german shepherd dutch shepherd mix puppy

Share 1 Shares Golden Retrievers are famous for their intelligence, friendly personalities, and beautiful golden coats. This paired with their trainability makes this dog breed a great choice for many active families out there. However, when getting a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder it is important that you make sure that the breeder is reputable before buying a puppy from them. This will not only ensure that your dog will have good confirmation, but it also increases your chances that your dog will be in good health and have a solid temperament significantly. Here are the top 15 reputable Golden Retriever breeders in Missouri. Ozark Mountain Goldens Ozark Mountain Goldens in Missouri This Golden Retriever breeder does not only focus on the stunning good looks of their Goldens but their incredible intelligence as well. Of course, the health of their dogs is important to this AKC breeder of merit as well. To ensure the health of their dogs, all dogs are health tested and cleared before being bred. In addition to this, all puppies are kept up to date on all of their vet-recommended and age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. Puppies also receive an aptitude test and a microchip before going to their forever homes. All puppies are sold with a month health guarantee. This breeder enters their dogs into AKC agility, obedience, conformation, tracking, and performance events as well. Name of Owner. My focus is not just on the conformation aspect of the breed, but the intelligence of it. They should excel at performance, obedience, agility, tracking, therapy or service work, and confirmation events. I strive to raise the healthiest, happiest puppies possible and place each of them in a loving home. Each puppy is aptitude tested when they are 7 weeks of age. This helps me make sure each puppy is placed appropriately. The puppies are born and raised inside. We start house and crate training along with teaching some basic training commands. They will arrive at their new home current on all age-appropriate vaccinations and dewormings. They will come to you already fitted with a microchip that will stay safely in place for life, offering protection from loss, theft, or separation. The microchip number is unique and belongs only to your puppy. All of my puppies include a 25 month written and signed health guarantee, papers for AKC registration, complete medical record, and health certification. Some helpful information can be found on my FAQ page. For each puppy, I prepare a puppy care package that includes a daily schedule with the current diet, feeding schedule, and potty routine which will help them settle in with your family. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Missouri Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Missouri? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Missouri? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Michigan is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Michigan that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Michigan that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Michigan, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Michigan, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Michigan, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Michigan, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Michigan has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Michigan. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Michigan is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Michigan? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content. History: Transferred from another shelterIdeal Home: Any home! Apartments okay! Fence Requirements: None. We do our best to provide information that will help determine if the animal might be a good fit for you. Please note that behaviors may change in a home environment. We also ask our applicants to assume that any animal they adopt from us will need to be potty-trained and learn house manners, although this is not always the case. In most cases, the listed breeds are also a best guess. Our online animal bios are designed to provide as much information as possible and answer some anticipated questions. We do not have the resources to respond to emails with more specific questions. We are receiving an unusually high number of applications at this time! Applications are reviewed as they are received, but we do not select adopters on a first-come basis. Our job is to ensure each pet is placed into the best fit home for them and that adopters are paired with an animal that is a good fit for their lifestyle. Please do not send inquiries about a specific animal's availability as this can change quickly over the course of the day. The fastest way to get a response is to simply submit an application! We will do our best to notify you by email if the pet s you are interested in are no longer available. New animals are posted daily, so please let us know if another furry friend peak your interest there is no need to fill out a second application! Every question must be answered, and it must be signed. This must be in a. If you are unable to send in this format, please be prepared to provide this documentation in another way prior to adoption. It could take up to a couple of weeks for you to receive a final disposition on your application so there is no need to check on the status. The entire household, including current dogs, must be present for the appointment. Note: Please do not bring your dogs if you are meeting cats! The introductions will take place outside in our parking lot or in our cat room if you're meeting cats. Thank you for your understanding.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Hades and Kids: Versa, Voodoo, and Venice! Photo credit to Janette Arevalo! For over a decade now we have been breeding, training, and importing the Working Line German Shepherd. We specialize in Czech, Slovak, and West German working bloodlines, with our first litter being born in .Our dogs are carefully selected for balanced drives, excellent workability, and most importantly strong nerves. All of our dogs are health tested and certified for healthy hips, elbows, and full correct dentition must be examined before breeding. We also test our dogs for DM. A sound mind in a sound body is our philosophy. Our bloodlines are founded on dogs that are known for consistently producing high quality offspring. The goal here is to produce totally sound dogs with the versatility to work in whatever job necessary; whether it be sport, police work, personal protection, SAR, or loving family guardians. Our dogs live inside the home with my family and I will not breed a dog that cannot settle. My preference has always been a well balanced dog that is easy to live with in the house and engaging on the field. This page has a collection of useful information and research regarding nutrition, joint health, and training supplies. We have some very exciting upcoming litters for ! CZ Jinopo. CZ is a group of professional breeders with 21 years of experience in breeding German Shepherds at former z Pohranicni straze z PS kennel. Our work is focused on breeding the traditional type of German Shepherd with the objective to produce progeny with versatile utilization and high degree of trainability. Our aim is to have dark pigmented healthy and strong progeny. To accomplish these goals we use proven ways of breeding and the basic method is to carry out breeding selection of German Shepherds with required features and traits such as strong bones, solid nerves, dark pigmentation and also strong hunt, prey and defense drives. You can view our available adults here and current litters here. We provide health guarantee for all the puppies and adult dogs purchased from us! It devaluates decades of work on breeding and improving working line GSDs. The event took place April 22 - 24 in Prestice and total number of 31 dogs and handlers competed. This is a great success for our team. The event took place September 16 - 20 and total number of 80 dogs and handlers competed. March .A'BRUNO pod Blanikem handled by Jiri Novotny participated in this competition and were able to achieve points earning them 5th place in overall performance. In the cathegory of tracking they won 1st place with 97 points. In total there were 47 dogs and handlers. FANT earned total of points in the competition and ended on nice 15th place. FANT performed very nice tracking with 90 points. His obedience was very happy from beginning to the end and because of some innacuracies he earned 75 points. His protection was very strong and confident and was evaluated with 88 points. FANT was the younges dog that took part in the competition. We congratulate Alice Nelibova and we wish lot of training successes in the coming years. National Championship will be held in June at Roudnice. Congratulations to A Bruno and Nada! Out of 46 dogs he finished on 25th place and he was the 5th most successful German Shepherd of the whole National Championship. The club awarded this prestigious title to Jiri Novotny in deep appreciation for his years of dedication and hard work with German shepherds dogs, both as a breeder and as a trainer. Jiri Novotny has been involved with German shepherds dogs since , working to both improve and protect the breed. Since , he has been elected and appointed into numerous functions. To mention a few: For ten years, he directed the breeding of dogs for the department of Ministry of the Interior security where he generated and perfected and supervised the breeding program of thousands of dogs for Czechoslovak police and border patrol which were bred under the protected name z Pohranicni straze. In , he was the conformation judge of the German shepherd dog where he promoted the working structure of the German shepherd. From until today, he has been a breed survey judge of the German shepherd dog. Jiri also titled more than working titles and participated in the Nationals of Czech Republic with seven dogs. Jiri traveled to the United States to present working dog seminars to police personnel and other German shepherd enthusiasts on several occasions. Every year Jiri judges hundreds of males and females GSDs in shows and breed surveys. Jiri and the teams he supervises produced thousands of puppies and working dogs. These dogs are now working and in demand all over the world for their characteristic look, tremendous working ability, and for their superior health. These characteristics all reflect Jiri's vision of a working German shepherd dog. Thank you and good job, Jiri! Granule z Jirkova dvora owned by Czech Republic Police forces has achieved the following results in 1 Explosives detection Champion 2 Scent work Champion 3 Overall winner of Czech Police K9 competition We want to thank this way her handler Jindrich Urban for large piece of hard work done with Granule. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. Upcoming Litters What customers say about our puppies "Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives.Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words. Audrey and I discussed her breeding line and I was most impressed! She took the time to explain her dog's lines, what some of them had gone on to do : police, detection, protections, pets - it was impressive. I was beyond happy that Audrey not only had the experience, but also had the educational degrees to back up what she was saying. I did not meet Audrey when this litter was born but instead there were a few male puppies available black and sable but none had been actually chosen yet. Audrey put me down for a sable male per my request. I knew I would not see whatever puppy was to be mine except through videos, pictures, etc….She would send videos, pictures, and just general updates. Audrey was always available and responded quickly to any correspondence. I sometimes wondered when she slept with all these clients and pups. Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives. One day Audrey sent a particular video and I fell in love. It is the fairest way to allow clients to choose. Audrey and I continued to correspond sometimes daily and she was amazing. A day or so later, Audrey let me know that this little guy was mine. I believe that Audrey does everything within her power to ensure that clients do receive the puppy they want if the fit is correct. Now, we had to transport this little man. Audrey and I communicated a lot! I had never had a puppy brought to my door physically unseen. This was completely new to me yet, I know dogs are flown all over the world. Together, Audrey and I navigated this last leg of the journey and I could not have asked for more from her. Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words to use when describing how Audrey was during this process. Audrey ended up keeping my pup who was named Malachi for an extra week. While he was there, she taught him his name and sent pictures and videos often. They certainly made my day! Since Malachi has arrived home, he is nothing short of amazing! He is exactly as Audrey described him and the litter Daisy x Maverick focused, well behaved, eager to learn, and dark stunning sable! Exactly what a great breeder should do. My experience with North Mountain Kennels was wonderful. If you are looking for a well bred high quality working German Shepherd l highly recommend North Mountain Kennels. Audrey is in a class all of her own and I am grateful that the stars aligned so that I was able to be blessed with one of her pups. He is a true gift and I look forward to all the days ahead with him. Thank you Audrey! Currently Available Puppies.

About Us For the Love of Golden Retrievers We are a family of 8, my husband and I have 6 children, 2 daughter-in-laws, 2 grandchildren, and 10 golden retrievers. Aside from being golden retriever dog breeders, my husband and I also have full-time occupations. My husband is a carpenter and runs his own business serving others in our community and I am a nurse. She immediately had us all loving her and her smile. Although Sammy passed in , she is the reason we fell in love with goldens and wanted others to experience the love and companionship that they have to share. Dog breeding has become so much more than a business to us. It is another opportunity for us to serve others; whether it be by creating a lasting memory for your family, developing friendships, or referring you to another breeder that would better meet your needs. Happy, Healthy Golden Retrievers Our golden retriever breeding business is built on integrity, quality breeding, friendship, and creating lasting memories. We value trust and understand that life happens. Therefore, we do not accept any money from our buyers until the puppy is delivered to them. We are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America and do health and genetic testing on all of our dogs to ensure ethical breeding and to ease the minds of our buyers. Following these standards and guidelines ensures that we are doing everything in our power to produce quality golden retriever puppies while providing the best care to our adult golden retrievers. Completing these health and genetic tests helps us reduce the chances of having golden retriever puppies with genetic diseases or disorders and allows us to facilitate the best health and qualities in our golden retriever puppies. We also believe everyone should experience the love of a golden retriever! If we are unable to meet your needs or timeline, we are not above referring you to another breeder. Our Philosophy At Hakman's Golden Retrievers--Illinois, we believe that breeding goldens is not just a business; it's a passion. We are dedicated to breeding dogs that are not only healthy and happy but also reflect the unique personality and character of the breed. Our commitment to our dogs and our customers is unwavering, and we strive to provide the best possible experience for everyone involved. There have become more and more breeders who do not follow the recommended or ethical guidelines when it comes to breeding dogs. We have even rescued a few dogs from breeders who do not follow these higher standards. We want to share the checklist below to help educate and assist others in their search for a healthy, quality golden retriever puppy. It is a great resource to use when vetting other breeders. Feel free to use the checklist in your own search for your "furever friend"! Our Dogs Our golden retrievers live in our home, run our grounds, swim in ponds, run in fields, and are pampered with professional grooming and veterinary care. In addition to regular veterinary exams and check-ups, our golden retrievers receive monthly Interceptor Plus and quarterly Bravecto per standard recommendations. While they live the life of a golden retriever, they also are pampered like a toy poodle. They sleep at the foot of our bed occasionally sneak on our bed and eat their meals in the house. Stud: Bubba. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Illinois Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Illinois? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Illinois? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Quality Goldens for family companions, obedience, and show. I breed Golden Retrievers that have been carefully chosen to produce family companions with excellent temperaments, good conformation and that are intelligent and easy to train. At Carriage Hill we believe in striving to produce the best goldens we can therefore we breed to produce the breed standard and all of our golden's have clearances from OFA on their hips, elbows and heart as well as testing on their eyes by an ophthalmologist. At Carriage Hill we specialize in helping you to pick a puppy that will be a match for your family, and providing support on how to care for your new family member. I feel the most important part of pet ownership is that you train your puppy, I will show you how to use everyday games to prepare your puppy for training and to help establish yourself as the Alfa in the family. You should plan on taking your puppy to a minimum of two training sessions, first the puppy obedience class when they are 12 weeks old and then beginners obedience. Each of these classes are usually once a week for 8 weeks and are a essential part of responsible pet ownership. I sell all of my pet puppies with a limited registration from AKC, this means that you will need to get your pet either spayed or neutered. All of our golden puppies are socialized with our family, have had their first set of puppy shots, are wormedtwice, and their dew claws are removed. We usually plan 2 - 3 litters a year. Browse through the rest to see pictures and information about Stormy and Bode our males, and our Golden Girls. The parents are both OFA Certified which means they have good hips. They also have good hearts and eyes. We follow the OFA guidelines to ensure we are not putting puppies out there that will get hip dysplasia or have medical problems. Our English Cream Golden Retrievers have a history of living long healthy lives. Our last English Cream Golden lived to be almost 18 years old. We are also a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Our puppies are fed grain free puppy food. Also, all of our puppies are checked by our vet, shots are completed and microchipped. We do not believe a puppy should leave our home until our vet confirms they are in good health and they have had their puppy shots. This way we know we are giving them a good start in life. We work on housebreaking our puppies at 4 weeks old. We want to make sure their owners have an easier time raising their new puppy. Our puppies are kept in a clean environment inside our home. We do not believe in raising our puppies in a barn, garage or outside. We give our puppies a lot of attention. They are consistently around adults, teenagers and children. We breed for temperament, therefore many of our grown puppies are service dogs, comfort support dogs and therapy dogs. They all have great temperament and are calm. They also make a great family pet. They still have plenty of energy like a puppy should have, but their great temperament makes it easier to train them. If you are interested in adopting one of our puppies please contact us. Also, please visit our website starlitgoldens. You are also welcome to call or text us anytime at .Please view our pictures and video. Stephen Smith.

Tunnel Dash The Weaving Wonder Games for German Shepherds can include everyday objects that you can find around your house and are fun activities that give your German Shepherd mental stimulation and exercise. Try a few of these activities for German Shepherds and see which ones your dog loves! Hide-and-Seek Treats Hiding their food helps your dog use their noses to explore. Mental stimulation with a food hide-and-seek game keeps your dog sharp by using their noses source. You can use this game indoors or out in your yard or garden. Now hide a few pieces around the house or yard while they watch, and encourage them to find the food. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, and many learn to track. Puppy Puzzles This German Shepherd activity teaches your dog to use their nose and brain together. Food puzzles are activities that keep your dog working for their reward. Use this stimulating mind game to introduce them to puzzles. Next, place their food in the puzzle. Show them how to find food and encourage them to find the food on their own. If you want to feed your dog the right foods, then read this list of healthy, tasty treats for German Shepherds. Break your treats into small pieces, no larger than the size of your pinkie nail to keep their nutrition in check. The Special Delivery activity uses common mailing items as hiding places for their treats. Use a clean box that came in the mail. Place pieces of kibble or treats inside the brown paper wrap. Squish the brown paper or paper towels together to wrap around the kibble. Encourage your dog or puppy to look for their food. When they are finished, refill the brown paper packaging or paper towel balls and start again. Another simple and easy game to put together is a bottle treat dispenser. The bottle slides and moves on the floor to make the game more interesting for both puppies and adults. And, of course, supervise your German Shepherd during games at all times. Save a large water bottle. Make sure it is clean and dry. Let your dog turn, paw, and shake the bottle so the kibble falls out. Repeat when empty to finish their meal. Replace the bottles regularly as they become dirty or worn. The larger the opening, the easier the food will fall out. Brain Training for Dogs Brain Training your German Shepherd keeps them mentally stimulated and physically engaged, ensuring they have a pawsome time! Brain training your German Shepherd is an activity that increases their mental stimulation and is fun for both you and your dog! You can use brain training to help teach your German Shepherd manners and basic obedience at the same time. But… You can read more on my helpful review: Brain Training for Dogs Review to learn all about this engaging playtime program. Setup this game by doing this: Place a few bits of their food or treats in the muffin tins and a ball over the top to cover the cups. You can leave some muffin tins without a tennis ball to make the game easier to start or for puppies learning about brain games. When your dog is finished, refill the muffin tins. To make the game interesting, leave some tins without food, but still cover the compartment with a tennis ball. This makes your dog use his nose more and gives them a surprise when they find the food in some compartments but not in others. Frozen Kong Delight By far, my German Shepherd enjoys this mental exercise the best, as the food seems to last longer and keep her quiet. Get out your trusty, indestructible German Shepherd-proof Kong toy. Place a mixture of moistened kibble in the center. I like to add a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt mixed into the food for extra encouragement. Set this in the freezer for a few hours to stiffen up. When frozen, give it to your dog for a tasty mealtime surprise! If you buy a few Kongs, you can keep them in your freezer for times when you want or need to keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. Trust me, the Kong toys make for engaging playtime ideas for German Shepherds and can stand up to their rough play. Tupperware Surprise These old plastic food storage containers make useful indoor activities for your German Shepherd. Put them to use with this game. Place several pieces of plastic food storage containers upside down, without their lids, over a handful of kibble. You can put the food storage containers all in one room or place them in multiple rooms for a seek-and-find activity. Encourage your dog to go find the kibble, and help them find the first few to get them started. They must figure out how to turn the container over with their paws or nose, which is tricky for some dogs, especially puppies. Use this mental exercise inside or outside, depending on the weather. This game also uses empty cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper. Place their kibble on brown shipping or craft paper, or even a clean paper towel. Next, wrap the kibble up securely and place the wrapped kibble inside the cardboard tubes. Encourage your dog to explore the tubes. You can see my German Shepherd enjoying the game of finding treats in cardboard tubes. As simple as this sounds, the activity keeps my German Shepherd busy as she delicately removes the kibble from the boxes or toilet roll tubes filled with kibble and paper. No worries. This game really gets an active Shepherd moving and keeps them occupied! Start slowly and toss one ball away from you. While your dog goes to chase that ball, get another ball toy ready in your hand. As they return the first ball, toss the second ball across the grass for them to have another sprint. Only play a handful of rounds, and then let your dog have a rest and some water to avoid them overheating. Instead, use these summer activities to exercise your German Shepherd in the heat. Place their kibble meal or another dry treat inside the toy to help provide a challenge to their minds and bodies. As your dog chases the toy around and works to get their reward, they burn calories and have to use their brain power to work the food loose. You can wash this treat dispensing toy, so if your dog is a first-class drooler, you can easily clean their germs away. This is a mentally-stimulating game for an indoor German Shepherd activity for a puppy or even a bored German Shepherd. Tunnel Dash Collapsible tunnels can make for an exciting and fun backyard activity. Owners of our high-energy breed will appreciate teaching their dog both indoor agility to challenge their minds and outdoor agility to challenge their minds and use their energy! You may have to entice your dog through the tunnel by placing them at one end and having them wait while you walk to the other. But German Shepherds love this type of stimulation and are expert tunnel runners! The Weaving Wonder From German Shepherd puppies to seniors, almost every dog enjoys learning how to become a weaving wonder! If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, then add to your agility set by using these easy-to-set up weave poles. Your athletic Shepherd will love to use their brains and their agility to figure out the best way to quickly maneuver through the weave poles. Begin by walking ahead of your dog through the weave poles and have them follow you. Reward them frequently in between poles in the beginning. When they make it to the end, celebrate and reward them again. Eventually, have your GSD make more turns of the poles before the reward. Learn all about the right ways to exercise your German Shepherd for complete health and fitness. Your dog or puppy has many senses they need to use daily. They can see, hear, touch, smell, and think. Many dogs living in our modern, busy lives lack mental stimulation. In the wild, your dog would work alongside their pack or alone to track down prey using their senses. They would then plan an attack, using their mental abilities. Using all these senses during play helps your dog gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities. New experiences ignite portions of their brains to keep them engaged in their environments. An engaged dog is a happy, better-behaved dog! Include 2 or 3 new activities for your German Shepherd a week to begin. You ready for more? From nutrition tips to exercise tricks, this guide has it all. Trust me, your German Shepherd will be wagging their tail with joy! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free guide now and continue fun adventures and activities with your German Shepherd! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Due to the hectic lifestyles that many of us lead today, German Shepherds might spend many hours alone at home every day. Here are some of my favorite ideas. Give them the King of toys — the Kong. Kong toys not only help calm your dog but, when frozen, can keep your German Shepherd busy for a long time. Kongs are great for hiding treats or serving their daily meal and keeping them busy. Stuff the Kong with natural peanut butter, their favorite dog-safe foods, special treats, or even fill with a mixture of all. Most German Shepherds will stay happily busy working for their food. And, a properly stuffed and frozen Kong could take a lot of time for your dog to release all their tasty reward. Is it summertime and you need to help them beat the heat? Kong to the rescue for busy-time and summer fun! Not only can the Kong toy itself be filled and frozen, but for an extra treat fill a freezer-safe plastic container with low-sodium broth and water and drop your food-filled Kong inside the mixture. Leave it to freeze overnight. Then, take the toy and your dog to a safe spot where they can enjoy licking and chewing their giant-size pupsicle! Do you have a teething German Shepherd puppy to keep busy? Place their soaked kibble in the Kong and freeze for them to soothe their inflamed gums and aching jaws while they chew and squeeze away the pain. Want to know the right size Kong for your dog and how to use the toy to help solve and prevent behavior problems? Then read all about Kong toys for German Shepherds. Show them interesting sights and sounds. Some Shepherds enjoy watching the sights and sounds of the world going by. Others will bark at leaves falling. Here are a few stations that dogs generally enjoy: Animal Planet Discovery Channel National Geographic There are even YouTube channels that cater especially to dogs at home that need some visual and auditory stimulation. While watching these videos your German Shepherd can see squirrels, cats, birds, other dogs, and nature scenes — all while hearing the sounds of the animals along with calming music. If you know your dog gets upset hearing other dogs or animals, then look for calming music channels that play soothing sounds and tunes to comfort anxious dogs. Provide a search and sniff scavenger hunt. Did you know that sniffing helps to calm dogs and provides needed mental stimulation to keep their minds occupied source? Encourage your dog to hunt for her meals by hiding small piles of her kibble around your house in safe, easy-to-reach areas so she has to use her nose to find them. Scatter a couple of handfuls of kibble in the places where your dog hangs out during the day before you leave for the day or when you want to keep her entertained. You determine how easy or difficult you want the game to be depending on where you decide to hide the treats. At first, you might need to leave the food in more open areas as your dog learns to play and sniff for their treasure. Easy Scavenger Hunt larger groups of kibble placed in the open smaller groups of food placed under safe items groups of treats together next to items, but not hidden a kibble trail that leads your dog on a sniffari indoors You can make the Scavenger Hunt more difficult as your dog learns the game. You can also hide one of her meals in her Kong puzzle toy right before you leave home. This prompts her to associate you leaving for the day with a positive — as opposed to a negative — emotion and can help lessen the fear of being alone for her. Play a classic game of tug-of-war. Tug can help build confidence in German Shepherds when played correctly. All you need for this old-school game is a tough rope toy and some space to move around safely. To entice your German Shepherd to grab the rope, wiggle it like a snake, let her take hold of it, and gently begin tugging the rope. While your dog sinks their teeth and puts her bodyweight into the pull you get a bit of an upper-body and cardio workout. Plus, did you know that cotton tug ropes provide your German Shepherd the opportunity to easily help clean their teeth? In fact, research shows that playing tug with your dog is much more complex. In one study dogs handicapped themselves i. Tug, when played correctly and with rules, can build confidence in German Shepherds and help teach them more about your owner-dow relationship. Teach your dog a new trick. When was the last time you taught your German Shepherd a fun trick? I bet your brilliant German Shepherd would love to keep entertained by learning a new trick or obedience command. You can pick a hard trick that takes a while to learn or an easy trick that your dog might quickly pick up on. Or aim higher by working on naming all of her toys in her toy box so she can get them by name when you ask. Either way… Your German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything that you take the time and patience to train. Remember, your German Shepherd is so smart for a reason. Whether you have a German Shepherd puppy or a full-grown dog, this is super fun to try! Even better… 6. Include plenty of play with their friends. Having doggie friends is essential for German Shepherds, especially puppies. Sometimes your German Shepherd just needs to play with other dogs and socialize. You can schedule playdates with other well-behaved dogs with your friends and family for some puppy entertainment. Many doggy daycares will provide discounts if you purchase multiple play days to keep the price reasonable and provide your German Shepherd with more opportunities for entertainment. There are separate play sections for puppies and larger, adult dogs, so your dog is matched to their appropriate playgroup. Never underestimate the value of a healthy play session to keep your German Shepherd entertained. Sneak in a new toy. Sneaking in a new toy for your German Shepherd can keep them entertained as they enjoy the surprise. Do you have a dog that loves to play with toys? Then help keep them busy by sneaking in a new toy to spark their interest and keep their self-directed play fun. Just think of how excited your German Shepherd will get when they sniff out their new toy! Also, rotate her toys every week or so to heighten the excitement of playing with her toys. Simply put away a few of the usual toys and sneak in another to replace the missing old toys. Then, rotate them again for a fresh perspective! Teach them how to stay calm. Even busy German Shepherds need to calm down to recharge and relax. Teaching a German Shepherd how to calm themselves and channel their energy into resting and relaxing is actually difficult. If your German Shepherd becomes nervous, anxious, or overactive when you leave home, try these ideas to help comfort them, especially puppies. Give a treat designed to encourage rest and relaxation, like these calming chicken and hemp chews. Use a dog pheromone diffuser. Use a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser if you think your absence causes anxiety in your German Shepherd. Adaptil makes a calming dog diffuser for this specific purpose that is shown to lessen anxiety symptoms and promote calm. The pheromone released by the diffuser is similar to the one that lactating mother dogs emit to calm their newborn puppies when feeding. So, the pheromone is familiar to your German Shepherd and creates a sense of relaxation and calm. Place the diffuser in a room your dog generally uses or spends most of her time in. These calming tools are especially helpful to German Shepherd puppies who might be overwhelmed in their new home and miss their littermates and mother. Include a mid-day walk. Dog walking services are provided in many cities and towns to help you. The typical dog walking schedule for many working owners is in the morning and evening. But the German Shepherd Dog is a high-energy breed and will benefit from a mid-day walk to add some entertainment to their day. Many reputable pet care facilities include a dog walking service and will walk your German Shepherd with other dogs that are similar in personality if you like. I highly recommend that you also get a GPS tracker for your German Shepherd if you have a dog walker. Give remote surprise check-ins. Checking in on your mischievous German Shepherd puppy has never been easier with remote cameras. With all the modern pet technology today you might be overlooking how to keep a German Shepherd busy remotely. Remote cameras are a great way to keep your German Shepherd occupied and surprised. How amazing is that for modern pet technology? Each puzzle takes a combination of reasoning, persistence, and paw dexterity to work out. The very act of leaving a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours or more a day and then being too tired to spend time with them in productive ways is the reason for most of the behavioral problems they develop. How would you feel if you were left at home all day, every day, with no one to talk to, no television to watch, no books to enjoy, no work to do, and no opportunity to exercise? It would be awful! Read this post on how to exhaust a German Shepherd to reduce boredom to learn more about what you can do to help keep boredom at bay. Playing with your German Shepherd enriches your relationship with her on a unique level. Together, the two of you will have a distinctive interaction during your play sessions. This is vital information because play helps build a strong relationship foundation. While some people believe that German Shepherds are rough, tough, working breeds they genuinely have a playful nature and seek out the companionship of play with their special person. German Shepherds seek out play with those they feel close to and are comfortable with. Although there are many different ideas to entertain your dog, every dog is unique and has certain preferences. They tend to develop behavior issues when secluded from their family and can become depressed, act out for attention, and develop other health conditions due to the stress of spending too much time alone. When you understand how to keep a German Shepherd busy and entertained both of your days will go by more smoothly. Remember… The time you put into your German Shepherd creates an unbreakable bond. Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Some owners have large yards and several family members that can help keep the dog busy, but it can be a struggle to keep finding something to do if there are only one or two people in your household. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading while we list several activities you can do with your German Shepherd to keep it happy and well behaved. Fetch Frisbee, ball, throwing toy Plenty of room Fetch is the most basic dog game that almost everyone knows. To play this game, all you need is a Frisbee, ball, or any toy that you can throw so your dog can chase it and bring it back. Balls and Frisbees work well because you can get a good distance with them, which will keep the dog more active. These toys can cause your dog to expend a large amount of energy in a short amount of time without you needing to put in a lot of effort. There are even accessories you can purchase to help you throw the ball further with less effort. The downside to this game is that you need a lot of room for the dog to run. To play this game, you only require a piece of rope with knots in it so you and the dog can get a grip. Many commercial ropes will work perfectly, and there are many varieties available, so you can find one that is comfortable to use. To play, let the dog grab one end with its teeth, and you take the other. It will also help your dog expend energy quickly, especially if you are in good health, and can make the dog work harder to keep the rope. It only requires a fraction of the space fetch does, but it does require considerable strength to play against a full-grown German Shepherd for more than a few minutes. Obstacle Training Obstacles Plenty of room Obstacle training can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. It will help your pet burn off excess energy quickly and sharpen your skills as a trainer. To play obstacle training, you will need plenty of room to set up obstacles. The obstacles can be anything, but we recommend starting with something simple like a piece of wood or a chair. Put the obstacle between you and the dog and call it toward you. If it jumps the barrier, give it a treat and try again. The downside to obstacle training is that it will go a lot easier for someone with experience training, and it can take up a lot of room in your yard if there are several obstacles. Wrestling Strength As strange as it may seem, wrestling is one of the best ways to bond with your German Shepherd because few other activities cause you to be in such close proximity with your attention focused on each other. The dog will climb all over you to try to get the ball, and you can flip your pup over gently to get the belly which will get it all riled up. It has a long pole that you hold. Attached to the pole is a long string that has a toy tied at the end. The toy usually squeaks, and you use it almost like a fishing pole to dangle the toy in front of the dog to get it to chase it. Our dogs get a lot of enjoyment from the Flirt Pole , and the only downside is that the dog chews them, so you will need to replace them every few weeks. Mind Games for German Shepherds 6. To get started, hide a treat in plain sight, then let your dog see you hide another behind a wall. Try a few more easy hides, and when your dog starts to catch on, you can make them a little more difficult. The easiest way to play this game is to wait until your dog is out of sight and then call them but quickly run and hide before they get there. When the dog arrives, they will be confused and begin to search for you and will usually continue looking until they find you. As the dog catches on, they will begin to check past hiding spots first, so you will need to be clever. Call your dog over and watch as they turn them over looking for the treat. As they get more skilled, they will find the treat faster, so you can add even more cups. Ring Stack Ring stacking toy If you have children or know someone that does, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the ring stacking toys for babies. You can also use these toys with your German Shepherd and learn to stack the rings in the right order with a little patience. The best way to play is to start with only a few rings and add more as your dog catches on. After some time, put the item on the floor and instruct your dog to fetch it. After several months, you will be amazed at how many items your dog knows by name. Some are extremely easy and only require the dog to step on a lever, while others are quite complex, requiring multiple steps to unlock the treat. It burns off excess energy extremely fast and helps keep your dog in top shape. The other games are all fun, but they take longer and require a bigger commitment of your time. Luckily, you can play as many games as you want, so you can play fetch every day and do some wrestling on your days off work. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found the answers you need. If we have helped you keep your dog entertained, please share these eleven best games to play with your German Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, due in large part to their cheerful personalities and obedient natures. If you live in California and want to expand your pack with a new Labrador Retriever puppy, the breeders on this list should be the first places that you check. The 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in California 1. However, they emphasize preparing their pups to be working dogs, ready to help you with your next hunt. For an additional fee, you can have your new dog taught basic obedience and advanced gun dog training. Summerland Labradors Visit Their Website Phelan, CA Summerland Labradors is a small operation, producing only two to three litters per year, so you need to be on the ball if you want to adopt from them. Kenya Labradors Visit Their Website Santa Margarita, CA The biggest downside in buying a dog from Kenya Labradors is that the animals are raised on a gorgeous, acre plot overlooking the California coast, so the dog might be a bit disappointed when they get to your house. Still, all that room enables these dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialization before they join your pack. This kennel breeds well-pedigreed dogs, and your pup will come with more paperwork than the average new car. Your dog will be accustomed to living like you do long before you pick them up, which should cut down their adjustment time significantly. All their dogs are AKC-registered, and each one has many generations of champions in their heritage. They go to great lengths to try to match each pooch up with the perfect home for them, so your dog will be chosen based on how their temperament fits in with your existing lifestyle. They also guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic defects up to 1 year of age or your money back. Your new pup will be thoroughly vetted, registered with the AKC, and microchipped before being handed over to you. They also have an extensive blog that answers just about any question that you might have about raising your new family member. You may also be interested in:. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. They will be ready to go home July 1st. This will be their last litter! Call NOW to reserve her! Next up litter will God willing be out of two of my newest moms, Ethel Daughter of Maggie and Walt and Luna New bloodline in the fall of .They will be up on the parents page soon, as both just passed their health clearance. Both will be bred to Bruin. Now to get on the waitlist!!! I will let you know I received your form as it comes in and contact you again when the puppies are expected. Not only are these dogs of great breeding stock, but they are also exceptionally well cared for! Try to find another breeder that offers that! You will receive a video showing off all of your new dog's skills and a private training session at pickup. Space is limited in this program only 2 pups per litter so let me know when making your deposit! The order we receive your deposit is the order in which you get a puppy! Learn more about the fund! I'm so sure of my puppies I offer a health and hip money-back guarantee! Try to find any other breeder that does! Most breeders will only offer you a new puppy if you return the dog you've grown to love. Why, because they know most people won't! That's no guarantee at all!

Articles Until now, we have had dog breeds named separately after Newfoundland and Labrador, a Canadian province. Now, there is a designer dog breed that is actually named after the whole province, namely the Newfoundland Labrador Mix. So, what is exactly this Newfoundland Labrador Mix? Despite their large physique, you will find Newfoundland Labrador Mixes non-aggressive and with a sweet and loving personalities. As the Newfoundland Labrador Mix is still relatively new in the pet market, so many of you may be unaware of the breed facts. You can expect a Newfoundland Lab Mix to grow between 22 to 28 inches, landing somewhere between the medium to large dog category. The same is with its weight, falling somewhere between 70 to lbs. As above, you will notice that the size of the Newfoundland Lab Mix has a wide range and is a little unpredictable due to varying height differences between the two parent breeds. The Labrador parents are ideal-sized pooches and generally range between 22 to 25 inches in height. On the other hand, Newfoundlands are popular for having huge sizes with heights ranging between 26 to 28 inches. Image from Instagram: ben. Combining the traits from both of the parents, the offspring of the Newfoundland Lab Mix tends to inherit stocky bodies with highly energetic souls. Newfie Labs generally come in black colors and are extremely furry from top to bottom. The eyes of these canines are generally brown. Their black-colored nose, however, is a bit huge, just like the way their body is. Ears are floppy and their tail resembles what Labrador parents tend to have a thick and tapered tail. Newfoundlands, however, are seen in brown and black colors only. Being common in both parents, the color black is what the coats of many Newfoundland Lab Mixes will end up in most of the time. Other possible colors include cream, fawn, and brindle. The coats of Newfoundland Lab Mixes are extremely furry with hairs either wavy or straight. The pants and chest hairs, however, are extremely denser. By analyzing lifespan histories of both Labrador and Newfoundland, the lifespan of a Newfoundland Lab Mix is said to be between 8 to 12 years. Here are a few health concerns this mix is commonly prone to. Image from Instagram: wee. Well, aortic stenosis is a blood-flow blockage inside the heart on the way from the left ventricle to the aorta blood vessel. This kind of blockage leads to mild chest pain or severe pain sometimes, depending on how hard the heart needs to pump the blood. Epilepsy Common among the Newfoundland Labrador mixes, epilepsy is a brain disorder , where the abnormality of neurons and electric signals affects the brain from working properly, consequently stopping brain-related body functions. The brain of the pooch, in this condition, faces frequent epileptic seizures, which usually lead to unconsciousness. Gastric Torsion During gastric torsion, the stomach of Newfoundland Lab Mix gets filled with excessive gas, consequently making it twisted or stretched. An uncomfortable posture is the most visible symptom. The severe version of this disease, namely gastric dilatation volvulus, may also occur. In that case, the condition becomes riskier than before. Proper treatments and surgeries, however, help to tackle this all. The disease is known for being common in both the Newfie Lab parents, so make sure you always get your pooch regular checkups. You need to build proper exercise routines since Newfoundland Labrador Mixes are extremely active pooches. Other than this, Newfie Labs are prone to obesity, so make sure you limit their meals properly while keeping the diet of these canines healthy. Exercise Routine Both Newfoundland and Labrador parent breeds are highly active pooches, so you can expect the same from the Newfoundland Lab Mixes. These mixes are extremely active canines and need a sufficient amount of exercise every day to keep fit and stay healthy. A Newfoundland Lab Mix should ideally burn energy for at least 60 to 90 minutes every day. This can include a minute walk, off-leash hangouts, and games like fetch. Have your pooch go on park trips once every week. You can also schedule a few more sessions of agility, hikes, sports activities, teamwork, or swimming once or twice within a week. Oral Care Invest in dental water additives or chews at early ages to get yourself saved from spending tons of money on decayed teeth of your Newfoundland Lab Mix later on. High-Quality Diet The diet of Newfoundland Labrador Mixes is primarily composed of protein fish or meat and carbs beans, peas, or whole grains. Other ingredients of their kibble meal include chicken, sweet potato, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure you get a high quality and grain-free diet with an addition of multivitamin supplements for your pooch. Get a perfect meal plan from your vet according to the age and health condition of your Newfie Lab buddy. You can also give a try to this online Pet Plate to get your pooch a meal plan and a diet made with human-grade ingredients. Are Newfoundland Labrador Mixes Aggressive? Your Newfie Lab will be the sweetest pet ever. Loving Newfoundland Lab Mixes generally tend to look like huge and aggressive pooches, but they are one of the most loving and loyal canines. They are super gentle and kind and make great family pets. In fact, both Newfie Lab parents are known to be children-loving and great family pooches. Barking due to genuine reasons, however, can be noticed occasionally which can be overwhelming sometimes due to their loud voice. This makes these pooches able to learn whatever you train them in a very short time. Make sure you provide proper training and socialization sessions to Newfie Labs at early ages as their grown-up huge size can be harmful later during their senior years. Active And Energetic Since both Labrador and Newfoundland parents are energetic, the resulting Newfie Lab pooches come up with a highly active and hardworking nature. Because of their energetic nature, they often served as rescue dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs. They can also help you while doing chores and other home tasks as they are activities-lovers too. Newfoundland Lab Mixes, however, should not be left at home alone for more than 8 hours as they will end up being destructive. Grooming Tips For Newfoundland Labrador Mixes Newfoundland Lab Mixes undergo heavy shedding and produce a high amount of dander as they have denser and longer coats. Hair Trimming Newfoundland Lab Mix owners will need to vacuum their house regularly as the pooches leave hairs almost everywhere. Using deshedding tools, especially during coat-switching seasons, can help more than a lot. Running this undercoat rake on your pooch helps to remove all the loose hairs that are about to fall and are ready to make your house furry again. Other than this, frequent hair trimming is a must for Newfoundland Lab Mixes. A professional groomer trip for your Newfie Lab should be scheduled once every 2 months. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. You can certainly bathe them before the given time period if they tend to get too smelly. Brush their coats well before and after every bath. Brushing You all know Newfoundland Lab Mixes own longer and denser hairy coats. The hairs can be either wavy or straight, but they easily get matted because of being extra-long in size. This can be scheduled even more frequently if the pooch inherits curly coat hairs from her Newfoundland parents. This cost can vary greatly depending on where you get it from. In fact, dogs are named after this Canadian province. Are Newfoundlands Good With Labs? Newfoundlands are indeed good with Labradors. These Newfoundland canines are known for getting along with every other person and pets, such as dogs and cats, due to their amicable and sweet nature. They can be seen hanging out and playing with a lot of dog breeds. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, also enjoy having fun with other dogs, so both Newfoundlands and Labradors are likely to build a good relationship with each other. Dogs Newfoundland Pete Decker. It is always sensible to conduct thorough research on the breeder first before you plunge into buying. Never buy and do business online. Always remember that breeders with a good reputation will offer you information about the purebred parents or previous litters. They also provide relevant papers regarding your N puppy. You can start finding a breeder by going through your local AKC club. Here are some breeders and kennels to launch your search: 1. The grooming requirements of a Newfoundland cross Labrador is mostly dependent on the coat it acquired — so you can use your better judgment to decide how often you should groom. Here are the recommended products for grooming: Combs and Brushes 1. Fine tooth comb — The fine-tooth comb offers very little resistance on the coat; it works to remove nits from your Newfoundland Lab cross. Greyhound comb — The greyhound comb is a fit choice for line combing your Newfoundland Lab mix as it gets deep down to the skin. It is also useful in removing debris, like burrs and sticks, from the coat. Pin Brush — The most favored brush for daily use, the pin brush is perfect for everyday grooming. It effectively removes knots and tangles from the longer coats of a Newfoundland Lab Mix. The ends of the brush also work to gather dead hair. You can select one from a wide array of products with unique features, in different shapes, sizes, and varieties. Try not to use pin brushes with small plastic balls on the end as they end up snagging on the coat. The 27mm long tines is a good recommendation. Undercoat Rake — An undercoat rake works to de-entangle double coated hybrids like the Newfoundland Lab Mix. This product is usually used when a dog is blowing coat — this is when the winter coat transition to summer coat or vice versa. The length of the tines makes it go deep into the hair and grab out loose fur skins and matting. They are available in the market with a wide selection, ranging from different styles, different teeth lengths, and for different textures and coats. A single row, single length undercoat rake is best for everyday use and the one with double rows, different lengths are excellent for removing the undercoat. Slicker brush — The slicker brush works flawlessly for de-matting as the wire pins move effortlessly through the coat to untangle hair. It is also a wise choice for removing dead hair from the undercoat with the curved ends working to gather dead, lifeless hair. Available in soft and delicate or firm and sturdy pins, slicker brushes also come in different sizes. Mars Coat King — This tool conveniently gets rid of dead hair and undercoat. The chest and pants are heavily coated areas, so the Mars Coat King works for de-bulking wonders. Mat Splitter — You can use this tool to cut up the mats to allow easier combing. They come in several varieties, with sharp blades that can leave behind holes so use it with caution. The single-blade is widely used in Lab Newfoundland mix. Grooming Scissors Thinning shears — With a regular blade on one side and a comb-like one on the other, this is a perfect choice for your Newfoundland and Lab combination. Available in beauty supply stores, they come in a variety of choices and ranges — in price, shape, and size. It is important to note that the lesser set of teeth you use means a choppier cut you can make. A tooth shear makes an exceptional choice for a Newfoundland and Lab cross. Straight shears — The straight shears are ideal for trimming paws and flyaway hairs. It is somewhat sharp and could easily wound the skin. And worse, it could leave a rough and irregular appearance on the body. You can get this at local supply stores, but it can be pretty expensive, be careful when choosing as inexpensive ones may have blades that dull easily. Curved shears — You can use a pair of curved shears to enhance the shape of the ears, paws, and legs. They work flawlessly on the paws or for a belly trim during the warm months. They come in a variety of styles. The blade size depends on what trim you want to achieve. It is always best to introduce the grooming table while your mix is still a young pup to allow time of getting used to it. The tab will keep him in place while grooming session is ongoing. Get one that is adjustable so you can set it in a comfortable height — this will help you maintain a good posture. High-speed dog dryer — This is essential for a Newfoundland and lab cross that is fond of swimming. Drying out your dog will help reduce hot spots because the high-speed dryer thoroughly dries deep into the skin. It can also work to snuff out loose hair and dandruff on a dry coat. And your Lab Newfoundland combination can amass plenty of dandruff, depending on the severity of the condition. Dryers are usually expensive. For your dog friend, A cool dryer with varying airflow adjustments is highly recommended. Some examples are the K9 high-velocity dog dryers and Metro Air Force dryers. It is important to note that you never attempt to use a regular blow dryer on a Lab and Newfoundland combination as it gets extremely hot and it not at all dry their coat. Grooming spray — A grooming spray allows you to brush and comb the hair without any difficulties. There are so many grooming sprays to choose from, and it can be particularly hard to pick one that would work for your cross between Newfoundland and Lab. You can start by selecting a scent that you like. Tackle Box — What better way to store and organize all your dog-grooming tools than to use a Tacklebox? You can place your combs and scissors on the top compartment and your brushes and grooming spray on the underneath. If you decide to accommodate all grooming care, it can be a great bonding experience for you both. Starting your dog young is a sure-fire hit. Ultimately, grooming tools are dependent on your personal preference. You may follow a certain standard, but it all comes down to what works best for you and what you can afford. It is vital that we can identify the symptoms so we can take action. Here are some of the most common illnesses of a Lab Newfoundland cross: Subvalvular aortic stenosis — a heart disease that affects the valves Gastric dilatation volvulus or gastric torsion — bloat or twisted stomach Hip and elbow dysplasia — the hip and elbow joints do not fit or develop accordingly, causing them to rub and grind instead of gliding smoothly Epilepsy — neurological disorder defined by intermittent seizures Cataracts — the lens loses transparency, may impair vision or even cause blindness Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament — ruptures occur in the mid ligament hind legs and is linked with progressive fatigue Cancer — such as mammary cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, osteosarcomas, mast cell tumors, and skin cancers Chronic allergies — can be food, skin or environmental allergy Remember that even the most appropriate health screening does not guarantee a healthy Newfoundland and Lab combination. Lab and Newfoundland Mix Food Requirements The best food choice for a big dog like your Lab and Newfoundland Cross should be rich in protein like fish or meat and carbohydrates which you can get from whole grains, peas, and beans. They have incredibly high energy, so they need sufficient amount of calories to restore what they have burned, For seniors, it is important to serve them with food rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint mobility and repair and DHA found in seaweed oil for proper brain and vision function. For your puppies, food should be hypoallergenic, rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth, and omega 6 and 3 essential for healthy skin and coat. How much you feed them is dependent on their age and activity levels. Here are some examples you can try: 1. It features real, deboned beef, along with sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries and more. With chicken as the main ingredient, it also uses improved botanical oils that are an efficient and effective fuel source. Wild Calling! That is why you should never give them the worst dry dog food, and only choose the best dry dog food for your fuzzy friend. If your furry baby is still just a munchkin, we have a list of the best puppy food brands that they will chow down on in seconds. In case you have a wise, silver-coated senior in your home, give them only the best senior dry dog food to keep them sprightly even past their prime. Never forget that your crossbred charmer carries the genes of their vastly different and unique parents. So, try giving them more variety in their bowls — they may like these best dry dog food for small dogs or have a taste for these best large breed dry dog food instead. The point is that you can never know! Newfoundland and Labrador Cross Exercise Requirements Routinary walks and regular visits to the dog park are great opportunities for your Lab Newfoundland mix to get sufficient exercise. Make sure your dog gets at least sixty to ninety minutes of vigorous activity each day, every day. They are huge and naturally tend to become obese if they do not engage in physical activities often. To make the routines more fun and enjoyable, take a look at these tools: Agility Equipment — This is a superb choice if your dog is fond of running, climbing and jumping. Bar jumps, tire jumps or weave poles are some examples. Lure Coursing — This is a splendid choice if you have a pet with undeniably strong prey nature. This equipment creates a mechanical lure which is then pursued by your dog. An example is the Injoy Lure Coursing. Newfoundland and Lab Mix Training Whether your aim is for socialization or participation in sports, training holds the key to a more confident and comfortable Newfoundland Lab cross. Check out these Sports activities that you can train for: 1. Companion Events — This sport aims to show the deep connection shared between you and your dog. Events like agility, obedience, and tracking, will demonstrate the teamwork between the owner and a well-trained dog. Lab and Newfoundland Mix and Families The Labrador Newfoundland Mix is a fantastic family pet who loves the company of people, especially children. They can be a bit clumsy due to their large size, and some might even describe them as rowdy, but with proper training, they can grow into well-behaved adults who will make a great addition to the family. When it comes to finding a Lab Newfie Mix puppy, it may be a bit more challenging than finding a purebred Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland. However, you may be able to find Lab Newfie Mix puppies through rescue organizations or local breeders who specialize in crossbreeds. They are a great choice for families with children or other pets and are intelligent and trainable enough to take on many roles, including working dogs, service dogs, and family pets. They are social dogs that enjoy spending time around people and can suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone too long. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are friendly and affectionate, making them great companions for children and older adults, and their protective nature helps them be fantastic watch dogs. Lab Newfie Mixes generally get along well with other pets, especially if you socialize them with various animals when they are still puppies. They can make great companions for other dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs and will even accept new animals that come later. However, they also tend to overeat, which can lead to obesity and other health issues, so monitoring their food intake and providing them with appropriate portion sizes is important. Look for food with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid foods with fillers or artificial preservatives. They can also benefit from mental stimulation and enrichment activities, including games, puzzles, obedience training, and interactive toys. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and heel while using positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior. Socialization is also important when training your Lab Newfie Mix to help them feel comfortable and confident in new situations, which can help prevent behavior issues such as fear or aggression towards unfamiliar people or animals. If you are having trouble, a trainer can help you develop a customized training plan and provide guidance and support as you work to train your dog. A post shared by Brittany Dawn Zschoche-Smith pnw. Brush their coat at least once a week using a slicker or pin brush to help remove loose fur and prevent matting , increasing the frequency during periods of heavy shedding. You will also need to bathe your Lab Newfie Mix every 6 to 8 weeks to keep their coat clean and healthy using a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Health and Conditions. Defining Characteristics To know what our Newfoundland Labrador will look like, we need to discuss the parent breeds, too. These dogs are muscular with thick, medium-length coats made up of an undercoat to keep the dog warm and a water-resistant outer coat. Their fur can be wavy or straight, and feels coarse to the touch. Their coat can be brown or gray, but is most commonly black with white markings. Labradors are also muscular dogs, despite their slightly smaller stature. Purebred Labradors come in three main colours- chocolate, yellow, and black. Purebred Labradors and Newfoundlands look quite different, but their crossbreeds can be a mixture of any of these physical characteristics. Grooming and Shedding This is a high shedding breed. Labradors and Newfoundlands have quite similar coats, but their grooming needs do differ. Because Newfoundlands have a heavier, longer coat than Labradors, they should be groomed much more regularly to keep their fur from knotting. Newfoundland females can reach up to 26 inches in height, and males can grow up to 28 inches. Their weight is just as impressive — on average males weigh between — pounds, while females weigh between and pounds. Male Labrador retrievers can grow to between 22 and 24 inches, whereas females tend to grow 21 to 23 inches. Males generally weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, whereas females reach 55 to 70 pounds. The size of a Newfoundland Lab cross will completely depend on the genes it inherits. It could be anywhere between the sizes above! Both are great companions for humans and love working alongside people. Newfoundlands and Labradors are both very intelligent dogs, which means they respond well to training- another reason why they make such great working dogs. Both breeds are incredibly friendly, devoted, and good with children, so they make great family pets. You should watched both breeds when with other dogs, but they are friendly as a general rule. Typically, Newfoundlands are more patient, whereas Labradors are more active and energetic. Training Requirements Because both Labradors and Newfoundlands are very social, intelligent dogs, it is likely that your Newfoundland Labrador cross will inherit these traits. You should train and socialise your dog with both people and other dogs from a young age. This will ensure that your cross is friendly and happy as it grows up and experiences new situations. Training your Newfoundland Labrador cross is also important because these dogs can grow to be very strong. Training your dog from a young age is a good way to keep it happy and ensure it never gets hurt, or accidentally hurts anyone else. Exercise Both Labradors and Newfoundlands require a lot of exercise. They fare best when they have access to the outdoors, as well as lots of room in their houses. They can exercise on land or in the water, as both of these dogs love supervised swim sessions. This painful condition can be avoided through health testing potential puppy parents, and only breeding from those with very good hip and elbow scores. Both Labradors and Newfoundlands can be prone to obesity if not cared for properly. To combat this, you need to ensure you are monitoring what you feed your dog depending on their developmental stage. Newfoundlands usually live between 9 and 10 years, whereas Labradors can live from 10 to 12 years. As long as you keep your cross as healthy as possible, it could live anywhere between these ages. Newfoundland Lab Mix Puppies Good puppy breeders prioritise the welfare of the dogs they are breeding and breeding from. They have a strong bond with the parent and a reason beyond making money for producing puppies. Good Newfoundland Lab mix puppy breeders will show you evidence of health certificates for both parents. They will also be happy to ask and answer lots of questions, showing a genuine interest in your family. Contents Newfoundland Labrador Mix Newfador is a hybrid dog breed of two very popular dog breeds with extraordinary traits, Newfoundland and Labrador. Both of these dogs are large-built, stocky, and purebred. Newfoundland: Newfoundland dog belongs to the Mastiff family and it was originated on an island of Canada, known as Newfoundland. As the dog has a massive body, hence it was used for tasks such as pulling carts or hauling heavy fishnets. Also, it is a brave and courageous dog who has saved the life of many people as well. It has a water-resistant coat and webbed feet, that show its love for the water. The loving, affectionate, and loyal dog always want to be with the family. If left alone in the house for a long time, then it can suffer from separation anxiety. Labrador: Newfoundland lab mix puppies along with Newfoundland will take some of the good traits of Labrador as well. Just like Newfoundland, the Labrador retriever is also from a Canadian Island. The basic purpose of the dog was hunting but it is also kept as a great companion by most people nowadays. It is an extremely enthusiastic and active dog that requires a certain amount of physical activity. Now based on these parent dog breed traits, let us tell you everything you want to know about Newfoundland lab mix dog in this article. Newfoundland Labs Physical Appearance: Newfoundland Labrador mix is a mix of two large dog breeds, one is strong whereas the other is fluffy. One cannot determine what how exactly the lab Newfoundland mix puppy will look like because it depends on the parent from whom the Newfoundland mix puppies will take the most. The eyes of the Newfoundland and labrador dog are brown whereas the ears are fluffy and floppy. They have leathery and black nose whereas, feet are partially webbed. The tail and muzzle of the Newfoundland lab mix mostly resemble the Labrador. Newfoundland Lab Mix Coat: Newfoundland and labrador dogs, both have a soft and dense coat but being more specific, there are two possibilities of the coat texture of the Newfador dog. Either the coat of the Newfador puppies is short and shiny, or it is long and fluffy. This shows us that the length of the coat varies from medium to long. The texture of the coat is straight. As the Newfie lab has a double coat, the outer one is water-resistant. The highly dense double coat makes it easy for the dog to survive in cold weather also, being water-resistant, the coat helps the dog to swim and stay active. Now, if you are wondering that is there any Newfoundland black lab mix or Newfoundland chocolate lab mix, then you are at the right place. In this breed, the possible coat colors of the dog include chocolate lab Newfoundland mix puppies, also known as chocolate Newfador. Some other coat color possibilities are brown, sable, fawn, brindle, pied, cream, and black lab Newfoundland mix. Newfador size: The Newfoundland is a large dog whereas Labrador is slightly small in comparison but is also considered as a large dog breed. This means that the Newfoundland lab mix size is not small. Hence, if you are wondering that how big will a Newfoundland lab mix get, then the answer to your question is that in most cases, the size is just like that of Newfoundland. It is also a massive dog, that can be used for multiple purposes, or kept as a great companion. The male Newfador weight ranges from lbs whereas the Newfoundland lab mix weight for a female can be anywhere between lbs. Talking about the height of the Newfie lab mix puppies, then a male one can be inches whereas the female dog can be inches in height. Newfador life expectancy: The Newfoundland dog lives 8 to 10 years on average whereas the Labrador can survive but more having a lifespan of 0 to 14 years. Based on the lifespans of these two parent dog breeds, we have concluded that the lifespan of a Newfoundland lab mix is somewhere around 10 to 12 years. Newfoundland lab mix life expectancy can be increased if you take proper care and provide the dog hygienic and quality food. Lab Newfoundland Temperament and personality: The Labrador and Newfoundland mix breed dog, is highly loving and affectionate, just as both of the parents. It loves to spend a lot of quality time with the family members as well as children which means, they are great family pets. Also, they are hardworking dogs and will help you with different chores. Not only this but just like the parent dog breeds, the Newfoundland Labrador dog mix is intelligent and picks the stuff quickly which means they are easy to train. It is good to watch the Newfoundland cross Labrador when it is around the other dog breeds, but it is mostly good with other dogs. So, if you are looking for a dog with a loving, loyal, and energetic personality, then the Newfoundland lab mix puppy is your desired choice. Lab and Newfoundland Mix Price: On seeing the attractive Newfoundland lab mix dog pictures, you might be thinking to have one. Well, if you are finding the Newfoundland labrador mix puppies for sale, then you should find reputable breeders in your area. Newfoundland lab mix breeders with a good reputation will tell you the true features and traits of the dog instead of making false claims. Among all the coat colors, the Newfoundland black lab mix puppies for sale are the most popular and have a high demand. Newfador puppies for sale in different countries: Newfador breeders in different countries of the world ask for variable prices according to the availability and demand of the lab and Newfoundland mix dog in their area. Such as Newfador breeders in the UK will ask different prices for the dog as compared to the breeders of Asian countries as Newfie lab mix dog is popular in the UK. Newfoundland Lab Dog Grooming: The Newfoundland lab dog mix has a dense coat, which means you need to do a lot of effort into grooming this dog. All this stuff will help you remove the nits, tangles, and knots whereas the Newfoundland lab mix shedding will be no more a problem. Also, the dead hair of the Newfoundland dog lab mix will be removed and the de-matting will be done flawlessly. Also, you should be having a toenail clipper at your home for clipping the nails every month. Besides this, you should visit a professional groomer at least 6 times a year. Newfoundland Lab Mix Puppy Training: Training the Newfie mix puppies is not a challenging task, as it is an intelligent dog. Having a good experience in training means that you can train the labrador Newfie mix by yourself. If not, then group training sessions will be enough as the labrador and Newfoundland mix is easy to please. Early socialization is important for the dog also, be patient and dedicated while training the dog to get the best results. Newfoundland Lab Puppy Health concerns: Labrador mix puppy is a healthy breed, but still, it can have some genetic disorders. Some of the common disorders that a Newfoundland and labrador mix dog can have included, chronic allergies such as environmental, food or skin allergy, different cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, mast cell tumors or skin cancer, Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament, cataracts, epilepsy, hip or elbow dysplasia, Gastric dilatation-volvulus or gastric torsion, or subvalvular aortic stenosis. No matter you are having a mini Newfoundland and labrador mix dog or a fully grown Newfoundland and lab mix dog, visit the vet whenever you find any unusual behavior in the dog. Well, it can reach the ideal height if you provide the dog with high-quality food. The Newfoundland and Labrador mix puppies are active and energetic mostly hence, they require a lot of energy or food to overcome the burned calories. So, give your Newfoundland labrador crossbreed dog a protein-rich and carbohydrate-containing diet such as meat, fish, beans, peas, or whole grains. This will fulfill the energy requirements of the dog. Also, do not overfeed the Newfoundland labrador mix dog as it can lead to obesity that can in result cause hip or elbow dysplasia. Give your Newfoundland cross labrador dog hygienic food for a disease-free and healthy life. Lab Newfie Mix Activity Requirement: Labrador Newfoundland mix is an active dog also, it loves to go outdoors and maintain its energy level. Newfoundland labrador puppies require minutes of walk daily. Also, you can fulfill the exercise requirements by different activities such as running, fetching games, or any other task. Besides, the lab Newfoundland mix puppies are good swimmers hence, swimming can meet their exercise needs as well. Physical activity of the Newfoundland mix Labrador will keep the obesity away and your dog will be safe from the most common disorder, hip or elbow dysplasia. Newfoundland Mixes are very friendly dogs, known to be affectionate with both its own family as well as other dogs and children. Their gentle nature often makes them friendly towards strangers, which makes them a great pup to take to the local park. While their fur makes them great at handling colder weather, it does give them a hard time in warmer climates. Newfie Mixes can be prone to the same health issues as both parent breeds. On the Newfoundland side, this means that they are typically a moderately healthy breed, but do have their own set of risks involved typical to the large and giant dog breeds. They are known to have issues, especially later in life, concerning their joints and eyes. Talking to the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents is a great way to find out what to expect with your Newfoundland Mix. Considered very easy to train and highly intelligent, a Newfoundland Mix is a great dog for anyone who has had experience training a pup before. Because of their large size and thick coat, a Newfoundland Mix will shed a significant amount. To counteract this, they require regular grooming. Daily brushing also goes a long way in cutting down on shedding, removing tangles to prevent mats, and helping your pup be more comfortable. Their flat, water-resistant double coat tends to mat, but is extremely useful in inclement weather. But, droopy ears are more prone to ear infections because they tend to trap dirt and moisture more often than ears that stick straight up. Dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay are one of the most common health issues in dogs. Vet-approved dental hygiene chews or treats and a special dental care diet can help supplement your efforts. These Newfie Mixes tend to have moderate energy levels that require regular play or walks, but nothing overly rigorous. They tend to be very playful though, and love to chase when they play. A Newfoundland Mix typically tends to be between 24 and 27 inches at their shoulder. This may shift slightly depending on the other breed involved in the mix. This dog breed typically lives up to 10 years. Featured Newfoundland Mix Article. Have you found yourself wondering about the Newfoundland Lab Mix? Would one be the right addition to your household? So what exactly is a Newfoundland Lab Mix dog? In the dog world, the Newfoundland Lab Mix is known as a crossbreed. So What is a Crossbreed? Designer Dog Controversy While some support crossbreeding and insist there are benefits to breeding two different purebreds, others disagree. For example, some experts consider crossbreeds and mutts to be one and the same. Others insist that mutts share a lineage of several different breeds. Crossbreeds are the descendants of only two purebred parents. More importantly, many supporters claim crossbreeding can be a solution to the generational health problems that have increasingly overwhelmed purebred dogs during the last few centuries. However, others say that genetic defects can be just as prevalent in crossbred dogs. You can learn more about the controversies of crossbreeding here. Regardless of where you personally stand on the issue of crossbreeding, there is one thing experts seem to agree on… When deciding to add a new dog to your household, always do as much research on the desired breed—or crossbreed—as possible! Origin of the Newfoundland Labrador Mix Because crossbreeding is still a relatively new experience, the origin of the Newfoundland Lab Mix is mostly unknown. However, both of his purebred parents have fascinating histories worth digging into! Origin of the Newfoundland The Newfoundland dog is a part of the Mastiff family. He originated in Newfoundland, a large Canadian island off the east coast of the North American mainland. He is believed to be descended from the St. The Newfoundland is a massive dog, mostly bred for working. Because of his large stature, he was extremely useful in hauling heavy fishnets and pulling carts. In fact, a black Newfoundland named Seaman is said to have accompanied Lewis and Clark on their voyage to America! So what about the Labrador? Is his history as valiant? Origin of the Labrador Much like his Newfoundland counterpart, the Labrador originated from the Canadian island of Newfoundland in the early s. The Labrador is mainly bred for hunting, but is best known to be a devoted companion to his human counterparts. They can often be seen working narcotics detection with K9 officers or even guiding search-and-rescue missions. Labs can also make excellent guide dogs for the blind. Temperament of the Labrador Newfoundland Mix Because the Newfoundland Labrador Mix is a crossbreed, it is difficult to determine what type of temperamental traits he could inherit. By looking into the behavioral traits of the Newfoundland and the Labrador, we will be able to get a general idea of what the Lab and Newfoundland Mix temperament could be. Newfoundland Temperament The Newfoundland is a gentle giant, known for his devotion and sweet nature. He is excellent with children and is eager to please. Still, it is best he is supervised around other dogs and family pets until they have been properly introduced. The Newfoundland is an intelligent dog with a slightly independent streak. Because of his loyalty and keenness to please, he is easily trainable. Labrador Retriever Temperament The Labrador is a famously intelligent dog, who is also eager to please and therefore easy to train. Labs make excellent family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labs can be prone to chewing, however. They will need a variety of toys and chew bones to help reduce the chance of boredom that could result in material damages. Labradors are also highly energetic. They require consistent exercise and enjoy partaking in all sorts of family activities. The Newfoundland Labrador Mix will most likely do well with children and will have a loyal, sweet disposition just like his two purebred parents! Characteristics of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dogs The outcome regarding things like coat color, size, and weight, can be unpredictable when dealing with crossbreeds. These dogs can inherit physical traits from either purebred parent. However, taking a closer look at the defining characteristics of the Newfoundland and the Labrador can help give us an idea of what your potential Newfoundland cross Labrador puppy could inherit. The Newfoundland is a very large dog with females growing to about 26 inches tall and males growing up to 28 inches. A full-grown female Newfoundland can weigh in at — pounds while a male can weigh between and pounds. The Newfoundland has a long, dense coat built to protect him from icy waters and harsh weather. His coat comes in four standard colors: Black Gray White and Black The Lab, on the other hand, is a medium-sized dog whose coat comes in three standard colors: Black Chocolate The full-grown Labrador will grow to be 22—25 inches and weigh about 55—80 pounds. Generally, we can expect the Newfoundland Labrador Retriever Mix to be a medium to larger dog. We do have to keep in mind that physical traits will vary based on what he inherits from his purebred parents. Grooming Your Newfoundland Lab Mix Dog Generally speaking, the Newfoundland Lab should be easy to care for, as both his purebred parents only require occasional bathing. Still, both the Newfoundland and the Labrador are seasonal shedders with similar weather-resistant coats. The Newfoundland Lab Mix will most likely require weekly grooming and brushing to help keep his coat looking its best. Keep in mind the Newfoundland has a thicker coat with longer fur. If your Newfoundland Lab Mix inherits that coat, he may need more grooming attention, especially during warmer seasons. The Newfoundland Labrador Mix will need his ears cleaned once a week to help avoid infection. He will also need regular trimming of his nails to avoid cracking and splitting. Training their offspring, the Newfoundland Lab Mix, should be a breeze! Both the Newfoundland and the Labrador enjoy having access to the outdoors. Daily walks or frequent visits to the dog park would make for great exercise opportunities for your Newfoundland Labrador Mix. Potential owners should prepare for an independent streak in their Lab Newfoundland Mix when it comes to training. Approach obedience coaching with patience and dedication to ensure a positive experience for both of you. As always, we recommend early socialization and proper training with any new dog. Because he is a crossbreed, it is important to consider the lifespan and health issues that affect his purebred parents. He can be prone to several serious health conditions, including subaortic stenosis, hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, and epilepsy. He has also been known to suffer from cataracts. Some Newfoundlands do not tolerate anesthesia well, and many are sensitive to heat. Labradors can suffer elbow and hip dysplasia, loose knee joints, ruptured ligaments in their hind legs, heart disease, eye disease, epilepsy, cancer, and chronic allergies. Labs are also more prone than average to suffer from the gastrointestinal syndrome, bloat. Another thing to keep in mind is that both the Newfoundland and the Labrador are prone to obesity. Regular vet checkups along with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help extend the Newfoundland Lab Mix life expectancy. Potential owners can expect their Newfoundland Lab Mix to share the same sentiment. An ideal home for the Newfoundland Labrador Mix is going to have plenty of access to the outdoors. This includes trips to the dog park, walking along paths, and swimming in lakes and streams. The Newfoundland breed in particular loves water, so the Newfoundland Lab Cross might just love it too. The Newfoundland Lab Mix is a larger dog, however, so space could be an issue—he will need plenty of it. If you want a dog who loves to be right in the thick of the family fun, then the Newfoundland Labrador Mix will fit right in! Finding Newfoundland Lab Mix Puppies Whether you have your heart set on a rescue or a breeder, the most important thing is to go through a reputable source to ensure the health of your Labrador Newfoundland Mix. Finding a new dog from a responsible source can sometimes be difficult, so give yourself time and do plenty of research before you find your Newfoundland Lab mix for sale. Lab Newfoundland Mix Rescue Shelters carry all types of crossbreeds, but they may not have the one you are looking for there at any given moment. Many shelters offer waiting lists and can call you when and if your desired breed or crossbreed arrives. One of the many advantages of rescuing from a shelter is the price. Although most shelters do incur fees, they are often a fraction of what some breeders will charge. Also, most shelters will cover the initial veterinarian fee. Researching the local shelters in your area can help lock down more specifics on pricing. We recommend doing plenty of research on the breeder before you buy and make sure you research the Newfoundland Labrador Mix. Always make sure to ask about any temperament or health issues with his purebred parents or previous litters. Keep in mind that reputable breeders will have certificates to prove their dogs have been health screened. If you are still wary about getting your Newfoundland Labrador Mix, attend local dog shows. You can meet many breeders in person who could help point you in the right direction. You can also locate a breeder by going through your local AKC club. To find a club in your area, visit www. He is a very large dog who requires lots of space and access to the outdoors. He also needs an owner who is able to offer him plenty of exercise, weekly grooming, and a healthy diet plan. If you enjoy being outside or love to swim, the Newfoundland Lab Mix will make a great companion for you.

They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Active, eager to please and easy to train — with the waggiest of tails and smiliest of doggy faces — when it comes to being a good-natured family pet, Labrador Retrievers tick all the boxes. How trendy is your dog? The breed has certainly come a long way from its hard-working Canadian roots — in 16th century Newfoundland, the ancestors of the Labrador Retrievers we know and love today were used to help fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish. Labs will try their hardest to beg, steal or borrow just about any kind of food , even if it will do them absolutely no good at all. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for feeding Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. Shop sensitive puppy food. A recent scientific study has shown that a gene alteration specifically found in Labs indicates greater food-motivated behaviour than in other breeds. Researchers discovered that this variation occurs more frequently in Labradors chosen as assistance dogs and might explain why these canines seem more trainable with food rewards. When searching for the best diet for Labradors, look for recipes that are made from premium ingredients such as lamb , turkey and salmon to ensure excellent quality and superior taste. Shop high-quality Burgess dog food. Dogs need a balance of vitamins and minerals, and their food must contain zinc and copper supplements. They also need a little bit of fibre in their diet to help maintain a healthy gut. Burgess Sensitive dog food range caters for your dog at every stage of their life — all the way through from puppy to senior. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old and nursing mothers. Sensitive adult dog food is designed for dogs over the age of 12 months. For dogs over the age of 7, sensitive senior dog food is the perfect food for your Labrador dog. Our Labrador has a sensitive stomach and took to this change of food well. Healthy and balanced! We tried various diets, and this was the only one that settled him. She produces smaller poos! Dry kibble dog food is widely acknowledged to be a great way to deliver a nutritious, balanced, complete diet. The best dry food for adult and puppy Labradors is carefully crafted to provide exactly the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats that your dog needs, in an easy-to-feed form. When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet. How often should you feed a Labrador Retriever and how much? Puppies, with their small stomachs need three or four small meals a day, while adult dogs generally have two meals a day. Sometimes, elderly dogs benefit from three or four smaller meals. If you feed treats for training or when out on walks, this should also be taken into account. Remember that treats should be just that — something special, fed occasionally, in small amounts. Feeding frenzy? While some dogs like to savour every mouthful of their food, you might find that when feeding your Labrador puppy or adult dog, that they scoff down their dinner in seconds, which is really not good for them. Eating food too fast can cause digestive upsets, some of which can be very serious, requiring immediate veterinary attention. By switching the food you are feeding them to something more nutritionally beneficial you may be able to change your Lab's eating behaviour and allow them to slow down. What foods are dangerous to Labrador Retrievers? Here are some of the main foods that are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided in a Labrador diet. If you suspect your Lab has eaten any of the following, consult your vet immediately. Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Chocolate, coffee, tea Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. Fat trimmings Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Gravy If made from meat juices, it can contain high levels of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Milk and other dairy products Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Mouldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic raw, cooked, or powder Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain salmonella. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine a B vitamin deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly. Excessive salt If eaten in large quantities, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps in large amounts Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Xylitol This artificial sweetener sneaks its way into all sorts of foods — from peanut butter to jellies and jams and is highly toxic to canines. After a dog consumes a significant amount of xylitol, there is a massive release of insulin from the pancreas. This, in turn, results in a dangerously low blood sugar level and symptoms such as weakness, trembling, seizures, collapse, and even death. Is a Labrador Retriever the right breed for you? These easy-going, rewarding dogs have high energy levels, and will thrive on lots of attention, positive reward-based training , plenty of exercise as well as the right nutrition to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.