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Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are.

A Beagador puppy should grow into a medium-sized, chunky adult although there can be some variation. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the show type Labs - big, chunky dogs that carry far more weight. These Labs can top the scales at a hefty 80 lbs 36 kg at adulthood, while also reaching a not too shabby .In contrast, if you have ever seen a pack of Beagles you will understand that they are far more uniform in size. This medium-sized hound reaches an adult weight of around lbs kg , with a maximum height of 15 inches 38 cm. Your best bet is to look at the parents, especially the Lab side of the equation. As a rough estimate, they are likely to range from between inches tall 61 cm with a weight range of lbs 11 - 20 kg ; making them a medium-sized dog. Despite this, remember that there are no guarantees when producing a cross and there can often be a wide variation between a single litter of puppies! When buying a puppy, ensure that both parents have still been health tested. Major problems for the Labrador and Beagle include hip dysplasia and degenerative eye conditions ; both of which are hereditary. This means that the problem can be passed down from the parents to the puppies. The American Kennel Club provides a list of health checks that breeders should adhere to, ask the breeder to see the relevant paperwork before you buy. It is easy to get carried away when faced with a litter of adorable puppies, but problems such as hip dysplasia can cause your little bundle of fluff a world of pain when they mature and could result in them needing surgery. At the end of the day, always ensure your little Labbe puppy has been bred not just for looks, but also health and temperament too. How easy will a Beagle Lab mix be to train? The Labbeagle is a mix of two very different types of dog. On the one hand, you have the Labrador; a powerful, agile gundog that was historically bred to spend the whole day out in the field retrieving game shot by his owner. They are used to being exceptionally obedient , responding to commands in an instant. In contrast to this is the Beagle who needed to be capable of independent working, using their exceptional sense of smell to track prey and hunt it down with little input from people. With such variation between the two parents, your Labbe puppies personality can be a little unpredictable! You may have a pup that enjoys learning and in some respects is easy to train. Yet be prepared that you might also have a puppy that develops selective deafness should something more exciting come along! A Labbe puppy and adult can often have a mind of their own, something a new owner should be prepared for. Of course, this situation can be mitigated by ensuring your puppy attends training classes as soon as their vaccines have been completed. Not only will they learn to respond to commands amid distractions, but it also provides a safe environment for them to socialize with other dogs. Otherwise, you could find they take you hunting for the day! They can be incredibly vocal! Cats especially will soon make a break for it and if your Beagador decides to give chase, not only could they hurt the cat but they could also hurt themselves if they run into a road. Their coat might be short, but be prepared for them to shed lots of hair Both the Beagle and Labrador have short, no-nonsense coats suitable for an active working dog. However, do not be deceived by this. Although short, your Beagle Lab is likely to shed lots of hair, particularly when the seasons change. Not only will this help keep your home cleaner but it can also help cut down on the hoovering! Both breeds have been bred to work well with people, and this easygoing nature ensures that as long as the children are well behaved, your dog will be too. Cuddle time is a winner with this mix, and they are also exceptionally loyal. Of course, it is important to remember that this temperament will come from you puppies parents too, so again make sure you meet them before you buy. If this sounds like your sort of dog, do not get a Labbeagle! This breed has a strong working instinct gained from both its parents, resulting in a dog that needs not only physical exercise but mental stimulation too. If these needs are not met, the result can be a noisy, destructive dog capable of doing some serious furniture damage when you are away from home. Try to avoid leaving your Beagle Lab mix for more than a few hours at a time. I would aim for two decent walks a day one hour each ; this is the bare minimum that they should receive. This will ensure that they can stretch their legs, meet other doggy friends and have a good sniff around to work that fantastic nose of theirs. This regular exercise will also ensure that they avoid becoming overweight. By ensuring they have plenty of free running time, you will keep off the pounds. An obese dog is not only at risk from weight-related diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, but ultimately they will have a shorter lifespan too. Conclusion If your idea of a dream dog is a loving sofa companion that will also enjoy spending several hours each day galavanting around the countryside with you, then a Labrador-Beagle mix could be the dog for you. Just remember to put in the hours with the training in the early days, and you will be rewarded with a well-mannered pet in the long run. Own a Labbe already? Thinking of getting one? Let us know in the comments below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Also known as the beagador, the beagle Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer breed. Created by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever with a purebred beagle, this mix combines the best of both worlds. If you are looking for an active, fun, and playful family companion, the beagle Labrador mix might be a perfect choice. Medium-sized, highly energetic, and sometimes mischievous, this crossbreed will keep you on your toes and provide hours of entertainment. This mix needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to behave nicely and can turn into a real menace when not properly exercised. Whether you are looking for a family companion or an energetic canine to be your exercise buddy, the Lab beagle mix fits the bill! Read on to learn everything you need to know before welcoming a beagador into your home! Beagle Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 19 to 24 inches tall, weighs between 30 and 80 pounds Coat — Short double coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Friendly, lively, curious, and affectionate Trainable — Highly trainable, but can become bored if not mentally stimulated Activity — Very active needs from 30 minutes to an hour of vigorous activity every day Best For — Active people, families, and homes with fenced backyards What Is A Beagle And Lab Mix? The beagle Lab mix dog is a designer breed, developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred beagle. This mix goes by several names, including beagador, labbe, labbe retriever, and labeagle. While both parent breeds are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the beagador is considered a designer dog breed. While some Labrador beagle mix dogs are a perfect blend of their parent breeds, others take more after one parent than the other. Keeping that in mind, there are a few things you can expect to see in your mix in terms of size and coat. Size As an offspring of a beagle and Labrador retriever, your Lab beagle mix will likely be a medium-sized dog. Most labbe retrievers are between 19 and 24 inches high at withers and weigh between 30 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Color There are three officially recognized Labrador colors — yellow , black, and chocolate. However, the beagle has 25 possible color combinations and can come in a variety of colors, including tan, brown, white, lemon, blue, black, red, fawn, bluetick, and redtick. Like all other double-coated breeds, your labeagle is going to shed moderately all year round and lose even more hair during the shedding season. Beagle Lab Dog Character There is no way of guessing the exact personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, including the beagle Lab dog. People-loving and affectionate, this mix makes a great family dog and gets along nicely with children who know how to play and interact with a dog. Before you welcome a beagle and Lab mix into your home, know that these dogs are very social creatures that crave attention and companionship. When not provided with the affection and attention they need, labbes can develop behavioral problems and turn to digging and howling. Beagadors need up to one hour of vigorous exercise every day, and they generally enjoy all sorts of activities. Jogging, hiking, swimming, and cycling are just a few of many things you can do with your dog to keep them exercised. A word of caution though — make sure you are using a leash while out and about with your mix. Beagles are scent hounds, and your mix will likely inherit a strong urge to sniff and chase after new scents. These dogs thrive and are the happiest when included in all family activities. If you have a fenced backyard, let your dog out to run, play, and sniff new scents for as long as they want to. Intellectual Stimulation Besides being highly energetic, labbe retrievers are also very smart and can get bored without proper mental stimulation. And when they are bored, lebbes are also destructive and will resort to chewing, digging, and howling just to have some fun. Companionship Beagadors are social and people-loving dogs that like to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for larger families or homes that are never empty, meaning your dog will rarely, if ever, stay home alone. They crave attention and companionship and can easily develop behavioral issues when left alone at home. Grooming The beagle Labrador mix is a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. When it comes to bathing, bathe your beagador once every two months or as needed using a mild dog shampoo. Diet The ideal diet for the Labrador beagle mix should be formulated for medium-sized dogs with high energy. Please note, like their parent breeds, beagadors tend to overeat and can easily pack on the extra pounds and become obese. The Labrador beagle mix is generally healthy, but they can inherit the same health problems that are seen in their parent breeds. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This condition is commonly seen in Labs and is characterized by malformation of the hip and elbow joints. Both of these conditions are extremely painful for the dog and can lead to arthritis, mobility issues, and lameness. Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition and the most common cause of seizures in dogs. Epilepsy is an inherited disorder that is commonly seen in beagles. Cherry Eye: This is another condition that is more often diagnosed in beagles than Labs. Life Expectancy The Lab beagle mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, with proper care and regular veterinary checkups, beagadors can live longer and reach senior years completely healthy. Training a beagador might go either way, depending on which parent your pup takes more after. Most Labrador beagle mix dogs are highly intelligent and eager-to-please, just like their Lab parents. To keep your pooch interested in learning and training, use positive reinforcement, and always give your dog a reward when they follow your command. Reward-based training has been proven as the most effective training method and will give results even if your mix is too headstrong for its own good. Besides training, you should also start socializing your mix from an early age. Start exposing your beagador to different people, situations, places, and scents after they receive all the necessary vaccines. This way, your dog will get used to interacting with other people and animals from a young age and grow up into a friendly and outgoing dog. The Lab beagle mix makes a great pet and companion to active people and families with children. But, if you are active, spend most of your time outdoors, and have a fenced backyard the beagador might just be the perfect dog for you! As always, talk with the breeder first and schedule an appointment to meet the puppy and the mother. They will also be able to provide health certificates for the puppies and the parents that show their dogs are completely healthy. The exact price of the puppy will depend on the breeder, your location, lineage, and supply and demand. History Of The Breeds Beagle The beagle is a small breed of scent hound, primarily developed to track and hunt small game, mostly rabbits and hare. While beagles are still used by hunters as scent hounds, they also make wonderful family pets and companions. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland, where it was originally used by fishermen to retrieve fish. The breed was later brought to England where it was developed into a hard worker and companion we know today. Eager-to-please, friendly, loyal, and kind are just a few of many traits that make Labradors universally loved and extremely popular. Labrador retrievers make amazing family companions and pets and are also used as search and rescue dogs and service dogs. Lab beagle mixes make wonderful family pets to active people or families with children. They are social, playful, and energetic dogs that like to be involved in all family activities and spend time with their owners. Keep in mind that beagadors can easily become bored and destructive if not properly exercised. How much do beagadors cost? Keep in mind that this is the average cost and you might end up spending more depending on the breeder, your location, and supply and demand for Labrador beagle mix puppies. Do beagadors like swimming? Depending on which parent breed it takes after more,your Lab beagle mix might enjoy swimming. If your beagador is anything like their Labrador retriever parent, they will love to swim in the water. Conclusion The increasingly popular beagle Lab mix makes a great companion and family pet to active people and families with children. Medium in size, easy to groom, and generally healthy, beagadors are suited for novice and experienced owners alike. Before you welcome a Labrador beagle mix into your home, make sure you can: Keep your dog exercised and mentally stimulated Have a fenced backyard for your mix to play in Have enough free time to interact and play with your beagador every day Do you have a Beagle Lab Mix? If so, what is your dog like? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Two of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States today, it is no wonder than the Beagle Lab Mix is also gaining popularity. Also known as the Beagador, Labbe and Labbeag, these dogs are kind and fun loving, making excellent companions and family dogs. The Labrador ranks at number one as the most popular dog in America, while the Beagle sits at number six. Breed Origin To understand where the Beagle Lab Mix comes from, we can take a look at the origins of their parent breeds. The Labrador, as we mentioned above, is the most popular breed of dog in America. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs in the s and used to accompany hunters and retrieve animals that had been shot. They were also used in Newfoundland to retrieve fish that came in off the trawl, which is why they love the water. Their loyal and loving nature mean that they quickly became a very popular family dog and are still used today as working dogs, such as guide dogs. The Beagle as we know it today was bred around the 11th century when William the Conquer brought the Talbot a now extinct breed to England. Very little is known about the origin of the Beagle Lab Mix, but it is thought these dogs were first introduced in the s. It is also believed that they originated in America. Characteristics Of The Beagle Lab Mix The Beagador is a hybrid breed and so knowing the exact traits and characteristics of this dog can be difficult. One litter may take after the Labrador parent more, while another litter may inherit more traits from their Beagle parent. Finding a Beagle Lab Mix can be difficult because breeders are limited. These dogs normally have the face and ears of a Beagle, with the coat and coloring of a Labrador. They can stand between 13 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 20 and 70 lbs. It may feel hard to touch. Both the Beagle and the Labrador have water resistant coats that shed seasonally. We will go into more detail about how to groom these pups later on. This means that they can be yellow, chocolate or black. However, they can also take after their Beagle parent, who has 25 different possible coat color combinations! The most common are white, tan, brown, red, blue, black, fawn, lemon, blue tick and white tick. Temperament With excellent temperaments from both parent breeds, it is no surprise that the Beagle Lab Mix also has a great temperament. These dogs are a friendly and loving, making excellent family dogs. They get on very well with people, especially those they know, and are very patient. A very devoted dog, they can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long, so this is not the pup for you if you are going to be out for hours at a time. The Beagador can become very vocal when they feel nervous or threatened, so this is one of the reasons why they make an excellent watchdog or guard dog! However, they also bark when they are bored, so keeping them entertained with toys is very important. If they become too bored, they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors so you must make sure they get enough exercise. Due to their patience, the Beagle Lab Mix will play for hours before they give up. However, once they are done playing, they will happily curl up on the couch next to you and watch TV! This makes them the perfect companion dog. Lifespan The Lab Beagle Mix dog has a life expectancy between 10 and 12 years old. Known Health Issues Beagle Lab Mixes are generally a pretty healthy dog, thanks to the crossbreeding that has helped eliminate some health problems. However, there are still some health concerns that you must know about before you think about purchasing one of these pups. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Elbow Dysplasia — this is a common condition in large breed dogs. It can be caused by different growth rates and can cause lameness. It can be fixed with surgery. Intervertebral Disc Disease — this is when the jelly-like layer of the intervertebral discs protrudes into the spinal canal and pushes against the spinal cord. This can cause pain, paralysis or lack of bladder control. It can be treated with surgery. Gastric Torsion Bloat — this is potentially fatal. You need to know the symptoms of it. Feeding your dog smaller more frequent meals instead of one big meal can help to reduce the risk. There is also a small risk of the Beagle Lab Mix developing epilepsy, eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy PRA , heart defects and osteochondritis dissecans. 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 traits and characteristics of the Beagle Lab Mix, we can take a look at what everyday life with one of these pups is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. These dogs love food! These dogs are active and therefore need around three cups of food a day. This should be split into two smaller meals. This can be fatal within dogs and you will need to learn the symptoms for it. Always try to feed your Beagle Lab Mix high-quality kibble that meets their nutritional requirements. You should double check the back of the food packet to see how much of a certain food you should be feeding your Beagle Labrador. Remember, this dog will eat anything. Try not to feed them too many unhealthy snacks and treats. Eye and Ear Examination Hip and Elbow X-Rays These tests will help in the early diagnosis of your pets and get them treated immediately afterward. These tests will also help you know if your dog has acquired one or more of the following health concerns for their hybrid: Gastric Torsion. Some cases could also include the sudden death of the dog. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia. A common skeletal condition in dogs wherein the elbow or hip joints do not fit or develop properly, which results in gradual deterioration and eventual loss of function. Congenital Heart Defect. This is caused by a heart disease which can affect one or both sides of the heart. It sometimes progresses slowly, taking years before it is spotted in a dog. Osteochondritis Dissecans. It occurs when abnormal cartilage develops on the end of a bone in their joints. It is a result of the disruption in the blood supply of the affected bone. In some cases, the Lab Beagle hybrid can also develop Glaucoma. There are also cases in which minor health concerns appear in dogs such as the Otitis Externa, Cataract, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Lab mixed with Beagle Food Requirements In choosing what to feed your dog, keep in mind their age and lifestyle. Younger dogs will thrive on these best puppy food brands, and the Beagle Lab mix will make the most of available nutrients if you opt for one of our best large breed dry dog food picks. Your Lab Beagle pup might be on the smaller side of the dog-size scale. If so, your vet will almost certainly approve that the dog munches on any of the best dry dog food for small dogs. Depending on their exercise habits, the Lab mix should consume between 1. If your pet is an older pooch, they will be better off with one of the best senior dry dog food brands. Checking their eating habits frequently should also be done to prevent overeating which might lead to dog obesity. Another thing that can help you keep their weight in check is choosing among best dry dog food and staying away from artificial preservative-filled worst dry dog food in the market. Feeding them should occur twice a day rather than in a single large meal to prevent bloating. Here are some of the best dog foods for active puppies like the beagle lab mix: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Foundations Puppy — This dog food contains chicken, chicken broth, dried egg, peas, salmon oil, and many more. Recommended for all puppies including those of the larger breeds, it helps with the growth of the puppy. It has an above-average protein and fat, as well as below-average carbohydrates when compared to the conventional wet dog food. It has above-average protein and fat content and lower carb content. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy — Comprised mostly of buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and pea protein, this dog food is recommended for puppies of all breed in all its life stages. It has above average protein, near average fat, and low carb content. Another way to provide your pup with essential nutrients and the right amount of fat and protein is to include premium-quality supplements that will give your dog extra energy. They are ready to join you in any kind of excursion, may it be a beach trip, a forest walk, or a hike in the mountains, anytime. Just make sure to keep them in a leash because if they caught a scent of something they find interesting, their curiosity might take over. They are quite fond of swimming and will love to participate in a game of fetch, ball, or frisbee to burn off extra energy. This hybrid will also do well in dog sports like agility and tracking. They are advised to live in a household with a fenced yard, which they would not be able to dig under. This hybrid is known to be excellent diggers after all. They are not really sensitive when it comes to weather and climate but just make sure to walk them in the morning or the evenings and not in the middle of the day when the sun is glaring too hot from the sky. Their recommended weekly mileage is 14 miles with at least 60 minutes of daily activities. You must also keep your dog within the recommended weight range so maintain their health at a maximum. Some experts even recommend a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes of rigorous daily exercise. If your dog seems to be restless and destructive, you may take it as a sign that the dog needs more training than they are getting. Exercise will help your Beagle Lab Mix avoid boredom, which might lead to unruly behavior. The breed is a people pleaser that is why it will do anything for the people it loves, making it easier to train. Although there are times that the breed can be a little stubborn and hard to teach. First time trainers might have a hard time teaching the dogs some tricks. Here are some tips by which you can effectively train your dog: Crate Training. It can be a way to keep your new dog safe and prevent them from excessive chewing. It also helps with their potty training and is a great way to manage the safety and well-being of the puppies. Remember that the crates should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, sit, and stretch out. Obedience Training. This is one of the most essential and necessary trainings for any dog. The obedience training comes from the five core commands which are the come, sit, stay, heel, and down. Most beagle mixes are sweet-tempered and get along well with different dogs and cats. Socialisation is essential to train your dog to become outgoing and confident. Remember that like every breed, the beagle lab mix must undergo training in its early stages. Positive reinforcement is also considered effective and impactful in training. Beagle mixed with Labrador and Families There are a few things to consider before buying this hybrid. Both its parent breeds are energetic and intelligent, so they might need additional room to grow and play, especially if it inherits the size of its Labrador Retriever parent. There will also be a time that you will need to invest much money and time in positive reinforcement. The natural curiosity and inquisitiveness of its parent breeds may result in the hybrid excessively wandering off, so you might need to invest in an excellent fenced-in yard. Beagle Lab hybrids are also great as a family pet for people who have kids of all ages. The hybrid tends to be loyal and patient to its family and can get along well even with the other dogs and house pets. If you find that these factors are enough, then maybe a Lab Beagle cross is the right puppy for you and your family. Glaucoma, cherry eye, progressive retinal atrophy Joints: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella Other Hypothyroidism, hereditary myopathy, Exercise Induced Collapse Epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is known to occur in the Beagle parent of this mix. This issue can cause seizures in affected dogs. Beagles that are known to suffer from epilepsy should not be used to create Beagador puppies. Glaucoma Canine glaucoma actually refers to an entire group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve. Dogs with this problem may lose their vision entirely over time. Others may experience pain and redness around their eyes to accompany this vision loss. Cherry Eye Cherry eye is another canine eye disorder that is often seen in the Beagle parent. You may notice redness and excessive itching or rubbing in dogs with cherry eye. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is another eye disorder, often seen in the Labrador parent of the Beagador. Over time, dogs with PRA will lose their sight completely. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are a joint disorder commonly seen in the Labrador Retriever. This can lead to pain and trouble moving and walking. But, luckily health tests are available for this issue, so dogs with high risk can be avoided when breeding Beagadors. Luxating Patella Luxating Patella is also known as a dislocated kneecap. If your dog has this problem, their kneecap will slide or move out of its normal place. This can cause problems walking and pain. Hypothyroidism Dogs with hypothyroidism will have an underactive thyroid gland, slowing down their metabolism. Signs of this can include weight gain, lethargy, dull hair, and getting easily cold. This problem is treatable, but not curable. Hereditary Myopathy Hereditary myopathy is also known as muscle weakness. It is a genetic issue that can be found in the Labrador Retriever breed. A DNA test is available to identify carriers and aid in planned breeding to avoid passing the disease on. Be careful of overexercising and overexciting Beagle Lab mixes, especially if they are known to suffer with this issue. General Health of Cross Breeds As long as this mix is bred by a reputable, experienced breeder, they will usually have great health. Discuss any unusual or suspicious findings with your vet. Labrador Retrievers and Beagles are prone to excessive weight gain. This will increase the chance of elbow or hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. The Beagle Lab mix will have a short, dense, double coat. It may be water repellant, like a Lab. If so, you may notice a strong smell when your dog gets wet. This is due to the oily covering on his fur that repels water. Once he is dry, the smell should dissipate. Coat Care The Beagador will always have a short, dense, double coat. It may be soft like a Beagle, or water repellant like a Labrador. A Beagador will need regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing will also reduce shedding. Be sure to give him some extra attention during the warmer months, when shedding is at its peak. This breed is known to shed a lot. It will likely not be suitable for people who suffer from allergies. Based on the average lifespans of the parent breeds, the expected lifespan of a Beagle Lab mix is years. Although this is by no means a fixed length. Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder, following the tips above, and attending regular veterinary checks will help to increase this lifespan. They need a high level of training to contain their high spirited nature. But they will provide hours of fun and loving companionship for adults and children alike. A well trained Beagador will be happy to accompany the family on outdoor adventures, hikes in the woods, or a visit to the lake. Beagle Lab mixes are pack animals that need to be with their family. They will not tolerate being alone for long. A family that is often away from home would not be a good fit for this social pooch. You may want to consider opening your heart to one of these great dogs. Rescuing a dog is a great option for people who are less particular about the exact breed or characteristics of their Beagle Lab mix puppy. Rescue organizations are also a great option if you want to adopt an adult dog. This is a good choice if you prefer specific personality traits or are looking for a dog who already has some training. Finding a Rescue Center Currently, breed centers that specialize in Beagadors are not common. To find a Beagle Lab mix available for rescue, look in rescue centers in your local area. You can also look in rescue centers that are dedicated to the Labrador and Beagle parent breeds. Many of these places will take in mixed breeds as long as one of their parents is their chosen breed. Finding a healthy puppy. Where Do The Come From? The Beagle Lab mix has a strong working history on both sides of the family. The Lab originated in Northwest Newfoundland, Canada. Once upon a time, the Labrador was actually known as St. In modern times, the Lab is bred as a doting family pet. In addition, Labs are known as excellent guide dogs for the blind. Their intelligence and loyalty make them great service animals to their human companions. Just like the Lab, Beagles were bred primarily for hunting. Beagles are also known for a keen sense of smell and their signature bark, which comes in handy when leading hunters to a fallen game. Temperament and Behavior of the Beagle Lab Mix As with any first-generation crossbreed, the outcome in terms of things like temperament can be unpredictable. Crossbred dogs can inherit behavioral traits from either purebred parent. Taking a closer look at the parents of your potential Beagle Lab mix puppy can give you some insight into the possible temperament your dog could inherit. In general, Labs are widely known as intelligent dogs, eager to please and easy to train. They are excellent family dogs and do well with children and other pets. But Labs like to chew! As such, they require an abundance of toys and bones to reduce the chances of damaged furniture and flooring. Labs are also high-energy dogs requiring regular exercise and love nothing more than being part of fun family activities. Beagles are known to be playful, affectionate, and highly energetic, meaning they crave constant activity and need a sufficient amount of exercise. Beagles are also known to love the outdoors. Since they are easy to train, Beagles do well in homes with children, just like the Lab. However, they are quite vocal and known for their boisterous bark! Defining Characteristics of the Beagle Lab Mix As with temperament, the Beagle Lab mix can inherit a wide range of physical traits from both parents. Features like coat color, weight, and height have to be left to chance and will depend on which parent the mix takes after. The Lab comes in three standard colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. The Beagle has 25 possible color combinations, with ten colors making up those combinations—tan, white, brown, lemon, red, blue, black, bluetick, redtick, and fawn. The full-grown Labrador will be 22 to 25 inches and weigh about 55 to 80 pounds. An adult Beagle is typically 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs about 20 to 30 pounds. In general, a full grown Beagle Lab Mix will be a medium sized dog that about 19 to 24 inches and 25 to 45 pounds. Again, size, height, and weight can vary depending on the purebred parents. Grooming Your Lab Beagle Mix For the most part, the Beagle Lab cross is easy to care for and only requires bathing a few times a month. Both the Lab and the Beagle have similar weather-resistant coats that shed seasonally. So, the Beagle Lab mix is going to require weekly grooming and brushing to help keep its coat shiny and healthy. Training and Exercising Your Beagle Lab Mix Since the temperament of the Beagle and Lab are quite similar, a Lab Beagle Mix puppy is expected to be an intelligent, highly energetic, and incredibly loyal crossbreed. Like his parents, the Lab Beagle Mix will be eager to please and easy to train. This can include daily walks on public trails or paths, hanging out in parks, and switching up scenery to get your dog used to new faces, sounds, and smells. Labrador Beagle Mixes are known to suffer separation anxiety and may exhibit destructive behavior when left alone too long. If they become bored, the Beagle Lab Mix will sometimes bark, or even howl. Consistent exercise and a variety of toys will help keep your Beagle Lab Mix calm and entertained while you are away. As with all breeds, some health problems are passed down from generation to generation, and the purebred Lab is no exception. Labs are known to suffer loose knee joints, elbow and hip dysplasia, ruptured ligaments in their hind legs, eye disease, heart disease, epilepsy, cancer, and chronic allergies. Labs are also more prone than the average dog to gastrointestinal problems and bloating. Early health screening of your Beagle Lab mix can help to avoid or prepare for future problems. Choose healthy brands of food that provide proper nutrition depending on the age and weight of your Beagle Lab mix. Doing this can help reduce the chance your Beagle Lab mix will suffer from obesity. The Beagle Lab Mix will do best with an owner who lives an active lifestyle and enjoys being outdoors. Lab Beagle Crosses makes excellent family dogs. Finding a Labrador Beagle Mix Puppy Finding a new puppy from a reputable, responsible source can sometimes be tricky. So do plenty of research before you decide where to get your Beagle Lab Mix. Most reputable breeders should be able to provide certificates regarding the health of its parents and prove they have been screened and cleared of certain health issues. Be sure to ask about temperament issues and health concerns with parent dogs when looking to adopt any crossbreed. If you are unsure about rescuing from a local shelter or purchasing a dog from a breeder you find online, you could try attending a local dog show. Networking at events like this can help point you in the right direction. You can also find a local AKC , which can help you locate the right breeder. Shelters often carry all types of crossbreeds, and one of the many advantages of a rescue dog is the price! Although most shelters incur fees, they are often a fraction of what some breeders will charge. Most shelters will cover the initial vet fees, to ensure the dog is adoption-worthy and ready for a new home. We recommend researching reputable shelters in your area to find out the specifics on pricing.

The mother dog was my first bitch to give birth naturally. First bitch to give birth naturally Every breeder someday has bad luck; for me it was in and .An unsuccessful litter by means of a C-section and all the pups were still-born. Then a litter with only one pup, again a C-section. I had no choice but to keep this one pup, otherwise I would have lost one of my two breeding lines. Nobody could understand why I kept Happy because she was no beauty. I knew, however, that I had never had such an energetic and tenacious bitch. From the outset, these never-ending C-sections and unnatural rearings have been a thorn in my side. To this day, many breeders believe that English Bulldogs cannot give birth naturally and would die during a natural birth. The C-section appointment is determined in advance, without giving the bitch a chance to whelp. The mother dog is often so groggy after the birth due to the strong anaesthesia that the pups are not left with the mother because of the danger of being crushed. The mother comes into contact with her pups only as a milk bar. These breeders are convinced that they are raising their pups with special devotion! On 22 July , Happy began having dilation contractions, and I telephoned my veterinarian as usual for the birth. He had gone hunting and was not available. What now? So I tried what the vast majority of breeders fear to this day. Success: my first naturally born litter with six perfectly healthy pups L1 litter , whose mother could take care of them day and night. Happy, by the way, lived to be almost 12 years old and became the first Swiss Veteran Champion. A pup has just been born. This birth and the natural rearing the mother dog was always with the pups were a sensation on Facebook. I am now looking back on the fifth generation of naturally birthing Bulldog bitches, who have, by the way, very frequently placed very high in international shows. A Complete Guide Having a litter of puppies is an exciting and tiring experience! To watch those well-rounded puppies grow and head off to their forever homes to be lifetime companions is a magical moment. The entire puppy raising process starts at birth. Bulldogs have many health issues and daily exercise is taxing on their stocky frames. With their stubby legs and small bodies, many wonder if a bulldog can give birth naturally. In general, bulldog puppies are often too large for the birth canal. This requires the aid of a trained veterinarian to perform a c-section. However, some bulldog breeds do not require c-sections and can have a natural birth. Breeding bulldogs is complicated and not always the same from start to finish. While some conditions and issues are common when our bulldogs are expecting, bulldog breeds often present a few challenges. Some issues are natural breeding, whether they can whelp naturally, and even if they are pregnant which can be surprisingly difficult to determine. Can Bulldogs Get Pregnant Naturally? While the answer is yes, bulldogs can get pregnant naturally. First, with many bulldog breeds, the chest, shoulders, and head are much larger than their hips. What this means is that the dog is usually heavier in the front than they are in the back. When a male bulldog mounts a female, his front weight pushes down the backend of the female bulldog. This makes it very difficult for them to obtain a tie. Is My Bulldog Pregnant? Unfortunately, signs are few and far between for pregnant bulldogs and all dogs in general. In fact, most signs and symptoms do not occur until your bulldog is over 40 days pregnant. However, when you start to see signs, you can quickly determine if your female is pregnant or not. If you find that your dog is napping more than usual, especially around week 3, there is a good chance she is pregnant. Morning Sickness: I already mentioned this, but dogs can have mild sickness. This means she has decreased appetite around day 21 and may vomit. Increase in Appetite: This can be difficult to determine, but as the weeks progress, you should find that your pregnant dog eats more than usual. Nipple Changes: Every dog is different when it comes to nipple changes. Some changes are early in the pregnancy and others have none until close to delivery. However, you can usually spot differences in nipples by 3 or 4 weeks. Nipples will be slightly darker and will start to look rounded in shape. Finally, you may see hair loss around the nipples as her body prepares for nursing. Changes in Temperament: Another symptom that varies from dog to dog, changes in temperament are a good sign. Often, bulldogs become clingier or go off on their own. Any abnormal behavior for your dog could be a sign that she is pregnant. Your dog gains weight if she is pregnant, but most of the weight gain is seen closer to the end of the pregnancy. Knowing if your bulldog is pregnant is tricky because female bulldogs show few signs. How Long are Bulldogs Pregnant All dogs follow the same pregnancy schedule, regardless of breed, and will usually deliver their puppies on day 63 from ovulation. Breeders follow a guideline of 59 to 70 days from the date of the first breeding. Your bulldog should deliver any time in those 11 days, but frequently, they will deliver on day .You will usually know the date of ovulation and the vet will simply do the c-section on day 63 or when the bulldog shows signs that labor is imminent. What is a Bulldog Pregnancy Like? The best way to understand your pregnant bulldog is to learn about the weeks of pregnancy. With dogs, week 1 of pregnancy starts on the day of ovulation or the day of the first breeding. Bulldogs are pregnant for roughly 9 weeks before they deliver and a lot is happening during those weeks. Your bulldog female, or bitch, is bred this week and you may notice that she is a bit tired. Life should return to normal during this week. Regular activities should continue, and your dog will eat a normal amount of food. Your dog, more than likely, is in heat for another week , but you can continue with her regular schedule. She may be her usual self and return to how she was prior to her heat. During this week the vulva stays slightly swollen However, this can be hard to notice, especially in maiden bitches. Week Three: During this time, the embryos are finally attaching to the lining in the uterus. Too much weight gain can cause complications. During this week, you can get a blood test to detect relaxin, which indicates pregnancy. A slight increase in food is all that is needed. Your female bulldog can continue her usual activities and exercise at this stage of pregnancy. Week Five: Between day 30 and 35, after the first breeding, you can schedule an ultrasound to determine if your furry friend is pregnant. With your pregnant bulldog, you should start to see some weight gain. In addition, her appetite will increase and will need more food on a daily basis. Be careful not to overfeed her. In addition, avoid any strenuous activity, but incorporate daily exercise. Your pregnant bulldog may be tired and need small, frequent meals throughout the day. Week Six: You may notice that week six is when your bulldog begins to reduce how much she is eating. To help offset this, portion her meals into more feedings per day. Mood wise, she may be sleeping more. You may find that she is very uncomfortable and should monitor her behavior to know what she needs. See also Do Bulldogs Fart? And How to Stop It! Week Seven: Week seven is similar to the previous week. Your female will be uncomfortable, and she may start looking for a quiet place to sleep. She may also become clingier than usual. When week seven arrives, you are getting closer to delivery day! You should be able to feel puppies moving and your pregnant bulldog may start losing her hair around her nipples. Now is the time to start setting up a space for her to give birth. Week Eight: If you are planning to do an x-ray, now is the week to do it. During this time, the skeletons of the puppies have calcified enough to be picked up on an x-ray. This is a great way to find out how many puppies your bulldog is having and will help you plan for the delivery or c-section. Your pregnant bulldog may start producing milk this week, however, not all dogs produce milk at this stage. Some can start producing shortly after the puppies are born. Now is the time to keep a close eye on your female. Week Nine: This is the week when your pregnant bulldog is due! She can go any time and you want to watch for nesting behavior. In addition, her temperature should spike before dropping down by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you are planning a c-section, monitor her temperature in case your pregnant bulldog goes into labor before the scheduled surgery. Bulldog Pregnancy Cycle. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Dystocia difficulty in giving birth can occur for a variety of reasons. Both affect the English bulldog Johnston et al and lead to a very high rate of dystocia in this breed. Abnormalities of pelvic shape have been investigated in relation to dystocia in the Boston terrier and Scottish terrier Eneroth et al but, as far as we are aware, there have been no corresponding studies in the English bulldog. The foetal factor that is most likely to cause dystocia is a large head Johnston et al .The larger the puppy the greater the risk. The English bulldog is a brachycephalic breed. Dogs with brachycephalic airway disease have a shortened and distorted upper airway, narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and an abnormal larynx voice box. Secondary to these airway obstructions, these dogs can develop collapsed airways, especially involving the larynx and trachea. These defects commonly make it difficult for the breed to breathe adequately whilst undertaking normal activity. Stress caused by exercise, excitement, heat or giving birth can exacerbate this and lead to collapse and death. It is likely that a proportion of the large number of caesarean sections carried out on English bulldogs are elective procedures arranged by breeders to avoid any chance of dystocia and the risk of asphyxiation of whelping bitches as might otherwise occur during the normal birth process Harvey .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Dystocia is a severe welfare problem for the affected bitch and, if untreated, it will usually lead to her death. Treatment of a bitch that is having difficulty giving birth involves transportation of the dog to a veterinary practice for examination and imposes further stressors for a brachycephalic dog with breathing difficulties. Uterine contractions are painful and control of this pain is difficult in the home environment, so any delay in the birth process causes more prolonged and severe pain than usual. Caesarean section is usually required to treat English bulldogs with dystocia. Unplanned, emergency caesarean sections are likely to have a higher welfare impact than either natural birth or elective caesarean, and a higher death rate for the puppies. Caesarean sections are major surgical procedures and anaesthesia presents particular risks to brachycephalic dogs because of their abnormal respiratory tracts and breathing difficulties. It is likely that a significant proportion of caesarean sections in English bulldogs are performed electively. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact If untreated, dystocia may continue for up to hours although, as this time goes on, mortality among the puppies will increase. If a caesarean is performed, there will be pain from the surgery for some days although effective analgesia should be available. A further issue is that if live puppies have been delivered and the bitch is to rear them normally then their sucking on a teat close to the surgical wound may cause her pain in the first week, or so, after the procedure. Return to top 4. English bulldogs were found in a study undertaken in Canada and the USA, to be in the top five of the breeds most likely to have elective and emergency caesarians Moon et al .From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are English bulldogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 50, Return to top 5. Diagnosis A normal labour has three stages. In the first stage, the body prepares itself for birth with the cervix relaxing and dilating. During this stage, if left alone, the bitch in the wild would seek seclusion and dig a den. The second stage involves the loss of uterine fluids, progressively more vigorous straining, and birth of the puppies. The third stage of labour is delivery of the foetal membranes and, in dogs, this stage can be concurrent with the second stage, as membranes are sometimes expelled with their puppy. In some cases of dystocia, stage two never starts and dystocia is diagnosed once a dog is recognised not to have progressed from stage one to stage two after about 24 hours. Radiographs can be used to investigate if foetal-pelvic disproportion is the cause and to help in judging if normal birth will be possible. Return to top 6. The part of the canine genome responsible for brachycephaly has been identified and two genes have been implicated Bannasch et al .There are no genetic tests to help determine which dogs are least at risk of dystocia and therefore most suitable for use in breeding. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All female English bulldogs are at risk of this condition. All puppies have the brachycephalic head shape and many bitches are unable to give birth naturally because of this and perhaps also because of pelvic abnormalities. Thus it is very difficult to find a puppy which has not been born via caesarean section. Ideally only puppies born by natural birth from a bitch that did not have dystocia, should be used for breeding. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem It might be argued that breeding from dogs that had been born naturally would help to select for a strain population able to give birth naturally in the future. However, any advantages that might bring would have to be 'weighed' carefully against the risks associated with allowing all births to progress naturally rather than undertaking elective caesarians to preclude the risk of dystocia. It might be possible to assess the size and shape of the pelvises of prospective mothers, as has been described for Boston and Scottish terriers by Eneroth et al .These authors found that bitches in which the pelvis was larger vertically than horizontally were less likely to suffer from dystocia. Breeding from such dogs, and from those with the greatest pelvic measurements, might be a reasonable approach and may be helpful in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this speculative proposal has not been validated and might be hard to undertake in practice. As yet no such scheme is in operation. Given the high proportion of animals that appear to suffer from foetal-pelvic disproportion in this breed, efforts to breed only from a minority judged to have the best chances of giving birth naturally might risk, through diminution of the size of the breeding population, inadvertent selection for other genetic diseases. Selecting for smaller head size in puppies is theoretically possible and, if successful, would probably help in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this might result also in unpredictable changes to other aspects of conformation or biology. Efforts directed at reducing the prevalence and severity of brachycephalic airway disease in the breed eg by out-crossing with dogs that are not affected with this disease would probably have an impact through reducing the severity of the brachycephaly itself. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Bennett D Normal and abnormal parturition. It got to the eighth one and it didn't look like she was sIowing down. Bulldog Cali is an Alapaha blue blood bulldog, seen here with the puppies' father Kongo The puppies nurse and sleep beside their mother, Cali, a rare breed of bulldog 'It was a bit of a traumatic birth and Cali's water broke before some of them were ready to come out. Even though they are only a week old they have grown so much. Nine of the twenty pups sadly died Some of the pups are dark like their father, Kongo, rather than sandy coloured like their mum Sadly nine of the puppies died but Amber still has eleven puppies. Amber works as a payroll and tax consultant as well as running Blue Blood Empire, a company specialising rare breeds. Cali is an Alapaha blue blood bulldog. Although sad about the deaths, she said they weren't unexpected. She said: 'The vet said he was surprised there wasn't more [deaths]. Cali did well to push out the ones that she did. A pic of new mother Cali, pictured playing with the puppies' father bulldog Kongo The pure bred pups catch forty winks. The massive size of the litter may be a record for Amber's home town of Swindon, Wiltshire. They will stay with Cali until they are rehoused 'I thought about going with Disney princesses for the females but after calling one of them Ariel, I decided that it didn't really suit her. I still work part-time but I'd love to go full-time as a breeder. The first birth took place at pm on Wednesday, March .A total of 12 births had taken place by pm on Thursday, March 12 when Cali was taken to the vet. The rest were born over the following hours. Following these recommendations will help you raise as many healthy pups as possible and make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for both your family and your Bullbitch. When you raise a litter, you will feel an enormous sense of having accomplished a difficult task. You will enjoy many pleasurable hours with your pups, if you also make a profit, that is fine. But go into this venture with the realization that you may do everything right and still not raise a single pup. You may be emotionally traumatized by having your favorite pup die in your hands. You may lose every dollar you spend. Do not breed your bitch unless you are sure that you or a responsible person will be available to care for the bitch when she is ready to whelp and have time to care for the pups for the first few weeks. This may even mean having someone to care for the pups for 24 hours a day. If you anticipate your bitch will be due for her boosters at about the time of her season or during her pregnancy, have her boosters given early before the time you expect her to be in season. Before she comes into season, have her checked for intestinal worms and deworm her if necessary. This is for the bitch's good. It will not keep the pups from being born with worms. They will still need to be checked and dewormed. Your bitch should be checked for heartworms within the last 12 months. She should be on heartworm prevention. There is a fairly common misconception that heartworm preventive medicine causes infertility. This is nonsense! Heartworm infestation and heartworm disease cause infertility. Heartworm prevention is an absolute necessity. We recommend either Heartgard or Interceptor monthly. Go to dog shows and compare your Bullbitch to the champions and winning dogs. Decide what your bitch's faults are. Long back, small head, narrow jaw and light bone are the most common faults. Now select a stud that does not have any of the same faults your bitch has. It is not wise to breed to a closely related dog father, brother, uncle except in very special circumstances. Breeding to a very good quality more distantly related relative grandfather, granduncle many times will produce better pups than breeding to an unrelated dog. Breed to a dog that has produced some good quality pups. A champion stud that meets the above criteria will be a better choice for stud than a non-champion. We can provide you the names of serious breeders in the San Antonio area who have proven champion Bulldog studs. See as many studs as possible and choose the one that fits your breeding purposes THE MATING On a normal heat cycle, a bitch is ready to be mated the first time about the eighth to the thirteenth day. There is a lot of variation among bitches. Breeding according to the day of heat alone is not an accurate way of catching her at the right time. Vaginal smears can determine when a bitch is ready to breed. The cells lining the vagina change types when a bitch ovulates and is ready to mate. Bring your bitch in for us to do a vaginal smear about the fourth day of heat for the first vaginal smear. Then we will tell you when she will need the vaginal smear checked again. Do not be concerned if your bitch has a bloody discharge throughout her season. This is not unusual in bullbitches. We breed on the first day the vaginal smear indicates ovulation, skip a day and breed again. If there is any doubt that these were the best days, we will skip a day and breed a third time. Particularly when breeding a bitch that has failed to conceive before, it may be best to breed more than twice. We use only artificial insemination to breed bulldogs. Artificial insemination is easier on the bitch, the dog and the person doing the breeding. When people talk about "natural breeding" of bulldogs, they are really referring to hand breeding. This involves strapping the bitch to a breeding board and physically helping the stud dog mate her. We breed only by artificial insemination, Breeding boards are not used in artificial insemination. Serious breeders who have experience artificially inseminating with their own stud are usually very capable and can do the AI at their house. After you take your bitch home after breeding, continue to keep her away from all males for at least a week. For any bitch that has failed to conceive on a previous breeding, we strongly recommend using Progesterone tests to determine the correct time to breed. This is more expensive than breeding by vaginal smears but is worth the cost. The liver during their season increases fertility, during pregnancy reduces the chance of pups with cleft palates and makes for healthier pups with bigger livers of their own. This increases their chance of surviving any neonatal problems. Either beef, pork or venison liver is fine. Cut the liver into 1 ounce pieces and freeze them five pieces to a bag. That way you can thaw out a new bag every five days and make a pound of liver last 16 days. Some bitches will not eat liver the first day. Try again tomorrow and she will eat it. Some bitches will get loose stools from liver. Stop the liver and give cottage cheese with her food until the stools firm up and then start the liver again. During pregnancy, feed your bitch a good quality food. We recommend Purina Pro-Plan. Feed adult dog food for the first four weeks of pregnancy, feed half adult and half puppy food Purina Pro-Plan Puppy the fifth week, then puppy food through the rest of pregnancy and throughout all the time the mama is nursing pups. Do not feed generic or store brand dog food. With a good quality dog food, we feed no supplements other than the liver. Do not give bone meal or any other calcium supplements. They are not needed and can be harmful. With a bitch that will relax and cooperate, we might be able to feel the fetuses in her abdomen at 3 to 4 weeks. From 4 to 7 weeks, there is a lot of fluid around the fetuses making it difficult to feel them. By 7 weeks, most pregnant bitches will be obviously showing it. Almost all bitches will have some mammary enlargement 3 to 4 weeks after their season whether they are pregnant or not. If her vulva does not decrease much in size after she is out of season, she is probably pregnant. We can x-ray the bitch anytime after 45 days after breeding to determine pregnancy. Withhold food by 8 PM the night before the x-ray and be sure she is given a chance to move her bowels before bringing for the x-ray. Let her have all the water she wants. A sonogram done at 28 days is a very accurate way to determine if she is pregnant. We can refer you to a veterinarian who can do a sonogram if you wish. Even if your bitch does not look pregnant, bring her in one week before her due date for us to examine. A large bitch with only one or two pups can hide them up under her ribs and not appear pregnant. If there is any doubt, have an x-ray taken. If her season and discharge last longer that 3 weeks, bring her back for a check-up. She might be a bitch that just has a longer than 3 week season. Or the extended discharge might indicate an infection. If any time after her season she has a vaginal discharge again, bring her back for an exam and a white blood cell count. She could be aborting pups. She could have a minor vaginal infection or a serious uterine infection. A uterine infection needs immediate attention. The Cesarean Section is scheduled 60 days after the last breeding. We will make the appointment for 8 AM. We will also schedule an appointment for a week before the Cesarean to examine her and answer any questions you have. We can also do the pre-surgery lab work at that time. While this 60 day schedule works almost every pregnancy, occasionally a bitch will start labor before the Cesarean Section appointment. If your bitch starts labor during our regular office hours, call us to let us know you are coming in and bring her to the hospital. We will do the Cesarean. If your bitch starts labor during the night, weekend or holiday when our office is closed, call one of the emergency animal hospitals and take her there for the Cesarean. When you call our regular office number, the answering machine will give you the numbers of three emergency hospitals. We do not do emergency Cesarean surgery during non-office hours. A Cesarean requires a full staff of personnel that we cannot provide during non-office hours. Labor is not nesting or passing a mucus plug. Labor is seeing her abdomen contract and seeing her push. She may pass some fluid or you may see part of a puppy. This is labor and indicates she needs her Cesarean. Bullbitches have a difficult time trying to whelp naturally for a number of reasons. The pups have large heads. The bitch has a small pelvis. A bullbitch that has any breathing difficulty can find that labor is too strenuous for her. A bitch with a large number of pups can get too tired and exhausted before she has the last one. When there are only one or two pups, they are usually larger and more difficult to deliver. Many bulldog pups die during attempts at natural whelping. They could have lived if delivered by Cesarean section. A bitch that becomes exhausted trying to whelp naturally is then not a good anesthetic risk for Cesarean section. It is better to plan for a Cesarean ahead of time rather than make it an emergency procedure. It can be scheduled at a more convenient time than 2 AM some morning. Of course, saving only one pup with the Cesarean that might have been lost free whelping pays for the Cesarean. Most bitches will start nesting a week or so before they are due to whelp. They will gather up towels or scratch in the carpet or dig a hole in the yard to make a nest. This does not mean labor is imminent. While your bitch is pregnant, she has had a mucus plug in her cervix to seal it. She will start passing this clear mucus the last week of her pregnancy. This is normal. At the appointment for the Cesareans section, bring a box full of towels to take the pups home in and a sheet to lay the bitch on in the car on the way home. The bitch will have a heavy discharge for 3 days - red, black, green, almost any color is normal. After 3 days, the discharge should be no more than a little spotting - several half-dollar size spots a day at the most. A heavy discharge after 3 days or a brownish-red tomato soup discharge with a bad odor anytime is an indication of trouble. Bring your bitch back to the hospital. If the bitch has any discharge from her surgery incision, wash it with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before nursing. If the incision is dry without a discharge, leave it alone. If the incision should gap open more than a quarter of an inch or if a lump develops under the incision, bring her back to the hospital. It is not unusual for bullbitches to lie on pups and smother them. Some bullbitches will accidentally step on a pup and kill it or badly injury it. A few bullbitches will intentionally harm pups. For these reasons, we keep our pups in a puppy box and put them with the mama only while nursing. An adult or older child must be there watching all the time the pups are with her to be sure she does not harm the pups. Of course, this is a lot of trouble and takes a lot of time. But bulldoggers have found that this is the best way to raise as many pups as possible. We use a wooden puppy box. If you anticipate raising only one litter, a cardboard box will do. Our puppy box is 32 inches long by 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep. It has a Plexiglas window in the lid. There are holes in the side that can be opened for ventilation. There is a 60 watt light in one end of the box for heat. The light has a rheostat so that the heat can be controlled and adjusted. If you use a cardboard box, you can adjust the heat by using different watt light bulbs and by moving the light closer or farther away from the box. The important thing is to have a rectangular box with the light in one end. Adjust the heat by watching where the pups stay in the box. If the pups stay right under the light, adjust the heat higher. If the pups stay in the other end of the box to get away from the heat, adjust it lower. The box temperature will need to be about 95 degrees the first week, 85 degrees the second week and 75 degrees thereafter. However, it is important to adjust the heat according to what the pups do, rather than according to the thermometer. If pups lie on a hard flat surface all the time, they will become what we call swimmers. Their chests flatten out and their legs spread out sideways. They cannot get their legs under them. When the chests flatten they start having breathing problems. To prevent swimmers, it is important for the bottom of the box to be soft and irregular. We line the bottom of our box with foam rubber egg crate mattress pad material and cover it with towels. Two alternatives to egg crate material are rubber hot water bottles half filled with air and covered with towels or to wad up newspaper into balls to fill the bottom of the box and cover with towels. The first few days the pups should nurse every 2 hours. Put an old quilt on the floor for mama to lie on. If there is any discharge from mama's Cesarean incision, wash it off with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before putting the pups down to nurse. The first few times, squeeze the nipple to get a drop of milk to come out on it and put the pup's mouth to it. Watch to be sure all the pups get attached. Be sure the big pups do not push the little pups away. Allow the bitch to lick the pups to stimulate urination and defecation and to clean them up. If the mother refuses to lick and clean pups, you must use a cotton ball dipped in warm water to stimulate elimination. Rub the pups' sides, genital area and anus with the cotton ball. Pups can not eliminate freely on their own for the first 2 to 3 weeks of their lives. Someone must stay with the bitch all the time the pups are nursing. After you can see that the pups are gaining weight and are sleeping longer than 2 hours before they awaken and cry, you can start slowly lengthening the time between feedings. If the pups are not definitely gaining weight nursing on mama, start tube feeding them. If one pup is not growing like the rest, tube feed him. Also if you tube feed, you can go a longer time between feedings than you can nursing. We will be happy to show you how and help you start tube feeding and get you the equipment you need. Tube feed Esbilac Puppy Formula. If necessary, use Similac baby formula until you can get Esbilac. If for any reason you are tube feeding the pups exclusively, do not neglect stimulating their bowel and urinary functions. Either let mama lick them or use the cotton balls. Put Esbilac in a shallow bowl or pie pan. Put a pup up to the edge and spoon a little formula up to his mouth. Some of the pups will start eating on their own right away. Others will take a few days to learn. Grind the Puppy Chow in a blender to a fine meal. At first, mix just a little ground puppy chow with the Esbilac to make a thin gruel. When all the pups are eating this, gradually make it thicker. To get as close as possible to providing complete protection for your pups from preventable diseases, follow this vaccination schedule until you place the pups in their new homes and recommend that the new owner continue this schedule: Start vaccinations canine distemper, hepatitis, coronavirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus at six weeks old. Repeat this combination vaccination every three weeks till the pups are sixteen weeks old. The last vaccination should also contain Leptospirosis. Rabies vaccination can be given anytime after twelve weeks. If you have pups that did not nurse on the bitch during the first 24 hours of life, start their five-in-one combination vaccine at 3 weeks of age. However the time from 6 weeks to 12 weeks is a very important age for the behavioral development of the pup. During this time the pup must have both interaction with other dogs mother and littermates and interaction with people. Therefore 8 to 10 weeks is the best time for the pups to go to their new homes. Pups that go too early to a new home that does not have another dog in it may later in life have a fear of other dogs or be aggressive to other dogs. Pups that stay with their litter too long before being placed in their new homes may have a hard time adjusting to their new home after 12 weeks of age. If any pups are not going to their new homes by 10 weeks of age, be sure to socialize them to people. Separate them from the litter and give them individual attention for at least 30 minutes every day. All pups should have some contact with children before they are 12 weeks old so they will not be afraid of children later. Of course it is important that they are not hurt by a child early in life. If I send prospective puppy buyers to you, that means that I have recommended you and your pups to the prospective buyer. It does not mean that I am recommending the prospective buyer to you. It is not my place to screen buyers for you. It is up to you to interview prospective buyers and determine which ones can be entrusted with your precious pups. Ask about other dogs in the household. Do they have a fenced in yard? Do they know bulldogs need to be inside air-conditioned dogs? Will they continue the vaccination series? Do they know bulldogs are generally more expensive to care for than other dogs? Is the prospective buyer buying a pup for himself or is he a broker that is going to resell the pup? When you know the new owner is not going to breed or show, encourage the new owner to spay or neuter their pets. Spaying females prevents mammary cancer, uterine infection and accidental pregnancies. Neutering males prevents perianal cancer, perineal hernias and prostate problems. Be sure you are satisfied that your pup is going to a loving home. Tell the new owner that if something happens that causes them to have to give up their bulldog that you will take him back or help them place him in a good home. Fill out the dam's part and send it to the American Kennel Club. They will send you individual forms for each pup to be registered. This takes two to six weeks. They often rank in the top 5 to 10 spots! Bulldogs are brachycephalic, not thanks to their short snouts. They are therefore more likely to snore, snort, grunt, drool, breathe loudly, and have excessive gas. No prizes for guessing who farted! English Bulldogs are frequently quite laid-back and easygoing. They do require some exercise, but a quick stroll will suffice. An English Bulldog gives birth to an average of 3 or 4 puppies in a single litter. Although there are some instances when they give birth to 4 or more, this is really rare and can actually pose a danger to the dogs. English Bulldog births are often quite difficult due to their small birth canal and will require human intervention in the form of Caesarean section in most cases. Although they are a medium-sized breed, they are known to have smaller litters than others in the same category such as Dalmatians and Huskies. Fun fact: the largest English Bulldog litter is shockingly 16, and that accolade belongs to Gucci, who lives in Coventry, England. Her breeder Jay Dhaliwal had to enlist the help of his family to help with this epic delivery! The size of a litter can be influenced by the breeding lines; some lines tend to have larger litter than others. English Bulldog owners who are considering breeding their dogs should talk to a veterinarian or breeder about the size of the anticipated litter. Many other variables, which I go into more detail about in the sections below, will also affect how many puppies there are in a litter. An English Bulldog puppy weighs between 10 to 14 ounces less than a pound! They put on weight quickly though and can be expected to reach 35 pounds by the time they are 6 months old only. The breed standard for an adult English Bulldog is between 40 to 50 pounds females tend to be smaller and the weight can vary slightly depending on genetics, diet, and activity level. All dogs, including English Bulldogs, do not go through menopause and can conceive puppies all the way into their older years. In general, their heat cycle lasts six to seven months or roughly twice a year. However, you should not take it to mean that just because they are in heat, they should be breeding. This is to give them a chance to recover properly. Your dog will experience a lot of stress due to overbreeding, which can result in heart disease, arthritis, and infertility, among other health issues. Stopping early also allows a breeder to spay their dog while they are still quite young and let them enjoy a quality life in their retirement. You should realize the significance of not overbreeding once you take into account that in some countries it is against the law to breed a dog more than four to six times during its lifetime. In the US, the American Kennel Club AKC does not accept registrations for dams that are bred over the age of 12 and under 8 months, and sires that are over the age of 12 and under 7 months. Age of the dam It should not be surprising that as the dam ages, the size of the litter decreases. After your English Bulldog breeds again after the first two times, you would probably see your dam having an extra puppy or two. Interestingly enough, the first two litters are typically smaller than the following ones, likely yielding only 2 or 3 puppies. Try to get your dog spayed long before that time to ensure their general health. Avoid breeding older dogs if possible. Health of the mom Only healthy mothers can give birth to healthy puppies, and that is the truth. Additionally, nutrition has a big impact on how many puppies are born in a litter. All year round, high-quality, protein-rich food should be provided to increase the possibility of producing a larger litter. Mothers who receive inadequate nutrition, especially those who are overweight, frequently have smaller litters. Size of dog In general, dogs within the same breed can differ quite widely in size. This is due to larger body frames in some dogs, just like us humans. Because of that, it also plays a part in the number of puppies an English Bulldog can have. Larger dams typically have a higher likelihood of having a larger litter. On the other hand, if your girl was born in a small litter herself, you can typically expect that she will have a small first litter. Type of breeding It might be preferable to save this topic for a later post given how quickly it could become complex. Just keep in mind that the type of breeding might significantly affect both the number and quality of the puppies. For instance, severe inbreeding will lower the quality of a litter. These difficulties are more likely to occur with two dogs that are closely related. Linebreeding , on the other hand, aims to maintain sufficient genetic diversity while preserving the best genes from a bloodline, making it frequently a safer method of dog breeding. Time of breeding It is said that a dam is more likely to have a larger litter size the closer she is to ovulation. This is defined as the period after the estrogen period when the Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any studies supporting this theory, so at this point, I would say this factor is probably not that significant. When an English Bulldog reaches its first heat cycle, it can start breeding, but this should never be done. They normally have their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 8 months, which is far too young for them to begin breeding. If you want to allow your dog enough time to grow sexually and acquire weight and size, wait until she is at least in her second or third heat cycle. Most ethical and responsible breeders will wait till an English Bulldog is at least 2 years old before breeding them. This would give them sufficient time to complete all the necessary medical checks which can identify potential for inherited diseases or conditions. Most female Bulldogs go through their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 8 months. A useful rule of thumb is that it will go into heat at about the same age that its mother did. Numerous symptoms, including bloody discharge, receptivity to male dogs, restless behavior, and others, can indicate that a dog is in heat.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you planning to expand your family with a little or not so little Dood? However, not all breeders are cut from the same cloth. Of course, there are many great breeders who follow ethical breeding standards. But then there are Doodle scammers and puppy mills , both of which you should avoid at all costs. Extensive health testing is necessary to screen the potential parents for any hereditary conditions, which can often be carried onto the puppies. Likewise, check if a breeder offers a health guarantee for their litters. Reputable Goldendoodle breeders in Michigan should provide at least a two-year health guarantee, which usually covers any life altering genetic conditions. These organizations uphold breeders to the highest health testing standards and ethical breeding practices. However, many of them are recommended breeders by Gooddog. Previous clients often leave their personal experiences on Facebook groups, Reddit, Yelp, or other breed-specific online communities and forums such as the breeder review page here at Doodle Doods. All of their pups live in their home as their own pets. Pups are well socialized and receive all the love and care they need to become healthy and well-rounded dogs. Jubilee Labradoodles provide pups plenty of opportunities for playtime, swimming, walkies on and off leash. In addition to that, puppies are familiar with and desensitized to common household noises and sights. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They follow strict genetic health testing for both their Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, so you can rest assured that your puppy comes from a healthy lineage. Jubilee Labradoodles is also a recommended breeder by Goldendoodles. Puppies go home with microchips, dewormings, and age appropriate vaccinations. Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, gentle dispositions and their eager-to-please attitudes. They are incredibly people-oriented and easy to train! They have a charming sense of humor and an uncanny ability to know when their humans could use an extra snuggle. This blend has a large amount of genetic diversity, so the F1 Goldendoodles appearance can widely vary. For instance, the coat could appear straighter, like a Golden Retriever, it could have the curliness of the Poodles coat, or it could be somewhere in between. While most F1 Goldendoodles will likely shed less than a Golden Retriever, they still have a decent probability of shedding a little and triggering allergy-sufferers. So, if you have dog allergies, you may have better luck with an F1b Goldendoodle which has more poodle and less golden retriever in the mix. F1b Goldendoodles will shed less than F1 Goldendoodles and are suitable for most families with allergies. With the F1B Goldendoodle, you lose some of the genetic diversity, by reintroducing the Poodle. However the advantage is a more predictable coat. The more Poodle DNA a puppy has, the more likely they are to be lower shedding and more hypoallergenic, as compared to an F1 Goldendoodle. So this generation is a safer bet for families dealing with mild allergies. Because this generation is closer to the Poodle than the Golden Retriever, it has a much better chance of being non-shedding and hypoallergenic, although it is important to remember that there are no guarantees. But if allergies are a concern, an F1BB Bernedoodle is the best generation for you to seek out. There will be less genetic diversity than in other generations. Both appearance and temperament are more likely to be Poodle-like. While this means you are more likely to get a hypoallergenic coat, this also means this coat will likely be curly and high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Living with Goldendoodles Separation anxiety is probably the biggest problem that Goldendoodle owners face. Like all dogs, Goldendoodles are pack animals. This anxiety is often worse for puppies than for adult Goldendoodles. For some Goldendoodles, anxiety can lead to destructive behavior. Goldendoodles develop a strong attachment to members of their family due to their affectionate nature. Given their need to be close to you, your Goldendoodle can easily develop separation anxiety when you leave them alone. To avoid this here are some steps you can take to make you leaving a non issue. If possible give your dog some exercise before you leave. Give your dog a special treat each time you leave like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter. Make your comings and goings low-key without a lot of greeting. Ignore your pup for the first few minutes after you get home. Leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you. Health and Life Expectancy of Goldendoodles Goldendoodles tend to be healthier dogs than either of their parents. Inbreeding has left many purebred dogs open to genetically inherited diseases and conditions, but cross-breeding reduces that risk. Speaking to my Veterinarian, Golden Retrievers are on the top of the list for dogs they see that have cancer so it seems as if Goldendoodles will also be more prone to getting cancers. There are known carcinogens in our environments that can contribute to cancer in our dogs, such as — excessive exposure to the sun, tobacco smoke, herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides, as well as air pollution and smog in urban areas, can all aid in the development of cancer. Smaller breeds will live a bit longer than large breeds. Puppies that are Happy, Healthy and Social is our Speciality. This home breeder produces English Teddy Bear Mini and Toy Goldendoodle puppies that are hand-raised and socialized within the family home. Choosing Goldendoodle Puppy Breeders In Michigan Before you start your search for a Goldendoodle puppy to welcome into your life, there are a few things to know about choosing a puppy breeder. Avoid Puppy Mills! Buyer Beware! A good friend of mine recently fell victim to a puppy mill that was advertising their pups on the internet. When she told me how much the breeder wanted for the puppies, I was surprised. The price seemed remarkably cheap for Goldendoodles! My puppy mill radar was immediately activated! The more I heard about this breeder, the more worried I became for my friend. So, I got busy on the net, looking for reviews and taking a closer look at their website. It turned out the seller was using puppy photos that appeared elsewhere on the web on multiple websites! Further digging revealed some dreadful reviews left by people who had visited the kennels and were horrified by the conditions they found there. So, my fingers are crossed for her and her gorgeous furbaby. Breeder Reputation A well-established breeder who has been operating for many years will have a good reputation. Ask local kennels, vets, and dog trainers for their recommendations. All the dogs should be in good condition, friendly, and happy. Check out these posts:. Can You Find the Doodle?? We are committed to helping you find your perfect puppy to love! For those looking for a truly intelligent and loyal pet to add to their family, look no further. Black Mountain Goldendoodles provide you with that perfect companion. Goldendoodles are unlike any other dog breed. Their unique personalities, intelligence, and personable demeanors make it possible for me to start socialization and house training as early as three weeks of age. Many goldendoodles are non-shedding to mildly shedding, making them a great pet for those with sensitive allergies. I have six dogs; two female standard poodles and four males, including one golden retriever and three F1 goldendoodles. Two of my adult breeding males have produced at least puppies each, but my females are young and so have only produced a couple of litters. My goldendoodles are bred on my acre property in northern Michigan, where they share the company of three parrots, eight peacocks, and more than 30 chickens,making them very sociable with other animals. The dogs are also familiar with flying, traveling with us everywhere we go, I offer a health guarantee on all dogs to give you peace of mind that your new family friend will be healthy and happy for years to come. I schedule breedings regularly and require deposits for reserving a pup from upcoming litters. What is a Goldendoodle? Both the Standard Poodle and the Golden Retriever are known for their intelligence and family loyalty. Cross breeding the Poodle and Golden Retriever can be expected to compliment each other. The resulting puppies are vigorous, stable and mentally strong, possessing the best qualities of both parents. Goldendoodles are very loving, sociable, easily trained and loyal dogs known for their intelligence. The Doodle's actions are often comical and it's fluffy appearance reminds one of a stuffed toy. Sometimes just looking at a doodle makes you laugh! Depending on the type of "coat" the doodle inherits from its parents, it can be a non-shedding to mildly shedding dog. This can be very desirable, especially for people with allergies. It has been my experience that the doodles with the tight curls inherited from the poodle parent are the best pick if you are looking for non-shedding. More information on the "Available Puppies" page Jacques and Benny.

Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. There are several things that we take pride in, like, we are a small business and fully intend to keep it that way, we did a lot of research prior to making this decision. We would rather put a whole lot of our time and love into each puppy than have several litters a year. Fast Forward to We're implementing the "Badass Breeder" curriculum Developed by Jeanette Forrey, her approach is similar to what we currently have in place, but she created a "puppy curriculum" that creates a foundation of critical skills. Just when we thought we had all of this breeder stuff figured out.It truly is "Badass. Empowering and not enabling our pups through a curriculum that aligns with the sensitive development benchmarks is changing the quality of puppy by ensuring they are the best they can be. We are not wasting our time "training", but rather laying a foundation that matters. A foundation of critical skills startle recovery, high approach, confidence building, a belief in their own abilities that they will use for a lifetime! Welcome to the new standard. Each litter is born in a comfortable, dedicated Dog room. The whelping area is cleaned at least twice a day, disinfected, puppy pads changed out and all bedding is laundered using a high-temp sanitization mode. Pups are monitored closely every day to ensure that we catch any changes in health early. Military, involves applying gentle stressors to a very young animal for short periods of time, is thought to improve their stress responses later in life. The stressors—which often include removing animals from their litters for short periods, very briefly exposing them to cool temperatures, holding them in different positions, and gently touching parts of their bodies—are applied for a few seconds, once a day, for at least 10 days. Learn more about our training services here. Interested in applying for a puppy? Submit a free, 1-minute application on GoodDog. Apply Now on GoodDog. I feel very lucky to have found SWD after months of searching for a breeder with the right fit for what I was looking for. Jordan provided great communication, knowledge, and advice throughout the adoption process, which was essential to me as a new dog owner. I could not be happier with my puppy, and would recommend them to anyone. Thank you, SWD! From the first time we reached out that we were interested in this breed to bringing our sweet baby home we felt like a part of this family. We were drawn in by their philosophy and mission for this beautiful breed and family dogs and will forever be grateful to be a part of it. Their love and compassion for their dogs and the homes these puppies go to knows no bounds. So thankful to have our sweet girl and will always recommend Southern Water Dogs for families looking for an amazing golden. Thanks so much for helping add to our family. We were kept informed of every major phase of our puppy's development, from conception to when we picked her up. Jordan and Haley did an outstanding job of not only socializing the pups to other people, kids, etc. Our girl is such a confident, happy puppy not only because of her genetics but also because of the way Jordan and Haley raised her! See individual litter pricing within the puppy questionnaire form below this section as pricing varies on repeat breedings, health history and titles within the pedigree. Dams or sires with titles, pedigree of generations of health tested dogs, genetic clearances, titled dogs, repeat breedings of successful prior litters and so forth may adjust the price upward. Our dogs are carefully selected for breeding, and with the time, care and emphasis on breeding healthy puppies that all comes at a price to us. Not every dog we select with breeding intentions actually makes the "health cut" to breed. The pricing reflects the increasing costs associated with health testing parents, and generally that is also often reflected in using good, health tested stud dogs. If you applied in previous years and are on our accepted wait list, the pricing listed at that time will be honored, unless a suitable pup of their gender selected was offered from a previous litter and then refused by the buyer. This allows the buyer who wasn't able to receive a pup from a previous litter due to not enough pups being whelped to carry forward their deposit and the price does not increase in the subsequent litter to them. The deposit tax will be added to the final billing as deposits do not need to be taxed prior to the litter whelping, due to the potential for refund if no pups are produced. This also allows time to determine the state sales tax location, if pick-up is in Minnesota or shipping to a different state. Minnesota sales tax for picking up at our location is 6. The remaining amount of the purchase price including applicable sales tax , less any deposit made, is due at the time of pick-up or the pup's age of eight weeks, unless other arrangements are agreed upon in advance. The remaining amount for puppies that will be shipped is due by the pup's age of six 6 weeks in order for Floden Farm to make travel arrangements, purchase crate if necessary, and schedule vet travel certification for those pups that will fly. We accept credit, debit or check payments via Paypal's secure site, or payment by check. If paying check by regular mail, we need time for the check to clear. Cash is also acceptable at pick-up. Shipping Options In-Cabin by Breeder or Puppy Nanny Shipping Option While we prefer our clients to visit us in person, either Jenn, a family member, or close friend of ours could serve as a flight nanny for you, if shipping by air is desired. A crate would not be provided with this option as we can reuse the sherpa bag for in-cabin flights. Please inquire more about this option and we can calculate the estimated cost for puppy's flight fee, veterinary travel certification, round trip travel of the nanny, nanny fee, and overnight stay if needed for our flight nanny. Shipping fees are non-refundable and must be paid before the puppy's sixth week of age in order for Floden Farm to have adequate time to make shipping arrangements for your puppy's delivery. At this time, air cargo shipping options are unavailable due to Covid. Should cargo shipping options become available, we would be able to offer that to our clients as well. When making arrangements, be sure to allow time for going back through security if returning the same day. Oftentimes a family will make their visit a trip, flying or driving into Fargo ND or MSP airport,renting a car from airport to Floden Farm and enjoying a hotel and then returning the next afternoon after pick-up. We're happy to help you with finding hotel recommendations in that case. Meet in Minnesota Ground Transportation If you need us to meet you along I in Minnesota, we are happy to do so if schedule permits. We also work full-time jobs on top of our puppy hobby. We would bill round-trip business mileage in that situation. Spaying or neutering is not required, however any offspring produced are not AKC registerable unless the difference in price is paid to change to Full AKC Registration. Both types of AKC registration allow dogs to participate in AKC venues such as hunt testing, field trialing, agility, obedience, and others. At 7 weeks we temperament test the puppies, begin making puppy picks with each buyer, and vet check them. Preference is given to Full AKC Registration buyers, as their extra pricing helps us provide genetic testing for their preferred gender. We don't place breeders in upper picks alone because of breeding. If a breeder also shows or partakes in a performance venue, higher consideration is given to that breeder because they strive to prove their dogs. That said, we are happy to work with new breeders and provide what knowledge we have learned over the years to help them breed quality puppies. The breeder and stud owner always has top choices of any male or female. This is why we continue to breed - to further each generation. Preference is also given to those who have history of competing in AKC venues that will further our parent dogs to Outstanding Dam or Sire by gaining titles. Next preference to those who intend to compete in AKC venues for the same reason. Pet homes are not cull homes. Purchase a pet because of the litter and parents. A highly active competition home may not be the best fit for a pet puppy that may occasionally hunt. At 8 weeks of age puppies are able to go to their new homes. Credit, debit, Venmo , or check payments accepted via Paypal's secure site. As a member of the GoodDog breeder program, we can also accept payment through GoodDog. Deposits are refundable only in the case there are not enough pups produced or if the breeder deems the last pup available is not a suitable fit for temperament or other reasons, such as a health issue with the pup. If you state you are willing to accept a pup of the opposite gender, your deposit will only be refunded if there are not enough pups produced of either gender to satisfy our commitment. This is because your name is placed on each gender wait list in the order of deposits received and provides you with more option when it comes to selection based on temperament and other factors. Please review our 4-year health warranty and paybacks page prior to committing. Please complete the questionnaire below and Floden Farm will email you once your application is approved, invoice you through PayPal if needed for the deposit, and any questions you have will be answered. We require a non-refundable deposit fee due to prior non-commitments in order to reduce our time accepting applications to serious inquiries. All responses are confidential. Please be certain to review our puppy pricing page prior to submitting this questionnaire. If you still have difficulty submitting the questionnaire, contact us at .Upon receipt, we'll answer any questions you may have by email and invoice you for a puppy deposit. You're welcome to call us with any questions, arrange a visit, or we can set up a quick Zoom meeting as well prior to placing your deposit. I understand that my deposit fee is considered non-refundable, unless not enough pups of my preferred gender or not enough pups are produced -- should there be an issue with a pup at vet check Floden Farm would also give me the option of deposit fee back or to be placed on a future wait list. Deposit fees are not taxed in case of a refund situation. Deposit fees become taxable when a puppy is actually purchased and the fee credited to the cost of the puppy. Minnesota state sales tax is required of all puppy sales. I understand if I am picking puppy up I may visit the full litter about weeks of age and that full puppy payment is due at the puppy's eighth 8th week of age or at pickup, whichever is earliest, unless other arrangements are agreed upon. An energetic puppy may be better suited for a an active hunting home, for example, rather than a house in the cities with a family that walks on occasion. You may also want to take this breed match-up quiz to help you decide if a golden retriever is right for you! The questionnaire below also helps us determine which pup may connect well with which client. This questionnaire also serves as a reminder for the work a new pup or dog entails prior to placing your hard-earned deposit. So please consider these details as you complete this application to be placed on our wait list for puppies or adults. Thank you!

Is this the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? Where are all these dog mats coming from? The surprising transition from puppy coat to adult coat can sneak up on any unsuspecting dog mom. But the subject of the Goldendoodle coat transition deserves just as much attention as all the other Goldendoodle pros and cons. However, one thing is true for all Goldendoodle puppies. At some point, the Goldendoodle puppy coat will change and the adult coat will come in. Matting can take over quickly Kind of like the month of March, the coat transition may enter like a lion! You may be surprised how quickly the mats coming roaring onto the scene. When my Goldendoodle sidekick Chloe was a pup, her puppy coat was soft and silky and there was not a mat to be found, even in the crevices like the armpits! Meet Chloe. Her puppy coat was silky soft. First under the ears. Then the armpits. Brushing became our thing. Brushing removes dead hair that would otherwise cause mats. Like hair on our human heads, dog hair has to go somewhere. Since Doodles tend to shed less, Goldendoodle grooming is part of keeping the hair from tangling and matting. There will always be hair to manage with any dog, whether low-shedding or high-shedding. With a low-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of grooming. With a high-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of time spent cleaning hair off floors. Either way, you have the joy of being a dog parent! For more about shedding, read my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? It may make you feel overly confident. When the Goldendoodle puppy coat starts transitioning, be ready. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their coat? However, as a rule of thumb, Goldendoodle parents say anywhere between four to eight months and may even be up to two years. What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? When the Goldendoodle adult coat begins to grow in, the puppy coat begins to shed. This creates tangles. If not groomed early, the tangles turn into mats. Since there are so many Goldendoodle coat types, there is not one set example. Some parents will hardly notice the change while other Goldendoodle parents will find what feels like an explosion of mats. What areas are the biggest matting culprits? If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Will stop growing eventually if left alone Straight coat Goldendoodles are the most like a Golden Retriever Expect troubles with shedding Expect allergy sufferers to have a rough time with a straight coat Goldendoodle A positive is much lower maintenance Regardless of the coat type you would expect a softer puppy coat from months, then a transition into the final Goldendoodle adult coat from then on. As a general rule the replacement adult Goldendoodle coat will be stiffer and denser than the Goldendoodle puppy coat. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats All sizes of Goldendoodle from large standards, to miniature or teacup Goldendoodle will all experience some form of coat change. When I spoke to breeders to interview them about the way they can predict the coat type for Goldendoodle puppies, they told me an interesting message. Our F1b tend to have soft fur even as adults. When the change does hit it is not always obvious to the dog parents. The transition to adult coat can be seamless, or it can reveal a surprising final Goldendoodle coat type. There are clues from early puppyhood that you can follow to take the best educated guess about which type of coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have. We wrote a thoroughly researched article telling you what strategies the experts use to predict Goldendoodle coat type from puppyhood. Remember that nature is a lottery, and there still can be surprises! You can see that the experts agree that a Goldendoodle puppy should start being groomed around 5 months of age. If the transition from puppy coat to adult Groodle coat is a difficult one, it is really handy to have a dog that is very used to grooming. Goldendoodles can have trouble with their paws. Have you ever seen a Goldendoodle lick or chew its paws? This is often a sign that something is wrong. Early exposure to paw touching can make it so much easier to four out what is causing Goldendoodle paw licking and fix it. At the least consider getting your Goldendoodle used to bathing and shampooing as needed only from a young age. Should I use special shampoo for the Goldendoodle Puppy Coat transition? When a Goldendoodles does lose its puppy coat around months of age you will be ready for an adult Goldendoodle shampoo. There is little harm in using up the rest of your puppy shampoo. Although it is probably easier to just use a natural, excellent smelling shampoo that is friendly to both puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Dog owners may experience anxiety with the goldendoodle puppy coat transition to an adult coat. Depending on environmental and genetic conditions, growing into an adult coat can take several months to an entire year. More so, there is a myriad of information regarding Goldendoodles losing their puppy fur, but you need to be critical in following this information. However, keep in mind that the coat transition of your goldendoodle requires constant attention. This article will therefore serve as a step-by-step guide to help you learn about the coat transitions that your goldendoodle will experience and how to care for them properly. Puppies of the Goldendoodle breed have a gorgeous coats! Goldendoodles will lose their puppy coat as they get bigger rather than getting a new one. Your puppy has already started the change when you see this. This can vary rather considerably. The beginning of others occurs before or later. The vast majority of breeders expect it to appear before the first birthday. In contrast, its coat will gradually transform when a Goldendoodle matures. The Goldendoodle in your life will only go through this change once. This is comparable to losing baby teeth and replacing them with adult teeth. This shift occurs only once in the life of your Goldendoodle. Depending on heredity and other circumstances, the texture and color of the coat may alter. Do Goldendoodles Puppy Coats Shed? Moreover, the easiest approach to determine whether your Goldie will have furnishings is to consider their age. They are most likely lacking from F1 Goldendoodles. F1B dogs are more susceptible to having them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, it is doubtful that they would develop them as adults. With or without, Doodles are still unquestionably adorable. Goldendoodle puppies will have varying coat colors and patterns regardless of size or generation. However, several breeders have found that Doodle puppies of different ages—F1, F1B, and F2—can have only slight differences. The mini goldendoodle puppy coat transition in your life will only go through this change once. Poodles have a fading gene, so that they might be a different color. However, breeders do emphasize a few telltale features that could provide an early indication of what to expect: Do A Nose Check When a puppy has abundant hair on top of its snout, it is called a mustache, and it is a good indicator that the dog will have a curlier coat. A wavier coat is suggested by hair that is straighter, shaggier, and more beard-like. Curly coats, according to breeders, are indicated by a pronounced mustache. The beard-like shagginess of a wavy coat is especially prominent around the face. The straight-coat goldendoodle puppy typically has a tidy and short muzzle. For example, an F1B Goldendoodle that has been backcrossed with a Poodle has 75 percent genes, increasing the likelihood of a coat with waves or curls. Typically, these dogs do not have a substantial coat shift from puppyhood to adulthood. These strategies for deciding on a goldendoodle puppy coat type are the most accurate. Nothing is guaranteed, and surprises are always possible. Types Of Goldendoodle Puppy Coats? It is difficult to envisage Goldendoodle coats having anything other than curly whenever the issue of this Doodle breed is brought up. Although Goldendoodles with curly coats are well-known, different less frequent coat types include wavy, smooth, and flat. Wavy and curly hair are the most prevalent varieties of Goldendoodle coats, followed by straight and flat. In addition to their attractiveness and sweetness, these charming pets have advantages for humans. Goldendoodles With Curly Coats. For various reasons, this specific style of Goldendoodle coat is extremely popular and in high demand. Curly-coated Goldendoodles are great for people with allergies and have a cute teddy bear look. Because of their curly coat, Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Curly-coated dogs, in contrast to straight-haired dogs, shed significantly less hair, which is helpful for allergy sufferers. To clarify, dogs with non-shedding coats still shed at a far lower rate than those with straighter hair. Curly-Coated Goldendoodles Compared to dogs with straight and curly coats, wavy coat Goldendoodle puppies fall in the middle. Goldendoodles with wavy coats are more prone to shed than those with curly coats but shed less than those with straight coats. But since the wavy coat is between the regular and curly coats, it requires less effort to brush than dogs with curly coats. If you live with people who do not suffer from allergies, a wavy or flat hair coating could be an extra option when selecting your partner. While Goldendoodles with a curly coat require daily combing, those with a wavy coat require brushing only a few times per week. Straight-Coat Golden Retrievers If you desired to bring home a Goldendoodle with a straight hair coat, you would likely find hair everywhere. Typically, a goldendoodle with a straight coat does not require brushing; nevertheless, you should double-check if any household members are allergic to fur. Always certain that no one is allergic, as straight-haired dogs shed huge amounts of hair. While not having to brush your Goldendoodle regularly may seem great, the amount of hair it sheds requires additional cleaning. Daily brushing is strongly advised for Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats. Most of the time, Goldendoodles with a straight coat do not need to be brushed, depending on the situation. F1b Goldendoodle Coat Changes When you look up F1b Goldendoodles pictures on the internet, you will find out recombination between an F1 first generation Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat of the Poodle is a highly desirable characteristic. Most often, F1 Goldendoodles will disappear with a piece of furniture. This greatly enhances the probability of a Curly or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less prone to see a substantial coat change between puppyhood and adulthood. It is typical for the density and coarseness of the fur to grow. This is true in some circumstances. Their adult coat may take on a deeper shade if that is how it is in their native habitat. Alternately, it might lighten up and leave the cute darker characteristics around the face. However, lateral color changes and shifts are common. When Goldendoodle puppies reach maturity, their adult coat is typically heavier and more rigid than their puppy fur. The breeder should know what to anticipate throughout coat transformation. Yes, their coat can be affected by various variables, most of which are health-related, and these common causes may include the following: Sun Bleaching. It can occur if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight. Depending on the extent of the sun damage or bleaching, their deeper hues will lighten significantly, and portions of their exposed fur may turn yellow or white. Grooming Your Goldendoodle coat changes pictures might have darker coat color due to lack of grooming, but it can be lightened and brightened with constant grooming. Grooming your dog on a regular and recommended basis improves not only their comfort but also their physical appearance. Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep them healthy and clean. You should trim their face regularly. Since its natural sheen diminishes with time, it typically seems darker than it did before. A healthier diet will help them shed their darker coat. Puppies of all breeds and sizes go through similar but somewhat different main processes. Pet owners observe the onset of mats and shedding fur in clumps. Their mature fur begins to emerge. Frequently Asked Questions 1. In most cases, a prominent mustache indicates that the puppy will have a curly coat. Unfortunately, not all puppies mature into adulthood with the desired wavy or curly coat and fluffy, soft fur. In addition, the F1B Goldendoodles are the least likely to undergo a drastic coat change as they age, while seeing an increase in coat coarseness and density. This is referred to as fading. Parents of Goldendoodles estimate a lifespan of four months to two years. It is advised to wait six months before giving your goldendoodle puppy her first complete trim down. Related Posts. The golden doodle puppy can be defined as a type of designer dog. The word designer is used intentionally to show the fact that the golden doodle puppy is a crossbreed of two different dogs. The two dogs that are crossbred in an effort of reproducing the golden doodle puppy are the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. The coat transition process is when the golden doodle puppy has its coat change from the puppy kind of coat and adopts an adult kind of coat. This transition can last anywhere from four months and stretch to eight months. Sometimes the transition may go all the way to two years. What to expect and how to prepare for the Goldendoodle coat change at each age? The golden doodle puppy needs to be well taken care of as it grows. There are quite a several things that an owner may want to do and practice as often so as to be sure the coat transition phase takes place appropriately. Giving the golden doodle a good brush regularly is very important because this will prevent the fur from tangling. By brushing the fur regularly will be in a position of removing debris that may be on the coat. One will need to use a brush that is slick since it will work best for the fur of the Goldendoodle. The brushes are available at various pet supply stores. Choose clippers that are designed for grooming Goldendoodle puppies and not just any clippers at the store. Getting a grooming kit will as well be very helpful. One should not use scissors for grooming, because one might end up accidentally injuring the dog. A Goldendoodle puppy needs to be bathed regularly. Washing your Goldendoodle dog in warm water is ideal. One will need to make sure that the coat is scrubbed thoroughly with the use of a shampoo that has been designed for dogs. During the cleaning process, one will get to know the existing coat and how well to handle the cutting of its fur. Dog shampoos are available at stores. Drying the coat of the Goldendoodle is also essential after giving it a warm bath. One will need to completely dry the coat before starting to trim. It is true to say that a wet coat is already shrunken and this makes it difficult to determine the length of the coat to be trimmed. Taking the above steps and practicing them from time to time, will guarantee that the Goldendoodle is well kept and when the coat goes through a transition, the process will be okay. There are three types of coats that are common amongst the Goldendoodles. This is contributed by the fact that the dog in itself is a mixed breed. One might find that one-half of the dogs have a dense, water-resistant kind of coat, whereas the other half may have a coat that is curly and low shedding. The coats will entirely depend on the parents of the dog. One common coat type is the wavy kind of coat. This coat is found to be the most desirable kind of coat for the Goldendoodle dog. The wavy coat is also referred to by some people as the fleece coat. The wavy coat is found to be very low shedding. For this type of coat, a lot of grooming will need to take place to generally prevent knots and clumps on the hair. For the wavy coat, the chances of allergies are a bit low as compared with any other coat. The other coat is the curly coat. This coat tends to look like a poodle coat. The curly coat is way denser than any other type of coat. The curly coat has a low odor and is hypoallergenic. The curly coat will seize from growing when left alone. The curly coat does not have a lot of shedding taking place. The straight coat is also another type of coat that the Goldendoodle dog can have. With this coat, there are some things to expect. One of the expectations is there will be trouble when it comes to shedding. The straight coat is also very low maintenance which is a plus. As the Goldendoodle puppy grows there are lots of things one will need to know about. When a Goldendoodle puppy is born to when it gets to around four months, its coat is usually very soft, and managing it will be very easy. A Goldendoodle puppy owner can prepare himself or herself for this stage by taking the time to play with his paws. An owner can prepare him or herself by purchasing different grooming supplies. One might want to visit a groomer and get the necessary information that will be helpful at the given stage. During this early stage, a Goldendoodle owner may as well want to introduce at-home grooming activities. Making sure the sessions are delicate, positive, and short will be very helpful. The other stage that a Goldendoodle dog owner will experience is when the dog is between four months through the two-year mark. In this phase, one will expect that the puppy coat will generally begin to change and the adult coat will start coming through. This stage will require that the owner takes the initiative of brushing or combing the Goldendoodle daily. One will need to focus entirely on a particular section at a time. Giving close watch to see if the coat does show signs of matting is crucial. A Goldendoodle owner will need to readjust his or her grooming techniques as the dog transitions to the adult phase. Changing grooming tools will be inevitable. In this phase, one will need to note that the face, as well as the muzzle of the dog, might as well change to a lighter color. An owner of the Goldendoodle dog will need to make some modifications to the grooming routine as the dog grows. Some of the changes can be using a simple comfort cut and using a softer kind of touch when it comes down to handling the arthritic paws. Incorporating grooming tables or a hydraulic lift grooming table can be very beneficial. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their puppy fur? The Goldendoodle dogs in general are seen as low-shedding as compared to other dogs. There are no dogs that do not tend to shed their fur as they grow, so this is very common for any dog owner to experience. The Goldendoodle puppy owner would expect that shedding of the puppy fur will take place when the puppies get to around six months and it can go until the ten-month mark. A Goldendoodle owner might want to note that the fur coat on the puppy is a uniform kind of soft fur but as the puppy grows and sheds its coat, one will see that the coat becomes much thicker and stiffer. After the puppy coat of the Goldendoodle sheds one might as well experience a change in the color patterns. The adult coat on a Goldendoodle is found to be lighter as compared to the puppy fur. It is necessary for the Goldendoodle owner to note that not all puppies will shed during the six to ten-month mark. Some of the Goldendoodle dogs may tend to shed their coats a bit late and one should not worry. Some may shed their coats at twelve months. An owner of the Goldendoodle puppy might want to start cleaning its fur as early as five months in preparation for the shedding of its fur. At this point, the owner is encouraged to bathe the puppy with dog shampoo and pay keen attention to its grooming. What adult coat type will my Goldendoodle puppy have? Knowing the exact adult coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have can be extremely difficult to tell but there could be some signs and characteristics that one may see and hope the coat turns out as desired. As the Goldendoodle puppies grow one may notice that the more they grow the more similar they tend to become. Goldendoodle puppies more often than not do change their colors as they go through the process of maturing. Crossbreeding dogs will in one way or the other bring unpredictable results. It is common to find that a puppy may take more after a given parent as compared to the other parent. In this present day, one will find that DNA testing has been embraced by dog breeders in an effort to know which coat a particular puppy will have. This can be a good tell sign of which coat type the puppy will have as it becomes an adult. As a general rule, if the puppy has a mustache that is prominent then one will expect the puppy will be having a curly type of coat as they grow and get into adulthood. If the Goldendoodle puppy tends to have a shaggy beard when one takes a look at the muzzle then chances are high that it will develop a wavy type of coat. What is it like Doodle hood? It is quite true to say that Goldendoodles make the best dog for any person who is a first-time owner of a dog. This is generally due to the fact that the Goldendoodle is friendly, easy to train, and temperamental. There are quite a number of things that every owner of a Goldendoodle should have in mind about the dog. The Goldendoodle tends to form bonds very fast with human beings. This can be very good for the owner since it will not take long before one feels loved around a Goldendoodle. The fact that the Goldendoodle is very quick at forming binds means that they do have separation anxiety when one leaves them. This means one will need to be very cautious when forming functional bonds with them. A Goldendoodle does love to play every now and then. The Goldendoodle has been created in a way that it loves maintaining an active lifestyle. For the owner, this will mean one will need to be willing to be active to meet the expectations of the dog. The Goldendoodle is extremely social and this is something that the owner will need to consider. The Goldendoodle loves greeting new people as well as meeting other animals. An owner of this dog will need to take the dog for outdoor activities from time to time. The coats of the Goldendoodle may get curlier as they age. The coat is expected to shed as they grow. The coat a dog will have as they get into adulthood is entirely dependent on the genetics of the dog. There is nothing much that an individual can do. What is an improper coat on a Goldendoodle? An improper coat is characterized as the hair of a Goldendoodle that is short. This short hair is found on the head, leg region as well as head since they tend to lack the dominant gene. Technically speaking, your Goldendoodle will tend to have flat or rather straight hair all through the body. One can confuse them with the Golden retriever. The term furnishing is used to describe the long hair, eyebrows as well as mustache that tends to give the Goldendoodle the scruffy type of dog look. The furnishings are a dominant trait. An improper coat on a Goldendoodle means that the dog will lack long mustaches as well as eyebrows. The longer eyebrows, as well as the long mustache, are seen as the furnishing gene which gives rise to that specific growth pattern. The improper coated type of Goldendoodle dog is the one that is rarely sought after. Nevertheless, the improper coat is quite easy to maintain and it requires lesser brushing as compared to other coats. The improper coat technically does not give the desired teddy bear texture and look that most people look for. This can be a limitation for families or owners who have allergies. Conclusion In conclusion, the Goldendoodle dog breed is a very nice dog. For an owner to enjoy the full benefits of owning the dog, he or she will need to pay close attention to how the dog is growing and how well to handle the growth at every stage. Owning a Goldendoodle dog can be very therapeutic and engaging. An owner needs to be very intentional with the dog. An owner will need to be involved both emotionally as well as physically so as to make sure the Goldendoodle dog functions optimally. There is also the financial aspect of owning the Goldendoodle dog and an owner needs to be willing to spend on nutrition, grooming, and the overall health of the dog. Related Posts:. The change can be sudden or gradual, and sometimes the texture of the coat will change completely. The fur grows in dense curls that can be tight, kinky curls, or loose barrel curls. Generally, curly coats have virtually no doggy odor and are usually very low shedding. Wavy Coat English Goldendoodles have wavy coats that are also sometimes referred to as fleece coats. This coat type is typically very low shedding, but it does need plenty of regular grooming to prevent matting. Straight Coat Goldendoodles with straight coats take mostly after the Golden retriever parent. These Doodles are the heaviest shedders, making them unsuitable for life in a home with allergy sufferers. These coat types tend to need a little less brushing than the curly or wavy coated types, and they are slightly less prone to tangling and matting. To make matters even more interesting, Goldendoodles commonly change coat colors or get a brighter coat as they age , so it really is a total lottery! Goldendoodle puppies have a fantastic coat! Brushing your puppy removes loose, dead hair that would otherwise turn into immovable mats. So, even though one of the reasons that Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are extremely low-shedding, they do shed. Regardless of what size or generation of Goldendoodle you have, all these puppies will change their coats. Often, Goldendoodles that enjoy swimming and generally get grubby so that they need regular bathing can often lose their puppy coat almost invisibly. Generally, when Goldendoodle puppies change their coats, the mature adult coat they grow is denser and stiffer than the puppy fur. The breeder should be able to give you a good idea of what you can expect during the coat transition period. That said, the process of healthy coat transition can last for as long as two years. When your puppy starts growing his adult coat, his silky, soft puppy fur is shed. You need to be alert to that process starting! All puppies are born with a single coat. You might not notice any change at all, whereas other Goldendoodle parents see a massive amount of matting appearing from out of nowhere. Where Do Mats Form? Mats generally form in areas of friction. Particular hotspots include: Under the collar. By Kern Campbell Goldendoodles require a lot more attention than other dog breeds. So you should be aware of When Goldendoodles shed their puppy coat. Generally, it would be best to groom your Goldendoodle often to keep them clean and attractive. Good grooming also benefits the dog because it helps with its health. In addition, you are less likely to deal with skin and coat issues when you groom your puppy right. Goldendoodle puppies shed or change their coat in 5 to 8 months. After this shedding, the mature adult dog fur often begins to grow. However, you should not be discouraged if your puppy does not seem to shed the young fur since some dogs are late shedders and can take up to 12 months to be done. As for mature adult coats, it can take up to two years for some breeds of the Goldendoodle to have a full adult mature coat. When it grows back it can take anywhere from two to three and a half months to become full length again. Goldendoodles have three different types of possible fur coats. They can be wavy, curly, or straight least common. It will require regular brushing to keep it free from tangling. This type of fur is low shedding and can often be close to non-shedding as you can get. The last coat, the straight coat, which resembles closest to the Golden Retriever, is the least common and the easiest to take care of. The curly coats will have an excess amount of hair on the top of their muzzle, almost making curly looking mustaches on the sides of their nose. The wavy coat will have more straight hair around their muzzle, while the straight fur coat Goldendoodles usually tend to have short tidy hair around their muzzle. Nothing is guaranteed though because each puppy is unique, so these are just some general guidelines of what may happen. From the different styles of hair, to the maintenance required, to the types of brushes to be used, to how often they need to be groomed, the information can be overwhelming at times. Want to learn more? Check out our users guide to grooming and also our 3 Must-Have brushes for Goldendoodles! You might be surprised to learn you probably have the best daily brush for a Goldendoodle already in you. Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog.

Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are.

Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! This mother-daughter team has offered high-quality multi-colored Standard Poodles for over ten years. Alternatively, potential owners can inquire about applying as a guardian home or for the stud program. Microchipping is available for an additional fee before bringing your new best friend home. Keep in mind that these breeders do not permit in-person visits, but will arrange FaceTime sessions. Meadowbrook Standard and Mini Poodles Location: West Plains, Missouri Telephone: Email: [email protected] Meadowbrook Standard and Mini Poodles sits in West Plains, Missouri, and raises AKC registered standard and miniature Poodles of red and red and white colorings that receive genetic testing and are family raised for the best health and temperament. Each puppy will have its tail docked and dew claws removed, along with some training fundamentals before going to its forever home. In addition, they will receive deworming and up-to-date vaccinations, a health guarantee, and a vet wellness check. They will also have a scented blanket, a toy, and a food sample. You can secure your new puppy with a non-refundable deposit. They strive to provide high-quality companion puppies to dog lovers that want a healthy dog with optimal health and temperament. Their new Poodle puppies come home with a one-year health guarantee, deworming and recent vaccinations, microchipping, and a complete vet check. They will also have APRI registration American Pet Registry , a sample of puppy food, instructions for your new pet, and breeder support. They specialize in offering black and brown medium Poodles, also known as Klein or Moyen Poodles. These specialty dogs sit between a standard and miniature Poodle, making them an ideal size for many homes and dog lovers. Dew claws are left intact, and puppy tails are docked long. All puppies receive deworming and proper vaccinations, with optional microchipping for an additional cost. Your new puppy will also have a collar, toys, blanket, shampoo, treats, and food when you pick them up. Joseph, on eight acres of land as a reputable AKC toy Poodle breeder. These breeders are committed to providing the love and care all puppies need for a healthy start in life. Their puppies have a one-year health guarantee, full AKC registration, complete vet health check, and up-to-date vaccinations. They are one of the finest poodle breeders in Missouri, striving for optimal AKC registered Standard Poodles that receive proper genetic testing in their breeding program. Outlaw Canines has the right Poodle for your needs, whether you want a companion pet, a therapy or service dog, or a show dog. All puppies from Outlaw Canines have a two-year health guarantee, AKC limited registration, deworming, and appropriate vaccinations. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Missouri? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Missouri. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for Missouri Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Missouri? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Missouri? The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Missouri? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Missouri for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Missouri? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Missouri? It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! The poodle puppies for sale in Missouri through Sunset Acres Kennels are also highly trainable, intelligent, active, alert, and, maybe above all else, faithful. Sunset Acres Kennels specializes in providing Poodles that would make perfect pets as well as Poodle puppies that could one day be used for show. As Poodle breeders, we make it a priority to raise quality Poodle parents that produce happy and healthy Poodle puppies for sale in Missouri. Additionally, we offer a health guarantee that extends for 1 full year on genetic issues. That alone should make our available Poodle puppies look even more attractive to you than they already do. We even take the time to teach our customers about Poodles by breaking down information on their dog breed. This will ensure your satisfaction with our available Poodle puppies and put you in position to raise your puppy and love it for many years to come. Do you want to know more about one of the Poodle puppies for sale through Sunset Acres Kennels? Give us a call at today to express your interest in purchasing Poodle puppies in Missouri. Carly This beauty is Carly! She is a lovely female Poodle puppy with an adorable teddy bear face, and cute short legs. She has a wonderful petite compact body and a fabulous soft coat of hair. Carly is sure to be an eye catcher as she is definitely the pick of the litter! He is as handsome and loving as they come. He is Limited Registration. Chad will be sure to win your heart over with just one look. This little pup is always up for anything. He loves to play with toys…. Read more » Mickey Meet Mickey! He is Limited Registration, for Full Registration will be ,00 more. Mickey will be sure to win your heart over with just one look. He loves to play with toys. When he is all done with… Read more » Chance Meet Chance! Chance will be sure to win your heart over with just one look. Read more » Georgi Meet Georgi! Georgi is a playful little girl that is super friendly. Georgi will arrive healthy, happy, and current on vaccinations and vet checks. Plus you will get… Read more » Skipper Skipper is the perfect little guy! He has both great looks and a great personality! This little sweetheart will bring tons of love into your home. He is… Read more » Snooopy Snoopy is the perfect little guy! He is… Read more » Buster Are you ready to fall in love!? Buster is the most precious little munchkin ever! If you are looking for a puppy with all the perfect qualities, then look no further! Fancy is a real show stopper that will steal your heart! Flirt is a playful little girl that is super friendly. He is… Read more » Do you have a question?

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