french bulldog puppies uk

You have found your new baby boy. Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Once your tiny little puppy grows into adulthood, they are a good size for apartment or house living as long as they get out for plenty of exercise! Boxer Puppies for Sale. Dallas Boxers for sale are a medium to large sized dog breed and range from about inches tall and can weigh in anywhere from pounds depending on the sex. Boxer Puppies for sale in North Carolina. Dallas Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Dallas, TX Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to. We are located in Lebanon Missouri! All boxer puppies are carefully evaluated, it is important we find the best. Boxer Puppies for sale in Dallas County, tx from top breeders and individuals. Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas, Texas. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. We have four beautiful boxer puppies for sale. Why buy a Boxer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Boxer puppies in Dallas who need a home. Down the Waiting List For Families to. Big Mac and Muscletone's Seneca aka the Bluerilla dropped 6 beautiful pups. The other male is whit AKC Boxer pups .Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. There is no set price for Texas Boxer puppies for sale because there are so many factors involved. Boxer dogs were originally bred to be medium-size guard dogs. Boxer Puppies For New Homes. The best thing to do is start your search and get an overall idea of the type of price you can expect to pay. Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas, TX from trusted breeders. Sign in to your account to message breeders and set alerts for your searches! If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. We have two males and two females. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Dallas Ft Worth. Tina is a pure breed French Boxer. Different breeders charge different prices for their Boxers, which can be influenced by factors including color, size, gender, Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been. These puppies are, adorable, very playful and eager to meet their. Dogs for Sale in Dallas 1 - 15 of 27, History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by hunters for chasing large game. Receive an email alert when additional puppies are added. Dallas Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Dallas, TX Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. They will be ready the week of October nd to go to their new forever home. Selling boxer pups brindle reverse brindle fawn flashy fawn males and females. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Dallas Ft Worth. All boxer puppies are carefully evaluated, it is important we find the best match for you and your family. Gorgeous gift for Christmas taking deposits right now dew cla more. Puppies have beautiful heads and will be ready for new homes at 8 weeks old. Now Im living the high life in a foster home! The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Find Boxerdoodle dogs and puppies from Texas breeders. When we Post The 5 or 6 Week Puppy. Are Boxers trainable? Are Boxers friendly with kids? Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Please call if you are interested in adding one of our Boxer Puppies to Your Family. All pups are registered through AKC on limited or full registration. See Available Puppies. Boxer For Sale in Dallas .Back; Search; Boxer puppies for sale, 11 total available. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Diesel is as adorable as a puppy can be. Then they brought me to this scary shelter. Nickname: White boxer on PuppyFinder. Last white boxer puppy. The American Boxer Club was established in .Items Included: Crop tail already. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Different breeders charge different prices for their Boxers, which can be influenced by factors including color, size, gender, and more. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. If you are unable to find your Boxer. Boxer puppies for sale Dallas, Texas October 13, .He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Boxer For Sale in Dallas County .Find the Perfect Boxer. Most Popular Boxer Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Boxer names for after analyzing Boxer puppies for sale. At Vincenza Boxers we provide health tested , champion boxers for stud services on approval. Make sure to frequently wash water and food dishes. Boxer puppies for sale, 11 total available. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. Select Their Puppies!!! Please call if you are interested in. We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly. Champion Bloodlines Show Potential. They loves other dogs and loves playtime with her bully stic. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Boxers definitely live up to that brave reputation, but there's more to it—the breed is. In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Texas. Contact us only via text at xxxxxxxxxx since i don't always login my account. Boxers were bred to be noble, intelligent and protective dogs. One male and both females are fawn and white. Boxers for Sale in Dallas. Phone e-mail: brandonbaeza yahoo. Boxer puppies in Dallasadded 7 new photos. These Boxer puppies will be ready on Saturday October 16th. Pictures we start the process of Going. Vincenza Boxers occasionally has a breeding, always planning to promote quality structure and most balanced temperaments. Boxer puppies in Dallas. You have found your. We have 2 boxer puppies available, 1 male and 1 female. Check our cute Boxer puppies for sale. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? This is often the case and can be for several reasons. Do I have to choose from local breeders near me? Not at all! How are breeders selected for your network? This is because we have high standards when it comes to Boxer for sale Dallas and care about connecting homes like yours with only the top notch breeders and business in the industry. Learn more from our Breeder Pledge and find Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas now. You can take a lot of the negative stress out of your Dallas Boxer puppy for sale puppy search by choosing to work with Uptown Puppies. We are highly selective when it comes to breeders and businesses in our network, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your puppy is coming from an ethical breeder or business. Should I worry about puppy mills? There are plenty of them and they are essentially factories that produce as many puppies as possible with no care for the well being of the animals in their care. These puppies often have health problems down the road. Are there puppies available now in your network? Once you decide to work with Uptown Puppies and look for Dallas Boxer puppies for sale, you can start browsing through available puppies right away and get one step closer to finding your dream companion. Boxers have ancestors that can be traced as far back as B. They were originally bred as hunters and became more popular across Europe in the 16th century before coming to the U. Are Boxers good family dogs? Boxer puppies Dallas are considered great family dogs because of how much energy they have and how much they absolutely love to play! Their playful energy allows them to keep up with any equal energy children in the household! They also bond quickly with all members of the household, and like to take on a guardian role. What can I expect with a Boxer breed? Boxers are so popular and beloved for a good reason, they are charming, playful and dedicated companions who brighten your day with their affection. You can expect for Boxers for sale Dallas to be high energy and always ready for the next adventure to go on. They also will bond with you quickly and are able to be trained easily. How big is a full grown Boxer? Dallas Boxers for sale are a medium to large sized dog breed and range from about inches tall and can weigh in anywhere from pounds depending on the sex. Once your tiny little puppy grows into adulthood, they are a good size for apartment or house living as long as they get out for plenty of exercise!

These are dogs that are strong, intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and loyal. The breed excels as a guardian and these dogs can be trained to perform a range of important tasks. But most of all, this is a dog that protects the ones he or she loves and holds dear. Naming Advice When it comes to naming your German Shepherd, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind. Check out these super cute Pet ID Tags! Personality Finding the right name may not be immediately apparent, and sometimes it takes a while to decide which moniker fits your pup best. Wait for his or her personality to fully emerge before choosing the ideal name. Spend a little time with your new friend and the perfect name will come. Name Length A good rule of thumb is to keep the number of syllables in the dog's name to one or two at most. Three is acceptable but the shorter the name, the easier it is for your dog to hear and respond to commands. Clear communication is imperative for German Shepherds, particularly during training. Avoid Confusion Some names may sound like commands and this will only serve to confuse your pup. If you name your German Shepherd something that sounds identical to those and other commands, obedience is going to be an uphill battle for both you and your pet. Perhaps one of these names will fit your pet best, or maybe these names will help you think of the best possible name for your particular pup. German Shepherds have distinct personality traits and all of these names can reflect those attributes every time you call his or her name. Many dogs will learn their names with no formal training. But name training your dog is fun and gives a chance to bond. Use this guide to help your dog learn their name quickly! The training is the same to teach a new puppy or older dog. Get your supplies ready and start right now! When your pup looks at you or comes to you, give him a reward! During the day repeat step one many times. Offer a reward every time your dog looks or comes to you. Give a tasty treat, pets, praise, or play with their favorite toy. Continue with steps one and two. Now try different locations and distances in your home. Call your pup from another room using their name. Add in distractions. Practice in a busy kitchen or living room. When they come to their name with different indoor distractions and distances practice outdoors. Work with your dog on a leash outdoors in your yard. Use different distances to call your dog with their name. Add in different distractions, like having your friends walk by waving their arms. Practice these tips for 1 — 2 minutes at a time, 5 — 6 times a day. Make the sessions fun for your new dog! When your dog responds to their name by looking at you or coming to you in a variety of locations with different distractions, they are name trained! Now that you know how to train your pup, have fun choosing the top GSD names! Naming Your German Shepherd Choosing a name for your German Shepherd is fun and starts the beginning of their new lives with you. The hardest part is choosing between all of them! Whatever name you choose for your GSD invest in obedience training. Training helps keep your dog happy. And you and your family enjoy the best from your obedient German Shepherd for years to come. Found this helpful? Share it? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts.

That being said, you might have some questions regarding your specific situation. For example, what if you work long hours? Can a Golden Retriever be left alone for a long time? Golden Retrievers actually do fine left alone if you take the proper precautions. For example, your dog will need a bathroom break every 3 to 5 hours. Also, your dog should have access to water throughout the day even if they are inside. Will your Golden Retriever get lonely? Leaving your Golden Retriever home alone takes some special consideration. Hopefully, you are considering this before you brought your puppy home. If you already have a dog, then you may need to act quickly to make the long day more pleasant for your Golden buddy. What could go wrong leaving a Golden Retriever alone? Well, these seem to be the obvious concerns that get people to ask the questions in the first place. I can think of a handful of potential disasters you could find returning home after a long day of work. Destroyed furniture Doggy-bathroom stops all over the house Damaged shoes or other clothing While you have probably already considered these potential problems, there are some other things that you may have overlooked. For example, what if your dog struggles with versions of separation or isolation anxiety I will get a little more into these in a hot second. Any kind of anxiety will likely lead to some destructive behavior while you are gone. Another thing you should consider is if your dog is house trained. A rescue dog from a local shelter may come with the benefit of being already potty-trained. This is a major upside if your lifestyle requires you to leave your dog at home alone for long periods of time. There is so much to learn when it comes to your Golden Retriever. Make sure you check out my book on what I think is the sweetest breed in the world. I explain where the Golden Retriever comes from both the myth and the reality. I also get into some of the dangerous health issues that face Golden Retrievers. Some of them are preventable if you know what to look for and catch them early enough. There is also a chapter on how dogs think and how that changes the way we train our Golden Retrievers. I am sure that you will find new information that will help you and your best furry buddy. Check it out today on Amazon. If your dog turns the house into a demolition zone while you are gone, then you need to consider a few questions: Does my Golden display signs of anxiety as I am leaving the house or when he thinks I am leaving? Look for trembling, hiding, uncontrollable bowels, pacing, or tail tucking. Some dogs act normal when you are getting ready to leave for the day, and then progressively gets worse throughout the day. This kind of behavior suggests that the dog is just experiencing boredom rather than anxiety. If you need more information about anxiety in Labradors or Golden Retrievers, check out this article on how to address some common issues related to anxiety in dogs. Remember, that some anxiety runs deeper than others, and you may end up having to get the help of a professional. However, read this first to see some of the tips I suggest when someone describes a dog with anxiety issues. Crates are no place to spend all day long One of the solutions that some Golden owners turn to is the crate. If you are going to be gone for a long, extended day, then a crate is not the solution. Your dog loves sitting in his crate if you have crate trained him correctly. For him, his crate is like your favorite chair or spot on the sectional. Gunner Kennels are the best kennel on the market, but you should not leave your dog in one of these all day long. That does not mean that you want to be pasted into that one spot for eternity. There are some really serious issues that can stem from leaving a dog in a crate for too long. Dogs have to go to the bathroom regularly. If you leave a Golden Retriever in a crate for too long, he will eventually go to the bathroom. In addition to the tidiness issues, you can also introduce serious health concerns by leaving your dog in a crate all day. Retrievers are already susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. Although this disease is genetic, there are some studies that show the disorder can be developed in other ways. What causes hip dysplasia in dogs? The first likely culprit is bad genes if mom or dad passed it on. There are, however, environmental factors that can increase the probability that a dog gets hip or elbow dysplasia including insufficient exercise, obesity, and poor nutrition. How long is too long to leave a Golden Retriever? So, if you have no other choice but to leave your Golden Retriever home alone, then you are going to want to know how long you can leave him. That will depend on the setup you have. Consider these questions before you try to settle on how long your pup is okay on his own. Are you able to leave your dog loose, roaming the house or do you need to confine him to a smaller space? Does your dog have the ability to relieve himself during the day or does he need someone to let him out for potty breaks? Is your Golden Retriever going to get bored during the day or have you prepared some form of mental stimulation during the day? Does your Golden have access to sufficient water and food or will you have to be there to divvy out the rations? Is the temperature-controlled or will your dog be stuck outside in the event of an unexpected change in weather hotter or colder? Bored dogs can cause problems at home all alone. Is your dog going to have room to roam? If your dog can get up and wander around without a problem and even run a bit, then your Golden can stay home for a while. What if your dog is going to be confined to his properly-sized crate? If a crate is your only option, then you should not leave your Golden Retriever alone while you are at work. What about potty breaks while you are gone? If your dog can get to an appropriate bathroom place completely on his own, then this will not be a limiting factor. On the other hand, if your dog requires you to let him out or back in, then you cannot leave him alone as long. You or someone else will have to visit your dog at least every 4 to 5 hours depending on his age. Puppies will have to get out even more often than that. What will your Golden Retriever do for fun while he is alone? There are several different scenarios that might keep your dog mentally stimulated throughout the day. For example, take a KONG toy and fill it with water-soaked dog food. Then hang it from a string. The more of these kinds of things you have around your house, the longer your Retriever will be okay on his own. Can your dog take care of his thirst on his own? Unlike food where you can limit how often your dog eats to once or twice a day for older Golden Retrievers, your dog should have access throughout the day. Especially in the summer. This should be pretty easy. If you need to, just buy an extra water bowl and make sure that they are both filled when you leave. Will your dog be able to handle a sudden change in temperature or weather on his own? I know that the weatherman where you live is probably never wrong. Where I live, however, it seems like I have a better chance in Vegas than the weatherman getting the weather right on any given day. What will he do if it turns cold? What if it starts raining? Does your dog have a place to go to get out of these unforeseen turns in temperatures? Your dog needs an insulated dog house or a doggy door into your garage. Too hot or too cold can be too dangerous for your dog. If you ever wondered what is too hot or too cold, then you need to check out these articles. I explain what temperatures are dangerous for your Retriever and why they can or cannot take the different degrees. What about Golden Retriever puppies? Puppies are a totally different story. Puppies are high maintenance. You have to get them out more often. When it comes to puppies you need to establish and stick to a serious feeding and crate schedule. This is the only way for your to puppy to get the nutrition he needs to feed his growing body. Check out this video for more information on establishing a crate training schedule that will expedite your crate training success. Ways to successfully leave a Golden Retriever home alone There are several things you can do to successfully leave a Golden Retriever home alone. Some of them I have mentioned above. Leave your Goldie with some puzzles with hidden surprises. I already mentioned the KONG treat hanging from a branch in the yard or the underside of the table. This is the Trixie Activity Flip Board. Your dog has to move the different pieces to get the hidden treats. Prices on the internet change sometimes from day to day. Click here to see how much the Flip Board is today. You can fill this with treats before you leave. While you are gone, your dog has to push it around to get his reward. You can click here to see how much it is today. So, why not let your puppy in on the action. Your pooch may find a favorite TV show or movie that will keep him occupied for a couple of hours. No reason that your Golden Retriever cannot take part in a Netflix binge of their own every now and then. Here is one of their videos from YouTube. Check out their channel to see several examples of what you get from a subscription. Pet experts and scientists have designed the programming to do one of three specific things: relax, stimulate, and expose. The exposure programs can be especially helpful in your socialization program. Come home for lunch Sometimes, if you can arrange it right, you can come home during lunch and give your dog an extended break outside. If you live close enough to work or can take an extended lunchtime , then you could give your dog just enough exercise and stimulation in the middle of the day to last until you get home for the evening. Get someone to let your pooch out Depending on your relationship with your neighbors, you can ask one of them to get your dog out once or twice during the day. This is usually not a problem if leaving your dog a couple of times. Get a dog walker If you are looking for a long-term solution, then consider a local dog walking service. Depending on the options in your area, you can usually arrange for someone to come to your house every day at a specified time and walk, feed, and water your dog. Doggy daycare Now we are talking the upper-level solution to leaving your Golden Retriever during the day. This is, without question, the most expensive solution on my list. Prices will vary depending on the services that you get your Goldie. If you get a monthly package you might save on the per day cost. Bring your dog to work What if nothing I have mentioned works for you? Well, you can do what I do. Every now and then, I throw my dog in the back of the truck and take her to work. In fact, today, I took both of my dogs with me to work. There are some things that you will need to make sure of before you get carried away. For example, if your Golden is a barker, then your other co-workers will probably not appreciate you bringing your dog. Also, if your schedule is cram-packed with meetings, this is not a good option. I only take my Labradors with me if I know that I can get out of the office about every hour and a half to two hours so that my dog can get out and get out and run around for a bit. Conclusion Like everything else with owning a dog, whether or not you can leave your Golden Retriever alone depends on your specific situation. If you live on 40 acres and your dog can just run around all day long with a way to get inside if the weather turns ugly, then absolutely you can leave him home. He will thrive in that situation. There is not a cut and dry answer for every situation. But, basically, if you feel like you have to have a Golden Retriever, then you can work something out to make it work even if your job keeps you away from home. Pin me! But, of course, most dog owners at some time will have to leave their Golden Retriever home alone. It may be because you work, or you need to step outside to run errands. So, can you leave a Golden Retriever at home alone? As a whole, Golden Retrievers can be left alone with no issues, provided they have access to water and chews toys. However, someone should check on the dog within four to six hours, and owners should teach their Golden Retriever how to be alone to mitigate separation anxiety issues. Owners should also consider a confinement area for their Golden Retriever. Many adult Golden Retrievers can have access to the whole house once they are mature enough, but that is specific to the individual dog. Just be forewarned; even the most responsible and mature Golden Retriever may decide to roam the house and get into things if bored. Also, be aware that Golden Retrievers puppies can be a handful. Golden puppies are very active, high-energy, and dynamic. In fact, I might suggest you read this article I wrote if this is your first time with a Golden puppy. It will give you an idea of what to expect for the first two years of puppyhood and maybe beyond , and you can find it here: How Active Are Golden Retriever Puppies? What You Need to Know Also, if you are a first-time Golden Retriever owner, take a few minutes to read this article on what to expect. A Golden Retriever that has been crate trained can also be left alone with minor issues provided they have access to water, and the dog is allowed to relieve themselves at appropriate times during the day. However, I think a larger confinement area is better and more comfortable for the dog. Confining the dog to a large enclosed room or playpen restricts its movements while allowing access to move about, stretch its legs and still have a water dish and plenty of toys available—something a crate does not allow. A larger containment area also has the benefit of allowing the crate to be placed within the enclosure. In this way, your Golden can move freely out of its makeshift den crate as it desires. You can also place a sod box a box with real or fake grass in the corner of the confinement area for a puppy to relieve itself. Ideally, however, you want someone to check on the puppy to allow it to go out regularly, so it learns to do its business outside rather than inside. Confinement areas also ensure your Golden Retriever is safe. Dogs, especially puppies, are curious and can get into some very unexpected things that could be harmful. Make sure you dog-proof any area used, regardless of where you decide to keep your Golden Retriever. Hold up. I wrote an article discussing how to puppy-proof your home if bringing a Golden Retriever puppy home. Also, be mindful of your living situation. While Golden Retrievers typically do not bark a lot, they can bark if left alone for too long or bored. While barking may not be a big issue if you live in a house, it can be problematic if you live in an apartment or condo with adjacent neighbors. Another issue is high temperatures, especially if living in a higher floor apartment without air conditioning. Golden Retrievers can struggle in extreme heat, and steps should be taken to ensure they are safe. So, how long can a Golden Retriever be left alone? On average, adult Golden Retrievers can be left alone for about four hours and no longer than six. Beyond four hours, someone should check on the dog and let them out. Puppies can be left alone only for 1 hour plus their age in months to a maximum of four hours before needing to relieve themselves. Imagine how important this is. What if your boss told you that you had to stay in your office for the whole workday. You and your kids could not leave to stretch your legs or to go to the bathroom. Would you consider that acceptable? Hopefully not. So, allow your Golden Retriever the same act of kindness and respect. Now, many Golden Retrievers can hold their bladders well beyond four hours. Aside from giving your Golden Retriever a bathroom break during the day, there is also a social and exercise element. Golden Retrievers are a sensitive breed of dog that bonds very closely to their owners. So, just like your Golden Retriever needs a bathroom break during the day, it should also have some social interaction and some time to stretch its legs and move about. The good news is that breaks and social interaction can be accomplished together if you have someone coming in to let your dog out. Check out his video below from Rachel Fusaro. Rachel discusses how long to leave a dog alone and offers some helpful guidance. More specifically, do Golden Retrievers do well if left alone? Typically Golden Retrievers do very well left alone provided they are taught to do so and are provided necessary bathroom breaks during the day. All dogs need some exercise, and most are very social creatures; however, some dogs are more active and sociable than others. Golden Retrievers are one of those breeds. While Golden Retrievers make excellent house dogs , there are a few things you can do to ensure your Golden Retriever adjust well to you being gone. First, take your Golden Retriever out for a walk or play session before leaving. Goldens are an active breed that enjoys being wherever its people are. But, unfortunately, that means that if your Golden is left alone all day long without any breaks or social interaction, it can develop separation anxiety. To remedy this, make sure you have someone come in to check on your Golden if you plan to be gone longer than four to six hours. There are options available in these situations, and they can easily be managed with a bit of planning and preparation. Lastly, one of the most important things you can do is provide training beforehand to mitigate separation anxiety. I wrote an in-depth article on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. Of course, these tips apply to older Goldens too. But many people work night shifts or may have a night away for some reason. So, can I leave a Golden Retriever alone overnight? Golden Retrievers over six months may be left alone overnight, depending on their training and personality. Some dogs may be OK, whereas others may be anxious and prefer not to be alone. Puppies under six months should not be left unattended overnight due to bladder issues and their dependence on you for care. Keep in mind that it is impossible to address every situation and dog with a yes or no blanket statement. So, in some cases, it may be doable, and in others, it is not. Context does matter as well. For example, if you have to head out for a couple of hours to help a friend with car trouble, it might not be a big issue versus working all night and sleeping all day. Do you see the difference? So, if you guess wrong and your dog hates being alone overnight, it may develop anxiety and behavioral problems. Overall, however, there are some potential concerns that owners need to be cautious of and consider. First, be mindful of how long your Golden Retriever is going to be left alone. Leaving the Golden Retriever alone all night, followed by even more solitude the next day, is not healthy for the dog. Dogs are social creatures and need companionship. The biggest issue that I see is that there are limited options to check on your dog at night, unlike in the daytime. Another issue is what has your Golden become accustomed to for its sleeping situation. For example, if your Golden Retriever sleeps with you at night or at the foot of your bed, and suddenly you are gone, how will it react? And, how will you know if your dog is becoming distressed or not? Golden Retrievers like routine and are sensitive to changes. He sleeps wherever we are and does not like to be alone at night. Nights are not the same as the day, and your Golden Retriever may become more easily distressed or scared at night versus the day much like kids , especially if you are suddenly not there. Lastly, why are you considering letting the dog stay alone overnight? Are you taking off to Vegas for a weekend? Is it a new job? Is it a short-term situation, or will it be a long-term one? Remember, lifestyle is the most significant determinant in matching a dog to a household. If a home has little to no time to spend with a Golden Retriever, consider waiting until your lifestyle is better aligned to caring for a dog. For example, consider leaving your Golden Retriever with a friend or family member. Or book a night or two with a dog sitter yes, some will watch your dog overnight, albeit usually for an increased fee. In this way, your Golden can still have its needs met and is well taken care of. Often Golden Retriever owners need to be away for more than a few hours and even a few days. Under no circumstances should a Golden Retriever be left alone for days unattended. Golden Retrievers are dependent on us for food and water and need companionship and exercise. Have someone check on the dog every 4 to 6 hours, or consider using a third party e. Yes, I understand that sometimes life happens, and we may need to be away for a few days. And, unfortunately, taking your Golden Retriever with you during these times may not be doable. I get it. Instead, have someone come in a few times a day to let your Golden Retriever relieve itself, to provide some companionship and exercise, and to feed and water it. In that case, one day can be manageable, maybe two depending on how often the dog is being checked on. Like small children, Golden Retrievers are dependent on us to meet their needs, so leaving them unattended for days should not be done. Consider this. Would you be comfortable leaving a two-year-old child alone for days? Why not? The answers to those questions are pretty much the same reasons you should not leave your Golden Retriever alone for days unattended. The most obvious option is to ask friends or family. Often our loved ones will jump at the opportunity to watch your Golden while gone. In fact, why not ask friends or family well in advance if they might be willing to watch your dog in an emergency. In this way, you know beforehand if that is an option. If it is not, then you need to consider other options. Most daycares are well equipped to board your Golden Retriever for days and offer both services. BAR posing for the owners at doggie daycare — this is his happy place. Or consider hiring someone to watch your dog while gone. Many teenagers will sit for dogs, not different from kids. Alternately, many dog walkers also offer sitting services and may take your dog in their home for a few days or provide the service at your home. For example, we recently had a wedding to attend out of town. So, while we expected to be home to pick up Bailey, we advised the daycare that we would text them to let them know if we were running late. However, we also asked a family member if they could pick up Bailey before the pm cutoff, and luckily they were able to accommodate us if required. So, either way, we had our bases covered. A bit of pre-planning beforehand can save a lot of stress and anxiety down the road. It is not a good idea to leave your Golden Retriever alone for more than a day — two max — even if someone is stopping by to check on the dog. Remember, I said earlier that Golden Retrievers are social animals and need exercise and companionship. So, what should I do with Golden Retriever when on vacation? If you cannot take your Golden Retriever on vacation with you, consider leaving the dog with friends or family, a dog sitter, a boarding kennel, or a doggie daycare. Ensuring your Golden Retriever has food and water, and its mental and physical needs are met while on vacation is essential. Golden Retrievers are dependent on us for more than just food and water. Goldens are social animals and need companionship and social interaction. Goldens also need plenty of activity and mental stimulation to meet their mental and physical needs. Goldens prefer to be where you are. More and more places are now catering to people who travel with their dogs. So, load up the van and kids, and take your Golden on vacation with you. Many hotels now offer pet-friendly suites. A little planning beforehand might result in keeping all the family together on vacation. Or consider looking into Airbnb or vacation rentals by owners. Many of these offer dog-friendly facilities. Leaving your Golden Retriever alone in the house for a few hours is not much different from home. Just be sure to create a dog-proofed confinement area and give the dog time to adjust to the new setting. In this way, you can have your dog cared for while you and the family do your vacation stuff during the day. Another option is looking into vet clinics. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our vet clinic had set up a kennel service with top-notch facilities and a play area in the back, which is becoming more common. Putting your dog in a daycare or kennel for a half-day or day during the week or regularly is a good idea. The only downside is your Golden may love it so much that it might not want to leave with you when you get back. Final Thoughts Your Golden Retriever will be fine at home for shorter periods. Most people work for a living, and leaving their dogs home is a typical course during the week. We did this with most of our dogs as well. Provided they can have a break in the day to relieve themselves and are given water and toys to play with, they adjust very well, primarily if you have gradually taught them to be alone beforehand. So when you need to be gone for longer, find alternate arrangements so your Golden Retriever can thrive. Think of it this way. A Golden Retriever needs the basics of life: food, water, and shelter and also the basics for good health and well-being: exercise, play, socialization, and companionship. If you are leaving them alone, make sure you do some planning in advance, and you should find very few issues and plenty of options to ensure those basic needs are met while you are away. If you are worried that your dog has separation anxiety, there are some things you can do to help them adjust to being alone. How to help Golden Retrievers adjust to being alone During the pandemic and quarantine, my dogs became a little too used to having me around all day, every day. Once quarantine ended, I noticed my dogs seemed depressed and just not themselves. I realized that they had forgotten how to be alone while I went to work. My Golden Retriever was the worst of them all; he stopped eating and pretty much lived in my lap when I was home. If your dog shows these signs, you might need to help them adjust to being alone. There are many things you can do to accomplish this Separate from them while you're home It may be tempting to spend all of your time at home loving on your fur baby. While they clearly love the attention, it can be difficult for them when you leave. Going from constant attention and companionship to being alone can be very stressful for your dog. Imagine going from sunny warmth to cold darkness. It is shocking and upsetting. Your dog will feel this same sensation when you leave if you don't leave their side when you're home. I'm not saying you should ignore your dog when you're home, so they don't miss you when you're gone. Of course, you should play with your dog and love on them while you're home, but it is also good to just sit down and let them be near you without actively receiving attention. I allow my Golden Retriever to eat his meals outside while my family eats dinner. This shows him that it's okay to be alone because I will come back eventually. Having him eat outside also prevents him from begging for food! Since I've started letting my boy eat outside, I've noticed he's grown more confident in being away from me. Instead of curling up right next to me on the couch at night, he sometimes snoozes on the floor. But, again, this is because he's comfortable being away from me. Knowing that he's comfortable being away from me while I'm home shows me that he is not distressed when I'm gone during the day. Giving your dog some distance while your home is the first step in helping them adjust to being alone. Keep them entertained The best way to decrease your dog's stress while you're away is to keep them entertained. You can do a myriad of things to keep them distracted from your disappearance. Toys While it may seem obvious that toys will entertain your dog, there are only some that can keep your dog entertained for long periods of time while you're away. Regular balls and stuffed toys will become incredibly boring if you aren't there to interact with them. So, I leave chew and enrichment toys with my pups while I go to work. Chew Toys Nylabone Chews are one of my dog's favorite toys. These chews are bone-shaped and have different flavors depending on the pack you buy. My favorite thing about them is that they last for a long time and don't impact my dog's gut health. Rawhide chews and other hide-based toys can break off in chunks that your dog can swallow. Not only is this a choking risk, but it can also cause serious digestive issues if a lot of it is consumed. My dogs cannot break Nylabone Chews into chunks as they chew. Instead, the bone slowly wears down into soft, fine mush that is safe to ingest and won't get stuck in their intestines. These chews take a long time for my dogs to go through, I bought a pack over three months ago, and they've hardly made a dent in the bones! My other favorite chew toy to leave with my dogs is anything made by KONG. These rubber toys are safe and durable for dogs to chew on. Since he was a puppy, he is now 5 years old, and it doesn't have a mark. When he was a puppy, he would lay in his crate and gnaw on the thing all day. Enrichment Toys If I know I will be gone for a long time; I leave enrichment toys in my dog's kennels with them. I usually put their breakfast in whichever toy I leave, so they stay occupied but don't get overfed. I tend to leave the snuffle mat with my dogs when I'm away since it doesn't require a lot of movement to use. However, I like to use the treat ball to give them their meals when I'm home. Laying the snuffle mat in their crate allows them to rummage through it when they get hungry. It also stimulates their brain by making them think and find their food in each pocket. I use the treat ball for mealtimes because they must kick the ball around to get their food out. This keeps them moving and thinking while giving them the nutrition they need. If you use the treat ball, I recommend using it outside as the food can fly, and it requires a lot of space to move the ball around. This may seem strange, but it really works! I even use the jazz at night to help settle my puppy down when she gets a bit crazy. Give them a friend If your home and budget allow for it, the best present you can give your dog is another doggy friend. Dogs are pack animals, and they don't like being alone. So, having more than one dog gives your pups a constant friend and companion to share their life with. This other friend doesn't have to be a dog! If you find the right cat or even bird, your dog may befriend them and add them to their "pack"! However, another dog is the best companion for your dog. Medication If your dog is continually messing up the house while you're away and seems anxious when you are home, this may be signs of separation anxiety. If you have already exhausted the above methods, I recommend speaking to your Veterinarian. Your Veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for your dog. Giving this medication before leaving for work may help your dog stay calm while you're away. How long can they go without going to the bathroom? Adult Golden Retrievers can hold their pee for up to 12 hours if needed. However, an adult dog should be able to relieve themselves at least every 8 hours. If a Golden Retriever is forced to hold their pee for longer than 12 hours on a regular basis, it can lead to urinary tract infections. The most significant factor in determining how long a Golden Retriever can go without going to the bathroom is their age. Bladder infections Depression Never punish your Golden Retriever for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety or destructive behavior due to frustration. Remember that Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve ducks and other game birds for hunters due to their strength, stamina, and high work ethic. So how much exercise do Golden Retrievers need? The exercise requirements of a Golden Retriever depend on their age and general health. Puppies need five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day until they are fully grown. Adults should have at least two hours of activity per day. Senior dogs might only be able to manage minutes. Some days your Golden Retriever might want more exercise, some days less, a bit like humans! My dog will put the brakes on, sit down, and looks up at me if she gets tired during a walk. Exercise should include many fun activities, not just leash walking. If you have the option of leaving your Golden Retriever outside when you depart, it can provide him with an abundance of space to run around and feel calm. However, are they okay to be left out, or are they inside dogs? Golden Retrievers prefer to be inside dogs as they are highly social, people-loving, and prefer interaction. However, they can be outside dogs in certain climates due to their double coat, but only if you train them to stay outside from a young age and provide adequate shelter, such as a doghouse. May engage in destructive chewing of your possessions if suffering from separation anxiety. Prevents your dog from being injured if you live alongside wild animals who might attack. Risk of neighbor complaints due to excessive barking from separation anxiety, especially if you live in an apartment. Your puppy needs to be toilet trained. If they spend more time outside, you will have less cleaning up! You need a large space for your dog to be comfortable. A small yard is insufficient. An occasional bark from your backyard is excellent to ward off strangers. Your dog may chew on tree roots or destroy flowers. Your dog can get rid of any pent-up energy, especially if you buy a dog agility course or make one! Your dog may be unhappy and feel less part of the family. Pros and cons of leaving a Golden Retriever outside Where to Leave Your Golden Retriever in the Home If you prefer to leave your Golden Retriever inside when you go out, you can still manage his environment and keep him safe by containing him in a specific part of the house. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Use a dog crate. It should be big enough for your dog to turn around comfortably and stretch out. My dog loved her crate and often went to her den to chill out or chew her KONG toys. Use dog gates. You can use dog gates or baby gates to segregate an area of your home. These allow you to section off no-go areas leaving you to decide how much freedom your puppy can have to wander around. Plus, there are a ton to choose from to suit your furnishings. Use a playpen. Some playpens can even be adjoined to a crate to make a great combination of a comfy resting place and room to roam. Some are constructed from heavy-duty metal and can be used outside, such as the BestPet Dog Pen from Amazon. I like this playpen as you can configure it into multiple shapes without using tools. The time will eventually come when you want to allow your Golden Retriever to have the run of the house. Most owners ultimately try this route. My dog was over two years old before she was allowed free reign of the house. Potential new dog owners often ask me whether they can leave a Golden Retriever for 8 hours and work full time. Golden Retrievers can not be left for 8 hours. They are highly sociable dogs and will suffer from separation anxiety. They also need ongoing care and attention, such as physical exercise, mental stimulation, toilet breaks, and food and water. You can have a Golden Retriever and work full time, but you must make alternative arrangements to care for your dog. Examples are to hire a dog sitter or dog walker, get family and friends to visit, return home on your lunch break, enroll him in doggie daycare, or work from home. Ensure you train your dog to be left alone from a young age. You could also hire a reliable dog walker. Arrange for friends and family to visit. Get family or friends to call throughout the day. Even short minute periods will be sufficient to keep your dog happy and amused. It would be super if they could take him on a walk, but a quick game of frisbee or fetch will surely do the trick to burn off some energy and prevent loneliness. Visit your dog on your lunch break. Flexible working is also a superb solution, and you can schedule when you need help. Enroll your dog at a doggie daycare center. You can usually find them in most neighborhoods. Work from home. With thousands of jobs moving to mobile workstations, working from home part of the week is a good idea. This way, you can play with your pup all day during your breaks. It also saves you from having to pay for a dog sitter. Here are a few takeaways from the article: Golden Retrievers can be left alone for a maximum of four hours. Make sure your Golden Retriever is adequately exercised and stimulated before leaving him. Be aware of separation anxiety and other health issues if you persistently leave your dog for too long. Consider hiring a dog sitter or dog-walker. Other solutions are doggy daycare, working from home, and enlisting the help of family and friends. I hope this article has given you an honest insight into how long your Golden Retriever can be left alone. Related Posts You May Like:. So, how long can you leave a Golden retriever home alone safely? Golden Retrievers can be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, never exceeding eight hours. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy or a senior, they will need to be let out more frequently for potty breaks. Leaving your Golden home alone for longer than that will cause separation anxiety. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! The general rule of thumb is that adult Golden Retrievers can be left alone for around four to six hours per day. Goldens definitely should not be left alone for longer than eight hours, as they can face severe mental and physical health consequences as a result of being regularly left home alone for too long. If your Golden retriever suffers from separation anxiety, needs frequent potty breaks, or has health issues that require human assistance, then leaving them home alone for extended periods may not be a safe option at all. Separation anxiety PDF is when a dog feels overwhelmed when they are left alone, even for short periods. This syndrome is common among all breeds of dogs, but it is especially prevalent in breeds that are strongly attached to their owners, such as Golden Retrievers. If you have an anxious dog, he or she may perform destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture, going to the bathroom all over the floor, barking uncontrollably, tearing down the window shades, and more whenever they are left by themselves. Some dogs may also excessively chew or lick their body parts. Find out how to tell if your Golden Retriever is lonely or suffering from separation anxiety in my post here. If your Golden suffers from separation anxiety, leaving them home for four to six hours will be debilitating for their mental health. You may even want to consider getting a second Golden Retriever or even another dog breed for companionship Find out why a dog gets separation anxiety and how to address it. A healthy adult Golden Retriever can go hours without urinating. Some Goldens may be able to wait to urinate even longer, but that does not mean it is a good idea to regularly leave your dog in this situation. Veterinarians generally recommend that an adult dog be given a chance to pee every hours. The number of bathroom breaks your Golden will need per day, and how often, depends on their age. A good rule of thumb is that Golden Retriever puppies will need to relieve themselves the same number of hours as they are months old. However, the exact amount of time varies from dog to dog. If your Golden is a senior dog, they may lose their ability to hold it in as they age. A Golden Retriever, regardless of age, should always be given the opportunity to have an outside potty break immediately after eating or drinking. Also, remember that a new dog, of any age, will require some time to get used to her new home and routine. She may need more bathroom breaks than normal until she settles in. If possible, a great idea is to install a doggy door like this one Amazon so that your Golden has the ability to urinate or defecate whenever they need to.

Life Span Did You Know? The Bullmastiff originated in England in the mid- to late 19th century and was known as both a world-class guardian and a valued family companion. They were bred by crossing Bulldogs and Mastiffs to create an excellent guardian that would protect the vast lands of English aristocracy from poachers. They were prized as noble gamekeepers. As competitions between the aristocracy rose to determine who had the best Bullmastiffs, the breed made the jump from being solely a working dog to being both a working dog and a show dog. By , the breed joined the Kennel Club in England. Although they can still be found as a working dog, the modern Bullmastiff is most commonly found as a family pet and companion. Although their size may make them intimidating, the Bullmastiff is known for being a docile, warm, loyal, and loving family dog. They are focused and determined while working and relaxed and affectionate while at home. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they get along with children, their large size means they can easily knock over small children in their excitement. So, any playtime with children should be closely supervised. Because of their protective instincts, they are wary of strangers and strange dogs at first. Proper socialization and training early and often can help make a Bullmastiff more comfortable with strangers. A well-socialized, well-trained Bullmastiff may be initially suspicious of strangers, but they will warm up quickly. The Bullmastiff is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are best suited to larger homes with securely fenced yards. They do tend to be mellow dogs, so they can adapt to apartment living as long as they are given the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are very sensitive to heat and sensitive to extreme cold. Although they can handle some alone time, they are devoted to their families and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Also, due to their territorial instincts, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although the Bullmastiff is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. These issues include heart problems, eye issues, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on issues like this to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. As with many large dog breeds, the Bullmastiff is at a higher risk for bloat. Although a Bullmastiff tends to excel at consistent training, they tend to be strong-willed, which makes them a better fit for more experienced dog owners. Their stubborn streak paired with their guardian background, territorial instincts, and large size make good training and socialization essential. Puppy training classes are recommended for both early training as well as opportunities to socialize a puppy. This will help to establish rules and routines early on and help keep things consistent as your puppy grows into a dog. As a working dog, you can also train your Bullmastiff for dog sports to help give them a job to do. They tend to excel at rally, tracking, scent work, obedience, and even agility. The Bullmastiff has a short coat that will shed a little year-round and a little more during seasonal changes. Because they have a wrinkly face, you will also need to regularly check and wipe down wrinkles to make sure they are clean and dry. Bullmastiffs will also drool, so you may want to keep a drool cloth on hand to wipe their mouth periodically. Practicing good dental care for dogs is essential for preventing painful dental diseases later in life. This will make ongoing maintenance and care much easier as your puppy grows. The Bullmastiff has moderate exercise requirements. They may be couch potatoes at times, but they also still need some activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime or other activity are usually enough for this big dog. Although puppies finish growing at different rates, most large dog breeds that weigh more than 70 pounds as an adult continue growing until they are 2 years old. Your vet can help you determine when your Bullmastiff is done growing, so you know when you can allow them to do more rigorous activities without potentially causing damage to developing joints and bones. A fully-grown Bullmastiff usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Bullmastiff generally lives years. Featured Bullmastiff Article. Life Span Did You Know? The English Mastiff, also referred to simply as a Mastiff, belongs to the Molosser breed type. The Molosser, its ancient ancestor, was a ferocious war dog that lived over 5, years ago. It likely originated in the mountains of Tibet and was also used as a guard dog and protector of herds and flocks. Throughout history, the Mastiff has been used as a guard dog, watchdog, and protector. Although they still have a protective nature, the English Mastiff we know today is a gentle giant and is a far cry from their war dog ancestor. Although the first Mastiff club was formed in the United States in , the American Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until .English Mastiffs are one of the dog breeds that make good guard dogs. They are known for being loyal, fearless, intelligent, and reliable. Well-socialized English Mastiffs are also very loving and docile with friends and family and get along great with children. Due to their size, even as puppies, they may not be the best fit for families with very young children or elderly family members as they can easily knock them over in their excitement and accidentally cause injury. These dogs do have a protective nature, so they can be wary of strangers and may be suspicious of other dogs. This makes them good watchdogs, but they can be prone to alert barking. Training and socialization early and often will curb some of this natural suspicion and cut down on unnecessary barking. The English Mastiff will drool a bit and will be a very big dog; they make great companions for anyone who can handle their size. The English Mastiff is moderately adaptable. Due to their size, they are generally a better fit for houses with fenced yards and some room to move around. However, they are one of the best large dog breeds for small homes and can adapt well as long as they are given the daily attention and exercise they need. They are okay being on their own for a bit, but certainly should not be left alone for long periods of time. Due to their double coat and larger size, they can handle colder climates better than some smaller dog breeds. However, they are very sensitive to heat, so warmer climates may not be a good fit unless there is plenty of indoor space and air conditioning available to keep them cool. As with all giant breeds, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are a concern. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. If you are interested in an English Mastiff puppy, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends elbow and hip evaluations, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. As a giant breed, Mastiffs are also at a higher risk for bloat. These dogs can also sometimes have allergies, which can be more miserable as a snub-nosed breed. If your English Mastiff does have allergies, there are ways to help your dog survive seasonal allergies and you can work with your vet for the methods that work best. Not so much a health issue as it is part and parcel of the dog, you will want to be prepared for plenty of drool with this dog breed. They also tend to be quite gassy and are prone to loud snoring. A good, balanced diet can sometimes help with the flatulence, but there is probably nothing that will stop the drool or the snoring, snorting, and grunting. One of the facts about English Mastiffs is that they are classified as a giant dog breed. This means they grow into massive dogs that can be a lot to handle! They respond best to training with positive reinforcement and rewards. They require a gentle, but firm hand during training. Obedience and puppy training classes are always a plus. Although English Mastiffs are not generally recommended for novice or timid dog owners, they can be a good fit as long as the owner is willing to learn and enlist the help of a professional trainer early on. The English Mastiff has a short double coat. The undercoat is dense and lies close to the body while the overcoat is short and straight. Common coat colors are apricot, brindle, or fawn with a dark muzzle, nose, eye rims, and ears. They may also have a small patch of white on their chest. Their grooming needs are minimal. They just need a good brush-down every once and a while and a bath when necessary. They are moderate shedders though and will shed heavier as seasons change, so brushing them a few times a week can help cut down on the amount of fur they leave around the house. Since the English Mastiff has facial folds, you will also want to check and clean these areas regulating as well. Due to their size, you will want to get your English Mastiff puppy used to having their paws, ears, and mouth handled early. Making it a positive experience early on will make maintenance and care of your giant dog much easier throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate activity level. They tend to be lazy, but are prone to weight gain. So, they need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Doing activities in short bursts with breaks is one of the safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs that you can use to keep a Mastiff from overheating. Until puppies finish growing , their bones, muscles, and tendons are still developing and high-impact activity can damage developing bones and joints, especially in large and giant breeds. So, you want to limit the long walks, jumping, or running until after they are fully developed. Once puppies are finished growing, you can start increasing exercise to a moderate level and doing higher-impact activities provided your vet clears your dog for the activities. For example, English Mastiffs tend not to be good running partners as they tire easily, overheat quickly, and the stress of running can damage their joints. Fully-grown English Mastiffs usually stand inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Female height ranges tend to start around 27 inches or more and average weight ranges between pounds. Male height ranges tend to start around 30 inches or more and average weight ranges between pounds. However, these are average ranges and there are certainly outliers. Some Mastiffs have come in weighing pounds or more! English Mastiffs generally live for years on average. As a giant dog breed, their life span is usually shorter, but some English Mastiffs have been known to live for up to 18 years! One of the heaviest dogs recorded was an English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba. He weighed pounds in and appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records; breaking his own record for the heaviest dog. He passed away in .Although Zorba no longer holds the heaviest dog record, he is still the longest. He stood 37 inches tall at the shoulder and measured 99 inches from nose to tail. Featured English Mastiff Article.

So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! Fans of the breed love them for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence. As family pets, they can be taught many things and thrive at being mentally challenged and trained. Since they were bred to work, they have a lot of endurance and energy that needs to be expended each day. Despite being so active, German shepherds also have a softer side. Their level of loyalty to their owners is unsurpassed. They love nothing more than to be near their family and the closer the better, so they can do their job of looking after those they adore. Because they have such a close bond with their owners, they make excellent companions and enjoy going on trips, car rides, walks, hikes, and are always up for an adventure. Anyone wanting to adopt or buy a German shepherd should do their research to see if this magnificent breed fits into their life to avoid problems down the road. Here are 15 things you can expect when you own a German shepherd: 1. Puppy biting When you bring home a German shepherd puppy, you can expect lots of nipping, puppy biting, and mouthing. All puppies explore the world with their mouth and nose, but some new owners are caught by surprise by just how much German shepherd puppies like to nip at their owners. As herding dogs, German shepherds have a high prey drive that results in a desire to herd and gather. Exercise is a must German shepherds are very active and as working dogs have lots of endurance. They are strong, athletic, and agile. They require lots of age appropriate exercise to meet their physical needs. The good news is, exercise can come in many forms. A dog genius German shepherds are very smart and they need to exercise their mind as well as their body. They require training and also need to have fun to be happy and fulfilled. They love to learn but require a strong leader and training to development into the amazing dog they were born to be. A bored German shepherd is a destructive and anxious German shepherd and that includes challenging their mind, training them, and teaching them new things throughout their life. To pay for healthy food German shepherds are notorious for having sensitive skin and stomachs and need high quality dog food to keep them from developing health problems. By investing in and feeding them high quality food, it may help avoid health problems and expensive trips to the vet down the road. A good diet begins in puppyhood and starts with a good quality large breed puppy food. Sweep and vacuum up lots of dog fur German shepherds have a dense coat and shed year-round. To keep up with the dog fur, expect to sweep and vacuum often. If dog fur drives you nuts, they are probably not the breed for you. To groom often Along with sweeping and vacuuming, German shepherds need lots of grooming. A protector German shepherds are very protective of their family and need training and socialization from a young age so they know what you expect of them. As a herding dog, they naturally have a strong guarding instinct and consider it their job to look after their owner. This is great except they must learn how to interact with the world and should not be allowed to guard food, resources, toys, territory, and people. Mess makers Along with their shedding, they are also mess makers! They love to play with their toys and strew them all over the house, drip water all over the floor, roll in the grass, and play in mud and dirt. They will leave their nose art all over your windows and doors and basically leave a trail wherever they go. They have adorable personalities and will do the funniest things to make you smile. Fun playmate German shepherds love to play. Play time is also a great time to provide with their daily exercise. They love nothing more than to chase a ball, catch a Frisbee, carry big sticks, play tug, and more. They have built in alarms clocks and will happily wake you up to take them out, feed them, exercise, and play. They love to follow you everywhere and go wherever you go. They use their body language and vocalizations to communicate their needs. They are masters at telling you when they want to eat, go outside, are frustrated, or want to play. Some will want to pet your dog and some will want you to go away. Owning a German shepherd automatically make you an ambassador of the breed and carries a responsibility to educate the public about how amazing they are. Best friend forever German shepherds are the most loyal breed ever. They will happily spend every day of their life living to be with you, love you, make you happy, and protect you. They are a friend like no other and deserve nothing but the same in return. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. The breeder will also inform you of additional vaccinations you will need to schedule with your veterinarian as your puppy grows. Traveling Home With Your New Puppy On the day you pick up your new German Shepherd puppy from our facility, bring a small crate for the puppy to travel home in. We sell Puppy Packs at our facility which include a dog crate and can have one ready for you if you wish to purchase one. Otherwise, if you plan to hold your puppy in your lap on your drive home, bring a few small towels to place on your lap for the puppy. We highly recommend that you DO NOT stop at rest stops, dog parks, or parks to let your puppy go potty. Your puppy will not have received all of its parvovirus shots yet, so exposing your puppy to areas where other dogs have been increases the risk of your puppy contracting parvo. Instead we recommend that you find places that have concrete or hard surfaces like a paved parking lot. In the summertime, be conscious of the surface your puppy is walking on. At Home Care For Your New Puppy The first 24 to 36 hours in your new home is an acclimation period for your puppy to get settled in your home. It is common for your German Shepherd puppy to have diarrhea or loose stool the first week it is in your new home. It is acclimating to a new world and a different schedule. Be very mindful about what kind of dog treats and toys you supply the puppy to chew on. These are all edible things that can cause loose stool and diarrhea. These are also additional calories that puppies will eat before they eat a meal. During their acclimation to your new homes, we recommend you keep treats and cookies to a minimum. These are too rich and too hard on their systems. Wait at least 24 hours before giving your puppy a bath. You are more than welcome to keep in touch with us during this time and ask questions via email or text. The breeder will review the amount of food and schedule with you when you pick up your puppy. If your puppy has a weak appetite during the acclimation period you can add boiled boneless chicken and cooked white rice to its meals. Or you can add canned food to its meal to entice its appetite. Discard any uneaten food after each meal. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water during the day. If you are house breaking your puppy, remove access to water at least 4 hours prior to bed time. Diarrhea in very young puppies during their first weeks in their new environment is not uncommon. Here's why: Stress and Adaptation: The transition from their birthplace to a new home is a significant change for a young puppy. The stress of leaving their mother and littermates, coupled with adapting to a new diet and environment, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Dietary Changes: Puppies might experience a sudden switch in their diet when they move to their new home. This shift in nutrition, even if well-intentioned, can disrupt their delicate digestive systems and result in diarrhea. Microbial Adjustment: The puppy's gut is in the process of developing a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Stress and changes in diet can temporarily affect this delicate balance, leading to digestive disturbances like diarrhea. This adjustment period is natural as the puppy's gut adapts to new microorganisms in their surroundings. While occasional mild diarrhea can be expected, it's important to monitor your puppy's condition. Why young puppies get diarrhea and how to treat it Introducing Your Puppy To Other Pets Gradual Introduction: Begin with neutral territory, not in the home of the adult dog, where both dogs can meet on leashes. Increase the time and frequency of their interactions slowly and under supervision. Supervised Interaction: After bringing the puppy home, closely supervise their interactions. Start with separate spaces and controlled play sessions, intervening if tensions arise. Ensure each dog has a safe space to retreat to. Patience and Adaptation: Understand that dogs have unique personalities. Be patient as they adjust to each other. Gradually extend their time together while monitoring their behavior and providing guidance as needed. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog watch even more videos on how to care for your german shepherd puppy with a learning center subscription. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. 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.

You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Allen Park Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you planning to adopt a Bernedoodle in Michigan? Ethical breeders carefully select their breeding dogs through various tests to minimize the risk of puppies inheriting any serious genetic conditions. Similarly, responsible breeders will also provide health guarantees, usually for one or two years from adoption. A good health guarantee should cover any serious or life threatening hereditary illnesses that the parent dogs have been tested for. For instance, you can find plenty of customer reviews on Google, Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , Yelp, or even Reddit. To learn more about this topic, make sure you check out our full, in-depth guide on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. They specialize in a variety of coat colors and patterns, such as tri-colors, bi-colors, but also rarer patterns like sables and merles. And once in a while, they also have solid colors available. In addition to that, they closely keep an eye on all of their puppies and evaluate their temperaments to ensure that each pup goes to the most suitable forever home. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the highest quality litters possible. Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They offer some of the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package. I can say with confidence that all Michiana Bernedoodles are carefully and precisely bred, well-socialized, fun-loving family dogs. Each and every Michiana Bernedoodle is unique in its own way. As hybrids, they vary in size, color and coat type, and personality. Your Michiana Bernedoodle will truly be one-of-a-kind! Click the Pay now button on the home page. They are the result of a cross between a Standard, miniature or toy Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog. With the miniature and the toy Poodle being the males. The Poodle breed is low-shedding and low-dander characteristics which is great for people with allergies. Other characteristics attributable to the Poodle and the Bernese is their loyalty, high intelligence factor, very affectionate along with their personal character and charisma. They are outstanding family dogs who have proven to be great with children and other pets. Many make great service dogs. No two Bernedoodles are identical. The Bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. They are intelligent, very social and fun, crossbreed with character and charisma with a moderate activity level. Their main focus is to be your best friend and companion. Bernedoodles are usually pure black, black-and-white, black-and-brown, or tri-color black, white and brown , we have seen other colors. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the Poodle. Beyond color, well selected parents tend to blend the traits of the Poodle and the Berner in a more consistent way. In short, Bernedoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Many clients want a tri-color Bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese Mountain Dog. That look is challenging to achieve, and people may have a long wait for it. Personally, I love Bernedoodles of all colors. Temperament is far more important to me than color. Call us.

Reviewed by Bartley Harrison Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. Puppy strangles is especially problematic in golden retrievers, Gordon setters, and dachshunds. Signs Puppy strangles is believed to be a result of an overactive immune response, but what triggers this response is still unknown. The skin, especially on the face, becomes infected with deep sores. These sores can become so severe that the inflammation reaches the lymph nodes of the neck. This neck area swells with hard knots under the jaw until it looks like the baby dog will strangle—hence the name. Puppy strangles is characterized by pustules on the face, and painful swelling of the lips, eyelids, and face. This may also include swellings in the groin area, where the lymph glands are located. Affected neck lymph nodes can rarely become abscessed, break open, and drain. Signs of puppy strangles can go beyond the facial sores. About a quarter of puppies with this condition can develop a fever or joint swelling, become lethargic, or stop eating, which can lead to low blood sugar that complicates the condition. The draining sores on the face must be diagnosed as pyoderma , as opposed to juvenile demodectic mange that looks similar. The steroids commonly used to suppress the immune response in strangles could actually make the demodectic mange worse. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the condition, ask for tips on how to help your puppy heal. Some home treatment can relieve the discomfort, too. Home Care Apply a warm compress to the sore face two or three times a day. Moist heat brings blood circulation to the area to help heal the wound more quickly and clean out the infection. Apply moist heat five minutes on, five minutes off, until the cloth has cooled, and then reapply. Soak with warm water at least once a day to soften the crusties, and then gently wipe them off and pat the area dry after. For any lymph nodes that have abscessed, clean the spots three to four times a day with warm water on a cloth applied for five to 10 minutes at a time. As with any abscess, these spots will be very tender, so be gentle. Rough cleaning also could increase the chance that the area will scar. Because an overactive immune response causes the symptoms, a steroid typically prednisone is used to suppress the immune system. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, an antibiotic may be used to help clear the infection and allow the wounds to heal. In most cases, the response to the steroid is dramatic, and the puppy is feeling better within days. The dose of the steroid will be tapered gradually once the lesions have resolved. It is helpful to learn tips on how to administer pills or other treatments to your puppy. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Strangles in Puppies. Veterinary Information Network. More from The Spruce Pets. It also tends to respond to high doses of steroids which work by suppressing the immune system. There may also be a hereditary component because certain breeds—including Golden Retrievers , Gordon Setters , and Dachshunds —are more likely to develop it. How Veterinarians Diagnose Puppy Strangles in Dogs Your veterinarian will start by physically examining your dog and looking for symptoms such as symmetrical facial swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and crusted, painful, raised skin lesions. While these symptoms strongly point to strangles, your veterinarian will likely perform the following tests to further investigate: Bloodwork, such as a complete blood count: Dogs with strangles often have an elevated white blood cell count and mild-to-moderate anemia low red blood cell count. Cytology of the skin lesions: This involves placing a glass slide directly on the oozing lesions and then examining the sample under a microscope or sending it to a lab for assessment. The sample is used to determine whether the dog has developed a secondary bacterial infection because of having strangles. Skin scrapings and hair pluck testing: These tests can help rule out mange , fungus, and ringworm , which are all other possible causes of skin lesions. Bacterial or fungal cultures: These tests may be recommended to rule out infection. Skin biopsy: This can provide a definitive diagnosis of puppy strangles because it checks for types of skin changes such as granulomas and pyogranulomas that are specific to this condition. But it is an aggressive test, and oftentimes the condition can be diagnosed and treated without it. Treatment of Puppy Strangles in Dogs Puppy strangles is painful and makes your dog vulnerable to bacterial infections. If such an infection spreads, or if your dog is in so much pain that it stops eating, strangles could become fatal. Fortunately, treatment is very effective. Your veterinarian will most likely prescribe Prednisone a type of steroid or another type of immunosuppressive medication like Cyclosporine. Your dog may need to take high doses of steroids for several weeks or months during treatment, and the dose will need to be slowly tapered once the dog shows signs of improvement. Your dog will also need antibiotics if any of the skin lesions have become infected with bacteria. Recovery and Management of Puppy Strangles in Dogs In most cases, dogs with puppy strangles will start to get better within a few days of starting treatment, but it may take 10 to 14 days for the condition to fully resolve. Note that some hair loss or skin scarring might be permanent. It is important to avoid popping any pustules as this can be painful to your dog and make it easier for a bacterial infection to set in. There is no known way to prevent puppy strangles at this time, but once it is treated it usually does not flare up again. Yes, with appropriate therapy, puppies will fully recover. How does a puppy get puppy strangles? Puppy strangles is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. It is likely caused by an overreaction of the immune system because it tends to respond to high doses of steroids which suppress the immune system. Is puppy strangles contagious? No, puppy strangles are not contagious to other animals or humans. How long does it take puppy strangles to heal? Complete resolution of symptoms—with treatment—is usually seen in 10 to 14 days, but in more severe cases it can be longer. Featured Image: iStock. She continued her clinical training at.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? This is the best way to look for the presence of Demodex mites living in the skin. Treatment for mange is typically with an antihelmintic drug called ivermectin. Treatment with corticosteroids e. A skin biopsy, which typically needs to be performed under sedation, is generally the best way of diagnosing puppy strangles. With this procedure, a small piece of skin is removed. Performing a skin biopsy is important, as it is key to rapidly identify the disease so prompt treatment can be initiated or severe pain, scarring, and hair loss can occur. More importantly, if inappropriate treatment is initiated in some cases, it can make infections worse. See Treatment below. Skin biopsy results with puppy strangles typically reveal granulomas and pyogranulomas, inflammatory changes to the skin, and possible panniculitis. A small piece of the skin biopsy should also be submitted for culture, to identify if there is a secondary skin infection. This will help guide if the appropriate antibiotics are used for your puppy. Sometimes, more advanced diagnostics may be necessary, depending if there are secondary signs of disease such as a very high fever, etc. Unfortunately, puppy strangles needs to be treated with high dose steroids for several weeks, which is not ideal in puppies. NOTE: With prednisone, it cannot be stopped or discontinued acutely, and needs to be slowly tapered. Unfortunately, some side effects of prednisone include excessive thirst, excessive hunger, increased urination, increased panting, and immunosuppression. Sometimes an injection e. Sometimes, topical therapy such as oatmeal shampoos or topical leave-on steroids may help alleviate some of the clinical signs. Never apply a topical medical without consulting your veterinarian, as some types can potentially worsen the skin problem. Thanksfully, the outcome for a dog diagnosed with puppy strangles is fair to good, in that most cases respond well to corticosteroids. Relapses rarely occur with proper diagnosis and treatment. However, severe cosmetic complications e. The best way to prevent puppy strangles is by making sure that you buy from a reputable breeder. If your dog was diagnosed with puppy strangles, you should notify the breeder immediately as the breeding pair should not be bred again due to the inherited transmission of this problem. Also, puppies with this disease should not be used for breeding; they should be spayed or neutered once at appropriate age to prevent passing this trait on. References 1. Rhodes KH. Puppy Strangles Juvenile Cellulitis. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa. Puppy strangles is a rare immune disorder called Juvenile Cellulitis. This skin condition affects puppies between months old. It is most common among golden retrievers, dachshunds, and Gordon setters. Puppy Strangles affects the face, muzzle, eyelids, and inner ear flaps. Various treatment options are available and may be covered by pet insurance. The face, muzzle, eyelids and inner ear flaps are the most common sites to be affected. Puppy Strangles is most seen in golden retrievers, dachshunds, and Gordon setters. The condition then spreads to the lymph nodes around the throat which become swollen. Then, the swelling areas develop pimples that burst and then crust. Generally, the condition resolves in days and does not reoccur. Rarely, a puppy with a severe case of puppy strangles can be at risk of death. Pet parent Isaac knows all about the puppy strangles. The vet thought he was fighting an infection and treated the symptoms with antibiotics. At that point, his lymph nodes expanded to the size of apples [and were] restricting his airways. He required emergency surgery to have a set of his lymph nodes removed. Because of this, the disease had progressed to an emergency situation for Zeek. If you notice any of the clinical signs mentioned above, talk to a veterinary telehealth team, or bring your pet into your veterinarian to find out if puppy strangles is affecting your puppy. Other conditions such as mange may look similar and some diagnostics are needed to find out what is going on. In rare cases, puppy strangles must be treated for a lengthy amount of time with treatments like antibiotics and further prescriptions. If you suspect your puppy has the disease, talk to your veterinarian right away. Because of this, his health issues will be covered as long as they are Healthy Paws customers. Enroll your puppy today to make sure they also can receive the best care possible. Start by getting a free quote. She is actively working to increase access to veterinary care, to develop more effective communication strategies to bridge the gap between veterinarian knowledge and pet parent understanding and build happy and sustainable veterinary teams. After graduation, Dr. Wallace started working with Just Food for Dogs, an innovative pet food startup out of southern California advocating fresh, whole-food diets for dogs. She also completed a small animal rotating internship at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists - receiving one-on-one training with San Francisco's top veterinarians in internal medicine, neurology, dermatology, oncology and surgery. After working in clinical practice, Dr. Wallace joined the field of telehealth. Wallace writes and reviews blog content for Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.

How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. This information will clue you in on how big your Labradoodle will be when it becomes an adult. The smallest variety of the breed Mini Labradoodle is the outcome of a cross between a miniature Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Other factors that could impact adult weight include food, birth order, feeding schedule, and health. It can be challenging to determine the precise size of a Labradoodle puppy as an adult because of its hybrid nature. When two pedigrees merge, each pup in the litter gets different genes. The Weight of an Adult Labradoodle When Bred from a Standard-Sized Poodle If either of the parents was standard-sized, the outcome would be a bigger variation of the breed. On the other hand, an adult Labrador can be between 55 and 62 cm inches in height. So you can expect an adult Labradoodle to generally be between 53 and 63 cm, or inches in height. In comparison, the males range between 22 and 24 inches tall. A standard Labradoodle is active and enjoys playing and running. Most Medium Labradoodle dogs will measure between 43 and 52 cm inches when fully grown. Males tend to be taller and can grow between 18 and 20 inches. A medium-sized Labradoodle can weigh between 13 and 20 kg lbs. This variation makes them just small enough to be lap dogs and large enough to make for excellent companions for a game of throw and catch. The Weight of Labradoodles if one Parent is a Miniature-Sized Poodle Mini Labradoodles born of miniature-sized poodles are in great demand because of their hypoallergenic traits and miniature size. When fully grown, a Mini Labradoodle weigh between 7 and 13 kgs lbs. This much sought-after variation makes an excellent lap dog for apartment owners and is a popular option for families with kids. My Labradoodle max weights 7 kilograms, which makes hima bout as small as Labradoodle gets. In fact he is sometimes referred to as a Teacup Labradoodle or micro mini Labradoodle — but this is just a descriptive name rather than a real size. He is part of a multi generational Labradoodle lineage that have all trended smaller. The age at which they become fully grown is dependent on the parent and type of dog breed. They exhibit rapid growth until they reach about seven months, at which point the process becomes steady. Most Labradoodles attain full height by age two, although intellectual growth continues after as well. To ensure that your Labradoodle is the healthiest it can be, you can speak with a vet or the breeder about ideal food and nutrition. My apricot Mini Labradoodle Max loves the outdoors. Most dogs stop piling on inches a year or 18 months post-birth. Your Labradoodle is no different. Most owners have reported that weight and cognitive development will continue even after age two. What you feed your Labradoodle and the mental and physical stimulation you provide your canine buddy will ultimately decide its growth and the final Labradoodle size. A healthy weight can be challenging to define, especially if a dog has been overweight for an extended period or since birth. Some factors could predispose your dog to weight gain. For instance, female dogs have a higher likelihood of gaining weight. The same applies to unneutered dogs; the incidence of obesity in neutered female and male dogs is higher than in unneutered dogs. A considerable percentage of dogs that vets examine are overweight. And obese pets typically have a shorter lifespan. Maintaining your labradoodle at an ideal weight will increase its lifespan considerably, so consider these weight management tips. A chocolate medium Labradoodle 1. Adopt Controlled Feeding Most dogs thrive with regulated feeding situations. When a pet owner follows a proper feeding regimen, dogs obtain a precise quantity of food daily depending on their nutritional needs and weight. To begin with, not all human food is safe for dog consumption. Some might even be deadly. Raw pork in particular is not super dog friendly. You want to stick to dog food, which is nutritionally balanced for your pet. Beware that excess human food could lead to nutritional deficiencies, or your pet might receive an excess of particular nutrients. You should also avoid feeding them raw food like meats, vegetables, and fruits regularly. If you must feed your pet raw food, make it occasional. Some calorie free or low energy treats like carrot or bell peppers for dogs are popular to reduce treat intake during intense training. This might be difficult to achieve if you have an older dog. You might need a vet visit to get a precise weight. For smaller pets, you could simply use a household scale, which is easy to operate. This will indicate whether your canine buddy is getting sufficient exercise and adequate quantities of food. Should you see a considerable difference, speak with a vet about their present diet and exercise schedule. Restrict Treats While it might be tempting to give your Labradoodle treats for all sorts of reasons, limit treats to special occasions. This will help keep their weight under control. Exercise enhances metabolism, increases muscle tone, and helps decrease boredom in your labradoodle. Consult your vet on the amount of exercise your dog should be engaging in based on age and health needs. You can play fetch with them, plan a day at the beach or doggy park, go for a trek or a swim class-the options are endless. A beautiful black Labradoodle puppy! Seasonal Adjustments If your dog is more active throughout a particular season, summer, for instance, increase their dietary intake. If your Labradoodle prefers to cuddle during winter, reduce their food quantity. If they love the beach or swimming and burn extra calories — you can mildly up the total calorie consumption. The Labrador gene in your Labradoodle makes them quite the glutton-they will continue eating even when full. You must adhere to feeding times. Mixed breed dogs often inherit traits like this from either parent breed — so an overweight doodle dog is unfortunately a common sight. Can Obesity Arise in a Labradoodle? Sustaining a healthy dog weight is crucial if you want your Labradoodle to have the best life quality. Maintaining an ideal weight can enhance their mobility and prevent joint stiffness. For instance, you should feel their ribs but not see them. Suppose you feel excess padding around the chest. In that case, your Labradoodle is overweight, and if you can see bones protruding from everywhere, your pet is underweight. Common indications that your pet might be overweight include difficulty breathing, constipation, and difficulty getting around. To help sustain a healthy dog weight, consult your vet or breeder. Maintaining Feeding Behaviors Just as we feel hunger pangs around mealtimes, pets do too. If specific meal times are not followed, your body gets confused, and you tend to overeat especially unhealthy snacks. For pets, inconsistent food timings result in overeating whenever you do feed them. As a responsible pet owner, you need to maintain good eating dog practices for your Labradoodle to sustain a healthy weight. It is helpful if you feed them in the same spot, from a similar bowl or slow feeder , and at the same time every day. Regular check-ups are equally important as your vet will help you identify issues before they become serious. White Labradoodles can be cream or pure white. Other Characteristics to Expect from a Labradoodle Hybrid dogs can be unpredictable in terms of physical traits, genetic illnesses, mental abilities, and so on. However, the Labradoodle has become so popular that experts can offer accurate insights into what to expect with extensive breeding. This is what makes them ideal for families with allergies. They will need regular grooming, though. Although most Labradoodles have a low-shedding coat, you could end up with a puppy that sheds just as much as a typical Labrador. Never shave down a Labradoodle as you would a Poodle. They require insulation, and shaving them could make them overheat. Labradoodle coats are noted to have as many as 11 color variations, including gold, silver, and there are black Labradoodles similar to black Goldendoodles. On average, the Labradoodle breed life expectancy ranges between 10 and 15 years. However, they exhibit similar health issues to Poodles and Labs, including hip dysplasia and joint problems such as patellar luxation. Labradoodles are typically intelligent ; this is characteristic of both parent breeds. The Poodle ranks as the second most intelligent behind the Border Collie. They are predominantly indoor dogs — but can live outside. For more ideas on weight management, consult your vet. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Some of these may be genetic, while others can be environmental. Here are some factors that affect labradoodle puppy growth. Genetics No matter what breed of dog it is, genetics plays a very important role in the growth of a puppy. Labradoodles are a mix between Labrador Retriever and Poodle. These dogs share genetic traits from both parents. The size of a labradoodle depends on its Poodle parent. For example, if the Poodle parent is a toy or miniature, you will get a mini and medium-sized labradoodle. However, if the Poodle parent is standard size, you will get a standard-sized labradoodle. Nutrition Selecting a nutritious diet for your Labradoodle puppy is essential to his well-being and development. Giving him all of the nutrients he needs to flourish and grow. Puppies are in a period of rapid growth, so they require more nutrients for bone and joint development than adult dogs. Puppies who receive adequate nutrition grows to their full potential. When feeding your pup, make sure the food contains all essential nutrients as well as the right levels of fat and protein. Your veterinarian can advise you on the ideal food to provide them with. Physical Activity Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. If not given enough exercise, they could develop health issues such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. When your puppy is young, it is best to limit their exercise as excessive physical activity can cause joint damage that will impact their development later in life. Walking and jogging are two activities that puppies enjoy doing, but these should only be done in small amounts in order to protect their joints. Health The growth of Labradoodle puppies also depends on their overall health. Labradoodles may suffer from health conditions that hinder their growth, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions make it difficult for them to walk or lead an ordinary life. So, make sure you buy a Labradoodle puppy from a reputable breeder and screen them for any health issues. It is also advisable to take them for regular vet visits. Many new pet parents often wonder what size their Labradoodle will be when they grow up. For Labradoodle puppies, puppyhood lasts from birth until about five or six months old. During this stage, you will see a massive growth spurt in Labradoodles. They will keep growing until they reach adulthood. However, this may not always be the case; some may need additional pounds to gain before reaching this milestone. Conclusion A Labradoodle is a designer hybrid dog created by crossing two breeds — Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. As such, these dogs possess high energy levels, are friendly, and are highly affectionate. If you are planning to get a Labradoodle puppy or already have one, it is essential to monitor their growth, as their size can be drastically affected by certain factors. With some simple formulas, these charts may even allow you to predict their future weights. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. It is handy to know that all Labradoodles are classed as medium sized dogs and when fully grown, the largest Labradoodle should be no larger than 24 inches high. It is important when choosing a Labradoodle to know the size of the parents as this will give you a rough guide on how large your puppy will be as an adult. The smallest variety of Labradoodles are the result of a Labrador and miniature toy Poodle mix. The size of an adult standard size Poodle is between cm at the withers or approximately 15 inches. The size of an adult Labrador can be anywhere from cm tall. From these figures the size of an adult Labradoodle varies from cm or inches tall. To be more specific, the standard Labradoodle females are generally inches, while the males fall between inches tall. The weight of an adult Labradoodle, with a standard Poodle parent can vary from kg or lbs. The standard Labradoodle is an active dog that loves running and playing. These dogs need room and are not ideal for those in apartment living. The majority of this breed when fully grown will measure cm or inches tall measured at the wither. The males of this breed tending to be on the taller end of the scale ranging from inches tall. This variation of the Labradoodle breed can still be the perfect lap dog but also a great companion for a morning walk or a game of throw and catch. When fully grown, a miniature Labradoodle will measure cm or inches high at the wither. In terms of weight, these dogs will should be no heavier than 13kg. When fully grown they will weigh between kg or lbs. The miniature sized Labradoodle makes a great lap dog for small home or apartment owners. A popular pet choice for families with children. Other Sizing Aspects of a Labradoodle Tail The tail of a Labradoodle is relatively long and should have a slight curl although not curl over completely. A Labradoodles tail should never be docked. Feet The Labradoodle breed has medium sized paws. Ears The ears of this breed are large and generally rounded at the tip. Many people do not realise there is two types of Labradoodles although their is a distinct appearance difference between them. An Australian Labradoodle, is a mix between a Labrador and Poodle although somewhere along the breeding line, a Cocker Spaniel is added into the mix. The Australian Labradoodle has larger boning and a softer coat in comparison to the traditional Labradoodle. Key Words Withers: The ridge between the shoulder blades of the dog. This is the standard place to measure height for any dog breed. The height when speaking about dog breeds, usually does not include the head of the dog. Related posts:. Size variations between F types This is your complete guide to Labradoodle size. The Labradoodle The Labradoodle dog is a hybrid dog breed. What this basically means is that Labradoodles have one purebred Poodle parent dog and one purebred Labrador Retriever parent dog. In the world of Labradoodle breeders, there are three adult size ranges: miniature, medium and standard. As you can imagine, the size of the Poodle parent can greatly impact adult Labradoodle size. But not always in the ways you might expect. In the case of standard Labradoodles, the Poodle parent is a standard Poodle. In the case of miniature Labradoodles, the Poodle parent is a miniature Poodle. The medium Labradoodle size can occur in either pairing, which we will talk about in greater detail here shortly. History of the Breed Labradoodles as a hybrid breed got their start in the s in Australia. A blind woman from Hawaii wrote to a man named Walter Conron. Conron was then in charge of breeding and training guide dogs for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia. The blind woman had a special problem: her husband was wildly allergic to dogs. So she was reaching out in hopes of finding a hypoallergenic dog to help her get around. Conron took on the challenge with gusto, and to make a long story short, the Labradoodle was the result. Labradoodles still make fabulous service dogs. But they are also beloved as family pets for their famously friendly, smart, intuitive personality, their adorable appearance and, in some cases, their non-shedding coats. This variance relates to the size of each parent dog. And also to what generation breeding program the puppy comes from more about that topic here later. Standard Labradoodle puppies typically weigh between 7 and 12 pounds by the time they are two months old. But in 10 more short months, they may weigh up to 80 pounds depending on the size of each parent dog. Miniature Labradoodle puppies, in contrast, may only weigh 4 to 7 pounds at the age of two months. In 10 months, they may weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds. This depends on the size of each parent dog. To estimate the size of medium Labradoodle puppies, it is best to learn as much as you can about the breeding pair. Important factors include whether the Poodle parent if you choose an F1 breeder is a Standard Poodle or a Miniature Poodle. Labradoodle Growth You need to know the breed size of each parent dog and the exact weight of your little Labradoodle pup to work out how big they will grow. Or use the four fold or double up formula. The Four Fold Formula When your puppy reaches the age of two months, the number you see on the scale typically represents one-quarter of his or her estimated adult weight. The Double Up Formula When your puppy reaches the age of four months, the number you see on the scale typically represents one-half of his or her estimated adult weight. For this reason, even though using these formulas can give you a handy point of reference as your Labradoodle puppy grows up, no formula should be used to substitute frequent weigh-ins and health check-ups by a qualified canine vet. To help moderate growth neither too slow nor too fast , if your Labradoodle puppy falls into the miniature to medium size range, select a Labradoodle puppy food that is formulated for the needs of smaller breed dogs. On the other hand, if your Labradoodle puppy is projected to be a standard size in adulthood, you will want to select a puppy food formulated for the needs of medium to large breed dogs. They can help you adjust portion sizes and Labradoodle puppy foods as needed. Labradoodle size in adulthood can vary depending on gender. In general, adult males tend to outweigh adult females by 10 to 15 pounds. Of course, this is not always the case. Other factors that can influence adult weight include birth order and food type. Also feeding schedule, activity level and health in puppyhood. Hybrid dog breeding always includes genetic uncertainty. The Reason Behind This Why can Labradoodle size in adulthood be so hard to precisely predict, you might be wondering? The answer relates back to the nature of hybrid dog breeding itself. Whenever two different sets of canine genes combine, it is not possible to predict exactly how each set of genes will influence a given puppy in any litter. For example, in Labradoodle breeding programs, this means some puppies in a hybrid litter may grow up to look and act more like Labrador Retrievers while other puppies may grow up to look and act more like Poodles. Labradoodle Breeding Programs There are different types of Labradoodle breeding programs. Some programs contain a greater amount of genetic uncertainty than other programs. Here is a basic overview of the different programs in order of greatest to least genetic uncertainty: F1: This Labradoodle puppy will have one purebred Poodle parent and one purebred Labrador Retriever parent. F2: This Labradoodle puppy will have two F1 Labradoodle parents. Using This To Choose Your Labradoodle Size If it is very important for you to ensure your Labradoodle will be a certain size when fully grown, we encourage you to seek out a multi-generational Labradoodle breeder to work with. It is also very helpful to meet each parent dog to assess potential size variance in adulthood before making a commitment to a puppy. Here again, meeting each parent dog can help you assess potential coat variance in adulthood. These two examples will give you more insight into how sizing differences arise. It can even happen between Labradoodle puppies within a single litter. Here, the adult Labrador Retriever parent will typically weigh l The adult Standard Poodle parent will typically weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. A breeding pair where the Standard Poodle weighs 40 pounds will theoretically produce more size variance in a litter than a breeding pair where the Standard Poodle weighs 70 pounds. Miniature Labradoodle Size Variance In the case of miniature Labradoodle size, you will have a Labrador Retriever parent dog weighing between 65 and 80 pounds and a miniature Poodle parent weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. Here, it is easy to see how you can expect quite a bit of size variance in early F1, F1b breeding programs regardless of what each parent dog weighs. Is My Labradoodle Overweight? Labradoodle Size and Weight Labradoodles are among the most popular mixed breed dogs. A cross between the Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, Labradoodle fans hope their dog will combine the best qualities from both breeds. Before they bring a Doodle home, they usually want to know how big it is likely to get. But the adult size of any puppy can be hard to predict, especially when it comes to mixed breed dogs. Mixed breed dogs like the Labradoodle can inherit a combination of characteristics from both parent breeds, including size. Weighing Up The Labradoodle Labradoodle adult weight can be especially hard to predict because their Poodle parent comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. It is common for Labradoodles to be labelled as either standard or miniature, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Furthermore, weight guides for the three Labradoodle sizes tend to be broad. Generally, a mini Labradoodle will be under 30lbs, a medium between 30lbs and 40lbs, and a standard Labradoodle is 40lbs or over. It can be difficult to get more specific than these rough weight ranges, because many things contribute to the size and weight of an individual dog. They are: The size and genetic background of the parent breeds. How the sex of a dog can influence size. And the overall health and body condition of the dog. Labrador Retriever Weight Adult male Labradors weigh between 65lbs and 80lbs. Adult female Labs weigh between 55lbs and 70lbs. The Labrador is a solid, sturdy dog with an athletic and muscular body type. Labradors can be prone to weight gain, a trait that may or may not be passed on in a Labradoodle. Some genetic lines of Labrador Retrievers are larger and stockier, whilst others are leaner and lighter. British Labradors tend to fall into the first category, and American Labs fall into the second. They should be able to show you photographs and veterinary weight records to help you visualize the ancestry of their puppies. Poodle Weight The three Poodle types cover a remarkable range in size. The weight range for adult male Standard Poodles is 60lbs to 70lbs, and females are 40lbs to 50lbs. Miniature Poodles weigh between 10lbs and 15lbs. Toy Poodles weigh between 4lbs and 6lbs, and due to the massive disparity with Labradors, they are rarely used to sire first generation Labradoodle crossbreeds. In theory, a Labradoodle can weigh as little as their smallest parent and as much as their largest parent. However, most individuals end up somewhere in between, so that most mini Labradoodles weigh between 30lbs and 50lbs, and most standard Labradoodles weigh between 40lbs and 80lbs. There will always be outliers though, who grow unexpectedly big, or remain surprisingly petite! Male Weight vs Female Weight In many animal species, the two sexes differ in size and weight. This is known as sexual dimorphism. In dogs, sexual dimorphism leads to larger, heavier male dogs and smaller, lighter female dogs. This applies to most dog breeds but is especially true for larger breed dogs. In one study of sexual dimorphism in dogs, Labrador Retrievers and all three Poodle types were recorded as exhibiting sexual dimorphism, but it is most pronounced in the Lab and Standard Poodle. And these weight differences between males and females can be significant. What does this mean for the Labradoodle? Owners can expect to see some level of sexual dimorphism in mini and standard Labradoodles. So the weight of your Labradoodle is not totally out of your control. Underweight Labradoodles One of the main reasons your dog may be underweight or smaller than average is because he or she is the runt of the litter. Low birth weight in puppies can be associated with small size as an adult, as well as health issues such as cleft palate, heart defects, and a susceptibility to infections. One study of birth weight in Labrador Retrievers found that puppy size can be influenced by several factors, including: Sex of the puppy Gestation time Weight, age, and inbreeding of the mother If you choose the smallest puppy in a Labradoodle litter, make sure that they have been given a clean bill of health by a vet before you collect them, and get them checked by your own vet as soon as possible too. They can be smaller than average and perfectly healthy. Normal Weight Labradoodles The normal weight range for Labradoodles is wide. A mini Labradoodle can weigh under 30 pounds while a standard Labradoodle can be over 60 pounds. The best way to tell if your Labradoodle is within the normal weight range is to weigh your dog regularly and use the standard veterinary Body Condition Score BCS system for dogs. So ask your vet to show you what to look for in your dog, and remember to take them back for vet check ups twice a year. Overweight Labradoodles Does your dog exceed the normal weight range for Labradoodles? This is common if your dog inherits the Labrador tendency for weight gain. Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to obesity in Labradoodles, but these factors are in your control. Feed your dog a quality diet that is high in protein. Once your Doodle is fully grown, twice daily feedings are sufficient. Daily exercise will keep your Labradoodle happy and healthy. Aim for around 60 minutes per day, which can be a combination of walks and play sessions. Whether your Labradoodle is small, medium, or large, proper care ensures that your dog is happy and healthy! Good breeders can tell you how big they expect their litters to grow, and they should also be honest with you about the possibility for variation. Once you bring your puppy home, your vet will track their growth through puppyhood, and help you pinpoint a healthy adult weight for them. Did the size of your Labradoodle take you by surprise? How much does your Labradoodle weigh? Does it fall wide of what you expected? Let us know in the comments box down below! More articles to help keep your Labradoodle healthy. Our puppy growth chart and calculator has your answer! Size is largely determined by genetics. Size is inherited in non-linear ways in dogs and other animals. Some puppies stay much smaller than both parents, some become much bigger, and some are in the middle. While size is already hard to predict in purebred dogs, it becomes even more erratic when two breeds are crossed such as in any Doodle mix litter. Labradors are large dogs. They can have a heavy build with deep chests and a wide rib cage. Poodles on the other hand are rather dainty, even though they are tall. Especially in the first generation of a Labradoodle litter that means a generation whose parents are a purebred Poodle and a purebred Labrador , there will be a greater variation of size. The smallest and the tallest puppy of the litter might be as much as 20 pounds apart in weight! That being said, most Labradoodles weigh somewhere between 45 and 65 pounds and are inches tall. Because they are a mixed breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and have no breed standard that requires a certain size. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? As a large dog breed, Labradoodles grow past their first birthday. The smaller a dog, the sooner he is finished growing. Some very small breeds can stop growing around months. Since the Labradoodle is tall, expect him to continue growing until about months of age. At 12 months, most tall dogs are lanky teenagers! By the time your Labradoodle is 2 years old, he will definitely be done growing. How big is a 6 month old Labradoodle? At 6 months old, your Labradoodle will weigh about pounds. He is definitely not fully grown yet — expect him to become quite a bit taller and heavier in the coming months. As your Labradoodle puppy is growing up, his coat will become longer and thicker as well! Make sure you bathe and brush him regularly. Trimming his coat regularly with a good set of clippers will be very important as well! Ensuring healthy growth Here is what you can do to set your Labradoodle up for a healthy growth and solid adult weight: Nutrition and feeding Without the right nutrition, your pup cannot grow well. You need to feed your Labradoodle a high-quality food with a lot of protein. Protein is what our bodies are built of — your growing pup needs a lot in order to grow tall and strong. You can choose from a variety of different foods, such as: Dry food.