protein, there are plenty of options available with protein of all kinds. You can easily find one that will work for them. If your dog is missing teeth or has trouble chewing, soft treats are a good solution for them. Puppies should always be introduced to new treats gradually. Their stomachs can get upset if they eat too much of a new food at once. If you have any doubt about a certain type of treat, always ask your vet before introducing anything new to your dog. They are high-quality treats with natural ingredients and have only five calories each. Adjusting their food intake to give them the proper number of calories will keep them healthy and happy. There are so many treats to choose from and some may not be a hit with your Labradoodle. After all, they have their own opinions and preferences. It may take some trial and error, but you can find a delicious treat that your dog will love. Fortunately, Labradoodles are not generally picky eaters and pretty low-maintenance when it comes to what treats they enjoy. We hope this list has given you some good options to try and that your Labradoodle is enjoying their new healthy, delicious snacks soon! She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures. Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them. Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.
Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Cockapoos have an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone around them, that essential joie de vivre that makes every day a celebration. These guys are just plain happy to be alive. The true Cockapoo been bred with the goal of a healthy, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament. When the cross works as intended, you get the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle with the sturdiness and field spirit of the Cocker. Efforts have been made over the last decade to clearly separate Cockapoos and Spoodles into two different hybrids, and some success has been achieved. If the type of Cocker involved is important to you, be sure to ask. Cockapoo Highlights 1. Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent companions. Hypoallergenic Coat: Many Cockapoos have hypoallergenic or low-shedding coats, which can be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Intelligent and Trainable: They are intelligent dogs and are usually easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement methods. Adaptable: Cockapoos can adapt to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. Good with Families: They are generally good with children and other pets, making them great family dogs. Long Lifespan: Cockapoos often have a longer lifespan compared to some other breeds, living 12 to 15 years or more with proper care. Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels. Unique Coat Variety: Their coat can vary from curly to wavy and comes in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their charm. Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting. Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care is essential to maintain their well-being. Cockapoo History When it comes to designer dogs, the Cockapoo is an old hybrid, popular since the s. The first breeding may have been accidental, but the happy result was a litter of puppies who were intelligent, almost odorless, had the low-shedding Poodle coat, and showed the easygoing and loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were well received, and the Cockapoo line began. Some efforts are being made today to establish breed standards and start the Cockapoo on the hard road of becoming a true breed, one producing offspring with consistent traits. Once the Cockapoo became more well-known, he only grew in popularity. The Cockapoo Club of America formed in and, in an effort to create breeding consistency, it created a breed standard. This group formed in and provides certification for Cockapoos who are the results of first- through sixth-generation breedings. The Toy Cockapoo can reach 10 inches in height but has a sturdier build, the bigger ones tipping the scales at just under 12 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs 13 to 18 pounds and ranges between 11 and 14 inches high. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo should weigh more than 19 pounds and be at least 15 inches in height. Cockapoo Personality Intelligent and easy to please, the Cockapoo was established as a companion dog. He has an outgoing nature and usually gets along with everyone. Depending on his temperament, he can be active or he can simply enjoy snuggling up on the couch with you. He has the intelligence of his Poodle forebears but also the sweet disposition of his Cocker Spaniel ancestry. Socialization helps ensure that your Cockapoo puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. He prefers, always, to be with his family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Cockapoo; he can achieve high levels of obedience with time and patience. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Cataracts : Cataracts cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Allergies : Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Cockapoo is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Liver Disease : This condition is becoming more prevalent in Cocker Spaniels in two forms: chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis poisoning. Both conditions may or may not be genetic; at this point no one is certain. Ear Infections : These afflictions may plague the Cockapoo because of his floppy Cocker ears, which can trap moisture, dirt, and debris. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear care products. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. They enjoy a good walk — and need it to keep them from becoming overweight. The best type of exercise, though, is a good play session in the backyard. Expect him to need at least 15 minutes of exercise every day. The Cockapoo is an adaptable breed. He can live in an apartment, though the smaller varieties seem to do better there than do the Maxi or Standard Cockapoos. They thrive when with their family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left for long periods of time — and that can lead to excessive barking and to destructive behavior. A crate is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will also help your Cockapoo accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Cockapoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Cockapoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Cockapoos can be found in all the colors and color combinations that are seen in both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles — a more rich variety of coat colors than is usual in many other breeds. The Cockapoo is usually seen au naturel, but many people like to clip the coat. However, it should only be trimmed to two to three inches in length. The coat should be brushed daily. To retain coat oils and health, he only need be bathed when absolutely necessary. Because his floppy Cocker ears block air circulation, the ears must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. Gently wipe out the ear — only the part you can see! Your Cockapoo may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Cockapoo Children And Other Pets The Cockapoo does well with youngsters , although he generally prefers homes with older, more considerate children. He also gets along with other dogs and pets. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Cockapoo Rescue Groups Cockapoos are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Cockapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. This small to medium sized dog is very active, who loves to be outside. However, they are also friendly and caring, liking just as much to curl up on your lap and to watch TV with you! These dogs can be used as working dogs such as guide dogs, although they were originally intended to be companions, especially for those with allergies who needed a dog with a low-shedding coat. Breeders must follow the rules when producing puppies to make sure they stay in line with the breed standard. To get a better understanding of where these dogs came from, we can take a look at the origins of their parent breeds. The Poodle originated from the French and German border in the 15th and 16th century and was associated with the upper class. Because they are excellent water dogs, they were used to hunt water-fowl. Later on, because of their adorable look, these pups became a very popular dog. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle by choosing the smallest pup from each litter and breeding with them. They were first seen in America in the 20th century. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. Characteristics Of The Cockapoo Although there is a breed standard for the Cockapoo, you still cannot be sure what traits you are going to get in a litter of Cockapoo puppies. These dogs can come in a range of colors and patterns and it all depends on which parent they take after more. A Cockapoo puppy is normally born in litter sizes of four to eight pups. Because the Toy Poodle is the smallest size of all dog breeds, if you are crossing a Cocker Spaniel with one then the Toy will always be the father to prevent any complications. However, if the Poodle is a Miniature size, it does not matter whether they or the Cocker Spaniel are the mother because they are similar in size. Cockapoos are popular dogs and this means that they can have a hefty price tag. Always ensure that you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance The Cockapoo has a distinct look due to their adorable teddy-bear appearance! These dogs are classed as small-medium sized dogs, although their size will largely depend on whether they are bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Cockapoo is a well proportioned dog that is athletic and sturdy. Their heads are round and their eyes should be brown with a black nose. If they have a brown nose then their eyes should be black and if they have a lighter nose then they will have green or hazel eyes. Their ears hang down, too, giving them a super cute look! Coat There are three different coat types that the Cockapoo could inherit. Again, this depends on which parent they take after more. They can have a tight curly coat, a medium curl or a flat coat. All of the coats will be quite thick but they will almost always be a single coat. One of the reasons the Cockapoo was bred was to inherit the low-shedding coat from the Poodle parent. While the coat is not hypoallergenic, these dogs do not shed as much as many other breeds and may be the perfect dog for those with allergies. Color There are a range of different colors that the Cockapoo can come in and they can either be solid, part, phantom or tri-color. The colors include red, black, merle, tan, sable, brown, chocolate, and apricot. Temperament The Cockapoo is a very energetic pup that loves to be outside exercising. Because of their hunting heritage from their parent breeds, the Cockapoo can still retain this trait so you will need to be careful when out and about. Proper training and socialization can fix this, and it can also help with unwanted or aggressive behaviors that the Cockapoo is sometimes known to develop if not socialized properly at a young age. Friendly and loving, the Cockapoo will happily also spend time curled up next to you on the couch. They love attention and people and can be known to be very social dogs with children, pets and even other strangers. The Cockapoo is an observant dog and will bark to warn you if something is out of place. Occasionally, the Cockapoo can be prone to rage syndrome and, although rare, it is associated with Cocker Spaniels and they can sometimes pass it on to their young. Again, adequate socialization from a young age can help with this. Lifespan The Cockapoo has a long life expectancy. These dogs are expected to live to anywhere between 14 and 18 years old. Known Health Issues Due to the fact that these dogs are a mixed breed, they have fewer health concerns than many pups. However, unfortunately, they can still be prone to some health problems that their parent breeds are prone to. This is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Patellar Luxation is another condition the Cockapoo may inherit from their Poodle parent. This is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the Cockapoo temperament and traits, we can take a look at what daily life with one of these pups is like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. Food And Diet A Cockapoo needs roughly calories of food a day, which equates to around two cups of kibble. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. The food you feed your Cockapoo should be high-quality and nutritious. You should try to split their food into at least two meals a day. As a puppy, their food should be split into three meals a day. Unfortunately, this Poodle Mix can be a fussy eater so it may take you a while to find a food they like. Take a look below at the food we recommend for this breed. Matty had a great time and a lot of mental stimulation shopping at Athleta. We adopted Shadow from a shelter at age 2 years. We found out he had epilepsy 2 weeks after adopting him. He is currently 15 years old and still kicking, although slowing up. He is a lover and a lap dog. Everyone that has met Shadow wants to take him home. If you're looking for companionship, then a Cockapoo is a good choice. Shadow is my 2nd cockapoo. My first CAP lived to be 16 years old. She was also a wonderful dog, although didn't require as much "snuggle time" as Shadow does. Shadow was quick to train learned sit, speak, roll over and stay in a few days. We trained him ourselves. He was great with my kids when they were small and is very accepting of people when they come into the house after some barking of course. The best quality I've found in both my CAP's is that they weren't big chewers and not mischievous. I never came home to find a shoe destroyed, furniture chewed or trash can rummaged through. Both my CAP's had full run of the house and were never crated. They are bright, affectionate and love people. Both were rescues and have grown into well-behaved, social and much loved pets. She is wonderful, very obedient. She loves the cats and other dogs in the family, and the kids, ages 9 and 4 years. Her coat is a little rough. I keep it short. She enjoys walks and car rides. She loves to watch the kids play on the playground nearby. She is a good watchdog and alerts me to any noise not recognizable to her. I watch the Dog Whisperer, read his book and have followed his method of the pack leader. It has worked with all my dogs including the Mini Poodle and Sheltie. The best technique I learned was the claiming ownership over items. My dogs are not possessive over any items and will relinquish any item I wish them to. The cats are another story! We are a happy "calm submissive" household. He started out white, but as his adult coat starts coming in he's developing this apricot tint. He is truly a wonderful creature, and extremely intelligent. He knows a variety of tricks and learns things on his own. For example, he has learned how to open the sliding screen door by pushing his nose in the crack, and can open all the doors inside the house if they are left slightly ajar. Bubba is just so wonderful, pleasant and loves everyone. He is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. He doesn't bark which is great if you live in an apartment and he only sheds a little. We were hoping for a completely non-shedding dog, but he has so many other good qualities we will take a few hairs here and there. At the tiny end of the scale, the teacup Cockapoo will weigh less than 6 pounds. The toy Poodle Cocker Spaniel hybrid will weigh less than 12 pounds at adulthood, and a mini Cockapoo will weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds. A full grown miniature Cockapoo is the medium size and the one you are most likely to see at the dog park. At the other end of the scale, a maxi Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix, with a standard Poodle parent, will weigh 19 pounds or greater. The vast majority of Cockapoos weigh a more moderate lbs Appearance Cocker Spaniel Poodle mixes tend to have a broader head the average Poodle. Their fur varies between loose and very tight curls. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles come in a wide range of colors so there is plenty of choice for the would be cockerpoo owner. Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? He began crossing breeds in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog, for a blind woman whose husband was highly allergic to dogs. So, he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. This is because allergies are caused by pet dander. And all pets, regardless of breed, produce some dander. Certain dog breeds shed that dander less readily, however. This particularly applies to dogs with very curly coats. And this may be beneficial to owners with allergies to dander. Dogs that shed less fall into this category partly because loose hair remains trapped in the curls rather than floating around your home. Do They Shed? All dogs shed to some degree. A Poodle and Cocker Spaniel hybrid dog can have either coat type, or something in between. And unfortunately, you cannot predict which coat they will inherit. So they may be less likely to trigger allergies. But they might not. Remember that the tighter the curl, the less the dog is likely to shed, and if you have allergies, do spend some time with Cockapoos to see how they affect you, before you bring one into your home. Cockapoo Temperament The typical Cockapoo personality can be hard to predict. It is important to make sure that both parents are friendly, when you buy a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. And Cocker Spaniels are loving and very loyal. Both breeds are clever and active. Cockapoo Barking Any dog has the capacity to bark. And may bark more if they discover barking is in some way rewarding. But some individuals of this particular breed maybe a little more prone to barking than average. And to make use of resources like this one if you need to train your pup not to bark. Training and Exercising The good news here is that these dogs are as a whole are people-centric and eager to please. Your Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix will likely want to be where you are, doing whatever you are doing. These dogs are social and people-oriented. So, the closer your bond is, the easier Cockapoo training will become. Throughout training, positive reinforcement will be your key to success. Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are particularly sensitive to punishment, so avoid this at all costs. They need daily exercise, and regular training to stimulate their minds, too. The important thing is to keep your Poodle Spaniel mix busy. Remember that young puppies have much lower exercise needs than adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of structured exercise, such as walks, per month of their age, per day. Heart Valve Disease Cocker Spaniels are liable to develop leaky heart valves as they grown older. In the early stages medications will help extend life. But in the later stages the dog develops heart failure, a leading cause of Cocker Spaniel death. Sadly operations to repair heart valves are not yet commonly performed on dogs. A blood clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Epilepsy Cocker spaniels are prone to epilepsy and seizures. These can often be treated with medication. Both Poodles and Cockers are prone to this disease, which causes blindness. Hip Dysplasia Cocker spaniels and standard poodles are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes pain. It affects the movement and function of the hip joint. Some cases are improved by surgery. Patella Luxation Toy and Miniature Poodles are among a number of smaller breeds that can suffer from Patella Luxation. It may require surgery. Exactly how likely each problem is, depends on a number of unpredictable factors.
They run a registration service for all breeds of pedigree dogs and are the only organisation recognised by UKAS the UK accreditation service to certify dog breeders as part of their Assured Breeders Scheme. They can advise you on all aspects of owning their breed of dog, both the positives and the challenges, so if you want to know more about a breed, please do get in touch with them. They also often have puppy co-ordinators who can help you find members of their club with puppies for sale. A full list of all the breed clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website, and a link to the national breed club can be found below. An insight into The French Bulldog personality We asked French Bulldog owners to sum up their dogs' personality in a few words.Create your own webpage, or link to an existing website. You can unsubscribe from these notifications at any time and the instructions will be included in each email. Join Mailing List We would also like to send you relevant information and news by email. To join our mailing list please tick the box below. You can unsubscribe at any time. Ideally they need owners around all day. Common health problems in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are playful and fun-loving dogs who love spending time with their owners. Sadly, like so many other purebred dogs, they are at risk of certain conditions relating to their breed. If you are thinking of buying a French Bulldog puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Frenchies are a flat-faced breed, which can often cause breathing problems and means they overheat quickly especially when they exercise in warmer weather. Some of the conditions Frenchies may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. Parents should be screened before breeding. Luxating patellas — where the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Dental problems — shorter faced dogs often have crowded teeth with can cause dental problems. A range of eye problems, including cataracts there is screening for this. Back problems such as Intervertebral disc disease — where the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae back bones bulge or burst, pressing on nerves in the spine. Skin conditions — particularly skin fold dermatitis where the skin in their wrinkles gets inflamed and sore or even infected. Hyperuricosuria — a condition where stones or crystals can form in urine causing infections, difficulty passing urine or blood in urine. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems due to exaggerated features, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your French Bulldog Frenchies are loving dogs, known for being quite laid-back and happy to fit in with family life. French Bulldogs can be lower maintenance because they tend to prefer shorter walks, but they definitely have huge characters and personalities and will do anything for a bit of fuss and attention! French Bulldogs and barking As with any breed, your Frenchie is likely to make noise. How much they make is completely down to the individual, their training and personality. Training and socialisation French Bulldogs are eager to please their owners which can make them easy to train, but are also known to be strong-willed at times. They are a sensitive breed, so respond best to positive, reward-based training which needs to be started from an early age. This will help them grow into confident adults and help their laid-back nature shine through. They thrive off company and so could develop separation anxiety if left alone. Exercise Although Frenchies are thought to be less high maintenance than some breeds when it comes to exercise, they still love to keep busy and exercising is a huge part of that. Your French Bulldog will need up to an hour of exercise every day. This should be split into a few shorter walks, with time to play off-lead in a secure area and have a good sniff around. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe really quickly, especially in warmer weather. Make sure you can recognise the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Early mornings and later in the evenings would be better times to go for a walk in the summer. Due to the extra rolls of skin around their face, French Bulldogs are at risk of developing something called skin fold dermatitis. You can clean them with damp cotton wool pads but always make sure to dry them thoroughly after. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate French Bulldogs and children Frenchies are known for being pretty laid back and adaptable, so they tend to get along well with children of all ages which makes them popular family pets. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. French Bulldogs do have a high prey drive. If they have grown up with a cat in the home, they will be fine with that cat but are likely to chase unfamiliar cats and smaller pets. You should always supervise your dog with family pets and introduce them slowly from a young age. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Frenchie should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. Speak to your vet for more information about how to manage this at home. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts An early version of the breed were used by lace makers in the UK shortly before the industrial revolution to warm their laps while they worked. French Bulldogs are known for their big, bat-like ears. They are lovable dogs who fit easily into family life, but come with a lot of extra responsibility and potentially higher healthcare costs. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a French Bulldog. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in French Bulldogs are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. Abstract Background The French Bulldog is a highly popular dog breed but is linked with many serious health issues. A holistic view of breed health in French Bulldogs would assist efforts to appreciate the overall health strengths and weaknesses in the French Bulldog and to take appropriate steps to mitigate these. Based on random sampling of French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs under primary veterinary care during within the VetCompass Programme, a cohort study design was used to estimate the one-year period prevalence of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in each group. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling methods. French Bulldogs were younger 1. Highly predisposed disorders in French Bulldogs included stenotic nares OR .Conclusions These results identified ultra-predispositions with worryingly higher odds in French Bulldogs for several disorders, suggesting that the health of French Bulldogs has diverged substantially from, and may be lower than, the health of the wider non-French Bulldog population. Many of these predispositions are closely associated with the conformational extremes that define the French Bulldog breed. Shifting the typical conformation of the French Bulldog population towards a more moderate phenotype is proposed as a logical opportunity to reduce the serious health issues endemic in the French Bulldog breed. However, the breed is linked with a range of serious health issues. Using veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme at the Royal Veterinary College, this study aimed to compare the frequency of common disorders in French Bulldogs against that of all remaining dogs to identify health strengths and weaknesses in French Bulldogs. This overall view of breed health can assist owners, breeders and veterinarians to take appropriate actions to improve the health of French Bulldogs. From an overall population of , dogs, random samples of 2, French Bulldogs and 21, non-French Bulldogs were included in the analysis. The disorders with greatest relative risk in French Bulldogs compared to non-French Bulldogs were narrowed nostrils x .This study suggests that the health of French Bulldogs is very different, and largely much poorer, that the health of the wider non-French Bulldog population. Many of these differences are closely associated with the extreme body shape that defines the French Bulldog breed. Shifting the body shape of French Bulldogs to become more moderate, and hence less extreme, is proposed as a logical opportunity to reduce the current serious and common health issues in the French Bulldog breed. Background The French Bulldog has shown phenomenally rising popularity in the UK over the past decade, recording a twenty-fold increase in Kennel Club registrations from 1, to to 33, in and becoming the second most commonly registered breed in behind the Labrador Retriever [ 1 ]. Surprisingly, however, public demand for French Bulldogs has risen in parallel with increasing availability and public dissemination of evidence on an array of health issues affecting the breed [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Concern over the paradox between rising popularity of certain brachycephalic breeds, such as the French Bulldog, and a growing evidence base on serious health issues that can harm the welfare and quality of life of brachycephalic dogs, led to the establishment of the Brachycephalic Wording Group in as a UK national coalition of welfare-focused organisations [ 5 ]. Although owners of brachycephalic dogs often acknowledge the existence of serious health issues in breeds such as French Bulldogs, these owners remain highly bonded to these breeds and show enduringly high tendencies to recommend and to re-purchase these breeds regardless in the future [ 6 , 7 ]. In support of the aims of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group to provide a robust evidence base on the overall health of individual brachycephalic breeds, the current study was designed to provide a holistic view of breed health in French Bulldogs compared to other dogs. Disorder predisposition describes increased susceptibility and can result from genetic hereditary or other risk factors e. Conversely, disorder protection describes an affinity to evade a specific condition [ 9 , 10 ]. Predispositions have been previously reported in French Bulldogs for 17 disorders affecting a range of body systems [ 11 ]. Given the extremely brachycephalic conformation of the French Bulldog [ 12 ], it is unsurprising that many of these reported predispositions relate to the severely flattened skull phenotype of the breed, including issues around brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome [ 13 ], upper respiratory tract disorders [ 14 ], corneal ulceration [ 15 ], prolapse of the nictitating membrane [ 16 ] and stenotic nares [ 17 ]. French Bulldogs have also been reported with predispositions to other disorders including hemivertebrae and vertebral kyphosis [ 18 , 19 ] dystocia [ 20 ], elbow dysplasia [ 21 ], patellar luxation [ 22 ], skin fold dermatitis [ 23 ], screw tail [ 24 ] and demodicosis [ 25 ]. However, although these previous reports provide some useful information, it is not easy to prioritise the welfare impacts from these predisposed disorders on French Bulldogs overall because these earlier results derived from such a diversity of studies with diverse sample sizes, source populations, comparator groups, case definitions and study designs [ 26 ]. A fuller exploration of both predispositions and protections across the full range of disorders within a single dataset would offer a truer overall picture of health of the breed. However, to date, few studies have been published that were designed specifically to identify disorder protections [ 27 ]. Support for the generation of new information on disorder predispositions and protections is currently of special interest to The Kennel Club in the UK in order to support its programme of Breed Health and Conservation Plans BHCP [ 28 ]. The Breed Health and Conservation Plans culminate from the combined efforts across a broad spectrum of stakeholders including academic researchers, The Kennel Club, breed clubs and breeders to develop breed-specific health plans that can support strategies to prioritise and tackle the important health issues of individual breeds. Research data on the health of each breed is identified and collated to prioritise the most significant health issues for that breed. Based on this information, conclusions are drawn and guidance is generated on how to improve breed health. Where data gaps are identified, these are prioritised for future research to fill. Secondary application of first opinion veterinary clinical data as a research resource that can give useful insights into the health of companion animals is now well established [ 29 ]. A growing number of research programmes are taking this research approach in countries such as the UK [ 30 , 31 ], Netherlands [ 32 ] and Australia [ 33 ]. Research using first opinion veterinary clinical data benefits from reduced selection bias compared with referral veterinary, insurance and survey data [ 34 ]. Based on the published literature supporting serious health issues that suggest a negative balance of health in the breed, it was hypothesised that the count of disorder predispositions is greater than the count of disorder protections in French Bulldogs. These results could assist breeders, veterinary practitioners and owners with a robust evidence base on the relative health of the general population of French Bulldogs dogs in order to better predict, prevent and manage key health and welfare opportunities. The study population included all dogs under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme during .Dogs under veterinary care were defined as those with either a at least one electronic patient record EPR VeNom diagnosis term, free-text clinical note, treatment or bodyweight recorded during or b at least one EPR recorded during both and .VetCompass collates de-identified EPR data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research [ 30 ]. Data fields available to VetCompass researchers include a unique animal identifier along with veterinary group, species, breed, date of birth, sex, neuter status, insurance status and bodyweight, and also clinical information from free-form text clinical notes, summary diagnosis terms [ 35 ] and treatment with relevant dates. A cohort study design was used to estimate and compare the one-year period prevalence of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in a randomly selected sample of French Bulldogs and a randomly selected sample of all remaining dogs. Breed information entered by the participating practices was cleaned and mapped to a VetCompass breed list derived and extended from the VeNom Coding breed list [ 35 ]. Dogs recorded as French Bulldog were categorised as French Bulldog and dogs recorded with any other breed term were categorised as non-French Bulldog. Neuter status was defined by the final available EPR neuter value and was combined with sex to generate a sex-neuter variable: female entire, female neutered, male entire and male neutered. Adult bodyweight was defined as the mean of all bodyweight kg values recorded for each dog after reaching 18 months old. Mean adult bodyweight was reported overall and broken down by sex for all breeds with adult bodyweight available for at least dogs. Veterinary group attended was categorised as , based on the 5 practice groups involved in the study. Insurance status was categorised as insured or not insured as recorded by the final available EPR. The list of unique animal identification numbers for all dogs under veterinary care in was randomly ordered and the clinical records of randomly selected subsets of French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs were reviewed in detail to extract the most definitive diagnoses recorded for all disorders with evidence of existence during [ 29 ]. Elective e. No distinction was made between pre-existing and incident disorder presentations. Disorders described within the clinical notes using presenting sign terms e. The extracted diagnosis terms were mapped to a dual hierarchy of diagnostic precision for analysis: specific-level precision and grouped-level precision as previously described [ 29 ]. Briefly, specific-level precision terms described the original extracted terms at the maximal diagnostic precision recorded within the clinical notes e. Grouped-level precision terms mapped the original diagnosis terms to a general level of diagnostic precision e. The sex-neuter status, age, adult bodyweight and insurance status for French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs under veterinary care during were described. One-year period prevalence values were reported separately for French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs to describe the probability of diagnosis at least once during .The final combined list of common disorders aimed to weight each breed group equally by including all disorders that featured among the 30 most common disorders in French Bulldogs and the 30 most common disorders in non-French Bulldogs. This approach generated a combined list of 43 specific-level disorders and 32 grouped-level disorders overall. Continuous variables were non-normally distributed and were summarised using median, interquartile range IQR and range. Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to report the adjusted odd ratios aOR comparing French Bulldogs with non-French Bulldogs for each disorder in the combined lists of common disorders. A separate model was created for each specific-level and grouped disorder. Information theory was applied to generate a list of confounding variables that was consistently included alongside the breed variable in each model [ 37 , 38 ]. Model fit was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow Test [ 39 ]. Results Descriptive results The study population of , dogs under veterinary care during in the UK included 16, 1. Data completeness were: breed .The median age of French Bulldogs 1. The median bodyweight of French Bulldogs .Specific-level disorders The combined list of the 30 most common disorders in French Bulldogs and the 30 most common disorders in non-French Bulldogs yielded a final list of 43 common specific-level disorders. These predisposed disorders included: stenotic nares aOR .These protected disorders included: undesirable behaviour aOR 0. These included: upper respiratory tract disorder aOR 3. These included: complication associated with clinical care aOR 0. The demographic results highlight how much younger the French Bulldog population 1. Consequently, risk comparisons between the two breed groups in the current study applied multivariable analytic methods that accounted for age and other confounding variables to increase the reliability of the results. Currently, there are widespread concerns about a reproducibility crisis in veterinary research whereby repeated studies of ostensibly the same research question often reach differing conclusions [ 42 ]. The current study aimed to circumvent some of these issues and to achieve more consistent comparison of risk between these two groups of dogs by applying a suite of analyses using a standard approach to the case definitions i. Comparing relative risks between the breed groups for a series of common disorders based on a single large dataset derived from a random sample of dogs facilitates a more holistic view of health and has highlighted a number of interesting and novel health features of French Bulldogs that are discussed in more detail below. There is substantial published literature supporting several serious health issues the French Bulldog [ 13 , 14 , 19 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. The UK Kennel Club has such serious concerns for the health of the French Bulldog that the breed is included as a Category 2 on its Breed Watch system, with points of concern for special attention by judges that include respiratory distress, dermatitis in skin folds, prominent eyes, pinched nostrils, incorrect bite and short neck [ 47 ]. However, publication bias is a well-recognised phenomenon in science whereby positive findings e. French Bulldogs are predisposed to disease X are much more likely to be published than the less exciting news of negative findings e. French Bulldogs are not predisposed to disease X [ 48 ]. Nonetheless, based on the prior published view of diminished health in the breed, the current study hypothesised that the count of disorder predispositions in French Bulldogs is greater than the count of disorder protections. The results of the current study show strong support for this position, with French Bulldogs showing 20 predispositions compared with 11 protections from 43 common specific-levels disorders, and French Bulldogs showing 12 predispositions compared with 6 protections from 32 grouped-level disorders. However, the new evidence generated by the current study on a range of protected disorders in French Bulldogs provides some novel nuance to the overall picture of health in the breed and suggests that there are opportunities to move the breed towards a more balanced health profile. For example, one approach would be to redesign the breed by selecting away from conformational extremes that are associated with some of the current predispositions. It is also noteworthy that French Bulldogs differed to non-French Bulldogs in overall propensity i. The welfare impacts associated with the many intrinsic health problems of French Bulldogs have been seriously compounded by a dramatic rise in the popularity of the breed, especially over the past decade. During , the French Bulldog recorded their highest puppy registration figures with The Kennel Club since records began, with UK registrations rising by 17 per cent compared to [ 1 ]. The position of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group is that sudden and large increases in population counts can lead to serious welfare issues that may be either predictable or unexpected [ 49 ]. Examples of the diversity of such welfare issues for French Bulldogs include worsening breed-related health issues, health deterioration with an ageing population [ 29 ], low-welfare breeding e. Following initial domestication around 14, years ago [ 52 ], dogs were artificially selected towards differing conformations and temperaments to better perform specific roles desired by man such as herding, guarding, hunting or as companion animals [ 53 ]. These earlier types of dogs included a wide diversity of conformations matched to their required functions, and those early breeding programmes benefited from recurring outcrossing to improve and prioritise function without much attention being paid to the aesthetic appearance of the dogs [ 54 ]. However, over a century later, there is now growing concern and unease that many elements of extreme conformation associated with poorer overall health were unwisely included within some of these breed standards [ 57 , 58 , 59 ]. Health is challenging to define as a concept, with disorders i. Even in human medicine where persons can self-express their feelings of health, there are multiple reported definitions for health. These include the absence of any disease or impairment, a state that allows the individual to adequately cope with all demands of daily life implying also the absence of disease and impairment , and a state of balance that an individual has established within himself and between himself and his social and physical environment [ 61 ]. However, it is impossible to elicit personal feelings of wellness from dogs and so, the current study accepted that there is currently no single metric that can adequately assess the overall health of a breed. Consequently, the study combined inference based on a series of metrics. One such metric was the proportion of disorders that differed between the two breed groups, followed by a deeper comparison of the counts of predispositions vs. The extent of the differences in odds ratios for these predispositions and protections was also considered. However, it is important to recognise that comparing the relative number of predispositions to protections cannot fully reflect breed health without consideration of the severity and duration of disorders with predispositions and protections [ 26 ] and also consideration of disorders that are related to conformation [ 62 ]. The propensity degree of difference between the overall health of a breed compared with the overall health of all remaining dogs could be used as one indicator of the degree of divergence of individual breeds from the mainstream of current dogs. For breeds where many of these health deviations are related to conformational features, this would provide some evidence that these health deviations are unfortunately associated with extremes of conformation. In support of a view that French Bulldogs have diverged substantially from the mainstream of dogs in the UK and, are in many respects, no longer even a typical dog, is reflected in their higher differces in disorder propensity. Several of these ultra-predispositions have previously been linked with aspects of extreme conformation in the breed, including stenotic nares aOR .Taking a positive view from the association with conformation for this list of ultra-predispositions, it could be argued that awareness of the high contribution of extreme conformation to poor health in French Bulldogs offers substantial potential to reduce the probabilities of these disorders by redesigning the breed away from these extremes of conformation. Selection away from high-risk conformational traits such as skin folds could reap multiple health benefits to the breed, reducing risks of both skin fold dermatitis and corneal ulcers [ 59 , 66 ], while selection for less extremely brachycephalic muzzle lengths could reduce BOAS and corneal ulcer risk, particularly if combined with selection for wider nostrils for the former [ 59 , 67 ]. However, puppy-buyers also play a key role here, given their potential to alter market dynamics and shift demand towards more moderate conformations. Given that appearance is more influential in the decision to acquire a brachycephalic breed including French Bulldogs compared to a non-brachycephalic breed [ 68 ], efforts to increase the desirability experienced by prospective puppy-buyers for conformationally moderate French Bulldogs could shift breeders towards producing less extreme conformations in the dogs that they breed. The current analysis explored differences in probability of diagnosis with at least one disorder during between French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs under primary veterinary care. Probability of diagnosis with at least one disorder is a relatively new metric to be explored for companion animals and there are several rationales that could potentially explain any differences that are found. In the current study, French Bulldogs showed 0. It is possible that higher odds of diagnosis with at least one disorder in the non-French Bulldogs could reflect poorer health or more complex healthcare needs in these dogs. Alternatively, higher odds of diagnosis may reflect greater recognition of disease by the owners of the non-French Bulldogs such that a higher proportion of veterinary healthcare for these dogs was related to illness rather than to routine prophylactic care. The current paper highlighted that French Bulldogs were also very different to other breeds in terms of disorders that were protected in the breed i. Much of the current literature on the associations between brachycephalic breeds and health has focused on aspects of reduced health in brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs [ 11 , 69 ]. However, this approach may not tell the full story and the current paper provides some evidence on aspects of health where French Bulldogs may hold advantage compared to non-French Bulldogs. There is a growing literature that highlights the depth of the human-animal bond that exists for many owners of French Bulldogs and suggests that the relationships humans share with French Bulldogs are stronger than seen with other breeds of dog [ 6 ]. Exploration of these relationships has revealed some of the interpretations and indeed, misinterpretations, of the health and behaviour of brachycephalic breeds [ 6 , 64 ]. In support of this view, undesirable behaviour represented the ultra-protection with the lowest adjusted odds ratio aOR 0. In line with this tendency to show behaviours that are favourable to owners, French Bulldogs were also protected to aggression aOR 0. Humour and a comical nature were commonly commended behavioural traits .There is a large body of evidence to show that the overall syndrome of BOAS as well as its component disorders, including stenotic nares [ 6 , 13 , 67 , 69 , 71 ], are major issues for the French Bulldog. Despite these reports, it is likely that the true prevalence of BOAS in the French Bulldog population is grossly underestimated by owners and veterinarians. These findings suggest that many owners of French Bulldogs with breathing problems do not present their dogs to veterinary practices for this problem, and thus BOAS remains an under-recorded disorder. Nevertheless, the current results concur with earlier findings that BOAS is a major issue in French Bulldogs and adds novel data on predisposition to create a fuller picture of the impact of these conditions on the overall health of the French Bulldog. In the current study, French Bulldogs had .These ultra-predisposition results support current breeding plans that prioritise efforts to reduce the occurrence of BOAS by the use of respiratory function grading schemes [ 72 ], breed-specific health schemes [ 73 ] and breed health plans [ 28 ]. However, it may be that the most effective interventions to reduce the impact of BOAS and its associated disorders will require wider acknowledgement and acceptance by owners and breeders that a more moderate facial conformation with a longer muzzle should become the accepted norm for the breed, given that lower craniofacial ratio a metric that quantifies relative muzzle length has been significantly associated with an increased risk of BOAS in two independent populations of French Bulldogs [ 67 , 71 ]. Corneal ulceration was identified as an ultra-predisposition in the current study, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4. Corneal ulceration describes epithelial damage that exposes the corneal stroma [ 74 ] and can lead to pain, reflex uveitis, perforation and even loss of the eye [ 75 , 76 ]. There is substantial corroborating evidence to support strong predisposition to corneal ulceration in the French Bulldog. A previous UK study using primary-care clinical data reported the French Bulldog at 7. French Bulldogs also featured highly in a referral study of corneal ulceration in Japan [ 77 ]. Although corneal ulceration can follow a variety of primary e. Common conformational features in French Bulldogs that may promote corneal ulceration include nasal folds 4. As such, substantial reduction of this ultra-predisposition is likely to require moderation of facial conformation in the wider population of French Bulldogs to protect the corneas of this breed. Skin fold dermatitis was the fourth highest predisposition of French Bulldogs in the current study, with an adjusted odds ratio of .Skin fold dermatitis describes an inflammatory process following abrasion through friction, excessive moisture and reduced ventilation of opposing skin surfaces [ 87 , 88 ]. Skin apposition in dogs can result from natural features of dogs in general e. The current ultra-predisposition to skin fold dermatitis in the French Bulldog is supported by earlier studies reporting high occurrence in French Bulldog populations in the UK [ 44 ] and Greece [ 89 ]. Clinical effects from skin fold dermatitis can vary in severity from mild inflammation with malodour to deep and painful ulceration, and many affected animals are impacted for a large proportion of their lifetime [ 23 , 88 ]. Consequently, efforts to encourage selection for, and purchase of, French Bulldogs without skin folds is likely to promote improved welfare for this breed. The current study had some limitations related to the application of primary-care clinical records as a data resource for epidemiological research that have been reported previously [ 29 , 34 ]. In addition to these, the current study also applied multiple comparisons between French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs throughout the analysis without P-value adjustment that raised the probability of Type I error [ 91 , 92 ]. However, the current study was more focused on interpreting the overall summative information on disorder predispositions and protections, while the results for each individual disorder should be interpreted in conjunction with the wider previous literature and any novel findings relating to specific disorders in the current study should be treated as results that are hypothesis generating rather than confirmatory [ 93 ]. Based on prior evidence that univariable analysis of disorder occurrence in dogs is subject to worryingly high levels of confounding [ 41 ], the current study applied an information theory approach to generate standardised multivariable models that aimed to reduce confounding effects [ 37 , 38 ]. However, it is possible that some residual confounding effects still remained from factors that were unaccounted such as dog-owner bonds, exercise and nutrition [ 94 ]. The dogs included in VetCompass studies cover all dogs under primary veterinary care and therefore the current results may not fully reflect the health scores of the specific subset of French Bulldogs that are registered with The Kennel Club. The Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs, and the country's agriculture minister aims to outlaw even owning them. Carrie Stefaniak, a Glendale, Wisconsin-based veterinarian who's on the Frenchie club's health committee. She has treated French Bulldogs with breathing difficulties, and she stresses that would-be owners need to research breeders and health testing and to recognize that problems can be expensive to treat. But she's no Frenchie foe. She owns two and has conditioned them to run agility courses and take hilly hikes. Labrador Retrievers Labrador retrievers come in the colors of black, chocolate and yellow and live up to 13 years While the Labrador retriever was replaced as America's number one dog, it held its ranking for 31 years. The dogs are described by the American Kennel Club as sweet-faced, lovable and friendly options for families. They are also known to be friendly with strangers and other dogs. Labrador retrievers come in the colors of black, chocolate and yellow and live up to 13 years. Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are known to be obedient and are used for various tasks, including search-and-rescue missions Golden retrievers are another family favorite known to be affectionate and gentle with children. The dogs are known to be obedient and are used for various tasks, including search-and-rescue missions, according to AKC. Their intelligence and eagerness to please also make them easy to train. Golden retrievers can live up to 10 to 12 years. German Shepherds German shepherds are the perfect household dog for families. They are known to be the 'finest all-purpose worker' and perfect for a K9 unit These dogs are considered the 'finest all-purpose worker' out of all dog breeds by AKC. Their intelligence, temperament and loyal characteristics make them easy to love and the perfect dog for a K9 unit. Aside from being a favorite household pet, the pups have been used for military tasks since , according to alpha paw. German shepherds can live anywhere between nine to 12 years. Poodles Poodles are commonly seen dressed up in a Continental clip-style, especially when they compete in shows The pups are known as America's 'true aristocrats' of dogs that come in a variety of fun sizes, including standard, miniature and toy, according to the AKC. Poodles are also good family dogs with high energy underneath their fluffy coats. Their coats are commonly seen dressed up in a Continental clip-style, especially when they compete. The standard size of a poodle is about 15 inches and the smallest can reach 10 inches. They can live up to 15 years. Bulldogs Bulldogs are small but can weigh up to 50 pounds with its thick set of skin. They can live up to 10 years Bulldogs are known for their trademark face that shows off a confident and friendly smirk. Similarly to French Bulldogs, these pups can have issues breathing in hot weather, especially during the summer. They are friendly with young children but not as kind as Labradors or golden retrievers. Bulldogs tend to be playful but are more reactive when they spot a predator. The small but massive bread can weigh up to 50 pounds with its thick set of skin. They can live up to 10 years. Rottweilers Rottweilers require proper training to learn how to be calm rather than aggressive While Rottweilers are known to be aggressively territorial, the AKC claimed the breed is 'affectionate with family. The early an owner starts with training the higher chances the dog will learn how to be positively territorial. The AKC recommends Rottweilers be supervised around children and other dogs. Rottweilers can live up to 10 years. Beagles Beagles are known to be easy going but also great hunting dogs. They can live up to 15 years While lower on the list, the friendly and curious beagle are known to gentle companions. Aside from their easy going personalities, beagles are also bread to be hunting dogs. The pups also have a low shedding and less grooming needs in comparison to other dogs, such as labs or golden retrievers. Beagles can live up to 15 years. Dachshunds Dachshunds come in different styles from long-haired to short-haired. The small pups have big personalities and a big bark The long and low body built beloved Dachshund comes in different colors and hair lengths. From long-haired to short-haired, the small pups have big personalities. Don't let their size fool you, the breed is known to be 'independent hunter of dangerous prey,' according to AKC. Dachshunds tend to be bark a lot and can be a bit stubborn. While the playful pups can be a lot to handle, they are known to also be lovable. The breed has a long lifespan up to 16 years. German Shorthaired Pointers German shorthaired pointers are worker dogs bread to be in the field. They are known to be noble and thrive in their energy The German shorthaired pointers come in as number ten on the list with top rankings. The breed are known to be good family dogs, who love a ton of exercise and live to be trained, according to AKC. German shorthaired pointers are worker dogs bread to be in the field. They are known to be noble and thrive in their energy. They can live up to 14 years. Belgian Laekenois above is one of the least popular dogs out there, along with the English foxhound The AKC's popularity rankings cover about breeds in the nation's oldest canine registry. The stats are based on nearly , puppies and other dogs newly registered last year - about 1 in every 7 of them a Frenchie. Registration is voluntary. The rankings don't count mixed-breeds or, at least for now, Labradoodles, puggles, Morkies and other popular 'designer' hybrids. Aside from the top beloved pups, the AKC ranked the English foxhounds as the least favorite dog. French Bulldog Companion Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work. Absolute soundness and proper muscle tone is a must. History It is generally accepted that the French Bulldog was developed in France, using the Miniature or Toy Bulldogs brought over from England by English lace workers. What specific breeds were crossed with the English dogs is not known, but they did introduce the "bat ear," which is not a characteristic of the English Bulldogs. During that period, the Bulldog primarily belonged to Parisian market porters, butchers and coachmen. It soon won over high society and the artistic world with it unique appearance and character, and rapidly became popular. The first breed club was formed in Paris in .The first registration dates from , and the first standard was established in , the year the French Kennel Club recognized the breed. General Appearance The French Bulldog's appearance is that of an active, intelligent, muscular dog, powerful for its small size. It is short and compact, stocky, with good bone, a smooth, short coat, distinctive bat ears, and a naturally short tail. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Significant lack of breed type. Important Proportions The length of the body, between the point of the shoulder and the point of the buttocks, slightly exceeds the height, measured at the withers. Characteristics The French Bulldog is an affectionate and sociable companion. It is lively and playful, but not boisterous. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness. Head The head is characterized by a shortening of the muzzle, as well as a slight to moderate backwards slope of the nose. The head is strong, broad and square, with skin that forms nearly symmetrical folds and wrinkles without excess. The forehead is slightly rounded. The stop is well defined, and there is a furrow between the eyes that does not extend onto the skull. No prominence of occiput. Although the muzzle is proportionately short in comparison to the size of the dog, it is distinct and allows for comfortable breathing. It is broad, deep and well laid back, with symmetrical folds of skin coming down on to the lips. Cheek muscles are well developed. The thick, broad flews hang over the lower jaw at the sides and meet the underlip in front, completely covering the teeth. The flews are black. The deep, square, broad underjaw is undershot and well turned up. The tongue must never show when the dogs mouth is closed. The jaws are broad and powerful. The lower jaw projects in front of the upper jaw, and turns up. The arch of the lower incisors is rounded. The gap between the upper and lower incisors should not be so large that the upper and lower lips do not meet. Serious Faults: Muzzle too long or, excessively short. Tongue visible when the mouth is closed. Muzzle so short as to affect breathing. Disqualification: Torsion or lateral deviation of the jaw, resulting in the tongue being visible at all times. A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in an undershot bite. Serious Faults: Teeth showing when the mouth is closed. Pincer bite. Disqualifications: Torsion or lateral deviation of the jaw, resulting in the tongue constantly being visible. Scissors bite. EYES The eyes are clearly visible, striking, rather large, round, dark, and have a lively expression. They are set wide apart and low in the skull well away from the ears. Neither the white of the eyes nor the haw shows when the dog is looking forward. The eye rims must be black. Serious Fault: Light eyes. Disqualifications: Eyes that are two different colors. Wall eye. NOSE The nose is turned up slightly snub nose , and has broad, symmetrical, well-opened nostrils, with a well-defined line between them. The upturned nose must allow normal breathing. The nose is always black, in all coat colors, never brown or blue. Disqualification: Nose color other than black. Completely closed nostrils. Respiratory distress. EARS The breed typical bat ears are broad at the base, with a round top. The elongated ears are set high on the head, but not too close together, and are carried erect, with the orifice to the front. The ear leather is fine and soft. Disqualifications: Cropped ears, or ears that are not carried erect. NECK The short, powerful, slightly arched neck is free of dewlap, and broadens towards the shoulder. Forequarters The shoulder blades and upper arms are short and thick, covered with visible musculature. The shoulder must be well laid back. The upper arm is short, thick, muscular, and slightly curved. The elbows are close and tight to the body. The forearm is short, straight, and muscular. The wrist is solid and strong. The pasterns are short, strong, and slightly sloping. The forefeet are round, compact, small cat feet , and may turn out slightly. The toes are tight. The nails are short, thick, and black. Fault: Light-colored nails. Body The compact body is deep and broad through the chest, with a broad back. The chest is well let down slightly lower than the elbows. The ribs are well-sprung resulting in a barrel-shaped ribcage. Viewed from the front, the forechest is broad, and square-shaped. The loin is short, broad, firm, and arched. The line of the back rises progressively, but not excessively, from the withers toward the loin. Also called a roach back, it is breed typical. There is moderate tuck up. The back is broad and muscular, firm without slackness. The croup is well sloping. Serious Fault: Straight backline, from withers to loin. The legs are straight viewed from the side and from the rear. The thighs are firm and well-muscled. The strong hocks are well let down and there is moderate angulation at the hock joint. The rear pastern is short. The hind feet are round and compact, turning neither inward or outward. Disqualification: Weak, insufficiently angulated hocks. TAIL Naturally short, ideally long enough to cover the anus, set low, rather straight, thick at the base, and tapering at the tip. A kinked, knotted, broken, or relatively long tail that does not reach beyond the point of the hocks is admissible. It is carried low. Even in action, the tail must not rise above the horizontal. Disqualification: Docked tail. No tail. Ingrown tail. Coat Short, smooth, close, glossy and soft. The skin is firm. There is no undercoat. Disqualifications: Long, wire-haired, or woolly coat. Color Acceptable colors include: fawn; brindle; fawn and white; brindle and white; and any other color that does not constitute a disqualification. From light fawn to dark fawn, sometimes presenting a paler coloring, with or without a black mask, although masked subjects are preferred. Sometimes accompanied by limited white. Brindle: Fawn coat moderately characterized by dark brindling, creating a tiger-marked effect. Strongly brindled coats must not cover the fawn ground color. A black mask may be present. Limited white is acceptable. Fault: In fawns, a deep, black line extending along the spine. White stockings in brindles and fawns. White dogs, with black nose and eyelids, are permissible. Some fawn spots on the skin are acceptable. Brindle with moderate or significant white Pied : The white is ideally distributed over the entire body. Some brindle spots on the skin are acceptable. Fault: Excessive ticking. Serious Faults: Excessive depigmentation of the lips, nose, eyelids, all of which must have some pigmentation. Disqualification: Albinism. Any colors not noted in the standard, to include, but not limited to, black, black with fawn markings black and tan , all dilutions of black, mouse, liver, all with or without white. Males: 10 to 14 inches. Females: 9 to 12 inches. A deviation of a half inch is acceptable. Females: 18 pounds to 29 pounds. A deviation of 1 pound above is acceptable when the dog is in good condition. Eliminating Faults: Height under 8 inches, or above 15 inches. Weight over 33 pounds. Gait The correct gait is free, powerful, and smooth, with the legs moving parallel to the median plane of the body double tracking. Eliminating Faults An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event. Height under 8 inches, or above 15 inches. Weight over 31 pounds. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Nose color other than black. Eyes that are two different colors. Cropped ears. We have 2 new litters that will be available for sale at Christmas. .Glambullz are a highly respected and trusted breeder of French bulldogs based in West Yorkshire. When you buy a French bulldog puppy from Glambullz, we promise that they will have the best possible start in their life. All Glambullz dogs live indoors and our puppies are born and raised in our family home surrounded by love and specialist care. You can be reassured that all our French Bulldog Puppies are up to date with their vaccinations, wormed, health checked and microchipped before they leave for their new forever home. Each puppy leaves with their own Glambullz Puppy Pack which includes treats, a toy and 4 weeks free pet insurance. We also offer a breeding service with our stud dogs who are all high quality, healthy examples of the popular French Bulldog Breed. You are more than welcome to visit our dogs in person and all our studs come with a Stud Contract, Pedigree Certificate and a Health Certificate at the point of mating. Glambullz are proud to have a great network and reputation throughout the UK. As you are probably aware, French Bulldogs are becoming an ever-increasingly popular breed and therefore choosing a responsible breeder to find your perfect little puppy is a priority. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions and one of the Glambullz team will be happy to help. We have a wide range of dog kennel facilities for all breeds. Comfortable accommodation, heating and play areas are standard. Glambullz now offer a modern dog grooming facility on site. Fiona, Leeds Rating: 5 out of 5. Thanks so much for all your help. Joseph Rating: 4 out of 5. The perfect addition to our family! Michelle Get in touch today to enquire about our available puppies or any of our services. We are more than happy to provide our full address on request. Ask us! Every day they make us laugh when they chase each other throughout the house and in and out of the dog door into the backyard playing. We absolutely adore this breed of dogs. We strive to improve upon the breed through selective pairings. Our goal is to produce dogs that are healthy and hopefully breathe easier than previous generations of french bulldogs. Our Mindset In December, the UK Kennel Club released new guidelines for the breeding standards of french bulldogs with the health of the breed taking priority over looks. A well-defined muzzle that can be clearly viewed in profile is now the UK standard. The UK Kennel Club had concerns about the health and breathing issues associated with current conformation standards and deemed it necessary to revise their guidelines. This is also our priority: a dog that can breathe with ease. Our breeding philosophy places emphasis on health. We screen all our dogs and put good health followed by temperament above all else. We have a mix of European and American french bulldogs in our program in an effort to offer diversity and improve the features of our puppies. Our goal is to create dogs that have the greatest chance at leading healthy lives and breathing with ease. All puppies are coat color tested and include standard AKC pet registration optional full AKC registration may be available. Available Puppies.
Do they have a good reputation in the community? Is their facility clean and well-lit? What does the environment look like? If possible, call them and ask if it was easy to get their dogs and how long it took. You want someone who can answer all of these questions honestly and accurately for us! The Golden Retriever was developed in the 19th century by a man named Earl of Tweedale, who was looking for a companion dog to hunt rabbits and other small games. The Golden Retriever has been used as a hunting dog since its creation, but it also became popular with fishermen because it could pull nets from boats easier than most other breeds at sea. Golden Retrievers make good pets. Golden Retrievers are good with children, other dogs and cats if introduced early , and small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, but not big ones like horses or sheep. Conclusion The Golden Retriever breed is one of the most popular dogs on the planet. They are intelligent and friendly, and they love to play with children. These beautiful dogs also make great pets for families who want a companion at home. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Are you looking for Puppies For Sale in Ottawa? Give us a call at All puppies can be picked up at our office in Atwood, IL. We are pleased that you have taken the time to visit us, and we look forward to finding you the perfect puppy. We have a large variety of dog breeds, mostly designer breeds, and are very careful in our breeding programs. Each pet parent is carefully selected, and as they grow older, we make sure they are OFA certified and health tested. If possible, all pups are registered; however, not all designer breeds are able to be registered. We are able to offer this variety because of our commitment to assisting local breeders in the Central Illinois community. Please feel free to call us with any questions or any requests you might have. Are you in the Ottawa, Illinois area and are looking for ethical breeders that offer puppy adoptions? If you have been searching Google for "puppy adoptions near me", then you are in the right place! Are you interested in having adorable puppies for your family? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. We offer the best puppies in Ottawa, Illinois. All puppies can be picked up at our office in Atwood, IL. All parents and puppies are up to date on all necessary vaccines. We only breed from strong and healthy adults. We help the breeders with education and emphasize to them that proper care and nutrition are the key to healthy adults and puppies. We have answers. Give me some fun facts about Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Ottawa! Did you know that Golden Retrievers have a double coat which acts like a waterproof jacket? This means they don't get cold easily, which means they love the snow and colder weather. They are very active and friendly dogs and make great family pets. In addition, Golden Retrievers have a great sense of smell. This makes them great at finding lost objects and tracking in training and other activities. And, they're incredibly talented at obedience and agility tasks! These dogs are also incredibly loyal and wonderful with children. How can I manage allergies with Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Ottawa? Managing allergies with Golden Retrievers can be achieved with some preventive steps. Firstly, regular grooming of your pet is important to remove any dander that can add to allergic reactions. Clean up, especially debris, pollen and dust, as often as possible to reduce chances of irritated reactions. Bathe your pet once a week and vacuum at least twice weekly. Secondly, ensuring adequate ventilation in the area to allow dust to disperse can also help. Use HEPA air filtration devices where possible to reduce any allergens in the air. What's the best dog food for Ottawa Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Choosing the best dog food for Golden Retrievers can be challenging. Ultimately, it depends on many factors such as a dog's age, activity level, any pre-existing health issues, and individual dietary needs. Generally, it's best to look for a high-quality kibble formulated specifically for Golden Retrievers. This type of food includes an appropriate amount of protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and other necessary nutrients. It would be even better if the food had natural, whole food ingredients that are easily digestible and generated from sustainable sources. Do Golden Retriever puppies in Ottawa have any kind of special requirements? Golden Retrievers have some special requirements that should be taken into consideration when planning to own one. Grooming should be on a regular basis, because as a breed, they have a thick, wavy coat that can be prone to matting. Exercise is also vital for them. Every day, they should have at least 30 minutes of physical activity along with mental stimulation. As they love to run around, having a fenced in area where they can do so safely is greatly recommended. Socialization and training are also important. How big do Golden Retrievers for sale in Ottawa get? Golden Retrievers are usually a medium-sized breed, reaching a height of inches and a weight of pounds when fully grown. They may be smaller or larger, depending on factors such as diet or general health. With proper care and nutrition, a well-bred Golden Retriever should remain healthy and active well into old age, with a maximum lifespan of years. Golden Retrievers have a gentle and loyal nature that makes them the ideal family pet, and they enjoy daily exercise. How much exercise do Golden Retriever puppies near Ottawa need? Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of walk or playtime every day. Depending on the individual, they may enjoy longer periods of exercise, such as vigorous fetching or hikes with their families. For healthy adult dogs, regular aerobic activities, like running, packing, swimming, and playing chase will keep them engaged and content. Puppies have special energy needs and should be exercised on a daily basis but for much shorter periods of time. Are Golden Retrievers in Ottawa good with kids? Golden Retrievers have a natural affinity for children and are known for being very patient and gentle when playing. Golden Retrievers enjoy being around kids, and they will shower them with affection. They rarely bark and will usually show patience and understanding. This breed is very loyal and protective too, so you can be sure that your children will be safe. Furthermore, Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and obedient, making them easy to train. All in all, Golden Retrievers are great family dogs and make superb companions for kids. Are Ottawa Golden Retrievers for sale considered smart dogs? With historical roots as hunting and fishing retrievers, Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being among the smartest breeds of dog. They have a natural capacity for understanding new commands quickly, and are capable of honing these commands with simple repetition. Additionally, Golden Retrievers are considered very obedient and eager to please, which is probably the result of their strong desire for human appreciation and acknowledgment. Moreover, Golden Retrievers have the capacity to learn complex commands and tasks, such as search and rescue or service dogs.
It needs those naps to rest and grow both physically and memory-wise. Several reasons explain why your pup naps most of the day. Usually, puppies and older dogs tend to sleep more than young-adult and middle-aged dogs. Your Golden Retriever will need lots of sleeping time when young and old aged. Puppies are usually jumpy and hyperactive, and enough sleep helps recharge their burned-out energy. Large dogs need enough sleep since they require more metabolic energy to sustain their bigger bodies. Weather Hot weather can make Golden Retrievers sleep a lot! If your dog begins to sleep more than usual during the hot weather, it could be because the current climate makes him lethargic. If he continues oversleeping even during normal weather conditions, you should take him to the vet for a check-up. If your dog suddenly starts napping for extended hours, looks tired when awake, and has other symptoms like vomiting, you should immediately take it to a veterinarian. Boredom As spunky, energetic, and an active dog, a golden retriever can get uninterested and bored when not engaged in activities and exercises more frequently. Golden Retrievers need to exercise for about minutes every 24 hours. Usually, your dog will thrive mainly on agility and obedience training, socialization, consistent routines, and other activities to be happy, satisfied, and a good apartment companion. Exercising your puppy will tremendously aid his physical and mental wellbeing, making him more relaxed, easy to live with, and a fun dog to have around you all the time. Diet Diet can also affect how much Golden Retrievers sleep. Try to analyze if their sleeping habits changed after a diet change. You should feed your dog the right type and amount of food. Here is a sleeping routine for most puppies, seniors, and adult golden retrievers. Golden Retriever Puppies Due to their energetic natures, puppies sleep more than full-grown dogs, with shorter sleeping sessions during the day. A Golden Retriever puppy can sleep for approximately 20 hours a day. Sleep aids their overall development and happiness. Sometimes puppies can ignore their sleeping cues when engaged in fun and engaging activities. Poor sleep routines can affect its immune system and overall growth. Having a schedule for your dog can ensure your dog sleeps adequately. Adult Golden Retrievers Usually, adult retrievers sleep for roughly hours every day. Senior Goldens Your dog will start napping more often and for longer hours when it gets old. On average, senior Golden Retrievers need hours of sleep daily. These rests help maintain their lower energy levels. All dogs, whether old or young, require a comfortable sleeping area. This area needs to be warm, draught-free, and big enough for the pup. You should train it to willingly go to its sleeping location without associating it with a negative experience. As highly affectionate and loving dogs, Golden Retrievers like sleeping with their owners, which is beneficial. However, if you want to sleep near your pup, it would be best you put its bed in your room instead of sharing a bed with it. A study showed that having your dog sleep in the same room with you is more beneficial than sharing your bed with it. Sharing a bed with your dog can have adverse effects. Your dog can bring dirt or bacteria, fleas, and ticks in your bed or affect your love life. If your pooch assumes this sleeping position, it implies it feels safe and comfortable. Superman When dogs sleep this way, they lay on their stomach with the legs stretched out. This position shows how energetic and lively your dog is. Side Sleeping Most pups love this position. Your dog sleeps in this position by lying on its side and extends its legs. Most canines sleep this way when they feel relaxed, safe, and are sleeping in a comfortably warm area. The Donut Your pooch assumes this sleeping posture by curling up like a ball with its limbs tucked very close to his body to preserve his body warmth or when he feels insecure. If your dog sleeps this way, you should find out why and take the best approach. Concluding Thoughts Dogs need sufficient and comfortable sleep, just like us humans. If your dog sleeps a lot, you should allow it. How Much Sleep Golden Retrievers Actually Need July 26, Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Do you ever wonder how much sleep your Golden Retriever should be getting? How long Golden Retrievers sleep depends on several factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Golden Retrievers sleep about 12 to 14 hours each day, with puppies and senior Golden Retrievers sleeping a little bit more. The age of a Golden Retriever is often the most significant factor that influences how much they sleep. Dogs are a crepuscular species. This means they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk. Evening zoomies, anyone?! They tend to sleep for chunks of time throughout the day and night, and can be fairly flexible and adaptable with their sleep patterns. Golden Retriever puppies need about 18 hours of sleep and rest each day. Puppies are baby animals, and babies need a lot of sleep. They are undergoing major physical and mental growth, and sleep is important to ensuring proper development. You might notice that some days your puppy seems to need a lot of sleep, and may even exceed 18 hours. Long naps might indicate that your puppy is having a growth spurt, and needs the extra rest. Other days your Golden Retriever puppy may not be as inclined to rest for quite as long. So the 18 hours is more of a guide, than a strict plan. Proper sleep helps keep your puppy happy, healthy and well-behaved. Want to potty train your puppy fast? Golden Retrievers aged 6 to 18 months need about 14 to 16 hours of sleep per day. This can seem like a lot, but this is because their brains are going through a big reconstruction from puppy brain to adult dog brain. They may not be 8-week-old puppies anymore, but sleep is still extremely important for adolescent Golden Retrievers. Adult Goldens need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep each day. How much your adult Golden sleeps in a day may vary depending on their overall health and activity levels. Just as with younger Golden Retrievers, adults can be negatively affected by lack of sleep. Dogs who are sleep-deprived can experience health and behavioral issues as a result. Senior Golden Retrievers need about 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Just like human senior citizens, older Goldens tend to slow down and sleep more. Some senior pups also have health issues that can cause them to sleep more too. Golden Retrievers enter the senior category starting at 8 years old. And in some cases, a lack of sleep can actually cause health problems for your dog. Maybe they have allergies that make them super itchy, causing them to wake up frequently from naps. Some Golden Retrievers can have anxiety issues that make getting enough sleep a challenge. Even digestive issues can create sleep difficulties for Goldens. So when it comes to sleep and health, it goes both ways. Some Golden Retrievers are experts at putting themselves down for a nap when they start to feel tired. Others seemingly never tire and are always ready for the next thing. While taking a nap and sleeping through the night might seem like normal, natural things for a dog to do, some will need more help and support to get sufficient rest. Good sleep for dogs means they are getting the right amount of sleep for their age. But it also means they are getting high-quality sleep, which means uninterrupted stretches of sleep. Dogs will usually nap for 30 minutes to several hours at a time. So quantity and quality are both important when it comes to good sleep for your Golden. Goldens are highly intelligent, and if you only focus on physical exercise, they may struggle with getting enough sleep because of excess mental energy. Some ways to incorporate mental exercise are puzzle toys , training games , and time to sniff in nature. Some Goldens excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience and nose work, and those can be excellent mental enrichment opportunities too. Nutrition Just like in humans, nutrition can also play a role in sleep for dogs. A healthy, balanced diet is an important part of getting proper rest. Essentially, think about what factors make it easier for your dog to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your dog tends to want to involve themselves in all the happenings in your household and, as a result, is sleep deprived, it might help to use a crate , pen , or baby gate to help them settle down. Confinement can be great for puppies and teenage Goldens as well, who may not have the skill of putting themselves down for a nap quite yet. Sometimes covering the crate , or draping a sheet over the pen, can cut down on visual stimulation and help pups fall asleep more easily. Consider what kind of surfaces your dog likes to sleep on. Some love a cool tile floor. Others enjoy a plush dog bed. Think about temperature too. Do they need a fan? Or a blanket? Other things like calming music and lavender can also help soothe dogs and help them fall asleep, whether during the day or at night. Just like humans will put babies and children down for nap time, you can do the same for your dog. Then make sure their sleep zone is set up to their liking. For some Goldens it can help to give them a toy to chew or lick , which can promote relaxation. So you might give them a yummy stuffed kong to work on as they transition from active and awake to relaxed and asleep. If you notice your dog sleeping more than normal, it could be an indication that they are sick. Excessive sleep could also be due to other factors such as warm weather, stress, or a particularly long hike, for example. If their increased sleep is accompanied by lethargy, lack of appetite or other changes in behavior, definitely consult your vet. Sweet Golden Dreams Understanding how much sleep your pup needs at the various stages of their life will help you ensure they are getting the right amount. A well-rested Golden is a healthier, better-behaved dog who can enjoy a happier life with you. And to help your Golden sleep well, read this post about the best bed for your Golden Retriever next. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related articles:. They tend to sleep for long periods, making many people wonder if their Golden retriever puppy is healthy. So, how much sleep does a Golden Retriever puppy need? In general, Golden Retriever puppies need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. A Golden puppy is a ball of energy when awake, and needs several hours of sleep after each play session. A young Golden retriever puppy is growing rapidly, and needs all that sleep to grow and build their muscles. Be sure to keep reading if you have a young Golden retriever pup at home! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Adult Golden retrievers tend to spend more time asleep up to 12 hours a day than many other dog breeds because they are big dogs and expend a lot of energy. You can expect your Golden retriever puppy to sleep much more than that! It is not uncommon for a new Golden puppy to sleep between 18 and 20 hours each day. When your new puppy is awake, it is burning a lot of energy, as they are always on the move! They are also growing a lot during this time, which requires plenty of sleep. Golden Retriever Puppies: Factors That Impact Sleep In addition to needing sleep to grow, there are several other factors that could cause your Golden retriever puppy to want to take naps more often, such as: The weather: Hot weather can make dogs feel fatigued. You can help keep your puppy cool by taking them on morning walks when the sun is low. Also, you can keep your Golden cool by letting them play in the water. Golden retrievers love water and can even learn to swim if introduced to it at a young age. And Is It Safe? Their diet: Problems with their diet can also cause puppies to feel extra sleepy, a puppy needs a high quality puppy food like Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Amazon to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Poor quality foods are full of ingredients that will sap your pups energy as they try to digest it. Sickness: If your puppy is sick, he or she may start to sleep even more. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as vomiting. They are bored: An older puppy 6 months to a year might be taking naps if there is nothing else for it to do. Make sure that you play with them often and get them to exercise every day. Try to have plenty of puppy toys around the house to keep them engaged. Overall, it is normal for a golden retriever puppy to sleep a lot as they are growing rapidly, and need sleep to grow and develop. The above factors could also be causing them to take more naps, which is normal. You can try changing their food and getting them onto a better sleep schedule if you are concerned they are sleeping too much. Even if your young puppy is sleeping for 20 hours a day, they are likely healthy. How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy on a Sleep Schedule If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy! Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key. Weather Health All these factors can contribute to how much your Golden Retriever puppy sleeps, either increasing or decreasing the amount of sleep. Knowing which factors affect sleep is important because your Golden Retriever puppy must get enough sleep to grow and develop normally. So, understanding how to create the best sleep environment for your puppy ensures that it gets enough sleep and quality sleep. Age Age is typically the single most significant factor in the amount of sleep. As your puppy grows, it will require little less sleep. The amount of sleep should get down to about 14 — 16 hours a day as the Golden Retriever grows in adulthood. The younger the puppy, the more they sleep Puppies play a lot when not sleeping and often at a furious pace. As well, they grow and develop rapidly. That all requires a lot more sleep. As they slow in growth, their amount of sleep trends down slightly as they age. However, even adult Golden Retrievers spend the majority of their day sleeping. Activity Level Next to age for puppies, activity level is often the most significant contributor to sleep volume. Although puppies spend a good portion of the day and night sleeping, they still require activity, such as physical exercise, and mental stimulation e. How much activity they need is discussed below in the tips section. However, consider that more play and exercise means a more tired puppy and more sleep. Weather When temperatures rise in the summertime, it may be uncomfortable for a young puppy to sleep. Dogs typically have a much harder time dealing with hotter temperatures than we do. So, during hot summer nights, your puppy might find it difficult to cool down and sleep, especially if you lack air conditioning. Ceiling fans work well for circulating heat and keeping the room cooler. You can also sleep on the main floor or in the basement, which is often cooler than sleeping upstairs. For example, I have a mattress topper that I carry to the main floor during hot summer nights. Health Sick puppies or puppies with medical conditions might need more sleep. As well, some medications can impact sleep. If your puppy is sick, the extra rest helps it recuperate. If the puppy has a medical condition or one that requires medication, then make sure to discuss potential sleep impacts with your vet. It is essential to be informed and know what to do. Sleep during the day and night can differ, but both are important. Dogs, including puppies, very much live their lives by their internal clocks or circadian rhythms. While a sleep schedule is often most important through the night, ensuring the puppy has adequate sleep when it needs it during the day is also essential. Just like babies and toddlers need naps for healthy development and growth and to not be cranky or overtired , puppies also need to nap for the same reasons. Consider these tips to ensure your Golden Retriever puppy can sleep through the day. Do Not Disturb the Puppy When Napping Puppies are adorable, and often we are tempted to pick them up or play with them. However, it is essential to not disturb a puppy when napping. They are sleeping because their bodies need it. Consider how you feel when abruptly woken from a deep nap or sleep. For example, teach children to wait for a puppy to wake up before playing or cuddling. Try not to wake a puppy while napping — their growing body and minds need that sleep Schedule Nap Times Earlier, we touched on how important consistent sleep is to a puppy and how they sleep naturally based on a circadian rhythm. Typically, puppies will nap after a bout of exercise and play during the day. A natural routine may look like this; they eat, go potty, play, then nap for 30 minutes to two hours. Understanding that they typically sleep after an activity ensures that you can set aside quality time for napping. It also allows you to schedule some of YOUR activities during this time. For example, cooking and cleaning are much more difficult with an underfoot puppy that is eager to play. Teaching your Golden Retriever to settle to a mat or elevated bed helps in this regard. Scheduling activities can also ensure your puppy tires at the appropriate time. For example, understanding that puppies like to play after a meal, make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise in the evening after supper. This will help expend his energy into the evening, so he sleeps through the night and helps him settle during the time you usually compress in the evening to watch TV. Teach the Puppy to Self-Soothe Like children, puppies can become overstimulated, making it difficult to wind down. While play and exercise are essential, too much can be overwhelming. Disrupting nap times may cause the puppy to be overtired. As noted in the first tip, do not disturb the puppy when napping. This is the first step to teaching a puppy how to self-soothe. In this way, it gets the largest block of quality sleep during the night, which coincides with when we need our best sleep as well. So, how do you ensure that your Golden puppy sleeps through the night? Below are some suggestions to help with that goal. Give It Enough Exercise During the Day While overstimulating a puppy can impact sleep, so can understimulating a puppy. All that pent-up energy from lack of physical and mental activity during the day means you might have a puppy that is energetic well into the evening and gets up frequently during the night. How much activity do puppies need? In addition to playing and mental stimulation, puppies need their month in age x 5 minutes of physical exercise twice per day. So, for example, take a 3-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. It would need 15 minutes of exercise twice per day or 30 minutes total. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can affect both the quantity and quality of sleep. For example, a small puppy that does not get enough physical or mental stimulation will have pent-up energy. As a result, you may find a puppy that not only seeks more attention but will sleep less than a more stimulated and tired puppy. A well-exercised puppy is a tired puppy Keep a Regular Schedule It is crucial to put puppies on a consistent and regular sleep schedule. The goal is to teach the puppy to hold its bladder through the night and get the most extensive single block of its sleep through the night when you are sleeping. An erratic and inconsistent schedule during the night can affect how much your puppy sleeps. For example, if you are constantly up to all hours, and your puppy is often up with you, it may impact your ability to get your puppy on a consistent sleep schedule. Dogs, including puppies, do not live their lives by a clock. So, the last thing you want is a puppy that is up during the night and sleeping all day, because that is what it is accustomed to. And as discussed earlier, puppies need both enough sleep and good quality sleep for healthy brain and body development. Establish a Routine Puppie catches on to routines very quickly. Often they will know when you are getting ready to leave in the morning when you brush your teeth and start getting dressed. Bedtimes can be similar. He then goes out for a potty break, gets a treat, and then immediately runs up and jumps on my bed, and goes to sleep. He knows his routine because it was taught as a puppy. Someplace where you can hear the puppy is beneficial should the puppy need to go potty during the night. Also, make sure the room is dark, cool, and quiet. Night Is Not for Play Your puppy may need a potty break during the night, or it may not be ready to sleep yet. In addition, they often want to play afterward or do not need to go potty but rather want attention. Then, bring the puppy back to its bed or crate and go to sleep. Resist the temptation if it whines or tries to engage you in play. The puppy needs to learn that nighttime is for sleep. The same patient and positive rules apply. Keep putting the puppy in its bed calmly and with lots of praise. Crates work well because they can be closed, which prevents the puppy from escaping and engaging you. Most puppies, once accustomed to crates, will love them! Bailey slept in his crate as a puppy, but now sleeps on my bed Just be prepared to ignore whining, barking, and crying as the puppy tries to get you to give in to your guilt by playing on your heartstrings. Training a puppy, especially during the night, can be challenging. So, if you need training help I reviewed the best online dog training courses to determine the best ones. The link is in the big gold box at the end of this post. Expect your Golden Retriever puppy to sleep upwards of 16 to 20 hours per day. Most of all, enjoy those times of sleep. When the puppy is not sleeping, it can be a whirling tornado of crazy activity. Raising Goldens: Recommendations and Resources. Yes, Golden Retriever puppies do sleep a lot, especially during the first few months of their lives. In fact, they can sleep up to hours a day. This is because puppies need lots of rest to support their rapid growth and development. As they get older and become more active, they will naturally start sleeping less. Golden Retrievers are known for their high energy levels and love of play. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them considered among the most popular breeds worldwide. Their high energy levels also make them perfect for dog shows and other activities requiring a lot of exercises. Because of this, golden retriever puppies need more sleep than humans. This breed of dog has an inquisitive nature and needs plenty of energy to keep it engaged. Golden retriever puppies are born with an instinct to play, so providing them with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise is important. These include the age, health, and maturity of the puppy, as well as its activity level. Golden Retriever puppies need a lot of sleep in order to grow and develop properly. On average, a Golden Retriever puppy will sleep between 16 and 20 hours per day. However, the amount of sleep they need may vary depending on their age, activity level, and overall health. Puppies that are more active and playful may need more sleep than those who are less active. It is important to create a comfortable sleeping environment for your puppy, such as a cozy bed or crate, to help them feel safe and secure while they rest. When determining how much should a Golden Retriever puppy sleep, consider all of these factors and adjust the amount as necessary. How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Golden retriever puppies require around hours of sleep in 24 hours when they are months old. After this, their sleeping hours reduce to hours a day as they become more experienced and efficient sleepers. This is the amount of sleep golden retriever puppies require for proper physical and mental development. The golden retriever breed is known for its ability to wake up quickly, so puppies need to get the sleep they need to grow and develop properly. During the first six months, puppies require hours of sleep daily. By the age of two months, golden retriever puppies should be sleeping hours daily. Before reaching this sleeping threshold, golden retriever puppies should be taken out for walks or playtime several times each day to keep them active and stimulated. Puppies also need plenty of nutrition and daily exercise to ensure a healthy lifestyle. As a general rule, golden retrievers sleep more as they age. They mature faster than other dog breeds and become less excited by new surroundings and people. A well-balanced diet will ensure the golden retriever has enough nutrients to stay healthy and energized during the day. If your house or yard is too busy or loud for the golden retriever, it might need help falling asleep at night. Establish a regular sleep schedule for your puppy when you bring it home. Keep crate sessions short — no more than 1 hour every 4 weeks of age — as this will help your puppy sleep soundly and avoid being overexcited or tired from too much sleep. You can also feed your puppy before bedtime to encourage good sleeping habits. Avoid erratic and inconsistent schedules during the night, affecting how much your puppy sleeps. Instead, ensure that your pup gets at least 18 hours of sleep daily by setting a consistent sleep schedule and feeding your dog simultaneously each day. Taking your puppy outside for a bathroom break and giving them breakfast daily is a great way to help them adjust to their new sleeping schedule. Additionally, spending some playtime together before bedtime is a good way to ensure they have plenty of energy for the night. Let your puppy out as soon as they stir after waking up from sleep, and feed them an hour before bedtime. Afternoon Routine For Your Golden Pup To help your puppy sleep at night, giving them a healthy lunch and plenty of playtimes during the day is important. You can also take them on a walk or play with them to keep them busy. Try taking your puppy for a potty break about an hour before bedtime and ensure they have enough time to use the bathroom. This will help reduce the risk of accidents in their sleep. Following this routine can help your puppy sleep well at night and enjoy a healthy and happy life. Evening Routine For Your Golden Retriever Puppy Establishing a sleep schedule with your puppy will make it routine to feed and exercise him at certain times of the day. In addition to feeding and exercise, you can also take a walk with your puppy or give him an outdoor bathroom break before bedtime. Additionally, it is important to establish a consistent routine with your puppy and family members. By consistently putting your puppy on a sleep schedule, you will help him learn to sleep when it is time for bed. Establishing a regular sleep schedule with your puppy can help him develop into a well-behaved and healthy dog over time. They generally sleep hours in 24 hours. This includes periods of sleep at bedtime and sleeping time. On average, puppies sleep hours per day from birth until the age of 4 months. This also includes nap times and rest periods between activities. When puppies are given longer sleeping stretches, they learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old. This helps them develop good sleeping habits that last throughout their lives. It is important to provide puppies with plenty of social and playtime opportunities to develop healthy sleep habits and social skills. How To Help Your Golden Retriever Puppy Sleep Providing a calm and comfortable environment is one of the best ways to help your golden retriever puppy sleep. You can do this by ensuring your home is free of distractions, such as other animals or children, and your golden retriever puppy has appropriate and comfortable bedding. In addition, limit the screen time for both you and your puppy, which can lead to excessive sedentary behaviour. These simple steps will help promote a better sleep routine for your golden retriever puppy. To ensure your puppy gets enough rest, the longest time they should be left alone should be at most four hours. This will help prevent your puppy from getting bored or destructive and help them sleep better at night. Puppy naps provide another valuable source of good quality sleep. Even though puppies do not experience Rapid Eye Movement or twitching while sleeping, naps are still a vital part of their sleep cycle and play an important role in their overall health and well-being. You can do a few things to help your puppy sleep through the night and avoid waking up during the night. Feeding your puppy at least an hour before bedtime and withholding water for 30 minutes before bedtime can help ensure your puppy is well-fed and ready to sleep. Avoiding disturbing your puppy when it naps can help ensure it gets enough sleep. Besides, give your puppy a bathroom break before crating for the night. The benefits of ensuring your golden retriever puppy get enough sleep go far beyond just a tired pet. It helps them develop healthy habits, such as sleeping through the night and waking up independently. It also helps their emotional development as they master their internal clocks. Plus, they feel more mentally sharp and less disease-prone if they get enough rest. Make sure your puppy gets at least 8 hours of sleep every night, and it will be just fine. Happy supper time. Conclusion When it comes to puppies, one of the most important things you can do is give them enough sleep. A Golden Retriever puppy should sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day, which will help them develop strong bones and muscles and a healthy immune system. Golden Retriever puppies require a lot of sleep and can sleep for long periods. From the first days of their life, golden retriever puppies sleep for at least 18 hours a day. They usually sleep for about 16 hours per day, with their sleeping cycle lasting about eight hours. Remember that golden retriever puppies are bundles of energy and love to play. We hope our information helped you to know how much should a Golden Retriever puppy sleep, including golden retriever puppy sleep requirements. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. A Golden Retriever puppy needs plenty of sleep, around hours in 24 hours. During the day, a Golden Retriever puppy needs multiple naps to recharge its growing body. Adolescent Golden Retrievers should be supervised for at most four hours. Golden Retriever puppies should be allowed to potty every hour at a young age. Ans: Golden Retriever puppies can sleep up to 20 hours daily and should receive frequent naps throughout the day. Golden Retrievers typically sleep hours per day as adults. Puppies need to sleep extra hours to support their growth and development and should be supervised for at most 5 hours during their first six months. By 4 months old, Golden Retriever puppies can generally sleep through the night. It is normal for puppies not to drink water all night and to sleep anywhere from hours in 24 hours. From weeks old, puppies may sleep hours in 24 hours. With proactive training and crate training, puppies may be able to sleep through the night by 10 weeks old or earlier. Golden retriever puppies may get darker as they age, but this is not a given. Some Golden Retrievers may stay lighter in color throughout their lives. When exercising a Golden Retriever puppy, the limit should never exceed four hours. Golden Retrievers should be supported for long periods as they reach full adulthood. Puppies need hours of sleep in 24 hours to fuel their growing bodies. Some common signs that a Golden Retriever maybe not getting enough sleep include drooping eyelids, excessive yawning, lethargy, decreased activity levels, and increased irritability. If you notice any of these signs in your puppy, it is important to take action to ensure adequate rest. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller If you are a new proud owner of a Golden Retriever puppy you may think and wonder how can this little puppy be so full of life and energy one minute, and then completely asleep and dead to the world the next. You may wonder what is a normal amount of sleep for your puppy or full-grown Golden Retriever. Adult Golden Retrievers will sleep on average hours a day. Golden Retriever puppies will sleep hours a day in a hour period. How much your Golden Retriever sleeps depends a lot on their personality. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs so they may sleep a little less than other breeds. If you are fit and active your Golden Retriever will likely be also. If you are relaxed and laid back, your dog may be similar to you. Continue reading to find out. How much sleep does a Golden Retriever need? Puppies, adults, seniors Golden Retriever Newborn Sleep Patterns This stage of life is very short and full of lots of shut-eye! Newborns generally nurse every 2 hours but even while doing so they will have their eyes shut and look as though they are eating in their sleep. As they grow they will slowly start to spend more time awake. Around 3 weeks old they will have around hours of active time a day broken up into small spurts of energy and exploring their world. They need plenty of sleep to fuel and recharge their growing bodies. From months old, Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep around hours in a hour period. This includes sleeping at night and daytime naps. Your puppy will sleep in longer stretches at night, but will still need to get up to relieve its small bladder and stretch. He may even have a burst of energy and seem like he wants to play. With some patience and guidance, your puppy can learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old, maybe even sooner. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. Older puppies from around months old will sleep about hours throughout a 24 hour period. At this point, they should be more active and inquisitive during the day and will be better about sleeping through the night in hour stretches. They will also take multiple naps during the day, as well as times of rest when they appear to be just lying around, but somewhat alert as well as high energy awake time when they will want to play and train. When will my Golden Retriever puppy sleep through the night? Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep through the night by about 4 months old, but it can range from 8 or 9 weeks old all the way through 6 months old. Some puppies may also go through a sleep regression when going through a growth spurt or teething. Towards the end of this article, we will discuss those in the heading sleep problems and solutions. Fun fact: Senior dogs, as well as puppies, tend to twitch more in their sleep! This is due to a part of their brain called the Pons which regulates muscles and keeps them still while they sleep. Golden Retriever Adult Sleep Patterns Your adult Golden Retriever will normally sleep around hours in a 24 hour period, but more as he ages. In this study, researchers found that older and middle-aged dogs slept more during the day than young adult dogs. This was because they took more naps, not because their naps were longer. They tend to run out of energy and need to rest more often than the younger group. Older and middle-aged dogs also slept more at night than younger dogs because they had long stretches of sleep at night waking up later and woke up fewer times during the night. Golden Retrievers are bred to hunt and herd. It is ingrained in them to want to do a job! They tend to be pretty high-energy and love to be kept busy with games and exercise. Because they may have a bit more energy than other breeds, they may sleep a little less than other breeds as well. Some owners I talked to said that if their Golden Retrievers are left home alone all day they tend to just sleep since there is no one there to engage them with play or give them a reason to exercise. So as you can see their sleep schedule greatly depend on the kinds of habits you develop for your dog. At this time you will probably start to see your dog slowly increasing the amount of time it is resting and sleeping. Senior Golden retrievers will sleep hours a day on average as they get to be years old and older they could be sleeping up to 18 hours a day. For older Golden Retrievers, these could be signs of more serious issues such as dementia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, or other conditions associated with older age. Your Golden Retriever may be waking up more at night because its bladder is getting older and they need to use the potty more often. You can try and help with this by taking them out right before bed and limiting their water intake just before bed as well. Can Golden Retrievers sleep outside? Golden Retrievers can sleep outside if they are provided with adequate shelter and brought inside in extreme weather. However, it is not recommended that Golden Retrievers sleep outside. Golden Retrievers thrive on relationships and being close to their owners; sleeping outdoors can be lonely for this social breed. Even though sleeping outside may not be the ideal solution for your Golden Retriever, your dog most likely loves being outdoors! Many Golden Retrievers may have a desire to live outdoors all day long, and some may even ask to be outside at night. If your dog is comfortable with this and you live in a temperate climate, there is really nothing wrong with your dog living and playing outdoors, as long as your dog has adequate shelter and socialization it needs to thrive. After speaking to many Golden Retriever owners I found that the majority of them have their dog sleep inside. Most owners state their hot or humid climate as being the reason their dogs sleep indoors with them as well as their dogs need to be by their side following them around day and night. Some owners who have a dog door allow their Golden Retriever to choose whether to sleep indoors or outdoors. Why does my Golden Retriever sleep so much? Many factors could contribute to your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot. Puppies and senior dogs sleep more than adult Golden Retrievers. Stress, anxiety, boredom, diet, or disease can all be factors for why your dog is sleeping more than usual. In most cases, it is normal for dogs to sleep 12 or more hours a day. Lethargy or a lack of energy and enthusiasm can be a sign that your dog is being affected by something more than just laziness or a bit tired. If this describes your dog then definitely consult with your vet. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns. Some dogs will sleep more in the wintertime because the days are shorter and colder. You can read this article I wrote to learn more about that. Do Dogs Hibernate? Winter Weather Questions Answered If you think your dog is sleeping a lot because of boredom you can always make an effort to have more playtime and exercise sessions with your dog. You could hire a dog walker we have a neighborhood teen that loves to walk dogs for a very reasonable rate! Or join a fun program you can work on together like this popular brain training for dogs course! Sleep problems and solutions for puppies and adults If you are struggling with getting your Golden Retriever to settle down and sleep at night you are not alone. Things that may be making this challenging can range from crying or whining at night, waking up in the middle of the night, struggling to settle down, or waking up too early in the morning. Some dogs will start to sleep well through the night then a few weeks or months later start to wake up again. This is called a sleep regression and can be normal. Similar to human babies when puppies are teething or going through growth spurts it could cause them to wake up at night or have difficulties sleeping. This routine can include using the restroom, bringing the noise level down, dimming the light, creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Give them plenty of exercise: Since Golden Retrievers are bred to herd and work on a farm or ranch. Golden Retrievers need plenty of stimulation and exercise each day. Two hours a day for a high-energy Golden Retriever should be the minimum. The best time for a good exercise session is about 2 hours before bedtime. Try to include high cardio exercise as well and engaging brain activities so that your Golden Retriever will be both physically tired as well as mentally tired. If your dog sleeps in his own bed, or in a crate, having something that smells like you and a small stuffed animal to snuggle with can help him feel more safe and secure. This is especially true for puppies. One Golden Retriever owner said that the only way to get their dog to settle down and sleep is to put him in his crate in a quiet place with a blanket draped over the crate. Try changing meal times or limiting food and water: Take up their water after a certain time of the evening. If your Golden Retriever seems to need a bathroom break in the middle of the night all the time you can try changing his meal time to be a few hours earlier so he will get the poop out before bed or a few hours later so he can hold it until tomorrow. Either way, you may want to slowly adjust the time of his meals to see if that will help with the late-night bathroom breaks. If early morning waking is a problem, try figuring out what it is that may be waking them up: Is the sun coming up? Try adding some darkening curtains. Are there noises such as birds or early morning traffic? Try adding some white noise by using a noise machine like this one from Amazon affiliate link. All it takes is some investigative work to try and figure out what may be causing the problem. If nothing seems to be working, your dog has changed his sleep patterns suddenly, he seems very lethargic and low on energy all the time, or he has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other concerns then you should take him to the vet immediately to get checked out. Pro Tip: If you are not able to get a hold of a vet near you, or you want to avoid an unnecessary ER trip, there are online resources that you can turn to. Here is our best recommendation:.
Find your perfect adorable puppy. Start exploring and find your perfect furry companion today! Step 2 Add to cart and complete your purchase seamlessly, securing your beloved item with just a few clicks! Step 3 Rest assured, we'll deliver your order right to your doorstep, ensuring a hassle-free and convenient experience for you. Step 4 Embrace the joy of life with your new furry companion, as you create unconditional love with the endless happiness they bring. View Our Process About Us Puppygram was established with the core mission of providing a seamless and stress-free experience for individuals looking to bring a healthy puppy into their lives. We take pride in our highly knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to assisting you in selecting the perfect furry companion. Our aim is to make the entire process easy, enjoyable, and tailored to your specific needs, providing comprehensive assistance from beginning to end. Jonathan J. Google Loved the experience. I am now the proud owner 2 healthy Golden retrievers. Thx puppyGram for making this experience a wonderful one! I will tell all my friends and family about this new store in Berkley, MI! Wonderful store and the best Staff! Lani D. Google Great place to play with some puppies. The dogs are treated so well here and the employees are very knowledgeable about all of the dogs. You get to interact with the dogs for as long as you like and you can ask to play with any of the dogs that are not out on the floor. Will definitely be coming back Pam K. Google exceptional pet store with great layout! Love the Maltese. I'm telling all my friends! U can even play with them. Ioved my time at PuppyGram! Brittney L. The owner is so nice and helpful! What a wonderful place to adopt a puppy!!! Sara J. Google The most innovative and fun puppy store we've ever been to. We came in multiple times over the last month and each time the staff let us play with puppies for as long as we wanted. The staff was kind and courteous. And we found the puppy we've always been looking for at puppyGram Berkley! We cant wait to make so many memories with our new Cavapoo Beau! Thanks puppyGram! Cant wait to come back and visit again! Nancy S. Google What an amazing experience! I came in to the store probably a half a dozen times! The staff was so pleasant, thoughtful and very educated! Thx PuppyGram Berkley for helping me add a beautiful new puppy to the family! The store has a beautiful layout where I played with the puppies for hours! Karla D. Google Gus and Alex were extremely kind, helpful and informative! I have been searching for years for the perfect puppy and company. Brian W. Google Employees were very enthusiastic about their job, were very patient with us, and were happy to work with us. Now a very sweet dog has a loving home with us. Tim H. Google Great experience all around! I will be telling all my friends and family about PuppyGram! We now have our brand new Cavapoo pup Daisy! Thx PuppyGram! Tiffani S. Google This was a wonderful experience. They worked with me and even stayed late to work out some issues. I received the vet history and they come microchipped. I would highly recommend them. Our Affiliates. Nancy Carty Lepri For dog lovers and even those who aren't too fond of canines, Pug Actually offers readers a delightful change of pace. This novel is written from the point of view of Doug, an enchanting rescue pug who has found his forever home with Julie Newman. As Doug recalls: "Long story short, one morning, my original human didn't wake up, and it took three days for anyone to notice. You'd have thought I killed her, given the home they sent me to after that. But at least I got fed there regularly, was walked a few times a day; had all my basic needs met, until the day Julie and Julie's day Jim took me somewhere much better. A real home. Julie's home. I didn't realize the situation I was in wasn't healthy. Had no idea I needed to be rescued. A little, I suspect, like Julie feels right now. She loves her job and is having an affair with her boss, Luke, but she is anxiously waiting for their relationship to become permanent. Unfortunately, Luke is married, a fact he did not disclose until after sucking in Julie completely, making her fall deeply in love with him. Though he promises to leave his wife, Julie wonders if it will happen. Jim, Julie's friends Priya, her husband Sanji, and even Doug cannot understand why Julie is so set on being with Luke. He is a scoundrel of the top order, but Julie seems to like wallowing in self-pity. She receives the sympathy she seeks at first, but soon it becomes tiring to those listening. Doug decides it's up to him to get her away from this two-timer as no one else is doing so. He loves Julie but hates seeing her so bereft, and what's worse is he can see right through Luke. Though Jim listens patiently to Julie's tale of woe, she won't take his advice. Instead, Julie wants Jim to start dating, though Julie's mother passed away five years prior, Jim is not ready, nor does he feel he ever will be. Somewhat fearfully, Jim seeks out Dot who invites him, and Doug, of course for a barbecue. Mentioning her son Tom is now living with her after divorcing his wife, they plot to get Julie and Tom together, believing they would not only be perfect for each other, but this would lure Julie away from Luke and give Tom a new chance at love. Though they clash, Doug detects an attraction between them, albeit a faint one. Now he has the incentive to try harder to make Julie realize Tom is a good guy. But when Doug learns Tom is a vet, he has misgivings. Doug does not like veterinarians, yet meeting Tom changes his mind as Tom is completely captivating, not only to Julie but to him as well. One day Julie is in the park with Doug and spots Tom trying to catch a dog who is running loose. Doug runs over to make friends, but this errant canine bites Doug on the ear, shocking both him and Julie. Though Doug hopes to get the two together, this isn't the way. Tom rescues Doug then takes him to his office to get stitches. This is where Doug and Julie observe how compassionate he is. To bolster Julie's spirits, Priya gives her a certificate for a makeover for both her and Doug. His thoughts on this are: "She may not be particularly keen to go given how she feels Luke's rejected her and, to tell the truth, I can understand that. When you're a rescue dog, you've been rejected too in a way, which means you're naturally very suspicious of anyone who comes along to rescue you. Partly it's the unsettled feeling--you've been in one place, then another, now you're going to be taken to a third, with no guarantee you're not going to be returned if things don't work out. Also, it's the worry that you might just be going to more of the same—after all, you don't need qualifications to own a dog. Or a license. You can just. And the same is true for relationships. Ages before I stopped thinking every trip in the car was the last one I'd be taking with her. The best part of a year until I could finally relax. Her concept of a relationship has come from her time with Luke. She's used to playing second fiddle. Always being an afterthought. Never being taken out for walks, if you like, because that just wasn't an option. His ex-wife cheated on him, so how can he trust another? Julie needing to realize Luke is a deadbeat, wonders if all guys are like him. Even a deadbeat who shows her some attention is better than being alone, isn't it? As Julie rescued Doug, he is determined to rescue her using his whimsical and imaginative antics proving the intelligence he possesses. This tale takes place in the U. Matt Dunn's cleverness of delving into the mind and personality of a canine by giving him a "human" voice demonstrates the insight and love our pets can offer, which makes a heartwarming and delightful read. She has edited more than 20 books for national small publishers in various genres.
Share 0 Shares White Goldendoodles are a color variant of the Goldendoodle designer dog. It is one of over 20 different Goldendoodle colors and patterns that exist and is loved by many for its angelic-looking coat that is most times hypoallergenic. To get a white Goldendoodle, you would need to breed a pale-colored or cream-colored Golden Retriever with a standard white Poodle. The result is a beautiful puppy that you are guaranteed to fall in love with. This article covers everything you need to know about the white Goldendoodle, so make yourself comfortable and ensure you read till the end. Is The White Goldendoodle Rare? Contrary to what some might think, the white Goldendoodle is quite rare. Although its white coat is highly sought after, it can be a little bit difficult to produce one. Because of this, it can also be almost impossible to get a white Goldendoodle as an F1 Goldendoodle puppy. Still, the high demand for the white Goldendoodle has made a lot of breeders in various states opt for producing the snow white Goldendoodles. White Goldendoodle vs Cream Goldendoodle In some cases, the cream Goldendoodle could be easily mistaken for white, however, they are pretty different. In appearance, the cream-colored Goldendoodle looks more like a lighter version of a champagne Goldendoodle than a white Goldendoodle. Also, the fur around the eyes, mouth, and nose of a white-colored Goldendoodle has a dark shade to it whereas cream-colored Goldendoodles still maintain the bright cream fur around the mouth, eyes, and nose. Also, when it comes to rarity, the Cream colored Goldendoodle is a common Goldendoodle variety whereas the white Goldendoodle is rare. White Goldendoodle Coat Types Because the white Goldendoodle requires the poodle gene to be more dominant, you can only get two coat types for this Goldendoodle color variant. Grooming can be a little difficult as the curly fur might make brushing a lot harder. You are guaranteed a non-shedding white Goldendoodle if it comes out with a white wavy coat. All in all, most people opt for the white Goldendoodle with a wavy coat type. Do White Goldendoodles Change Color? No, the white Goldendoodle is one of the very few Goldendoodle color variants that are known to maintain a particular coat color from birth till they grow older. The clearing trait, which is responsible for most Goldendoodles losing their coat colors as they age, is not present in white Goldendoodles. Overall, one thing that can change about Goldendoodles might be the fur around the eyes, mouth, and nose White Goldendoodles Temperament Goldendoodles, in general, are well-tempered dogs and the white Goldendoodle is no exception. They are generally friendly and outgoing. They are great Goldendoodles for families with lots of children as they can be pretty patient and are generally protective of kids. The white Goldendoodle can also be quite playful and energetic when involved in family activities. They can also be a little destructive when left with all that energy. This is why it is recommended you take your Goldendoodle for walks regularly and engage in other exercises. This is because the alleles that give the Goldendoodle its white coat come mostly from the Poodle parent. This means most white Goldendoodles take the curly or wavy coat type. They are beautiful to look at as their curly or wavy coat gives them the teddy bear look which is quite adorable. The fur around their eyes, nose, and mouth is usually darker in color which is in contrast to its white coat. At full maturity, the full-grown white Goldendoodle can weigh between 15 to 80 lbs but this depends a lot on the size of the Goldendoodle puppy. These are the standard size or, medium size, miniature size, petite size, and teacup size. These 5 sizes are the same for all Goldendoodles, not just the white Goldendoodles. To get a proper understanding of the growing size of the Goldendoodle, you can check out this Goldendoodle growth guide and chart. Top 8 Most Popular Color Variations of The White Goldendoodle The white Goldendoodle can be bred with other color variations of the Goldendoodle to produce separate variations for the white Goldendoodle. This is often not recommended as the more a Goldendoodle is bred, the more saturated its gene becomes and the more open it is too harmful defects from genetics. However, here are a few of the color variations associated with the white Goldendoodle. Black and White Goldendoodle Black and White Parti Goldendoodle This color variation is quite rare to produce and can only be found in Goldendoodles of higher generations than the F1 generations. It is usually an abstract Goldendoodle which is a single-colored Goldendoodle in this case a black Goldendoodle , with white patches on its face, belly, and paws. Just like the black and white Goldendoodles, brown and white Goldendoodles are single-colored brown Goldendoodles with white patches on their belly, face, and paws. It features a single-colored red Goldendoodle with white patches on its paws, face, and belly. All abstract Goldendoodles are rare. In this case, the parti Goldendoodle produces two colors which are evenly distributed on the Goldendoodle. A red and white parti Goldendoodle features a red and white coat that is equally distributed on the puppy. Parti Goldendoodles can only be found in higher generations than the F1 generation of the Goldendoodle and are pretty rare. Image source: jennaleedoodles. It is quite rare. A tuxedo black and white Goldendoodle is simply a parti Goldendoodle in which its white coat color appears mostly on the chest and paws of the Goldendoodle. This gives it a look of a black and white tuxedo. It is an apricot-colored Goldendoodle coat with white patches on the face, belly, and paws. And it is quite rare as they can only be found in generations higher than the F1. Apricot and White Parti Goldendoodle Apricot and White Goldendoodle A rare Goldendoodle color variation with two color coats of white and apricot distributed evenly around the entire Goldendoodle puppy. The color variation is only found in generations higher than the F1 generation. Chocolate and White Goldendoodle Chocolate and White Goldendoodle An abstract Goldendoodle of a single chocolate coat with white patches on its belly, face, and paws. Only found in higher generations than the F1 generation of the Goldendoodle. White Goldendoodle Lifespan There are lots of factors that can affect the lifespan of your Goldendoodle. Luckily, the coat color is not one of them. White Goldendoodles live as long as every other color of the Goldendoodle in existence. On average, the white Goldendoodle should have a lifespan that ranges between 10 years to 15 years. This is dependent on different factors. This is because it inherits a lot of traits from the Poodle parent in its gene, and the Poodle is arguably one of the most intelligent dog breeds there is. This high intelligence trait of the white Goldendoodle means you would have little to no difficulty when training it. Also, the white Goldendoodle is always eager to please. This character trait could further prompt the Goldendoodle puppy to pick up new tricks and instructions faster. Common White Goldendoodle Health Problems White Goldendoodles are prone to every other health problem each Goldendoodle dog is prone to. However, there is one health condition that is unique to the white Goldendoodle, and that is Cochleosaccular deafness. This is a rare health condition for Goldendoodles. It is known to affect dogs with white coats, blue eyes, or piebald coats. Proper genetic testing should be done to clear the dog of this condition before breeding. No, because white Goldendoodles only inherit the curly or wavy coat from the Poodle and not the straight coat from the Golden Retriever, they are generally low to non-shedding and are hypoallergenic. How Much Are White Goldendoodles? White Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale 1. They breed their puppies with health, temperament, and personality being their top priority. All their puppies are bred to be excellent family companions as well as service dogs. All their Goldendoodles come from health-tested parents which are carefully selected after much research would have been done on each breeding parent. They are also checked and certified to have good working hips, elbows, eyes, hearts, and patellas. The puppies are raised in a state-of-the-art facility that provides the puppies with comfort and safety. You get a well-socialized puppy that is introduced to biosensor training and other puppy enrichment protocols and curriculums. They are given the best in puppy food and supplements including organic food to help ensure they are strong and healthy. Each puppy comes with a written health guarantee. The pups are also health checked, well vaccinated, and dewormed with records to show it. And they come with a starter kit to help you get started. Breeds The link has been copied! A White Goldendoodle dog is sure to bring some extra fun and happiness into your life. But before deciding whether you would like to join the Goldendoodle club, read on for everything you need to know about this breed. Here we'll discuss their personality, appearance, health concerns, grooming requirements and activity level - so that no matter what kind of lifestyle your household leads — you can be confident in knowing if the white Goldendoodle will be right for your lifestyle and home. What is a White Goldendoodle? The white Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed of dog that is a combination of a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. These dogs typically have expressive, friendly faces and soft white coats. They are great family pets as they are loyal, very intelligent, and have easygoing personalities. Goldendoodles are also very social animals that love to spend time with their owners and families. The white Goldendoodle is truly the perfect pet for many people. Is The White Goldendoodle Rare? The white Goldendoodle is definitely a unique breed, and for that reason, they are actually considered quite rare. Golden Retrievers typically have either black or golden coats, so they do not possess the two recessive genes needed to produce a white coat. As a result, white Goldendoodles can also be hard to find as F1 Goldendoodle puppies. Despite this, there are still many people who would like a white Goldendoodle pet. Therefore, finding one of these dogs can be quite difficult as trustworthy breeders are few and far between. As such, if you do decide on getting one of these beautiful dogs, be prepared to put in some time researching reputable breeders. Yes, there is a difference between the two. While white Goldendoodles and cream Goldendoodles may look similar at a glance, there are some interesting differences between them. White Goldendoodles have a soft, wavy coat that is often whiter than cream. Cream Goldendoodles have a warmer-toned light coat with hints of apricot or beige. In contrast, the cream Goldendoodle's fur stays an even cream tone around its eyes, nose and mouth. Overall, it is much easier to find a cream-coat Goldendoodle than their white counterparts. White Goldendoodle Coat Types Let's go over all the details about white Goldendoodle coat types - how they differ, which type is best for you and what grooming needs to be done to keep your pup looking its best. Whether you already own a white Goldendoodle or are considering adopting one soon, read on to learn more about these special pooches. Its thick, luxurious coat requires a bit more maintenance than other coat types. This is because the curls can become matted easily so they will require daily brushing to avoid this. A little less popular than the wavy white coat, if you love curls and have the time, they are still worth it for those looking for an eye-catching pup with an allergy-friendly coat. Brushing your pup regularly helps keep its coat smooth, soft, and healthy. This is a great option for those with busy lifestyles who may find maintaining the curly coat a bit of a challenge. White Goldendoodles Temperament White Goldendoodles are an incredibly affectionate and friendly breed of dog. They have a reputation for being gentle, loving, and social creatures that make great family pets. White Goldendoodles love to please their owners and will go out of their way to do so. They are extremely intelligent dogs who need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. White Goldendoodles also tend to be high-energy dogs, needing an adequate amount of exercise and playtime. While they can be rambunctious as puppies, with proper training and socialization white Goldendoodles will grow up to be well-mannered, obedient canine companions that get along nicely with other animals and people alike. Although they take on many traits of the Golden Retriever, when it comes to appearance they resemble more their Poodle parent. The genetics that gives the white Goldendoodle their white coat comes from the Poodle so this is why they appear more Poodle than Retriever. The goldendoodle also comes in other colors if white is not your preferred color. Some of the other colors that exist are black , chocolate , apricot and red. White Goldendoodle Sizes Before you bring home your own white Goldendoodle, it's important to understand the different sizes of this breed so you can make sure you are getting the pup that best fits your lifestyle. Mixed breeds have quite a range of sizes due to the differences between their parent breeds. Read on to explore these size variations. Teacup white Goldendoodle: The teacup white Goldendoodle is the smallest variation that typically weighs around 7 to 10 lbs when fully grown. They stand on average around 8 to 13 inches in height. Medium or Standard white Goldendoodle: The medium or standard white Goldendoodles typically weigh between lbs and have an average height that ranges from 18 to 26 inches. No, white Goldendoodles do not shed very much. While all dogs shed some hair naturally regardless of breed, white Goldendoodles tend to be low shedders compared to other breeds. Common White Goldendoodle Health Problems Like all breeds, there are certain health concerns that owners should be aware of. Here are the most common health issues associated with white Goldendoodles. Patellar Luxation is a common problem among white Goldendoodles, as well as other small to medium-sized breeds. It occurs when the kneecap slips out of its groove in the leg bones and causes pain and lameness in the affected leg. It can usually be treated with rest or surgery depending on the severity of the case. Hip and elbow dysplasia are also genetic conditions that affect white Goldendoodles. These conditions occur when the hip or elbow joint fails to develop properly, resulting in pain and difficulty walking or running. Treatment will depend on the extent of the damage but may include physical therapy, medication or surgery. Arthritis is another condition that can affect white Goldendoodles due to their larger size and weight strain on their joints as they age. The most common symptom is stiffness in the joints, which makes it difficult for your pup to move around normally. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent arthritis from developing in your pet as they age. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects many dogs, including white Goldendoodles due to their thick coats which can trap moisture near their skin, leading to itching and irritation. Allergies can also contribute to this condition, so it is important to have your pup tested for any allergies they might have before treating them for atopic dermatitis. Cochleosaccular deafness is a hereditary condition found in some breeds of dogs, including white Goldendoodles, which results in partial or complete deafness in one or both ears due to a malformation of their inner ear structures. Proper genetic testing needs to be done to clear your pup if you plan to breed them, as this condition can be passed down from generation to generation if left unchecked. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder found in some animals, including white Goldendoodles that prevents blood from clotting properly due to a lack of certain proteins needed for clotting processes known as vWF von Willebrand factor. Cataracts are another potential issue with white Goldendoodles which cause cloudy vision due to the build-up of protein on their eye lenses over time which blocks light from entering their eyes, making things appear blurred or fuzzy looking up close, or far away. Allergies are also commonly found among Goldendoodle breeds as a result of having thick coats that can trap allergens close to their skin, causing itching, redness, hives, and sneezing. Cranial cruciate ligament ruptures are a very serious condition where one of two ligaments located inside knee joints rupture, resulting in extreme pain and swelling along with difficulty walking, jumping, and running. Good breeding practices combined with a healthy diet and exercise plus regular vet visits will go a long way towards helping keep a white Goldendoodle well and happy throughout its life. The shades of light-colored Goldendoodle Light-colored Goldendoodles come in a variety of shades, from soft cream to vibrant beige. Cream Goldendoodles have a pale golden coat that is almost white, while the beiges range from a light honey color to deep rich colors resembling cappuccino. There are also many subtle tones and shades in between, so you can find a hue of goldendoodle that perfectly suits your personality and taste. These include apricot and champagne, to name a few. Where do Goldendoodles get their coloring? Even though Goldendoodles have a variety of coat colors, they are characterized by their light-colored coats. The Golden Retriever has a luxurious golden or cream-colored coat, while the Poodle has several shades of blonde that range from white to apricot and even silver. When these two breeds are brought together, they create a lovely combination of light colors that gives Goldendoodles their iconic look. Coat colors may transition as a Goldendoodle grows Cream, champagne and beige are the most common coat colors in Goldendoodles, but they can also transition differently as the pup matures. As puppies, many Goldendoodles typically have a creamy or light beige coat that darkens over time until they reach full maturity at around one and a half to two years of age. During the transition period, their coats may take on more of an apricot hue, before settling into a more gold-toned shade. The range of shades along this spectrum can vary from light cream to rich golden-brown tones, depending on the mix of genetics inherited from both parents. Final Thoughts All in all, the white Goldendoodle surely lives up to the hype of being an amazing companion and lovely family pet. From their intelligence to their kind disposition, these dogs are sure to bring much joy into your home. If you're looking for a loving and loyal pooch, look no further than the white Goldendoodle - they're truly something special. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Situated on beautiful acreage, our home is located about 35 miles north of Springfield, Missouri. Breeders that aren't serious come and go but our passion for raising quality puppies with a distinctive look and excellent temperaments has been a dedicated journey since .A clear vision and outline of socialization and a team of experienced trainers develop puppies that will be a joy to your home, not to mention the star of your little one's obedience classes! We have had the privilege of raising and keeping back our best puppies from champion sired parents since to develop healthy puppies with correct coat, body type, excellent temperaments, specialty colors and adorable looks that you can enjoy and be proud of. Our team knows that you have probably done a lot of research and may still have questions. Feel free to reach out to us to talk about what you are looking for in your new family member. We look forward to meeting you and helping you choose a quality puppy that will bring joy to your home for many years to come!
english bulldog puppies for sale by owner - Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. Poodles love being around people and socialize well. Poodles also make a strong watchdog. While poodles are generally good dogs to have around children, it is important that children display leadership skills, therefore, poodles are recommended for families with older children. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. When groomed, poodles showcase a square appearance. Poodles have dark, oval-shaped eyes that are set far apart and usually are black or brown. Poodles have ears that hang close to the head and are long and flat. Poodles can come in different solid colors including black, silver, blue, grey, apricot, red, white, brown, and cream. Poodles also come in partial colors which is less common to find. If at home, poodles will generally lay right next to you with limited activity throughout the day. Regular walks either in the city or the countryside are all a poodle needs. Although excess space is not imperative, poodles crave mental stimulation, which will definitely need to remain a part of daily life. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high-quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a specially formulated diet for toy-sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale? We have answers. What affects Poodle price? Do you Poodle breeders ship? They sure do. Most of the companies and breeders in our network are very familiar with shipping puppies around the country, and can even send your pooch by plane to your nearest major airport. And because our network is so big and still growing , we might even have a Poodle breeder right around the corner! How do you screen your Poodle breeders? To safeguard the health and wellbeing of your puppy, we have strict standards in place regarding breeding facilities, animal care, breeder experience, and much more. How is Uptown different than other sites? Our mission is simple—help the honest breeders get found by loving families like yours, and help you connect with those breeders to find the Poodle of your dreams. What is a puppy mill? Whereas an honest breeding center is like puppy paradise, a puppy mill is more like a dog factory where countless sick puppies are born. Are there any standard Poodle puppies for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? MatchMaker is how we make sure that the right puppies are going to the best families. How do I know I can trust you? Today, online puppy scams are as common as car mechanic scams. Through our Breeder Pledge, screening process and MatchMaker process, we aim to build long-term relationships with both our customers and our dog breeders. Breeder Locations. White poodles are almost an icon of wealth and sophistication. While they are certainly elegant dogs, the personality of a white poodle is entirely unrelated to his or her color and appearance. Did you know that the clip was not originally meant for style, but to help a working dog do his job? Poodles were originally retrievers. The clip we see most often, the Continental, has the hindquarters, face, legs and base of the tail shaven, the coat left full on the chest, with pompoms at the ankles and sometimes the hips. This clip was designed to rid the dog of the heavy coat wherever possible, in order to make it easier for him to swim, while leaving fur over the major internal organs and the joints for insulation. Despite the image maintained by people who only see them from afar, poodles, no matter what their color, are cheerful, stable, and very sociable dogs. They are also among the most intelligent and easily trained of all breeds. They love to please, and are very sensitive to your approval and correction. They are completely home raised, and never kept in cages or kennels. This means your poodle will be forthright and friendly, completely socialized, and will have no trace of nervousness or hypersensitivity. Poodles Info.
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english bulldog puppies for sale by owner - Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Your Labrador Retriever is an active and high-energy animal. They love to exercise and spend as much time as they can in the outdoors. Exercise is an important part of living a happy healthy life and along with a proper diet and good veterinary care will lead to a dramatic increase in their quality of life just the same as with people. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. As with everything in life the answer is that it depends. For most people the first thing people think of with exercise and a dog is taking them for a walk. That is a good first step but exercise for your Lab is more than that. Some dogs can even do without being walked as long as they receive their exercise and other stimulation in other ways. Walking is of course good exercise for both the dog and their human and if a Lab does not receive their exercise in other ways it is a good idea to spend at least an hour or more walking them every day. The simple act of walking benefits their hearts and lungs and it is easy on their joints since walking is a natural motion. For the full benefits of a walk a Lab will need to walk faster than a human so they will need to be let off their leash and that may not always be practical. Not all walks are equal. A short walk over a more strenuous route can provide as much exercise as a longer walk over an easier route. If your dog is able to exercise in other ways, like in a fenced in backyard, or has another dog to play with this can be lessened and they may not need to be walked at all. Of course there are other ways to get your Lab the exercise it needs. That can start with their own name. Your Lab is great at retrieving things and doing so can get them a good workout. You do not need to be a hunter or sportsman to do this but it may take some planning and a good location. Your Lab also will love to play. This can be stereotypical canine activities like a game of fetch, catching a Frisbee or playing tug-of-war with someone. Much of this should be done off of their leash so it can be done in a backyard or at a local dog park. These activities will give your Lab a great workout and exercise muscles that a walk simply will not and can last as long as both the human and canine are interested. For those of you with Labrador puppies they have different needs. Puppies should not be over-exerted so walks should be kept to a minimum and should not be stressful. Experts recommend walks last about 5 minutes for every month of age of the puppy, so a four month old puppy should be walked for 20 minutes. Puppies should not be walked until they are at least three months old and they should be vaccinated before they are taken out. Also overexerting a puppy can bring serious joint issues in larger breeds of dogs. There are other ways than a walk for a puppy to get exercise. They will probably love free running around a house and this will lower the chance of developing bone and joint issues. Your puppy should not climb stairs until they are older as climbing the steps creates an increased risk of joint issues. Strenuous issues should also be avoided as it can also lead to joint issues. Many trainers do not let Labs jump for their first year of life to avoid joint damage. As with humans there is another very important component of exercise that is very important but can be easily overlooked and that is rest. All dogs need rest to help rejuvenate and heal themselves and this is particularly important with puppies. When outside with your dog it is important to look for signs of fatigue or overheating and to know when to stop and rest. If you dog is playing with other dogs it is also a good idea to keep an eye on them for fatigue as your dog will not want to stop even if they are tiring. Your Lab loves the stimulation that comes with exercising and being outside and will not want it to end so human management is important to prevent them from over exerting themselves. Your British Lab puppies and adult Labrador Retrievers are naturally gifted athletes and they will want to spend as much time as they can exercising and spending time in the outdoors. If you take advantage of that you can get some exercise too and that is a good thing, but know when to stop.