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Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. Size: inches tall and lbs— so essentially a very large Teddy bear. Lifespan: of the best years of your life! Energy Level: Active Coat: Thick, silky, and luxurious. Shedding: Moderately heavy. Hypoallergenic: Unfortunately, English Cream Goldens are not hypoallergenic. What is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Ah, the English Cream Golden Retriever, also known as the striking ivory white counterpart to the traditional Goldens we all know and love. And with a name like that, it comes as no surprise that these dogs are so sought after! Basically, an English Cream is a subtype of the Golden Retriever breed—more specifically a variation of the British Golden. English Cream Goldens gained their namesake as a result of, well, their elegant pale coats, which can range in color from a delicate cream shade to white. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the British Golden subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oh, and we can thank years of selective breeding for that wonderful and uniquely white coat of theirs, too. Because their temperament is friendly, fun-loving, and obedient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and attentive. Like all Goldens, they are playful and excitable. In short, their great, balanced temperament makes them a great addition to any home! Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are English Cream Goldens more expensive? What is the difference between English Cream and Golden Retriever? The British Goldens including the English Cream are very similar to their American Golden relatives; however, they do tend to sport slightly lighter colored coats overall and are about 2 inches shorter on average. How big is a full-grown English Cream Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do English Cream Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the English Cream Goldens often have a coat that is slightly thicker and shorter than the American Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are English Cream Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, English Cream Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature. In fact, their sweet, calm, and lovable disposition make them a fantastic addition to any family including yours. Are English Cream Goldens more calm? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. These original Goldens were bred to hunt and withstand the harsh winters of Scotland. Over the last years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family dog we all adore. American vs. Canadian vs. The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Adult males stand at the height of inches, while females stand at .Male American Goldens can weigh as much as pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at pounds. American Golden Retrievers are well-loved by all, showing loyalty and friendly nature to everyone. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please. With that said, American Goldens are known for being a little more energetic than other breed variations. They make an excellent pet for younger couples who enjoy many outdoor activities or families who can spend a lot of time playing with them. These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in the shade. They stand at the same height as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males being inches tall and females being .Canadian Goldens are also the same in weight, with males being pounds and females pounds. Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different locations. While very similar to American Goldens, they do have some subtle differences. The British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. The standard weight for British Golden Retrievers is not specified, but most weigh anywhere between 55 to 70 pounds. British Golden Retrievers are highly devoted, friendly, and intelligent. Many breeders report that British Golden has fewer potential health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. Still, there are no studies to confirm this. The English Cream Golden has a very pale cream to white coat shorter and thicker than standard American Goldens. They have a stockier build, with males standing around inches tall and females standing approximately inches. Adult male English Creams can weigh anywhere between pounds, and females weigh about pounds. English Cream Goldens have lovable personalities with a calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly smart and easy to train, as well. With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information. They are highly motivated working dogs that enjoy sporting activities like hunting. These Goldens range in color from dark golden to red, with shorter to mid-length coats. They have a smaller stature than other Golden Retrievers, with adult males standing at inches and females at inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 50 and 65 pounds. Field-bred Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you while fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be an excellent match for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot provide daily exercise. See our Field-bred Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Red Goldens get their name from their distinctly red coat. That is often a deep, bright red that distinguishes them from other kinds of Goldens. Their hair is often thinner and longer than other types of Goldens, as well. They tend to stand smaller in size, with males topping out at around inches and females .Adult males can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds. With most red Goldens actually being Field-bred Goldens, they are highly driven and motivated to work. These dogs will have high energy levels and benefit from being given tasks to assist with. Check out our Red Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Show Golden Retriever Show Golden Retrievers are a style that is bred to meet exact breed specifications to be shown in competitions. With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite remarkable in appearance. They are large-boned and thick in stature, with a wider, more broadhead than average Goldens. Show Golden Retrievers have all the same wonderful characteristics as other types of Goldens, being friendly and well-natured. However, since Show Goldens are bred to meet very specific breed standards, they are often costly. They are ideal for owners who are looking to exhibit their dogs in competitive dog shows. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality show Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There is some debate about whether mini Golden Retrievers should really be considered a type of Golden, as they are technically crossbreeds. Since mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they have no actual breed specifications. Their coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variations in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches tall, males and females. Their weights can vary as well, typically staying anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for anyone who desires certain personality traits of a Golden Retriever without the medium-to-large size. With that said, mini Goldens do not always take on the friendly, happy-go-lucky nature of purebred Goldens. Since they are crossbred, they can have attributes of other breeds. Purebred Black Golden Retrievers do not exist but can essentially be created by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breeds. The coat, height, and weight of a black Golden will vary because it is actually a mixed breed. Since many Goldens are bred with Labradors, they would likely be of medium-to-large build, with males or females anywhere between 50 to 75 pounds. Some Goldens may even be mixed with Newfoundlands, which would result in a much larger dog, weighing 80 to pounds or more. Determining which type of Golden Retriever is best for you depends on your unique lifestyle. All kinds make a great family pet, but some have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for specific homes. Each Golden Retriever puppy has a different cost too, so make sure you know the golden retriever price before deciding. To know which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult with a reputable breeder or trusted veterinarian! Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale and from our high quality golden retriever breeders. Both can show moderate signs of being territorial, but more so in females due to their motherly instincts. What is the best color for Golden Retrievers? Standard gold has been shown to be more popular out of the colors of Golden Retrievers. Each color type has specific characteristics. A lighter shade tends to look more white in the light while the darker Golden Retrievers consist of more deep reds and blacks. The most obvious difference lies in the shades of color. Aside from color differences, the head of an English Golden retriever is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are leaner and taller. What color is a Canadian Golden Retriever? All of them have their signature styles in either light, dark, or natural golden coat colors. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Newfoundland Bloodhounds. From these combinations came the Golden's exceptional scenting ability, strong prey drive and gentle temperament. By the early s, the Golden Retriever had developed into a superb hunting retriever. In addition to its hunting traits, the Golden's most distinguishing features were its luxurious golden coat and sweet disposition. The British Golden Retriever is in fact the original breed from which all others evolved. When the Golden Retriever was first introduced into the United States, via Canada, it was basically the British breed. Breeding began to take place between American kennels, rather than relying on bloodlines from overeas. Over time, the American breed began to diverge from its British cousin, becoming a somewhat lighter in weight and leaner animal. The British Golden Retriever is heavier and stockier than its American counterpart. It has a broader skull and more muscular forequarters. While generally lighter in colour than the American Golden, colour has become less and less a defining characteristic of the breed. The British Breed Standard specifies that the Retriever's colour should be "- any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany". The American Standard, which states "- rich, lustrous golden of various shades. The breeds are in reality distinguished from one another primarily by their respective conformations. They are all "Golden" to one degree or another. Thank you for your interest in Regalgoldens. If you would like to be considered for a future litter, kindly complete the adoption request form. Our bloodlines are from only the most respected kennels worldwide. Recent News.

Articles You will find Blue American Bulldogs intimidating because of their massive bodies. Yet, they are affectionate, which makes them classic family protective pooches any pet lover should have. How can you describe a Blue American Bulldog? This well-balanced dog of the Mastiff group is an impressive combination of a calm dog, a watchdog, and a lap dog. If you have one in your family, you will be glad that you made the decision. If you have been looking for that complete guide that will enable you to understand Blue American Bulldogs and related topics, you have come to the right place. This article will help you with answers to many of the questions you have regarding this unique breed of dog. You will find answers regarding their size, lifespan, temperament, smell, price, and swimming ability. As for the females, they usually grow as tall as 20 to 23 inches. On the other hand, the average weight of a male Blue American Bulldog is between 75 to lbs, much heavier than its female counterpart with an average weight between 60 to 90 lbs. Due to the distinctive sizes of the male and female Blue American Bulldog, you will be able to distinguish them easily when put together. The larger and studier one is the male while the smaller one is the female. However, generally, Blue American Bulldogs are between medium to large-sized. Physical Appearance When it comes to physical appearance, typical Blue American Bulldogs have a powerful look because of their dense muscular build. Their sculpted muscles, which cover the chest, neck, shoulders, legs, and hindquarters jump at you when you look at them for the first time. Their big heads, which make their body size relatively small are also unique features of this canine. If you have seen their mother English Bulldog relatives, you can tell where they got this feature. Yet, white color often appears in their coat. In some cases, it is pure white while there are also breeds that have brindle or red patches. If you are wondering whether a Blue American Bulldog exists, the answer is yes. This is because there are breeds that have shades of blue in their coats. Some can live as long as 16 years when their owner takes good care of them. Of course, there are pooches that live longer than this. Still, Blue American Bulldogs are some of the healthiest breeds out there. The factors that will determine the lifespan of your Blue American Bulldog includes: The breed Care The Breed Interestingly, the smaller breeds of Blue American Bulldogs often live longer than the larger versions of this canine. This is strange because this is not the way it is with other animals. The lifespan of larger mammals like elephants is usually longer than that of smaller ones like rats and cats. The reason for this contradiction is attributed to the rate of growth of the larger canines, which is usually rapid. Susceptibility To Diseases It is logical that a Blue American Bulldog that is vulnerable to diseases will not live long. One of the reasons larger ones do not live as long as the smaller breeds is because they usually develop health complications such as bone cancer, kidney disorders, elbow dysplasia , and cherry eye. Care The level of care you give your Blue American Bulldog goes a long way in determining how long your pooch will live. If you want your canine to live long, you will have to pay much attention to the exercise and dietary needs of your pet. You will have to ensure that your pup is also vaccinated to prevent sicknesses. The most important part of taking care of your Blue American Bulldog is to ensure that your canine does not compromise on living a healthy lifestyle. You will be making a huge mistake if you assume that pooches can take care of themselves. The following tips will help you in this regard: Regular Exercise Once you deprive your Blue American Bulldog of regular exercise, you are indirectly sending your pooch to an early grave. Therefore, you have to ensure that your canine does not have a sedentary lifestyle. It is a crucial part of your commitment to take care of your pooch. So, ensure that you do not fail in this aspect. Ensure that your furry companion has enough multivitamins, protein, and carbohydrates. Multivitamins, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, offer your pooch what is missing in stable food, which bodes well for the immune system. It is not out of place to seek professional help in this regard. Pet Plate will be an excellent choice if you choose to go that route. Each freshly prepared meal is made from quality human-grade ingredients and is guaranteed to satisfy the taste buds of your Blue American Bulldog. Therefore, using dental water additives is a no-brainer. Just add a few drops into the water bowl for your pooch and you are all set for the day! Your four-legged furry friend does not deserve to be one of the thousands of canines around the world suffering from periodontal conditions. Water additives prevent periodontal conditions, which improve the health and mood of your furry companion. This will help you to be a responsible owner. It will also help you to understand the kind of risk your canine poses when it is around your family members, guests, and strangers. Blue American Bulldogs are only aggressive when necessary. Their powerful look is not for fun. They will get into action when necessary. They do not bark unnecessarily when performing their watchdog duty. They bark to warn intruders to stay away but they will not hesitate to rock the boat for those that ignore their warning. The good news is that it is not challenging to train your Blue American Bulldog. Using positive reinforcement will work well with your pooch. Have treats ready for each training session and reward your pooch accordingly for each successful task it performs. The straight answer to this question is a resounding yes. Despite their intimidating frame, Blue American Bulldogs can be incredibly friendly. This makes them safe with kids. Yet, despite their family orientation, you should not throw caution to the winds. Therefore, always keep an eye on the interaction between your canine and your child. Due to the guarding instinct of Blue American Bulldogs, they do not shy away from their responsibility to protect their loved ones. However, they can become overprotective. Therefore, there is a need to train them early on socialization. Do Blue American Bulldogs Smell? Grooming Tips For Blue American Bulldogs Although your Blue American Bulldog does not naturally have an odor, it is only a matter of time if you do not groom your pooch properly. Their interaction with food and dirt will make them dirty and smelly. Therefore, it is essential that you learn how to groom your canine. The tips below will help you in this aspect: Bathing To keep it smelling fresh, it is recommended to bathe your Blue American Bulldog once every 4 to 6 weeks. Bathing your pooch too frequently may lead to a loss of the essential oils protecting its skin. However, for those with active outdoor lifestyles, bathing them regularly like once every 2 days is okay to remove any dirt and mud trapped in its coat layer. This pet-tailored shampoo contains natural oatmeal ingredients that help soothe dogs with sensitive skin conditions, giving them a much happier bathing time. Check Price on Amazon Hypoallergenic Your Blue American Bulldog cannot be classified as a hypoallergenic breed because this breed tends to shed all year round. Therefore, it is crucial that you consider how you can help them to reduce the level of hair they shed in your home. This is essential, especially when you have children that are allergic to fur. You should not wait until there is an incident before you act. Brushing One of the ways you can stop your pooch from shedding hair all over your house is by regular brushing. Brushing your Blue American Bulldog 3 times every week helps to keep its shedding to a more manageable level. For this purpose, employing the services of a Furminator Undercoat Tool is recommended. Make life easier for yourself by getting one. 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. Blue American Bulldogs are worth every penny due to the fact that they are challenging to breed and desired by all. Due to their low exercise and grooming requirements, Blue American Bulldogs are excellent for first-time dog owners. They are also easy to train. So, there is no cause for alarm if you want to buy one despite never owning a dog before. Can Blue American Bulldogs Swim? Blue American Bulldogs are not the best swimmers but they learn to swim if training is provided. The large faces and jaws of these breeds make it challenging for them to keep afloat for a long period. So, be careful when exposing them to water. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. Breeders, as I previously stated, adhere to kennel club breed criteria to the greatest extent feasible. This helps to explain why the white American Bulldog is the most popular of the color variants. Apart from solid whites, those with colored markings are also very popular. Your young American Bulldog puppy may be from the same litter, but their coat colors may differ. Canine genetics is a complicated yet fascinating subject. In the case of dog coats, genes are in charge of two things. Second, they have complete control over the production of these pigments, which is why there are solid-colored, two-toned, brindled, and merle coats. Color genes may also dilute one another, resulting in the appearance of distinct colors. Lilac American Bulldogs, as I previously stated, are actually black canines who have been diluted twice. Its chocolate gene [bb] dilutes its black color to brown, which is then further diluted to blue by its blue gene [dd]. The outcome is a grey lilac Bulldog with traces of lilac or purple. Because of the gene system inherited from the parents, American Bulldogs come in a variety of hues. What is the maximum size of a blue American Bulldog? A typical male Blue American Bulldog stands 22 to 28 inches tall. Females typically develop to be between 20 and 23 inches tall. A male Blue American Bulldog, on the other hand, weighs between 75 and pounds, which is significantly more than its female counterpart, who weighs between 60 and 90 pounds. When the male and female Blue American Bulldogs are put together, you will be able to tell them apart easily due to their different proportions. The male is the larger and more serious one, while the female is the smaller one. Blue American Bulldogs, on the other hand, are often medium to large in size. Outward Appearance Because of their dense muscular structure, Blue American Bulldogs have a powerful presence when it comes to physical appearance. When you first glance at them, their sculpted muscles, which cover the chest, neck, shoulders, thighs, and hindquarters, pop out at you. Their large heads, which result in a modest body size, are other distinguishing characteristics of this breed. Nonetheless, white is a common hue in their coat. It might be completely white in some situations, or it can have brindle or red areas in others. This is due to the fact that some breeds have blue-tinged coats. The average lifespan of a blue American Bulldog is 12 years. When their owner takes proper care of them, they can live up to 16 years. Of fact, there are pups who live far longer. Nonetheless, Blue American Bulldogs are among the healthiest dog breeds available. The following things will influence the lifespan of your Blue American Bulldog: Care Breeding Surprisingly, Blue American Bulldog pup of lesser breeds often live longer than their larger counterparts according to the american bulldog breeder. This is unusual since other animals do not behave in this manner. Larger mammals, such as elephants, have longer lifespans than smaller mammals, such as rats and cats. The growth rate of the larger canines, which is normally quick, is thought to be the cause of this inconsistency even amongst the reputable breeder of all time. One of the reasons larger breeds do not live as long as smaller breeds is that they are more prone to health issues such bone cancer, kidney disease, elbow dysplasia, and cherry eye. Take precautions The amount of attention you give your Blue American Bulldog has a big impact on how long he lives. If you want your adult dog to live a long life, you must pay close attention to his or her exercise and food requirements. To avoid illnesses, you must ensure that your puppy is also vaccinated. The most crucial aspect of caring for your Blue American Bulldog is to make sure that he or she maintains a healthy lifestyle. If you presume that pups can look after themselves, you will be making a tremendous mistake. Consistent Exercise You are indirectly sending your Blue American Bulldog to an early grave if you deny him regular exercise to be a working dog or a catch dogs. As a result, you must ensure that your dog does not lead a sedentary lifestyle. Make sure your pet is getting adequate multivitamins, protein, and carbohydrates. It is acceptable to seek professional assistance in this regard. If you decide to go that path, Pet Plate will be an outstanding choice. Using dental water additives is therefore a no-brainer. Your four-legged furry pet does not deserve to be one of the thousands of dogs suffering from periodontal disease all over the world. This will assist you in being a responsible property owner. It will also assist you in determining the level of danger your dog poses to family members, visitors, and strangers. Only when absolutely necessary, blue American Bulldogs become hostile. When it is required, they will act. When fulfilling their watchdog duties, they do not bark excessively. They bark to warn intruders to stay away, but any who reject their warning will be thrown from the boat. The good news is that training your Blue American Bulldog is not difficult. Your dog will respond nicely to positive reinforcement. Treats should be on hand for each training session, and your dog should be rewarded for each successful job it completes. The simple answer is a loud yes to this question. Blue American Bulldogs, despite their imposing appearance, can be extremely sociable. This makes them suitable for use with children. Regardless of their familial orientation as american bulldog dogs, you should use caution. Blue American Bulldogs, with their protecting instinct, do not shirk their responsibilities to defend their loved ones. They can, however, become overprotective. As a result, early socialization training is necessary. Blue American Bulldog Grooming Tips Even though your Blue American Bulldog does not have an odor by nature, it is only a matter of time if you do not properly groom your dog. They will become filthy and smelly as a result of their interactions with food and dirt. As a result, it is critical that you understand how to groom your dog. The following suggestions will assist you in this regard: Taking a bath Bathing your Blue American Bulldog once every 4 to 6 weeks is suggested to keep it smelling fresh. Bathing your dog too often can cause the essential oils that protect its skin to be lost. Bathing them on a frequent basis, such as once every two days, is acceptable for individuals with busy outdoor lifestyles to remove any dirt and muck trapped in their coat layer. Natural oatmeal elements in this pet-specific shampoo help soothe dogs with sensitive skin issues, making bathing time much more enjoyable for them. Allergen-free Because this breed sheds all year, your Blue American Bulldog cannot be categorized as a hypoallergenic breed. As a result, you must examine how you may assist them in reducing the amount of hair they shed in your home. This is particularly important if you have children who are allergic to fur. You should not wait for an incident to occur before taking action. Cleaning Brushing your dog on a regular basis is one technique to keep him from losing hair all over the home. Brushing your Blue American Bulldog three times a week can assist to keep shedding to a minimum. It is recommended that you use a Furminator Undercoat Tool for this reason. As you brush your american bulldog dogs coat, this hand-held tool easily eliminates any loose undercoat hair. Getting one will make your life easier. Bulldog Breed. Their height could be 2 to 3 inches taller than the standard American Bulldog at shoulder height. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Blue American Bulldog coat colors and types White is the only standard American Bulldog color that is accepted, but markings of brown, black, tan, or brindle on a white base coat can be considered. American Bulldog coat colors that are not accepted as standard are lilac, chocolate, black, blue, and merle. Blue merle American Bulldog American Bulldog Blue merle has black and bluish-gray patches on its body making it appear as a merle pattern. Blue fawn American Bulldog American Bulldog with a blue or grayish base coat with some markings of light yellowish tan color on the chest and feet. Blue brindle American Bulldog American Bulldog Blue brindle has tiger-striped markings of blue and black. Blue brindle American Bulldog puppies may appear black at first but would later exhibit the brindle pattern as they mature. Blue and white American Bulldog American Bulldog with a white base coat and some markings of blue on the chest, body, and legs. Blue tri American Bulldog The Color pattern of this American Bulldog has a blue base color with markings of white and tan on the chest, face, and legs. Blue grey American Bulldog puppies Blue grey American Bulldog has a grey brindle coat with some white markings on the face and feet. American Bulldog Blue eyes American Bulldogs generally have brown eyes. But some may ask whether American Bulldogs have blue eyes since the Merle color pattern also occurs in American Bulldogs. So, do American Bulldogs have Blue eyes? When they first open their eyes a few weeks after birth, American Bulldog puppies with Blue eyes are common to see. But, this normally changes into brown when they reach 4 months old. Mature American Bulldogs with Blue eyes usually have a Merle coat pattern. Merle coat color combinations among American Bulldog with Blue eyes typically have a white base color with random splotches of dark colors like black, brown, and blue. Blue nose American Bulldog American Blue nose Bulldog has a blue coat with a matching blue-colored nose. American Bulldog Blue nose usually have both parents that are also blue-nosed. Blue nose American Bulldog puppies would appear black when they are born and within 6 months would exhibit their blue color. You may be interested in: Blue Nose Pitbull Complete Guide American Blue Bulldog temperament The American Bulldog, regardless of color, is a confident, loyal, and fierce protector of his family making them excellent guard dogs. They are energetic and playful, but would not hesitate to snuggle up with their owners for some cuddling. Do Blue American Bulldog make great family pets? Yes, Blue American Bulldogs do make great family pets. They are a great addition to any active family and can get along with children and other pets just as long as they are socialized and introduced early. They may exhibit some aloofness to other animals they are not familiar with and could easily get agitated when in the presence of other rowdy pets. Adult supervision should be maintained when in the presence of young children to avoid any accidents during rough playing. Are Blue American Bulldogs good for first time dog owners? When it comes to their temperament, Blue American Bulldogs are good for first-time dog owners. However, because of their powerful physique, some first-time dog owners may find them quite difficult to handle. Blue American Bulldogs need to be constantly active and trained properly to become well-balanced dogs. Are American Blue Bulldogs affectionate dogs? Yes, American Blue Bulldogs are affectionate and like getting the attention of their owners. It is not uncommon for them to cuddle with you or stay by your side frequently. Are Blue American Bulldogs aggressive dogs? As long as the Blue American Bulldogs are socialized early and exposed to different environments, their aggression due to their territorial nature will be minimized. American Blue Bulldog training Blue American Bulldogs need to be trained early to quickly establish boundaries and routines. They tend to be stubborn, so firm commands with plenty of positive reinforcements are paramount. Overall, they are very receptive to training and easy to handle if you maintain your consistency and keep it fun. Exercise can be split into two sessions one in the morning and another in the late afternoon. Can Blue American Bulldogs swim? Blue American Bulldogs can be taught to swim, but because of their stocky bodies and short snouts, it may be difficult for them to stay afloat for long periods. Providing them with a life vest will solve this problem. American Blue Bulldog living conditions American Bulldogs can adapt to most dwellings provided they are given sufficient exercise. Lack of physical activity will lead to destructive behaviors around the house and could even make them bark excessively. Leaving them alone for too long may lead to separation anxiety and will also result in these unwanted behaviors. Because of their brachycephalic faces, they are also prone to breathing difficulties during extreme temperature changes. This will not only provide their canine companions with some fresh air and sun but also allows their Blue American Bulldog to walk around and exercise. If you also allow your furry friends in your backyard, make sure that it is fully fenced. Some towns or counties may have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If you live in one of these towns, a good alternative is to get a wireless dog fence which will also keep your pups safe. Many dog owners will also install an electronic dog door , especially when their fur babies love to head out to the backyard on their own. An automatic doggy door allows your pups to head out and come back in without having the owners open and close the door behind them. So whether you work from home or at the office, your four-legged friends can still enjoy the outdoors during the day. This way, your K9 friends can stay safe indoors at night. American Bulldog Blue grooming and cleaning Only minimal grooming and maintenance are required for this breed because of their short coats. Keeping the folds in their skins free from moisture is necessary to prevent bacterial infections due to excess moisture. They are also known to drool, so wiping their mouths with a towel now and then would be a good idea. If you do need to bathe your Blue American Bulldog, be sure to only use shampoos that are specially designed for dogs. However, we know that it can be a difficult task since many dog owners are busy. Thus, three to four times a week should be fine. Be sure to use a dog toothpaste that contains both an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent. Finally, maintaining short nails is essential. If you and your fur babies have had a previous bad experience with a dog clipper, try using a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor and a precise diamond bit grinder. Grooming Needs. American Bulldog Traits General Appearance Though they can vary in size and appearance depending on which line or strain they came from, American Bulldogs are typically stocky and well-built. The Johnson type American Bulldog is a large dog with a shorter muzzle, whereas the Scott type is smaller with a longer muzzle. Coat and Coloring The American Bulldog may be solid white or white with all shades of brindle i. Blue eyes can occur, but they are not common. Distinctive Physical Traits American Bulldogs have large heads, powerful jaws, and beefy builds that include a deep, broad chest, broad back, and muscular shoulders. American Bulldog Temperament American Bulldogs often serve as guard, hunting, and working dogs. They require daily mental and physical activity to prevent hyperactivity and undesirable behaviors. American Bulldogs also need firm, consistent obedience training and socialization to be friendly toward strangers and easy to control in all situations. As such, this breed is best for experienced dog owners. American Bulldogs can be wary of cats and other small pets and may react to strange dogs—especially those of the same sex. And there have been incidents of American Bulldog aggression toward other pets or people. But you can reduce the risk of such events through early socialization. Experts believe Bulldogs arrived in the United States as early as the 17th century, along with immigrant farmers and ranchers who put them to work as farm guardians protecting livestock , stock dogs herding livestock , and catch dogs catching and holding mature livestock for slaughter. By the late s, the Bulldogs approached extinction. But thanks to breeding programs set up by John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, the American Bulldog survived. There are now two American Bulldog types named after the breeders: the Johnson, also known as the classic or bully type, and the Scott, which is sometimes called the standard or performance type. The American Bulldog Association started in .And a year later, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in the working class. American Bulldog Care Nutrition American Bulldogs need a high-quality diet formulated for large dogs. To ensure slow and steady growth, they should eat large-breed puppy food for the first 14 months of life. And you should not feed them foods with added calcium until they are eating adult food. Grooming Grooming American Bulldogs is relatively easy. Their coats are fine and glossy, with moderate shedding. That means the breed needs only occasional brushing, and baths can typically wait until they get into something messy. Exercise The American Bulldog is an athletic breed. Otherwise, bone and joint damage are possible. Adult Bulldogs, on the other hand, can enjoy a range of invigorating activities—from jogs, hikes, and tug-a-war games to training exercises. American Bulldogs often struggle when left alone for long periods. The boredom of solitude may drive them to develop a variety of behavior problems—such as chewing or digging. Meeting their needs for physical and mental stimulation can help prevent this. If exposed to good training practices, other dogs, and a variety of people, your American Bulldog will likely grow to be a well-mannered, manageable adult. American Bulldog Genetic Health Conditions.

But, of course, most dog owners at some time will have to leave their Golden Retriever home alone. It may be because you work, or you need to step outside to run errands. So, can you leave a Golden Retriever at home alone? As a whole, Golden Retrievers can be left alone with no issues, provided they have access to water and chews toys. However, someone should check on the dog within four to six hours, and owners should teach their Golden Retriever how to be alone to mitigate separation anxiety issues. Owners should also consider a confinement area for their Golden Retriever. Many adult Golden Retrievers can have access to the whole house once they are mature enough, but that is specific to the individual dog. Just be forewarned; even the most responsible and mature Golden Retriever may decide to roam the house and get into things if bored. Also, be aware that Golden Retrievers puppies can be a handful. Golden puppies are very active, high-energy, and dynamic. In fact, I might suggest you read this article I wrote if this is your first time with a Golden puppy. It will give you an idea of what to expect for the first two years of puppyhood and maybe beyond , and you can find it here: How Active Are Golden Retriever Puppies? What You Need to Know Also, if you are a first-time Golden Retriever owner, take a few minutes to read this article on what to expect. A Golden Retriever that has been crate trained can also be left alone with minor issues provided they have access to water, and the dog is allowed to relieve themselves at appropriate times during the day. However, I think a larger confinement area is better and more comfortable for the dog. Confining the dog to a large enclosed room or playpen restricts its movements while allowing access to move about, stretch its legs and still have a water dish and plenty of toys available—something a crate does not allow. A larger containment area also has the benefit of allowing the crate to be placed within the enclosure. In this way, your Golden can move freely out of its makeshift den crate as it desires. You can also place a sod box a box with real or fake grass in the corner of the confinement area for a puppy to relieve itself. Ideally, however, you want someone to check on the puppy to allow it to go out regularly, so it learns to do its business outside rather than inside. Confinement areas also ensure your Golden Retriever is safe. Dogs, especially puppies, are curious and can get into some very unexpected things that could be harmful. Make sure you dog-proof any area used, regardless of where you decide to keep your Golden Retriever. Hold up. I wrote an article discussing how to puppy-proof your home if bringing a Golden Retriever puppy home. Also, be mindful of your living situation. While Golden Retrievers typically do not bark a lot, they can bark if left alone for too long or bored. While barking may not be a big issue if you live in a house, it can be problematic if you live in an apartment or condo with adjacent neighbors. Another issue is high temperatures, especially if living in a higher floor apartment without air conditioning. Golden Retrievers can struggle in extreme heat, and steps should be taken to ensure they are safe. So, how long can a Golden Retriever be left alone? On average, adult Golden Retrievers can be left alone for about four hours and no longer than six. Beyond four hours, someone should check on the dog and let them out. Puppies can be left alone only for 1 hour plus their age in months to a maximum of four hours before needing to relieve themselves. Imagine how important this is. What if your boss told you that you had to stay in your office for the whole workday. You and your kids could not leave to stretch your legs or to go to the bathroom. Would you consider that acceptable? Hopefully not. So, allow your Golden Retriever the same act of kindness and respect. Now, many Golden Retrievers can hold their bladders well beyond four hours. Aside from giving your Golden Retriever a bathroom break during the day, there is also a social and exercise element. Golden Retrievers are a sensitive breed of dog that bonds very closely to their owners. So, just like your Golden Retriever needs a bathroom break during the day, it should also have some social interaction and some time to stretch its legs and move about. The good news is that breaks and social interaction can be accomplished together if you have someone coming in to let your dog out. Check out his video below from Rachel Fusaro. Rachel discusses how long to leave a dog alone and offers some helpful guidance. More specifically, do Golden Retrievers do well if left alone? Typically Golden Retrievers do very well left alone provided they are taught to do so and are provided necessary bathroom breaks during the day. All dogs need some exercise, and most are very social creatures; however, some dogs are more active and sociable than others. Golden Retrievers are one of those breeds. While Golden Retrievers make excellent house dogs , there are a few things you can do to ensure your Golden Retriever adjust well to you being gone. First, take your Golden Retriever out for a walk or play session before leaving. Goldens are an active breed that enjoys being wherever its people are. But, unfortunately, that means that if your Golden is left alone all day long without any breaks or social interaction, it can develop separation anxiety. To remedy this, make sure you have someone come in to check on your Golden if you plan to be gone longer than four to six hours. There are options available in these situations, and they can easily be managed with a bit of planning and preparation. Lastly, one of the most important things you can do is provide training beforehand to mitigate separation anxiety. I wrote an in-depth article on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. Of course, these tips apply to older Goldens too. But many people work night shifts or may have a night away for some reason. So, can I leave a Golden Retriever alone overnight? Golden Retrievers over six months may be left alone overnight, depending on their training and personality. Some dogs may be OK, whereas others may be anxious and prefer not to be alone. Puppies under six months should not be left unattended overnight due to bladder issues and their dependence on you for care. Keep in mind that it is impossible to address every situation and dog with a yes or no blanket statement. So, in some cases, it may be doable, and in others, it is not. Context does matter as well. For example, if you have to head out for a couple of hours to help a friend with car trouble, it might not be a big issue versus working all night and sleeping all day. Do you see the difference? So, if you guess wrong and your dog hates being alone overnight, it may develop anxiety and behavioral problems. Overall, however, there are some potential concerns that owners need to be cautious of and consider. First, be mindful of how long your Golden Retriever is going to be left alone. Leaving the Golden Retriever alone all night, followed by even more solitude the next day, is not healthy for the dog. Dogs are social creatures and need companionship. The biggest issue that I see is that there are limited options to check on your dog at night, unlike in the daytime. Another issue is what has your Golden become accustomed to for its sleeping situation. For example, if your Golden Retriever sleeps with you at night or at the foot of your bed, and suddenly you are gone, how will it react? And, how will you know if your dog is becoming distressed or not? Golden Retrievers like routine and are sensitive to changes. He sleeps wherever we are and does not like to be alone at night. Nights are not the same as the day, and your Golden Retriever may become more easily distressed or scared at night versus the day much like kids , especially if you are suddenly not there. Lastly, why are you considering letting the dog stay alone overnight? Are you taking off to Vegas for a weekend? Is it a new job? Is it a short-term situation, or will it be a long-term one? Remember, lifestyle is the most significant determinant in matching a dog to a household. If a home has little to no time to spend with a Golden Retriever, consider waiting until your lifestyle is better aligned to caring for a dog. For example, consider leaving your Golden Retriever with a friend or family member. Or book a night or two with a dog sitter yes, some will watch your dog overnight, albeit usually for an increased fee. In this way, your Golden can still have its needs met and is well taken care of. Often Golden Retriever owners need to be away for more than a few hours and even a few days. Under no circumstances should a Golden Retriever be left alone for days unattended. Golden Retrievers are dependent on us for food and water and need companionship and exercise. Have someone check on the dog every 4 to 6 hours, or consider using a third party e. Yes, I understand that sometimes life happens, and we may need to be away for a few days. And, unfortunately, taking your Golden Retriever with you during these times may not be doable. I get it. Instead, have someone come in a few times a day to let your Golden Retriever relieve itself, to provide some companionship and exercise, and to feed and water it. In that case, one day can be manageable, maybe two depending on how often the dog is being checked on. Like small children, Golden Retrievers are dependent on us to meet their needs, so leaving them unattended for days should not be done. Consider this. Would you be comfortable leaving a two-year-old child alone for days? Why not? The answers to those questions are pretty much the same reasons you should not leave your Golden Retriever alone for days unattended. The most obvious option is to ask friends or family. Often our loved ones will jump at the opportunity to watch your Golden while gone. In fact, why not ask friends or family well in advance if they might be willing to watch your dog in an emergency. In this way, you know beforehand if that is an option. If it is not, then you need to consider other options. Most daycares are well equipped to board your Golden Retriever for days and offer both services. BAR posing for the owners at doggie daycare — this is his happy place. Or consider hiring someone to watch your dog while gone. Many teenagers will sit for dogs, not different from kids. Alternately, many dog walkers also offer sitting services and may take your dog in their home for a few days or provide the service at your home. For example, we recently had a wedding to attend out of town. So, while we expected to be home to pick up Bailey, we advised the daycare that we would text them to let them know if we were running late. However, we also asked a family member if they could pick up Bailey before the pm cutoff, and luckily they were able to accommodate us if required. So, either way, we had our bases covered. A bit of pre-planning beforehand can save a lot of stress and anxiety down the road. It is not a good idea to leave your Golden Retriever alone for more than a day — two max — even if someone is stopping by to check on the dog. Remember, I said earlier that Golden Retrievers are social animals and need exercise and companionship. So, what should I do with Golden Retriever when on vacation? If you cannot take your Golden Retriever on vacation with you, consider leaving the dog with friends or family, a dog sitter, a boarding kennel, or a doggie daycare. Ensuring your Golden Retriever has food and water, and its mental and physical needs are met while on vacation is essential. Golden Retrievers are dependent on us for more than just food and water. Goldens are social animals and need companionship and social interaction. Goldens also need plenty of activity and mental stimulation to meet their mental and physical needs. Goldens prefer to be where you are. More and more places are now catering to people who travel with their dogs. So, load up the van and kids, and take your Golden on vacation with you. Many hotels now offer pet-friendly suites. A little planning beforehand might result in keeping all the family together on vacation. Or consider looking into Airbnb or vacation rentals by owners. Many of these offer dog-friendly facilities. Leaving your Golden Retriever alone in the house for a few hours is not much different from home. Just be sure to create a dog-proofed confinement area and give the dog time to adjust to the new setting. In this way, you can have your dog cared for while you and the family do your vacation stuff during the day. Another option is looking into vet clinics. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our vet clinic had set up a kennel service with top-notch facilities and a play area in the back, which is becoming more common. Putting your dog in a daycare or kennel for a half-day or day during the week or regularly is a good idea. The only downside is your Golden may love it so much that it might not want to leave with you when you get back. Final Thoughts Your Golden Retriever will be fine at home for shorter periods. Most people work for a living, and leaving their dogs home is a typical course during the week. We did this with most of our dogs as well. Provided they can have a break in the day to relieve themselves and are given water and toys to play with, they adjust very well, primarily if you have gradually taught them to be alone beforehand. So when you need to be gone for longer, find alternate arrangements so your Golden Retriever can thrive. Think of it this way. A Golden Retriever needs the basics of life: food, water, and shelter and also the basics for good health and well-being: exercise, play, socialization, and companionship. If you are leaving them alone, make sure you do some planning in advance, and you should find very few issues and plenty of options to ensure those basic needs are met while you are away. Bladder infections Depression Never punish your Golden Retriever for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety or destructive behavior due to frustration. Remember that Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve ducks and other game birds for hunters due to their strength, stamina, and high work ethic. So how much exercise do Golden Retrievers need? The exercise requirements of a Golden Retriever depend on their age and general health. Puppies need five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day until they are fully grown. Adults should have at least two hours of activity per day. Senior dogs might only be able to manage minutes. Some days your Golden Retriever might want more exercise, some days less, a bit like humans! My dog will put the brakes on, sit down, and looks up at me if she gets tired during a walk. Exercise should include many fun activities, not just leash walking. If you have the option of leaving your Golden Retriever outside when you depart, it can provide him with an abundance of space to run around and feel calm. However, are they okay to be left out, or are they inside dogs? Golden Retrievers prefer to be inside dogs as they are highly social, people-loving, and prefer interaction. However, they can be outside dogs in certain climates due to their double coat, but only if you train them to stay outside from a young age and provide adequate shelter, such as a doghouse. May engage in destructive chewing of your possessions if suffering from separation anxiety. Prevents your dog from being injured if you live alongside wild animals who might attack. Risk of neighbor complaints due to excessive barking from separation anxiety, especially if you live in an apartment. Your puppy needs to be toilet trained. If they spend more time outside, you will have less cleaning up! You need a large space for your dog to be comfortable. A small yard is insufficient. An occasional bark from your backyard is excellent to ward off strangers. Your dog may chew on tree roots or destroy flowers. Your dog can get rid of any pent-up energy, especially if you buy a dog agility course or make one! Your dog may be unhappy and feel less part of the family. Pros and cons of leaving a Golden Retriever outside Where to Leave Your Golden Retriever in the Home If you prefer to leave your Golden Retriever inside when you go out, you can still manage his environment and keep him safe by containing him in a specific part of the house. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Use a dog crate. It should be big enough for your dog to turn around comfortably and stretch out. My dog loved her crate and often went to her den to chill out or chew her KONG toys. Use dog gates. You can use dog gates or baby gates to segregate an area of your home. These allow you to section off no-go areas leaving you to decide how much freedom your puppy can have to wander around. Plus, there are a ton to choose from to suit your furnishings. Use a playpen. Some playpens can even be adjoined to a crate to make a great combination of a comfy resting place and room to roam. Some are constructed from heavy-duty metal and can be used outside, such as the BestPet Dog Pen from Amazon. I like this playpen as you can configure it into multiple shapes without using tools. The time will eventually come when you want to allow your Golden Retriever to have the run of the house. Most owners ultimately try this route. My dog was over two years old before she was allowed free reign of the house. Potential new dog owners often ask me whether they can leave a Golden Retriever for 8 hours and work full time. Golden Retrievers can not be left for 8 hours. They are highly sociable dogs and will suffer from separation anxiety. They also need ongoing care and attention, such as physical exercise, mental stimulation, toilet breaks, and food and water. You can have a Golden Retriever and work full time, but you must make alternative arrangements to care for your dog. Examples are to hire a dog sitter or dog walker, get family and friends to visit, return home on your lunch break, enroll him in doggie daycare, or work from home. Ensure you train your dog to be left alone from a young age. You could also hire a reliable dog walker. Arrange for friends and family to visit. Get family or friends to call throughout the day. Even short minute periods will be sufficient to keep your dog happy and amused. It would be super if they could take him on a walk, but a quick game of frisbee or fetch will surely do the trick to burn off some energy and prevent loneliness. Visit your dog on your lunch break. Flexible working is also a superb solution, and you can schedule when you need help. Enroll your dog at a doggie daycare center. You can usually find them in most neighborhoods. Work from home. With thousands of jobs moving to mobile workstations, working from home part of the week is a good idea. This way, you can play with your pup all day during your breaks. It also saves you from having to pay for a dog sitter. Here are a few takeaways from the article: Golden Retrievers can be left alone for a maximum of four hours. Make sure your Golden Retriever is adequately exercised and stimulated before leaving him. Be aware of separation anxiety and other health issues if you persistently leave your dog for too long. Consider hiring a dog sitter or dog-walker. Other solutions are doggy daycare, working from home, and enlisting the help of family and friends. I hope this article has given you an honest insight into how long your Golden Retriever can be left alone. Related Posts You May Like:. Final Thoughts Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly and tolerant. They are intelligent, capable, medium-sized dogs whose life is expected to last for years. What is unquestionably loveable about Goldens is that they usually maintain their gorgeous attitudes and signature smiles even into their adulthood. Apart from all these beauties, there is one question that haunts the minds of almost every Golden owner: can we leave them alone at home? If yes, for how long? What are the risks to do so? In this article, we are aiming to go through all these questions. If you have a Retriever, read on. Can I leave my Golden Retriever alone? You can leave your Golden Retriever home alone only if you take the necessary precautions beforehand. They are possible to be left alone for almost 2 to 8 hours, depending on their age, health, and training. In other words, if a Retriever is a puppy, you may leave it for a shorter time in comparison with a healthy, adult Retriever. If you are planning to leave your dog unexpectedly, keep in mind that: Goldens need bathroom breaks every 3 to 5 hours. They should access freshwater. A cosy place should be prepared for their rest time. Their place should be safe not to let them injure themselves or break things. There should be toys there so they can play with them for entertainment. The risks are already evident. If you are reading about whether you can leave a Golden alone or not, you are almost certainly aware of the hazards and concerns. Not only can a Golden Retriever probably injure itself when left alone, but it might also damage and destroy many things in a house. It would not be so odd to return back home after a couple of hours and see your furniture destroyed, shoes and clothes damaged, and things thrown all over the house if you left your Golden home. These are only the consequences of a dog experiencing boredom, leading it to make destructive actions. The bad news is that it is not only about your house furniture and your dog getting bored a little. There are strange versions of isolation and separation anxiety your dog may struggle with. This anxiety may eventually make your dog commit more severe destructive actions. You can look for the signs the Golden shows to distinguish between boredom and anxiety. In such cases, you may need some professionals to help you. If you are going to leave your Golden Retriever for longer than 8 hours, then the best solution is to have someone check on them occasionally to see if they are fine. As time passes and your separation gets longer, the possibility of Goldens getting into trouble — or making some — increases. Also, they may get bored or injure themselves as mentioned earlier. In addition to that, they may run out of food and water in too long separations. So, what if you have no one to check on your pet? Still, there are solutions. With the continuous progression of technology these days, you can install cameras in your house and see the online status of your pet whenever you want. Even more, you can talk to your dog over the microphone if your cameras and equipment support it. Although these alternatives may help you out in emergencies, they can never replace a lovely, touching hand of a human for a dog. The care you provide for your pet in person is nothing comparable to talking to them over the camera or even having someone else check on them. Some owners may count on this as a solution too; leaving the poor dog in its crate for the whole day is probably the worst solution to find if you are going to leave the house for a long time. Although dogs love their crates, it does not mean they like to sit there forever. There are some serious issues that might happen if you leave your Retriever for a too long time in its crate. For example, it is needless to say that they should regularly go to the bathroom; if you leave them in their crate, they might inevitably dirty their place. The disaster may happen again then. The consequences are not limited to only tidiness. There are some serious health concerns your dog may go through, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Although this disease is considered to be genetic, scientists believe that the disorder may develop by other causes too. For example, some environmental factors can increase the possibility of a dog getting hip dysplasia , such as inadequate exercise, obesity, and poor nutrition. Golden Retrievers are extremely lovely and gentle, and they are always in need of continuous care and compassion. You should always keep in mind that Goldens also have deep feelings, and you should treat them just as if they are your children. Although they may sometimes chew on something or pee in your house, despite all the training, you should still bear in your mind that they did not do it on purpose. Golden Retrievers make a strong, close connection with their owner, just like almost any other dog. It can be highly frightening for them to be left alone. You can reduce the challenge for them by providing them with some toys or snacks when you are gone, but in fact, they will miss you desperately when you are absent. It is out of their control to act normally on these occasions. When left alone, Goldens are normal to get scared and think wrongly that you will never get back to them. They are going to miss you so much and get bored increasingly as they feel like they have not received your love and care for a long time. Whatever the case, they need constant love and respect to maintain their health emotionally. Some Ideas to Successfully Leave Your Retriever at Home There are several ideas to provide your pet with the comfort and care they need when you are not home. We already mentioned some ideas earlier. However, there are still more creative ideas you can try out. Let us see some options then: They Love TV Shows These days, not only are human babies in love with TV shows of their favourites, but the pets also may love one. So, why not try out this option to see if it works? Your Goldie may have a favourite TV show you already do not know about. A favourite show can make the pet entertained for a couple of hours easily. One of the best options for a dog to watch is DogTV. Apart from that, you can have your pet sit beside you and watch some shows to find out which one it loves the most. Lunchtime Break If your workplace is close to your house, you can manage to quickly get back home at your lunchtime and pay your dog a visit. You can extend your lunchtime, if possible, to cheer your dog up with some lovely touches. This simple visit can energize your Goldie as much as it can remain healthy and happy until you get back home from work. Puzzles and Games If you do simple research, you can find many puzzle games on the Internet designed specifically for dogs. This case works for older pets much better than puppies. Some puzzle games in this regard include moving different pieces to reveal the hidden treats. Your dog may play with them to get a reward. Also, there are different toys you can buy to keep your dog entertained enough during a long separation. Dog Walkers If you are constantly going to leave your house for long hours, then you are going to need some permanent solutions. Local dog walking services are found everywhere these days. You can visit one, and have someone check on your dog on a regular daily basis. They can walk, feed, and water your dog efficiently as you are not home. Although it might get a little expensive for you, it is probably worth it if you usually have to leave your Retriever alone for long hours. If your property is big enough for a dog to roam freely and get back inside in case of bad weather, then you can certainly leave it alone. Otherwise, you have to prepare your house completely for a long absence, such that your dog may never get bored, damage anything, or make any other troubles. Golden Retrievers are sensible, lovely dogs whose emotions must not be neglected. You should provide them with enough amusements, safety precautions, and entertainment ideas, and if possible, have someone check on them while you are not home to maintain their mental and physical health. More Behavior. So, how long can you leave a Golden retriever home alone safely? Golden Retrievers can be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, never exceeding eight hours. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy or a senior, they will need to be let out more frequently for potty breaks. Leaving your Golden home alone for longer than that will cause separation anxiety. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! The general rule of thumb is that adult Golden Retrievers can be left alone for around four to six hours per day. Goldens definitely should not be left alone for longer than eight hours, as they can face severe mental and physical health consequences as a result of being regularly left home alone for too long. If your Golden retriever suffers from separation anxiety, needs frequent potty breaks, or has health issues that require human assistance, then leaving them home alone for extended periods may not be a safe option at all. Separation anxiety PDF is when a dog feels overwhelmed when they are left alone, even for short periods. This syndrome is common among all breeds of dogs, but it is especially prevalent in breeds that are strongly attached to their owners, such as Golden Retrievers. If you have an anxious dog, he or she may perform destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture, going to the bathroom all over the floor, barking uncontrollably, tearing down the window shades, and more whenever they are left by themselves. Some dogs may also excessively chew or lick their body parts. Find out how to tell if your Golden Retriever is lonely or suffering from separation anxiety in my post here. If your Golden suffers from separation anxiety, leaving them home for four to six hours will be debilitating for their mental health. You may even want to consider getting a second Golden Retriever or even another dog breed for companionship Find out why a dog gets separation anxiety and how to address it. A healthy adult Golden Retriever can go hours without urinating. Some Goldens may be able to wait to urinate even longer, but that does not mean it is a good idea to regularly leave your dog in this situation. Veterinarians generally recommend that an adult dog be given a chance to pee every hours. The number of bathroom breaks your Golden will need per day, and how often, depends on their age. A good rule of thumb is that Golden Retriever puppies will need to relieve themselves the same number of hours as they are months old. However, the exact amount of time varies from dog to dog. If your Golden is a senior dog, they may lose their ability to hold it in as they age. A Golden Retriever, regardless of age, should always be given the opportunity to have an outside potty break immediately after eating or drinking. Also, remember that a new dog, of any age, will require some time to get used to her new home and routine. She may need more bathroom breaks than normal until she settles in. If possible, a great idea is to install a doggy door like this one Amazon so that your Golden has the ability to urinate or defecate whenever they need to. That being said, you might have some questions regarding your specific situation. For example, what if you work long hours? Can a Golden Retriever be left alone for a long time? Golden Retrievers actually do fine left alone if you take the proper precautions. For example, your dog will need a bathroom break every 3 to 5 hours. Also, your dog should have access to water throughout the day even if they are inside. Will your Golden Retriever get lonely? Leaving your Golden Retriever home alone takes some special consideration. Hopefully, you are considering this before you brought your puppy home. If you already have a dog, then you may need to act quickly to make the long day more pleasant for your Golden buddy. What could go wrong leaving a Golden Retriever alone? Well, these seem to be the obvious concerns that get people to ask the questions in the first place. I can think of a handful of potential disasters you could find returning home after a long day of work. Destroyed furniture Doggy-bathroom stops all over the house Damaged shoes or other clothing While you have probably already considered these potential problems, there are some other things that you may have overlooked. For example, what if your dog struggles with versions of separation or isolation anxiety I will get a little more into these in a hot second. Any kind of anxiety will likely lead to some destructive behavior while you are gone. Another thing you should consider is if your dog is house trained. A rescue dog from a local shelter may come with the benefit of being already potty-trained. This is a major upside if your lifestyle requires you to leave your dog at home alone for long periods of time. There is so much to learn when it comes to your Golden Retriever. Make sure you check out my book on what I think is the sweetest breed in the world. I explain where the Golden Retriever comes from both the myth and the reality. I also get into some of the dangerous health issues that face Golden Retrievers. Some of them are preventable if you know what to look for and catch them early enough. There is also a chapter on how dogs think and how that changes the way we train our Golden Retrievers. I am sure that you will find new information that will help you and your best furry buddy. Check it out today on Amazon. If your dog turns the house into a demolition zone while you are gone, then you need to consider a few questions: Does my Golden display signs of anxiety as I am leaving the house or when he thinks I am leaving? Look for trembling, hiding, uncontrollable bowels, pacing, or tail tucking. Some dogs act normal when you are getting ready to leave for the day, and then progressively gets worse throughout the day. This kind of behavior suggests that the dog is just experiencing boredom rather than anxiety. If you need more information about anxiety in Labradors or Golden Retrievers, check out this article on how to address some common issues related to anxiety in dogs. Remember, that some anxiety runs deeper than others, and you may end up having to get the help of a professional. However, read this first to see some of the tips I suggest when someone describes a dog with anxiety issues. Crates are no place to spend all day long One of the solutions that some Golden owners turn to is the crate. If you are going to be gone for a long, extended day, then a crate is not the solution. Your dog loves sitting in his crate if you have crate trained him correctly. For him, his crate is like your favorite chair or spot on the sectional. Gunner Kennels are the best kennel on the market, but you should not leave your dog in one of these all day long. That does not mean that you want to be pasted into that one spot for eternity. There are some really serious issues that can stem from leaving a dog in a crate for too long. Dogs have to go to the bathroom regularly. If you leave a Golden Retriever in a crate for too long, he will eventually go to the bathroom. In addition to the tidiness issues, you can also introduce serious health concerns by leaving your dog in a crate all day. Retrievers are already susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. Although this disease is genetic, there are some studies that show the disorder can be developed in other ways. What causes hip dysplasia in dogs? The first likely culprit is bad genes if mom or dad passed it on. There are, however, environmental factors that can increase the probability that a dog gets hip or elbow dysplasia including insufficient exercise, obesity, and poor nutrition. How long is too long to leave a Golden Retriever? So, if you have no other choice but to leave your Golden Retriever home alone, then you are going to want to know how long you can leave him. That will depend on the setup you have. Consider these questions before you try to settle on how long your pup is okay on his own. Are you able to leave your dog loose, roaming the house or do you need to confine him to a smaller space? Does your dog have the ability to relieve himself during the day or does he need someone to let him out for potty breaks? Is your Golden Retriever going to get bored during the day or have you prepared some form of mental stimulation during the day? Does your Golden have access to sufficient water and food or will you have to be there to divvy out the rations? Is the temperature-controlled or will your dog be stuck outside in the event of an unexpected change in weather hotter or colder? Bored dogs can cause problems at home all alone. Is your dog going to have room to roam? If your dog can get up and wander around without a problem and even run a bit, then your Golden can stay home for a while. What if your dog is going to be confined to his properly-sized crate? If a crate is your only option, then you should not leave your Golden Retriever alone while you are at work. What about potty breaks while you are gone? If your dog can get to an appropriate bathroom place completely on his own, then this will not be a limiting factor. On the other hand, if your dog requires you to let him out or back in, then you cannot leave him alone as long. You or someone else will have to visit your dog at least every 4 to 5 hours depending on his age. Puppies will have to get out even more often than that. What will your Golden Retriever do for fun while he is alone? There are several different scenarios that might keep your dog mentally stimulated throughout the day. For example, take a KONG toy and fill it with water-soaked dog food. Then hang it from a string. The more of these kinds of things you have around your house, the longer your Retriever will be okay on his own. Can your dog take care of his thirst on his own? Unlike food where you can limit how often your dog eats to once or twice a day for older Golden Retrievers, your dog should have access throughout the day. Especially in the summer. This should be pretty easy. If you need to, just buy an extra water bowl and make sure that they are both filled when you leave. Will your dog be able to handle a sudden change in temperature or weather on his own? I know that the weatherman where you live is probably never wrong. Where I live, however, it seems like I have a better chance in Vegas than the weatherman getting the weather right on any given day. What will he do if it turns cold? What if it starts raining? Does your dog have a place to go to get out of these unforeseen turns in temperatures? Your dog needs an insulated dog house or a doggy door into your garage. Too hot or too cold can be too dangerous for your dog. If you ever wondered what is too hot or too cold, then you need to check out these articles. I explain what temperatures are dangerous for your Retriever and why they can or cannot take the different degrees. What about Golden Retriever puppies? Puppies are a totally different story. Puppies are high maintenance. You have to get them out more often. When it comes to puppies you need to establish and stick to a serious feeding and crate schedule. This is the only way for your to puppy to get the nutrition he needs to feed his growing body. Check out this video for more information on establishing a crate training schedule that will expedite your crate training success. Ways to successfully leave a Golden Retriever home alone There are several things you can do to successfully leave a Golden Retriever home alone. Some of them I have mentioned above. Leave your Goldie with some puzzles with hidden surprises. I already mentioned the KONG treat hanging from a branch in the yard or the underside of the table. This is the Trixie Activity Flip Board. Your dog has to move the different pieces to get the hidden treats. Prices on the internet change sometimes from day to day. Click here to see how much the Flip Board is today. You can fill this with treats before you leave. While you are gone, your dog has to push it around to get his reward. You can click here to see how much it is today. So, why not let your puppy in on the action. Your pooch may find a favorite TV show or movie that will keep him occupied for a couple of hours. No reason that your Golden Retriever cannot take part in a Netflix binge of their own every now and then. Here is one of their videos from YouTube. Check out their channel to see several examples of what you get from a subscription. Pet experts and scientists have designed the programming to do one of three specific things: relax, stimulate, and expose. The exposure programs can be especially helpful in your socialization program. Come home for lunch Sometimes, if you can arrange it right, you can come home during lunch and give your dog an extended break outside. If you live close enough to work or can take an extended lunchtime , then you could give your dog just enough exercise and stimulation in the middle of the day to last until you get home for the evening. Get someone to let your pooch out Depending on your relationship with your neighbors, you can ask one of them to get your dog out once or twice during the day. This is usually not a problem if leaving your dog a couple of times. Get a dog walker If you are looking for a long-term solution, then consider a local dog walking service. Depending on the options in your area, you can usually arrange for someone to come to your house every day at a specified time and walk, feed, and water your dog. Doggy daycare Now we are talking the upper-level solution to leaving your Golden Retriever during the day. This is, without question, the most expensive solution on my list. Prices will vary depending on the services that you get your Goldie. If you get a monthly package you might save on the per day cost. Bring your dog to work What if nothing I have mentioned works for you? Well, you can do what I do. Every now and then, I throw my dog in the back of the truck and take her to work. In fact, today, I took both of my dogs with me to work. There are some things that you will need to make sure of before you get carried away. For example, if your Golden is a barker, then your other co-workers will probably not appreciate you bringing your dog. Also, if your schedule is cram-packed with meetings, this is not a good option. I only take my Labradors with me if I know that I can get out of the office about every hour and a half to two hours so that my dog can get out and get out and run around for a bit. Conclusion Like everything else with owning a dog, whether or not you can leave your Golden Retriever alone depends on your specific situation. If you live on 40 acres and your dog can just run around all day long with a way to get inside if the weather turns ugly, then absolutely you can leave him home. He will thrive in that situation. There is not a cut and dry answer for every situation. But, basically, if you feel like you have to have a Golden Retriever, then you can work something out to make it work even if your job keeps you away from home. Pin me!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Available Puppies We have 2 boys and 2 girls waiting patiently to find their forever home. They are 11 weeks old, and getting better and better every day with their potty training, and following directions. They love wrestling and problem solving games. Please let me know if you think you are the one, who would take home one of these 11 weeks old, very smart, funny, well raised puppies. They are introduced to crate, harness, they are doing well on potty training indoor and outdoor. We are located in Wisconsin, not too far from the Illinois border. We can help with transportation for extra , but we don't ship our puppies. Thank you for understanding. Libra has almost straight hair right now- she will have her mom's look. She is very playful, funny. She is a great problem solver. He is very curious about his surroundings. Very patient, laid back, but playful at the same time. Loves cuddling. Very smart, trained service dog. Dad, F1b Goldendoodle. He is about 65lbs. He has a very good, laid back personality. He loves water and loves fetching he would do that all they long: Those are our available F2b Goldendoodle puppies, red and standard size above. They are ready to go home. They've got their first shot, they are vet checked. They are introduced to crate, leash and working on potty training. They are good students. Mom has 5 very cute boys and 2 gorgeous girls. Mom and Dad are both medium size poodles, the puppies will be expected to be about lbs. Both are very sweet, very smart. Their puppies are ready to go home. What does F2b mean? This generation has a good success rate for non-shedding compared to the F1 and F2 Generations. This generation can work for families with moderate to severe allergies. Most are low to non-shedders. Proudly created with Wix. Together we are a mother-daughter team, raising Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles at two convenient locations: south central Minnesota, and central Wisconsin each about 2 hours from the Twin Cities. We offer exclusive, limited boarding for our Doodle families, and keep in touch for a lifetime to support your puppy journey. My family and I have heated and cooled indoor puppy space, and our puppies are hand raised from birth to adoption in our home, where we can give them the hour hands on care, attention, and the one-of-the-family bonding they deserve. With our family-focused lifestyle, there is always someone home to snuggle puppies, work on training, or play fetch. We are dedicated to the puppies-first life so we can provide our families with not only a well-bred, well-adjusted puppy, but also the connection and confidence that marks an exceptional puppy experience. We love our doodle!! Piper on our walk this afternoon. Our Puppies: Our puppies are raised in my home with one-on-one love from the start. We pride ourselves on intelligent, healthy, beautiful, balanced, and well-socialized dogs and puppies. Everyone in my home is involved in raising, training, and caring for our puppies. It's part of our family vision. As a family, we understand the value of a puppy that blesses the home. Health, attractiveness, and a loving temperament are prerequisites for each of our dogs. Our Process: We prioritize making the Brooke's Doodles puppy experience personal and joyful for every puppy family. Emails, phone calls, video chats, and in-person visits are a regular part of the process. Consider us your personal puppy professionals! With a structured puppy process from day one, you can expect to really feel like one of the family. After your puppy is home, we offer boarding for our puppies as available, and are happy to answer questions and offer guidance as your puppy grows with you. You can prepare for and adopt your puppy with confidence knowing you will have support from us both before and after your puppy is home.

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. This dog is a cross between the German shepherd and the Golden Retriever. Crossbreeding entails incorporating the best qualities and attributes of two pure breeds to bring about new breeds commonly referred to as crossbreeds, hybrids, and designer dogs. Taking care of Golden Shepherds is not daunting, as long as the pup gets placed with a vibrant family who can assure them company and match their energy levels. The German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever dogs are friendly, loyal, intelligent, playful, and full of energy. These two breeds are well-known and make the most loyal dog breeds in the entire animal kingdom. So what happens when you mix the two? Mixing the two integrates exceptional qualities from both parents, bringing about this large, robust, and charming bundle of joy. To get a more profound understanding of this mix, it is imperative to learn more about the parent breeds. Origins of The German Shepherd The German shepherd is one of the most common and recognizable breeds that have been in existence for more than years. These dogs began as sheepherders in Germany and were highly esteemed for their work ethics more than their appearance. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, an effort was established to create a specific dog of Germany. The first German shepherd breed club was started by Max Emil Frederick von Stephanitz, where he came up with a club to maintain and control the breed standards. He also purchased a stud that he perceived as the perfect German shepherd, which he then went ahead to breed. His continuous efforts led to a dramatic surge in the popularity of German Shepherds. This breed later gained back its popularity with the public during the s and has been used more by the police and the military. The breed was started by a British aristocrat known as Lord Tweedmouth. Although the breed is known to be of Scottish heritage , Tweedmouth bought the first Retriever in Brighton, England, where he later coached the dog to retrieve birds. As time progressed, he decided to breed the dog with a type of water spaniel that is non-existent today. Eventually, the Golden Retriever was bred to be a sporting dog. Since the dog is extremely intelligent, it is usually used to track and sniff out contraband for law enforcement and carry out charity tasks such as guiding the blinds. However, it began becoming popular amongst breeders in .It is a crossbreed of purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred German shepherd. The Golden shepherd appeared as a designer dog during its initial stage but eventually found its way into the shelter and rescue organizations. This pup has no dull days as they are fun, energetic, boisterous, a great companion, and exhibits so much affection to all family members, including small kids. They also blend so well with strangers and outsiders. Contrary to the nature of his GSD parent, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, is patient, attentive, eager to learn and work, and does not cause trouble. Apart from being social and friendly, they are loyal and highly devoted to their master and will always offer protection in case of any danger. Since they get a deep connection with their immediate family, they have an increased potential risk of developing extreme separation anxiety. Therefore, it is not advisable to leave them alone for more than a few hours. This dog can make a great exercise partner if you love hiking and other more adventurous activities. They Require a Healthy and Balanced Diet Depending on their age, weight, and activity level, ensure to feed this pup with a quality diet rich in protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Also, refrain from incorporating additives, fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives in their diet. They are Typically Easy To Train German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training since they are always eager and quick to learn. When training this dog, involve more praise treats and allow them to relax when you realize they are getting tired, bored, or overwhelmed. They are Not Pure Breeds Like the Individual Parents German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is not a pure breed like their individual parents but rather a recently developed hybrid involving breeding a purebred golden retriever with a purebred German Shepherd. They are Not a Good Choice for Owners with Allergies The individual parents are highly known for their picturesque double coats. As a result, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has thick, double-coated fur that sheds heavily. When this pup blows his coat, it ends up losing a lot of hair. Unfortunately, it is not advisable to shave its hair, leading to heatstroke and skin and hair problems. Therefore, if you suffer from allergies or one family member has allergies, this is not the perfect dog for you. Its Average Lifespan is About Years Numerous factors can affect the overall lifespan of your dog, including a healthy diet, regular vet visits, the right exercises, genetic factors, and others. However, others can exceed this age. Some will simply refer to them as a German Sheperd Golden Retriever mix but there are other names for the breed as well such as the Golden German Shepherd, German Retriever, Golden Shepherd, or much more. More on Dog Knowledge:. Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. Breeders generally tend to experiment with hybrid species for a couple of reasons. Both the parent breeds of this dog are friendly, loving, loyal, and obedient. There is a possibility that there was some intention to address common health problems with either breed. Some of the ailments associated with the parent breeds are well-known. More on that later. In one sense, this may be considered a case of breeding the super-family-dog. The American Kennel Club does not officially recognize the breed, as it is a hybrid. These dogs were eventually bred to become the German Shepherd by the s. Despite this, they are known for their enthusiasm, loyalty, and intelligence. They became popular in other work-related activities, like policing, rescue, and the military. They regularly make for formidable workers, weighing between 65 and 90 lbs They also stand at an impressive average height of 26 inches. One of the most famous dogs in popular culture, Rin Tin Tin, has a storied history. He was plucked from a warzone in World War I by a soldier and returned to the states. German Shepherds can be considered the less friendly of the two parent breeds. They can appear suspicious of strangers and somewhat aloof or disinterested in casual banter. Their sheer size can also be intimidating, and being on the wrong side of an aggressive German Shepherd is not the ideal place to be. American-bred Shepherds are more inclined toward traditional looks and features than European ones. Parent Breed: Golden Retriever The Golden traces back to roughly the same time as the German, in terms of breed recognition. Around the s, a golden yellow retriever was acquired by one Lord Tweedmouth of England. He crossbred this dog with a water spaniel, and the first Golden Retrievers were created. Initially intended to be water -loving gun dogs, they became known for their incredible friendly personalities and desire to please. They are also remarkably intelligent in terms of trainability , and are very child and pet friendly. They grow to around 24 inches tall and can weigh a hefty 75 pounds. Today, retrievers serve as guide dogs, support animals, and therapy assistants. They look adorable in medical uniforms. Goldens have been bred to have soft mouths. In the past, when they were hunting dogs, they would need to carry birds and other small game, and their soft mouths would limit any damage to the object. In a domestic context, this makes them a little bit safer to have around kids. As noted, Goldens are generally friendlier than Shepherds. In fact, Goldens are more sociable than most things. Goldens are swimmers, too. Golden Shepherd Looks It may not be helpful to simply try to describe a Golden Shepherd in terms of looks. German Shepherds look very different from Golden Retrievers, so the questions were always about what the crossbreeds would look like. And the answer is a little anticlimactic: Golden Shepherds do not seem to have a typical look. An individual dog can look quite different from the other. Some tend to sway towards the Retriever side of things, and others look more like a German Shepherd. Others still, remarkably, combine the features so that they hardly look like either parent breed. Color: Tan, red, cream, black, and any combination or pattern combining those. Eyes : Expressive or intelligent, and usually brown though it can be blue. Ears: Can be floppy or erect. Tail: Usually a long tail, which may be slightly curved. Size The Golden Shepherd fits nicely between its parent breeds in terms of size. They can weigh up to about 85 pounds, though some outliers have been notably larger at 95 pounds. With 27 inches in height taken as an average, bear in mind that they can be significantly shorter or taller. Coat These parent breeds are double-coated, owing to their origins as work dogs in water and cold climates. Therefore, the Golden Shepherd has the same characteristic and will tend to be a shedder as a result. In spring and fall, in particular, shedding is at a maximum. Coats are medium-length and can vary considerably in color, although the colors will range between ordinary German Shepherd and Golden Retriever shades. It is, however, those with a solid color that seem to be the most visually striking. Personality One of the main factors in deciding whether dogs are suitable for families is personality. It goes a long way to deciding whether your children and other pets are safe—not to mention visitors and extended family. Some breeds are aggressive and high-energy; others are pleasant social animals who adore people and animal buddies. Various combinations of size and personality may factor into the animals that is suitable for your apartment, house, or small farm. The parent breeds of this dog suggest an all-around pleasant personality that loves the open space of a big yard. Both are considered great family dogs. Here are some of the key features one could expect from a generally well-rounded Golden Shepherd. Golden Shepherds are likely to get along with just about anyone and everyone. They are protective of family and maybe wary of strangers at first. They will need a fair bit of exercise at least an hour per day to maintain good energy levels. Training is essential for a happy pet, but these dogs are well-suited to exercise and taking on disciplined activities. They get along well with other pets in the home. They usually pose no problem for cats and other dogs. Although they love kids, their size can be inadvertently awkward for very young children to manage. They do not enjoy being left alone for very long, as they can suffer from separation anxiety. The shepherding background also makes it a good candidate for being a watchdog. They seem to switch between work mode and play mode almost effortlessly. While being fun-loving, the keen senses and awareness of the dog will alert you to any approaching strangers. Despite their reputation for being friendly, they are also wary around strangers. So, unless introduced, they will watch closely for signs of danger. This is, of course, enhanced with proper training from an early age. Experts recommend a positive reinforcement approach, using tasty treats and praise as a tool. So get into exercise gradually before then, and be careful not to be too strenuous with the puppy. When they reach adulthood, energy abounds in this breed, and an occasional walk or sniff around the backyard is far from sufficient. This dog needs long walks, playdates, and social time. Budget, at least an hour per day, to be out there running and walking. You may also want to invest in some active toys for your dog. More About Separation Anxiety As mentioned above, these dogs can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. This may result in depression, boredom and unwanted and destructive behavior. Even if this is not the case, make sure the pup gets lots of exercises to burn off that extra energy. These dogs do well with other pets, so another dog in the home might be an ideal chum, provided your home is big enough. Knowing your adorable pup has a friend will help put your mind at ease when you have to leave for work. You may notice that your dog loves to be around you and will often be found sitting or lying at your feet, even during downtime. At the very least, it will always want to know where you are—literally keeping its eye on you. These dogs thrive on interaction and praise. While you may also use tasty dog treats on occasion to reward them, they are just as happy to get a toy and a scratch behind the ear. Remember that you may overfeed the dog with treats if you reward it every time it does something good. They are obedient! As with all dogs, early socialization has benefits further down the line. Getting your dog familiar with other people, for example, will make it more pleasant to visitors and strangers when walking in the park. Also, your dog needs to be comfortable with other animals, especially smaller ones. In this case, they will treat strangers warily. General Approach to Training Generally, a similar overall approach to training can be taken as with a Golden Retriever. One key is to make it fun. Training should be as much fun for you as for your pup. Everybody in your family should participate in the training and practice the same behavior. This may be an opportunity to invest in a good-quality dog collar and leash. Teaching your dog to leash-walk is essential, as not all public parks allow dogs to walk free. Be consistent. Training should ideally be practiced daily at least. Even if formal sessions do not happen every day, make sure you follow the lessons consistently and fairly strictly. An experienced dog trainer can advise on this. Training is a life skill. It will stay with your dog for as long as you make it so. But the same also applies to you. Again, consistency is the key to having a happy home with a happy dog and a happy family. Be consistent in your training and conditioning, and make sure all household members understand this. You can expect a life of around good years, assuming there are no illnesses or accidents. This is a standard life expectancy for dogs of this size. That said, the breed has not been in existence long enough to note any specific trends in this regard. The good news is that these dogs are not known for any particular illnesses or afflictions. Still, given the parent breed history, there may be a few things to keep an eye out for. The stomach and digestive tract become bloated with gas and even twisted. This is a dangerous condition and can be fatal. The stomach area may become stiff and balloon-like to the touch. For this reason, caution must be taken when it comes to portion size at mealtimes. Degenerative Myelopathy This is a spinal condition. Over time, the spine will degenerate, resulting in loss of strength and eventually coordination in the hind legs. This mainly affects older dogs. Paws may drag, limbs may cross, and your dog may have trouble turning, and even fall over. The bones and joints of the elbow and knee do not align properly, which results in incorrect movement. The joints become inflamed and painful, and the dog finds it progressively painful and challenging to move. The condition can be managed up to a point with medication and vet care. This is one of the reasons heavy exercise is not recommended for young puppies, as it may aggravate this condition. Hyperthyroidism The Hyperthyroidism condition happens when the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroxine. It results in a metabolism that is unnaturally fast. This will result in weight loss, irregular heartbeat and breathing, diarrhea, and personality issues like anxiety and depression. The dog may also drink water excessively. Cancer Golden retrievers seem to be prone to cancers more than other dogs. Regular examinations by a vet should forewarn any signs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy or Pigmentary Uveitis This is a group of diseases and conditions that essentially affect the eyes and may degenerate eyesight over time. In the case of PRA, night vision is the first to deteriorate, and the condition eventually gives the eyes a dirty or look slightly gray look. Generally, PRA is inherited. Pigmentary uveitis PU primarily affects golden retrievers and can therefore also be passed down to the hybrid breed. The eye is colored by pigment and cataracts and, in extreme cases, glaucoma. Early detection can slow the progress of the condition. Feeding a Golden Shepherd More than some other dogs, feeding larger breeds like Germans , Goldens and Golden Shepherds may be a little more complicated than simply filling a bowl. A full-grown adult Golden Shepherd is a decent eater and can eat up to 3 cups of good quality dog food per day. This food does not have to be served all at one time. This portion is also based on a healthy, active dog. In general, look for a dry kibble that is designed for large active dogs. Feed a puppy smaller portions four times a day. An adult dog can also have two meals a day, totaling the recommended portions. Overfeeding can lead to bloat see above or weight gain—obesity is common, too, in such breeds. Larger dogs tend to eat whatever is in the bowl at one time. Be sure not to feed the dog immediately before or after a walk or exercise. This is also a major potential cause of bloat, and that is definitely a dangerous factor you want to avoid. Grooming and Maintenance German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix dogs love the outdoors, and they will likely get dirty on your long walks. The coats are doubled up for the parents and for this breed, as mentioned. Brushing will help somewhat to cut down on shedding, but not by much. An excellent robust grooming brush set is a must-have investment. Bathing will also help to cut down on odors and dirt, and every eight to ten weeks is a reasonable time frame for an excellent deep bath. Bathing any more than this is detrimental to the balance of healthy oils in the skin and fur. Many owners simply opt for an occasional visit to groomers, which can also keep hair and nails trimmed and neat. What should I expect to pay for a golden retriever german shepherd mix dog? Do Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes shed a lot? Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes can have a moderate to heavy shedding coat, depending on the traits they inherit from each parent. Regular grooming and brushing are necessary to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. How do Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes get along with children and other pets? Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes are generally good with children and other pets, especially when they are socialized from a young age. They can be protective of their family, making them excellent watchdogs. Final Thoughts on The Golden Shepherd Do you think a golden retriever and german shepherd mix is an ideal dog to adopt? One thing that will set this dog apart is its looks. It will be an unusual-looking pup with a unique combination of German Shepherd and Retriever features. They are ideal for your family, and even though they are best suited to a house with a large garden, they can adapt to apartment living, provided they have enough outdoor time with you. PC Cocoa Barkley I covered all of the costs associated with this dog breeds with low separation anxiety post. However, it does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Just wanted to let you know. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

You can expect a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix to be friendly and energetic, but they may have strong hunting instincts. Are you ready to find out if the Pyrador is right for you? Hard Working Histories The mix has been bred as a family companion, but its parent breeds once had quite different purposes. Evidence shows that these dogs may have been bred as early as 3, B. Sometimes, they would have to stay high in the cold mountains for days on end, but luckily, they had their signature white coats to keep them warm! The Labrador Retriever comes from Newfoundland, Canada, where small dogs were trained to retrieve waterfowl. Their ancestors were brought across to the UK, where the Labrador breed was eventually standardised. Pyrador Appearance As we know, this mix can inherit any traits from either parent breed. So, puppies can look like Labs, Great Pyrenees, or anything inbetween. A popular variety is the Great Pyrenees black Lab mix, to achieve that black coat. But, a Great Pyrenees black Lab mix will still have unpredictable fur lengths. Depending on which parent a Lab and Pyrenees mix resembles, her coat may be solid yellow, black, or chocolate like a Labrador. Or her coat may be white or off-white with badger, gray, tan, or reddish brown markings like a Great Pyrenees. Grooming The Pyrenees sheds its entire undercoat seasonally, and the Lab also sheds pretty heavily seasonally. So, a half Lab half Great Pyrenees will definitely be a heavy shedder. The good news is, a Pyrador with a typical Great Pyrenees coat will not need much other grooming, as its coat will be tangle- and dirt-resistant. Are Pyradors Hypoallergenic? Unfortunately the Great Pyrenees and the Lab are both high shedding breeds. Your puppy will be a shedder, and not an allergy friendly pet. Pyrador Height and Weight With both parents being larger dogs, a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix definitely has some big shoes to fill. Generally speaking, females will be shorter and lighter than males. Labradors are categorized now as sporting dogs, whereas the Great Pyrenees is categorized in the working group. The mix can inherit the patience of the Pyrenees with just a little bit of playfulness from the Labrador. But, not all Pyradors have the temperament that we described above. Mixed breeds can be an equal mix of both parents, or they make take after one parent more than the other. So a Pyrador might be a mostly quiet and patient dog with a little bit of protective instinct, like his Great Pyrenees parent, or he might be a little more rambunctious with retrieving instincts, like his Labrador parent. Pyrador Personality A dog with strong Great Pyrenees genes may have a tendency to herd or chase after other dogs, cats, or other small animals. This could make them hard to keep in a multi-pet household. Plus, they may exhibit guarding tendencies and be extremely loyal to their owners and property. They may bark and growl at someone or something that they perceive to be a threat to their home. Pyradors with stronger Labrador tendencies may be highly energetic and prone to mischief. If a Pyrador acts more like a Lab, then they may have an issue with being left alone for extended periods of time. Labs do not take kindly to solitude and need a friend. They can also be quite destructive when they are upset or bored. Are They Good With Kids? Most Pyradors are great with children. Training Crate training is often useful for many owners of this mix. As Pyradors will often be very large, puppies must undergo obedience training from a very young age. They may not know their own strength when they are fully grown, and the friendliest pup can easily hurt someone without meaning to. Training will help you avoid this scenario. It can also help to reduce hunting instincts. Although, it may be best to avoid the risk, and choose a different breed if you have other small pets at home. Exercising Your Pyrador While both parent breeds were working dogs, Pyrenees mixes do not necessarily require a large yard to roam in. They are usually fine if they get at least one long walk in each day. His old hunting instincts may lead him to follow his nose or a tasty-looking bunny! If a Pyrador has English Lab in him, he may not inherit as strong of a hunting instinct. Pyrador Socialization As well as training from a young age, this mixed breed will need to be well socialized as early as possible. This means introducing your puppy to as many new environments, people, things, and animals as possible. Socialization can help to reduce fear based aggression in puppies, and will help your dog grow up to be happy and confident in all situations. Dogs with potential guarding tendencies should be socialized well to combat the risk of aggression as adults. Given the protective instincts of the Great Pyrenees parent, and the sheer size of this mix, socialization is important for all new owners. However, as long as breeders health test dogs they intend to breed from, and avoid inbreeding of any kind, their mixed breed puppies are just as healthy as purebred dogs. Purebred dogs are just as likely to have health problems as mutts. It all comes down to the following: the health of the breeding stock that start and maintain the line the conditions in which the parents and offspring are kept whether or not inbreeding is used to produce second and older generations. Continuing to breed dogs with known health issues always results in more dogs with health issues. Great Pyrenees and Labrador Health Pyradors may get any common canine ailments like hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. As a hybrid, Pyradors are subject to genetic conditions which are passed from their parents. Generally, Labrador Retrievers and Great Pyrenees are both prone to obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. We cannot emphasize enough that you should purchase a Pyrador from a breeder that utilizes genetic testing. Knowing the genes that breeding stock will pass to their offspring can prevent the passage of unwanted health conditions. But, a healthy Pyrador can be expected to live for years. For the right family, the Pyrador mix can be a great choice. Their exercise needs, temperament, and appearance will vary depending on the traits they inherit from each parent breed. If they take after the Lab, they will be friendly, energetic, and playful. Those that take after the Great Pyrenees will be loyal, have guarding tendencies, and will need less exercise. An enclosed area for a Pyrador to roam outside in is a good idea. So, train and socialize this mix well from the time they come home as a puppy. Although the Labrador is a fairly healthy dog, the Great Pyrenees may pass on one or more of the several health conditions common in their breed. So, choose the healthiest puppy possible. Or, consider rescuing an adult. All too often, adult dogs from all walks of life end up in shelters or animal rescues. This can be because their owners could not keep them for one reason or another. Due to the number of health issues this mix can inherit from the Great Pyrenees parent, adopting an older dog can be a good way to give an abandoned adult a second chance at life. Some owners may give up their dogs as soon as they encounter costly health bills. So, you may find these mixes in rescues looking for loving homes. Pyrador Breeders Before buying a Pyrador, we recommend that you carefully research Pyrador breeders so that you only purchase from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders use genetic testing to prevent the passage of undesired traits or health conditions. They also keep their breeding stock and puppies at a good weight and in clean conditions—always. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Have you seen a dog that looks more like a big, white bear than a dog? You may be thinking of a Great Pyrenees Lab mix. Also known as a Pyrador or Labrenees, this handsome dog is a mix between a Great Pyrenees and a Labrador retriever. If you would love to have a little white bear well, little by bear standards at your side as a companion, read on to learn everything you need to know about these special crossbreed dogs. The dogs are originally from Canada but were exported to the United Kingdom where they were bred as game retrieving dogs with a particular talent for wet environments. These dogs are known for their intelligence, eagerness to learn and work, and intelligent demeanor. This is why they are often utilized in roles such as disability support. Great Pyrenees dogs, also known as Pyrenees Mountain Dogs, were bred in France as livestock guard dogs. They are large dogs that are able to protect flocks of chickens and ducks from animals like wolves and bears. These dogs have been bred to be independent and protective so they can diligently protect their flocks without much supervision. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix started to emerge in the early s after Labradoodles became popular. Breeders started to wonder what other mixed breeds based on Labs could be popular. These dogs were immediately popular, as they looked like little white bears and had loyal, friendly personalities. Appearance First and foremost, you should expect your Pyrador to be a big dog. Labs usually measure between .Great Pyrenees are even bigger, measuring between 26 and 32 inches tall and potentially weighing up to pounds. Their mixed-breed children are large dogs with a strong and muscular body structure. Both breeds have a similar facial structure with a long nose and floppy ears, so you can expect some variation on that. This is a dense, high-shedding double coat. Labs also have a high-shedding double coat, so whatever they inherit, expect them to shed a lot! Daily brushing is the best way to keep this under control. Most Pyrador dogs are white because this is a dominant gene, and breeders often control for this desirable trait. Temperament Labrador retrievers are among the friendliest dogs. They tend to want to make friends with everyone, including small animals and small children. They are more likely to lick a stranger than bark at them or raise the alert. Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, are warier of strangers, as is necessary for them to fulfill their role as protectors. They tend to be very loving and gentle with their family, the people they see as in their care, including children and other dogs. However, they can be aloof and even aggressive with strangers at first. Proper socialization from a young age is necessary to keep aggressive tendencies in check and ensure they have the friendly temperament of a Lab, while still being able to raise the alarm when needed. Both dog breeds thrive when they are part of a family, and this is something that is true of their offspring as well. While this means they become part of the family quickly, it also means they can become depressed or anxious if they are left alone for extended periods of time. They do best in households where there is always someone around or if they can accompany their people on their daily adventures. Labs tend to be very keen to please their humans. They love learning new things and having work to do, especially if they are rewarded for their efforts. This makes them among the most trainable dogs and is the reason why they are often chosen to complete complicated tasks such as disability support tasks. Great Pyrenees dogs were bred to be intelligent enough to know what to do on their own to protect their flock. This makes them very independent and less inclined to perform for reward. While their mixed-breed offspring certainly can be trained, it is best done at a young age, before six months, so they learn the essentials before their independent streak really kicks in. Never use punishment with a Pyrador. Labs are sensitive and it can cause unexpected behavior, and you might completely lose control of a rebellious Great Pyrenees. Always opt for reward-based training and offer lots of praise. They should be taken out for at least one formal exercise session each day for about an hour. As well as physical stimulation, these dogs need plenty of mental stimulation. The learning process is stimulating and helps keep their brains healthy and their attitudes calm. Consider teaching your dog hand signals as a new and useful skill for them to master. Ideally, these dogs need a larger space with an outdoor area where they can burn off their energy as needed throughout the day. Health Concerns Great Pyrenees Labrador retriever mixes are generally healthy dogs and have a life expectancy of roughly 10 to 12 years, which is good for such a large dog. But like many large dogs, they can suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the joint usually caused by different parts of their body growing at different speeds, causing their joints to not fit together correctly. This can cause them great pain and mobility issues as they get older. The best protection against this condition is proper nutrition and exercise starting when they are young. Big dogs need a high-quality diet that is full of animal-based proteins. They also need plenty of exercise, but not too much when they are a pup. Over-exercising energetic puppies is often a problem. As a rule of thumb, they should have about 5 minutes of formal exercise each day for every month of age. So, according to this general rule, a six-month-old pup needs about 30 minutes of exercise a day. Another potential health issue to keep in mind is bloat, as larger dogs are more prone to overeating. They also tend to have sensitive stomachs. Avoid irritants and overfeeding to keep their digestive system healthy. Never leave food out for them to graze. Instead, have set meal times with the right amount of calories, and never feed them food off your own plate! Keep track of their caloric intake and prevent them from begging others for food. Pyradors can also often develop both sight and hearing problems as they get older. It is not uncommon for them to lose at least some of their sight or hearing, but they are usually adaptable enough to manage with just a little bit of extra help from you. Other concerns include the potential to develop osteosarcoma, a common bone cancer in dogs, and degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord issue. Having read our full description of these wonderful dogs, are you considering taking one home? Or are you still not sure if they are the right dog for you? Ask yourself the following questions to make a more informed, responsible decision. How Big Is Your Home? Pyradors are big dogs, and by definition, big dogs need a lot of space. Because Pyradors are also high energy, they really need a relatively large home with an outdoor space that they can use throughout the day. These dogs need lots of exercise. An hour a day is the minimum amount they need to thrive. On top of this, they should be joining you on hiking trips, swimming excursions, and other adventures. Do you have the kind of active lifestyle that this dog will enjoy as well? These dogs love being around people and can develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for extended periods. Not only is this bad for their health, but it often manifests as destructive behavior. Is there generally someone about your house, or is everyone out for hours at a time at work and school? Do you have the kind of job where you could take your dog with you most days? While these dogs are very intelligent, they can also be quite stubborn. This means they need to be trained extremely well from the outset, and they need a firm hand to guide them. They will respond best to an authoritative figure with the confidence to control such a large canine. If you or someone close to you has a dog hair allergy, then this is not the dog for you! Pyradors shed a lot, and there is not much you can do about it. You can read our complete guide to keeping your home free from pet hair here. Do You Have Small Children? So, you can certainly have a Pyrador around small children, though they do better with older children. Their size and energy levels mean they can easily overwhelm small children and be a burden for new parents. They do better with slightly older children who can play with them more independently. Still, small children should never be unsupervised with dogs, even if they are very familiar. Accidents can always happen, especially with large dogs like this one. The protective instinct of their Great Pyrenees parent means these pups are up to the task. Can You Afford It? Owning a dog can be quite expensive. Can you make this financial commitment? This is an important question, especially when speaking about large dogs since they eat a lot. A dog that weighs more than pounds needs about five cups of food per day. These dogs have sensitive stomachs, so you need to give them good quality food. This can get expensive. Are you willing to make that commitment for the next 10 to 12 years? Considering Great Pyrenees are big dogs that can weigh up to pounds, their offspring are also pretty big. When mixed with a standard size Labrador retriever, you can probably expect your pup to grow to between 23 and 28 inches and anywhere from 70 to pounds. Are Pyradors good dogs? Yes, Pyradors are great dogs that mix the friendliness and intelligence of a Lab with the protectiveness and loyalty of a Great Pyrenees. They need to be properly socialized and trained, and they need lots of love, attention, and exercise. Are Great Pyrenees aggressive dogs? Great Pyrenees are not naturally aggressive dogs, but they have been bred to protect livestock from the likes of wolves and bears. Proper socialization as a pup, before six months of age and throughout their life is essential to ensure your dog continues to be friendly and trainable. Are Great Pyrenees smart dogs? Yes, Great Pyrenees are considered to be highly intelligent dogs, but that does not make them highly trainable like a Labrador or a poodle. This is because they have a very independent mindset and prefer to think for themselves rather than be led. However, appropriate training from a young age can keep their rebellious streak in check. The Verdict If you love larger dogs and would love to snuggle up on the couch with a cuddly white bear, then a Great Pyrenees Lab mix might be just the dog for you. These big, fluffy companions are gorgeous and mix the friendliness of a Lab with the natural protective instincts of a Great Pyrenees. They make great family pets and can also function as guard dogs. Keep in mind, though, that these pups are quite a bit of work. They also need to be properly trained and socialized when they are young, and they need to learn new skills throughout their lives to keep their brains healthy. Overall, the Pyrador is: Intelligent and friendly Large with a dense, high-shedding coat that needs frequent grooming While it is certainly a commitment to become the parent of a Pyrador, the unconditional love and friendship you will receive in return makes it well worth the investment. Have you ever worked with a Great Pyrenees Lab mix dog? Share your experiences with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. It is one of the more recent mixed breed dogs growing in popularity among lovers of the parent breeds. As with all hybrid crossbreeds, a Great Pyrenees Lab mix bears the best of the genetic, temperament, and physical traits of the parent breeds. However, a Pyrador may also inherit some health and temperament issues from either parent. Today, the Lab Great Pyrenees mix is bred as a family pet, but the parent dogs were originally bred for two completely different purposes. The Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees, also called Pyrenean Mountain dog or simply Pyr, is a working dog originally bred to guard sheep against wolves and other human and wildlife predators. The Pyrs are said to originate from the French side, while their counterparts, the Pyrenean Mastiff dog, originated from the Spanish side of the Mountains. The first Great Pyrenees dogs can be traced back to around BC. Do you want to know why Pyrs are great dogs? With time, livestock predators decreased, and Pyrs became less common. Later, the arrival of Pyrs in North America helped in the efforts to preserve the Great Pyrenees dogs. The AKC registered Pyrs as a breed in .The Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever is a household name in the world of dog ownership. Discovered by English nobles in the easterly province of Newfoundland in Canada, these dogs were brought to the UK in the early s for their impressive fowl retrieving skills. It remains unclear why the breed bears the name Labrador, a western city of Newfoundland and Labrador province of Canada. As they are commonly known today, Labs were refined and standardized through breeding in the UK and registered by the English Kennel Club in .Their retrieval skills were used to recover game, not just in water but even on land. Like all other hybrid dogs, the Pyrador is not officially recognized as a breed by the AKC. However, you can register your Pyrador as a mixed breed with the Dog Registry of America. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix has physical features inherited from both parents: a broad head, black nose, brown or hazel eyes, long and thick tail, and black, white, yellow, chocolate, or a mixture of these coat colors. These features can vary from one Pyrador to another depending on how much of each feature the Great Pyrenees Lab cross inherits from each parent. It could be a fifty-fifty inheritance from each parent or a higher percentage from either the sire or dam. Head: A Pyrador has a fairly broad skull with a somewhat wedge shape, borrowing from both parents. Eyes, nose, and ears: Labreenes have a face and eyes that are somewhere between the extremely happy and kind eyes of the Lab and the somewhat serious look of the Pyr. The eyes are medium size with a brown or hazel color. The nose is generally black, but it could be brown if the Labrador parent is chocolate. The ears are long, triangular, and floppy. Tail: Considering the long tails of both parents, the Lab Great Pyrenees mix bears a long and thick tail with medium to long hairs. The tail is typically carried low, but the dog may curve the tail over his back when aroused. Coat type and color: Labs and Pyrs both have double coats, with Great Pyrenees having long coats while Labradors have medium-length coats. As such, Pyradors will come with double coats but may show variation in coat hair length depending on which dog parent they inherit from most. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix are large dogs. Female Pyradors are approximately .See a summary of these Pyrador size estimates in the table below: Labrador Retriever. The breeding of Great Pyrenees and labrador retriever resulted in a mix, which is large in size with characteristics coming from both parents. Female Pyradors usually are smaller than the male ones in terms of height and weight. The coat color and type are a combination of the traits coming from the two parents. However, for most cases, the coat color of a Great Pyrenees lab mix is white. While both parents are intelligent, the herding nature came from the Great Pyrenees while the hunting and playful natures are from the Labrador. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. However, the Dogs Registry of America Inc. Keep in mind that you need to avoid online ads and online pet stores that sell Pyrador puppies unless you know someone who benefited with it. Before purchasing a puppy, make sure to check all medical histories of its parents. If you found a breeding facility, make sure that there are no sick animals present in the facility. Try to ask if they use genetic testing and to have a tour around the facility. If the personnel does not agree, find another facility. Although Labradors are a healthier breed of dog, Great Pyrenees come with a lot of possible health issues. They may have Great Pyrenees mixed with labrador dogs up for adoption. The coat color of your puppy depends on the color of its parent, so if you want a specific color, better request it to your breeder. Its coat matted easily, too but daily brushing can keep that problem away. The Great Pyrenees lab mix inherited the double coat of a Labrador retriever. Check its ears around three times in a week and clean it if necessary. Doing his will keep your dog from ear wax accumulation and possible ear infection. The nails and mouth are needs weekly checking. While the double coat does not directly affect the grooming, it positively affects the fur shedding of the mix. Great Pyrenees lab mix sheds a lot, especially in shedding season, which happens twice a year. However, even without the shedding season, the combination will still shed a lot due to its large size. Great Pyrenees crossed with Lab Health Problems Although a labrador retriever is a healthy dog to be a parent, a Great Pyrenees dog has a lot of complications as a pure breed. Since Great Pyrenees lab mix is breed between the two, it tends to inherit health problems from its parents. However, the concept of hybrid vigor tells customers that the mix is healthier than both of its parents. Here are some diseases that your Pyradors may get: Bloat: In the medical world, bloat is known as gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV. While it does not pose harm to humans, bloat can be fatal in some dogs. Veterinarians say that there are no exact reasons why dogs experienced bloat and bloat cases are random. However, larger dogs like great pyrene lab mix often experience GDV. Twisting of the stomach and filling up of gas characterizes the disease. The twisting causes stomach rupture and damage and may affect nearby organs like the spleen as well. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Dysplasia is a disease where the specific sockets have an abnormal formation In the Great Pyrenees lab mix, the dysplasia often happens in its elbow and hip parts. Dysplasia is common in large breeds of dogs like the Great Pyrenees lab mix. Labrador retrievers, one parent of the mix, often experience this kind of disease and the combination may inherit it. The disease causes lameness and joint arthritis to the dog, which affects its walking capability. The environment where the dog lives in also contributes to the incorrect formation of joints. Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer that can affect dogs. Just like bloat and dysplasia, this condition affects larger dogs the most. However, there are cases of bone cancer in smaller dogs. While the situation is not specifically genetics, breeds can inherit the condition from its parents. Osteosarcoma symptoms include bone pain and inflammation in the area where the tumor is growing. Degenerative myelopathy: The condition targets the spinal cord of the dog, which eventually paralyzes the hind legs. Weaker limbs are observable with dogs suffering from this disease. Degenerative myelopathy is also progressive. One hind leg can be in pain, and after some time, another leg will experience the same pain. The dog will also experience difficulty in standing and walking until it cannot walk anymore. Congenital deafness: Genetics and inheritance of traits cause congenital deafness, but scientists correlated congenital deafness to coat color of a dog. Dogs with significantly whiter coat colors tend to have congenital deafness. However, not all white dogs are deaf, and not all deaf dogs are white. The lack of pigment in the ears of dogs allows the nerves to die at a very young age. While the symptoms of this condition are not physical, behavioral changes are observable. Dogs that suffer from this disease have difficulty in following commands and have special vocalizing episodes. Wobbler Syndrome: Also known as Cervical spondylomyelopathy CSM , this condition affects the cervical spine at the neck area of the dog. Often characterized by compression of the spinal cord, Wobbler Syndrome causes neck pain. The dog with this syndrome will experience a wobble walk due to the nerves affected. Fatal Heatstroke: Heat Strokes are common in any breed of dog. Any hot environment causes the occurrence of heat stroke in dogs since their sweat glands are only in their paws. Instead of sweating, dogs pant instead, but excessive panting can be a sign of overheating. A dog with thick fur like Great Pyrenees lab mix can be a victim of heat stroke. Owners should always prepare water for their Labrador Great Pyrenees, especially on hot days. Most of the listed health problems are genetics, so ensure that your breeders employ genetic testing on their parents. You should know the hip scores of the parents, and they must pass the clear eye test. Try to ask also about the ear and heart problems of the parents. Some other listed issues are related to the environment and personal care. Make sure that you treat your Great Pyrenees mixed with labrador well to avoid environmental health issues like heat stroke. Great Pyrenees crossed with Labrador Food Requirements Great Pyrenees Labrador is a large breed, so you need to maintain a well-balanced diet to prevent obesity. If you stick to the recommended servings, you will maintain a healthy weight in your dog. Since Labrador Great Pyrenees tend to experience bloating, prevent your dog from exercising after eating. Provide your dog smaller portions of food, and feed it at least three times a day to avoid overeating. You may even offer them the best dry dog food for small dogs, as it has fewer calories per serving. Young dogs need premium-quality kibble, so choose only the best puppy food brands for your cub. And if you have a senior doggy citizen at home, they deserve the royal treatment in the form of the best senior dry dog food. Feed your dogs with high-quality foods for proper growth and development. Avoid giving your pooch the worst dry dog food, ridden with fillers like carbs and grains, and make sure to provide meat-based dog food. The dog food also contains grain-free carbohydrates which will prevent your dog from overfilling its stomach. It also has essential vitamins that are good for coat and fur. It also provides glucosamine for joint health and omega fatty acid for fur and skin. Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold Formula: The dog food is specifically for a large breed of dogs to keep their weight slowly growing. The product also has the right amount of proteins, fats, and proper calcium to phosphorus ratio for bone development. Labrador mixed with Great Pyrenees Exercise Requirements Labradors Great Pyrenees need a daily walk and play time to exercise its weight and as a form of exercise. However, Great Pyrenees Labradors get bored quickly if you will do the same routine and it causes stubbornness and tantrums. Your dog will have fun chasing it around, and it will not rip it apart easily. Kick Fetch Toy Ball: Another toy for fetch that includes a particular ball. The product also has unique grooves so your dog can bring it back. Classic Kong Dog Toy: Give your dog simple treats by placing it in the toy. Your dog needs to play with it to get its reward and will keep them occupied for a while. Great Pyrenees mixed with Labrador has those characteristics where they can be stubborn and not follow your command. Training your puppy can correct this behavior. Train your dog to socialize with different kinds and sizes of animals. Socializing your dog needs to start at an early age to avoid future aggression to smaller animals. Since the mix is a large dog, you need to take it for a walk at least an hour every day. However, you need some changes in your daily walk or training since your dog gets bored easily. Try playing games that will make your dog think. Every now and then, give your dog a reward or treat to keep him committed to the training. Labrador Great Pyrenees And Families With the loyal and loving nature of Labrador Great Pyrenees, it will be a great addition to a family, even with children. Although you need to train them in socializing, Great Pyrenees Labrador will surely protect and love your family. A great backyard with fences is a good investment if you want to take care of a Labrador Great Pyrenees Mix. Great Pyrenees Lab mix is a loving dog that wants care and welfare as much as they give. References: Ritt, Mg, and Tw Fossum. Cunliffe, Juliette. Great Pyrenees. Kennel Club Books, .Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, .Pyrador puppy breeders Your Pyrador should be long lived and healthy provided you buy your puppy from a litter with health tested parents. Of course, with a mixture of exercise, training, and early socialization, the Pyrador will make a wonderful family companion! Origin of the Great Pyrenees Lab Mix The Pyrador has a strong working history, bred from two very different lines of intelligent and cooperative dog breeds. The Lab parent started out as a retrieving breed alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. Now in modern times, the Lab is most often a devoted family pet. But they are also excellent service animals. Their intelligence and loyalty make them excellent support animals to their human counterparts. This is an extremely old breed, used for centuries by shepherds to guard livestock, where their bravery in going up against predators such as wolves and bears became legendary! Pyrador Appearances The Pyrador is a large dog with an even build and long muzzle. The ears hang low and floppy, and the coat tends to be short in fist generation mixes. You can increase the likelihood of certain colors by choosing parents with the same fur color. For instance, a Great Pyrenees black Lab mix! With each color coming in a variety of shades. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, has a mostly white, shaggy coat, that can have slight color variations in some areas, including yellow, badger, reddish brown, tan and gray. Grooming and Shedding The Lab and the Great Pyrenees are shedders, so their pups will need brushing at least once a week. More in molting season. No matter which parent your puppy takes after, you can expect a lot of shedding. For the most part, the Labrador Pyrenees mix should be easy to care for as far as grooming goes. Groom your Pyrador once or twice a week to keep their coat in its best condition. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also advised. An adult Great Pyrenees looks bigger than he is because of his thick, durable coat. But, he is still a large dog, who will grow to be 32 inches tall and can weigh up to pounds. An adult Pyrador will be anywhere between inches tall and weigh anywhere from pounds. They absolutely love being in the center of fun family activities! But, if left to get bored, they can be destructive. The Great Pyrenees is consistently and affectionately renowned as a gentle giant who loves to play and especially enjoys the snow! He is most famous for his mild-mannered temperament, but he is able to move swiftly to address anything he may consider to be a threat to his family. The Pyrador will be an intelligent, playful, family-friendly dog who enjoys being with his people and requires plenty of exercise. But, he takes his watch-dog role rather seriously, so he should be supervised with outsiders. This is a trait that can be passed on to the Great Pyrenees Lab mix. And, in some circumstances, guarding instincts and loyalty can stray into aggression. Especially towards strangers and other animals. Pyrador Socialization Socialization involves introducing a puppy to as many new experiences as possible during their fear period. This period lasts from around 8 weeks old to 16 weeks at the very latest. So, during this time, make sure your Pyrador has positive experiences with strangers, other dogs, other animals, and any places of things he will encounter in his later life. This could include a noisy schoolyard, a train, a beach, and much more. Since puppies may not have all their vaccinations during socialization, you may also need to invest in a puppy sling to help you carry your ever-growing Pyrador pup around! Socialization is important even if your Great Pyrenees and Lab mix seems to take more after their Lab parent. All dog breeds can benefit from it! Training The temperament of the Great Pyrenees and the Lab are quite similar in many areas. But they differ slightly when it comes to trainability. Both the Lab and the Great Pyrenees are intelligent breeds. But while the Lab enjoys learning new things and is eager to please, the Great Pyrenees is more independent. Keep in mind the Pyrador mix could inherit this independence from his Great Pyrenees parent, or he could be more prone to easy training like his Lab parent. Either way, we recommend proper socializing and training with your Pyrador. Always keep the training techniques positive and fun. Remember that training can be an excellent bonding opportunity for you and your Pyrador puppy. Exercise Needs Both parent breeds are active dogs that need daily exercise. So this is something almost guaranteed in your Pyrador mix. Proper exercise will also help to reduce the chances of boredom-related damages to material goods in the home. And it can be another great way to bond with your dog! Ideally, a Great Pyrenees Lab mix needs a large, safely enclosed yard to play in, plus some dedicated time for exercise with you each day, once their joints are fully developed. Great Pyrenee Health and Care Because the Pyrador is a cross between the Lab and the Great Pyrenees, he could be predisposed to any of the above inheritable health issues of his purebred parents. Remember that early health screening in your Pyrador crossbreed puppy can help avoid or prepare for any future genetic problems. You can learn more about the health testing requirements as specified by the AKC for the Labrador and the Great Pyrenees here. As with all breeds, some health problems are passed down from generation to generation, and the purebred Lab is no exception. Some health concerns with the Lab include: Hip dysplasia. The Great Pyrenees black Lab mix is part of this phenomenon. Labrador history Labradors started out as gundogs. They were trained to accompany their owner on game shoots, and retrieve fallen birds from land and water. They quickly gained legions of admirers, because they were quick learners, successful workers during the day, and also laid back company back at home in the evening. These qualities transferred well into service dog training as well. Great Pyrenees history Great Pyrenees are a centuries-old breed, developed to herd and protect sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains. Besides keeping the sheep in one place, they would also see off threats from poachers, wolves, and even bears. Their courage as guardians was so outstanding that King Louis XIV of France appointed them to protect his royal chateaux. Physically they could end up very much like a Lab, a Great Pyrenees, or somewhere in between. Even within a single litter, things like size, coat and temperament can vary a lot from puppy to puppy. Great Pyrenees are even larger, weighing 85 pounds and up! The overall shape of both dogs is pretty similar — broad and well-muscled, with kind eyes and ears that fold down the side of their head. Coat Labs and Great Pyrenees both have thick, waterproof double coats, ideal for working outdoors all year round, in harsh climates. Color A big question about a Great Pyrenees black Lab mix is, what color will they turn out? A black Lab is obviously black, and the Great Pyrenees is famous for being white! In fact, genetically Great Pyrenees are actually very, very pale red. And black Labradors can silently carry the genes for brown or red coats too. So the color of Pyrador puppies from a black Lab parent will depend upon whether that Lab only has genes for black pigment to pass on. If so, those genes have powerful genetic dominance, and the result will be black puppies. But if the Labrador is silently carrying genes for other colors too, their Pyrador puppies could end up white, or even a soft brown or red. Labs and Great Pyrenees originally served quite different purposes, and they have different temperaments which made them suited to those roles. Both breeds adore their families, and are noted for being patient and gentle with children. But whilst the Great Pyrenees tends to be disinterested in strangers, the Labrador sees everyone as a new friend. In their working role, Labradors also needed to be focused on their handler, and easily motivated to work as part of a dog-human team. All modern Labs are bred from ancestors who excelled in this. But Great Pyrenees traditionally worked alone — spending long days watching sheep, and making their own judgements about how to deal with threats. The result is that Labradors are much easier to train than Great Pyrenees! But it still depends upon having socialized them well at a young age. For Great Pyrenees, whose natural guarding instincts tell them to be wary of unfamiliar people and animals, socialization is even more important. During this window they will be very receptive to forming positive associations with things, if you introduce them gently and pair them with lots of treats. These positive associations will give them confidence, and minimize fearfulness, as they get older. All dogs need to be potty trained. If a Pyrador jumps up at an unprepared person, that person is likely to end up on the floor! A Pyrador that pulls ahead will be miserable to walk, and could easily damage the muscles in your shoulder too. These training guides elsewhere on the site can help you get started with all of these skills:. Labrenees Description The Pyrador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Labrador Retriever. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He weighs about 80 lbs. He is also the calmest out of his brothers and sisters and looks more like a Pyrenees than they do, as you will see from his photos. His siblings have more of a Lab face and are smaller in stature. I walk him between 1 to 2 hours every day and when he is allowed off leash he runs around like a dog in heaven. I also discovered he loves the snow. I'm still trying to teach him that he can swim, but he's getting used to his size I think. He has a generally very mellow nature and is definitely bred from guard dogs as he guards me and the family constantly. He has a very deep, loud bark but is learning not to bark at everything. He loves people and other dogs and wants to be friends with everyone. I'm still feeding him twice a day but he doesn't gulp his food. Sometimes he even has to be encouraged to eat. He has a cream-coloured coat, longer than most Labs, but nowhere near the length and thickness of a pure Pyrenees. He also has some of the golden tan markings of the Pyrenees along his back, tail and ears.

They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles. 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. They've won the dog personality popularity contest for so many years, as Labs are devoted to their owners—always willing to show you their affection and receive your adoration in return—are highly intelligent, and are happiest doing any and all family activities. Their enthusiasm not only makes them fun to be around, but also makes them a hard-working breed. Labs are companionable, bonding with all family members, and famously friendly to every person and pup they meet. While they have high energy and require lots of activity , they are eager to please and highly trainable. Appearance Thanks to their role as a hunter's companion, the Labrador retriever is a sturdy dog, weighing in at anywhere from 55—80 pounds. Labs come in three colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. While black Labs were an early favorite with breeders, all three types of Labs are common today. Some breeders do offer "rare" Labs, including polar white, fox red, and even silver, but these are simply variations of the three original Lab coloring combinations. Their top coat is short and thick. Their undercoat is softer and helps provide protection from the weather, especially cold temperatures and water, a nod to their original role as retrievers. A Lab's tail serves a purpose in their heritage as well. They are thick and tapered, an "otter tail" that acts as a rudder when Labs swim. But watch out on land—this happy breed gets to wagging their tail often and eagerly, and won't stop if you happen to be in the way. Yellow Labs might be easy to confuse with golden retrievers. Though both are friendly pups and popular with families, they distinctly different breeds. Temperament "The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non aggressive towards man or animal," the breed standard says. They are friendly with new people and animals they meet. Tops in the personality department, Labs are also highly intelligent, making them very trainable. They do have lots of energy, so you'll need to stay active with them, but they are also happy to relax at home for family movie night. What many veterinarians do find, however, is that each Lab is an individual with his own personality. Some Labs are more mellow, while others can be higher energy. Some tend to be more anxious dogs. And you can even have a Lab that is a bit of a goofball. But no matter what personality your Lab puppy grows to develop, one thing is always the same. Living Needs Labs adore their owners. They will want to live indoors and sleep as close as possible to you—or even on you. They like to get outside to play, but don't leave them unattended for too long as they may prove they have a naughty side. Labs have been known to dig and chew, so invest in plenty of sturdy chew toys to keep yours entertained. If properly introduced and trained, Labs can also get along well with other pets in the home including cats , other dogs, and small animals. They are competitors, doing well in agility, field tests, and at dog shows. And they absolutely love to swim. Care When you welcome a Lab to your home, be prepared for lots of shedding. Grooming isn't substantial, but brushing your dog daily will help reduce the tumbleweeds of fur scattered about your house from their thick double coat. They should be bathed every other month to keep them smelling fresh. Brushing their teeth a couple of times a week, keeping their nails trimmed —likely once or twice a month—and checking their ears for redness or odor should also be on your Lab care checklist. A daily minute walk or a lively game of fetch will help your pup burn off some of his energy. Lack of activity could lead to undesirable behavior, but don't overdo it—this "workaholic" breed is apt to exhaust itself. Don't let Lab puppies run and play on hard surfaces for their first two years so they don't damage their joints. Of course their reputation for good behavior precedes them, but that doesn't mean you can skip training sessions with your Lab. Training is important to ensure they don't grow to become too rowdy. Introduce Labrador puppies to other humans and animals early to help socialize them properly. This, coupled with ample positive reinforcement , will allow your pup to grow into the friendly Lab many know and love. Health Labs are a pretty hearty and healthy breed , living 10—12 years. But, as with all breeds, there are some common conditions to be aware of. Elbow and hip dysplasia , heart disorders such as tricuspid valve dysplasia TVD , epilepsy , and hereditary myopathy or muscle weakness can all affect Labs. They can also face eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Owners should also be aware of a condition called exercise induced collapse EIC. Labs may also develop hot spots —or acute moist dermatitis—cold tail, and ear infections. History A bit misnamed, Labs actually come from Newfoundland—off the northeastern coast of Canada—not Labrador, according to the Labrador Retriever Club. Descended from St. John's water dogs, Labradors are a traditional waterdog used to retrieve ducks and keep fishermen company. At the end of the work day, Labs were then happy to head home to spend the night with the fishermen's families. They became increasingly popular starting in the early s, when they were brought to England by nobles who appreciated their work ethic and disposition. Public Domain It may be hard to believe, but by the s, Labs were almost extinct because of government restrictions and tax laws—the same laws that led to the St. John's water dogs' extinction, according to the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. Thankfully saved by English breeders, they were introduced to the U. After World War II, the Lab's popularity took over and grew for decades until they ultimately achieved the status of America's—and England and Canada's—most popular pooch. Fun Facts In , for the 29th year in a row, the Lab was voted the number one most popular breed. King Buck was the model Labrador retriever featured on a U. Another famous Lab is Ben of Hyde , born in .Considered the first documented yellow Lab, today most lines of yellow Labs can be traced to his bloodline. The star of the show, Marley, is actually several different Labs who played the role to reflect the various age stages of Marley during the film. His family adopted another chocolate Lab, Seamus , after Clinton's presidency ended. Was this page helpful? She was born in on February 14, Valentine's Day, which is funny because she is a chocolate labby: I got Maggie in the spring of .And totally crazy. For the first few months I had her, I had a tough-love relationship with her. Because she was pretty much out of control, along with being a very dominate puppy , I had to make sure from the beginning that she knew that I was the pack boss. As she got older she also showed some signs of aggression to dogs and people outside of our pack family. Maggie took to training like a pro. She loved to "work", as I called it. Her attention and focus on me was, and still is, out of this world. When she is playing with her doggie friends, I can call her out and she will practically fly to me, completely forgetting the other dogs and instead focusing on me. Her focus on me was so great that she was off leash trustworthy in nearly any situation by 11 months. Now at almost 5 years old, she is perfect. It takes a lot to get a dog close to perfection, and Maggie is as close to it as a dog can get in my opinion. I call them The Three Hoods. I had heard people say if you have a good dog and you get a puppy, the older one will play a big part in training the new pup; I now know that is true. They are a huge part of our family and we couldn't imagine life without them. He is waiting for his owner to throw him the ball. Notice how his tail is up. That indicates that he is in an excited state of mind. Oscar gets a lot of excited physical exercise playing ball. This type of exercise tires out the body, but keeps the mind in high excitement mode. A pack walk is also needed to exercise and calm the mind. Never met a stranger. Miss him dearly. He likes to sleep a lot and play tug-of-war. He also likes to dig up the yard which mommy and daddy aren't too happy about .He loves walks and playing with other dogs. He's a very smart pup and learns very fast. He's practically potty trained—we use the ring the bell on the door system—and he sleeps through the night. He also likes to cuddle on your lap, which could pose a problem when he's 80 lbs. Labradors "Molly Girl at 2 months—Molly is every bit chocolate Lab, but with none of the horror stories I was warned of! She is not super high energy, probably due in part to the daily exercise I make sure she gets. She is eager to please and extremely loyal. She greets everyone with a wag of the tail and loves to be loved on! As with any dog, consistency is important when training, and thanks to that, and dog parks , Molly is the perfect dog: " Ripley the silver Labrador Retriever at 11 months old Silver Labrador Retriever, photo courtesy of Crist Culo Kennels Tai the chocolate Lab at 1 year old with a long stick in his mouth Three adorable puppies showing the three Labrador colors, front to back, black, yellow and chocolate, photo courtesy of Mirage Labrador Retrievers "This is our newly adopted black Lab named Dozer. He is one and a half years old in this picture and we adopted him from the pound. Like most Labs he loves the water as you can see in the picture ; in fact, he loves it a little too much. We need to work with him on not obsessing over the water so much, but he is so eager to please that it shouldn't be too hard. We take him on two walks a day with him carrying a doggy backpack, one being a three-mile walk with at least a half hour of swimming. I watch the Dog Whisperer all the time so I know that with following his methods and with Dozer being so eager to please that whatever issues he has we will be able to improve them. Cappy is an all-around great companion and fun dog. His favorite activities include car rides, swimming, fetch, meeting new people and playing with his big sister, a black Lab. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. History and Origins The Labrador Retriever breed originated not in Labrador, but on the coast of Newfoundland, in the 17th century. They were trained to bring in the fishing-nets through the icy waters for the fishermen and, in the early 19th century, were brought to Poole Harbour in Great Britain. They were so attractive and with such appealing personalities that the fishermen had umpteen offers from Englishmen to buy them. The breed with their working abilities was instantly successful as a gundog. The Earl of Malmesbury became fascinated by these dogs, known at that time as Saint John's Dogs, and he started breeding them, calling them Labrador Dogs. Today, Labradors are still used as working gundogs as well as being beloved family pets. Ideal Owner Ideal Lab owners enjoy long walks, are mud-proof and water-proof, and have the time, patience and skill to teach this breed to be a polite member of society. Although universally thought of as the ultimate, easy-going family dog and they do generally love everyone! Great for active families with children who can take part in training and exercise — and who can walk this active gundog a couple of hours every day in all weathers. Exercise Needs Labradors will adapt to the amount of time you can allocate for their exercise, as long as they are kept active. Ideally, a couple of hours a day being a good amount for a healthy adult. They love long walks with a chance to run and play off the lead. Many Labradors, unfortunately, become overweight because they are bought by families who want them for their reputation as the perfect dog with children, without realising that this is a working dog, who needs a lot of exercise and training to stay happy and healthy. As well as walks, a Labrador will revel in games and play with their owner, as they are highly social, and need to be involved in all family activities. Space Requirements The Labrador is a large, active breed who is at heart a country dog, and so needs a good-sized living space. As the Labrador size is large and their energy is high, they will appreciate a large garden and need access to the great outdoors for long walks. Nutrition and Feeding Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Labrador is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Labrador lifespan reaching 14 years. Grooming Labradors The Labrador grooming process is fairly easy as their coats are simple to maintain. Even though the Labrador size is large, their coat is thick and dense with a weather-resistant undercoat that can easily be kept clean with a simple brush through once a week, and more regular attention when moulting. However, they do love water and mud, and so they may need more regular grooming to keep them clean. Watch out for grass seeds in the summer as they tend to charge around the countryside! Training Labradors Labradors are generally a joy to train as they are both clever and biddable, and love working with their owner. Despite being generally unproblematic, they do still need training as they have a need to work and to keep their busy brains occupied. Plus, they can easily get overly-boisterous, and even destructive, if not given plenty of exercise, and an outlet for their hard-wired breed behaviours. Are Labradors Good Family Dogs? There is a good reason why the Labrador has a reputation as being, almost, the perfect family dog. This is a breed who loves everyone and everything. Their only drawback is that they need a lot of exercise, and so they need an active family who enjoy walking and games. All dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Created by crossing the Labrador and pointer breeds, the Lab pointer mix is one of the latest designer dog breeds. Smart, devoted, and full of energy, these doggos inherited some of the best traits of their parent breeds. Pointerdors are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of space to stay active and explore. As a result, these dogs make poor apartment and urban dwellers and are more suited to suburban or country living. Other than that, they are easy to train, relatively low-maintenance dogs, which makes them a good option for newbie dog parents. Pointerdors also love children and make ideal playmates to youngsters and are great pets to families with children of all ages. If you believe a Pointerdor will make a perfect addition to your family, keep on reading! Pointerdor Overview: Size: 22 to 28 inches tall, weighs between 35 to 80 pounds Coat: Short double coat, color varies Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedding Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Temperament: Athletic, intelligent, affectionate, and friendly Trainable: Highly trainable, responds well to positive reinforcement training Activity: Highly energetic needs up to two hours of exercise every day Best For: Active families and singles, first-time dog owners, homes with fenced backyards What Is A Lab Pointer? As the name hints, the pointer Lab mix is a mixed-breed dog developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred pointer. However, they are recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club Dog Registry of America, Inc Lab Pointer Mix Appearance While there is no way of predicting the exact appearance of any mixed breed, the typical Pointerdor will inherit certain traits from both its parent breeds. Having said that, Lab pointers are typically medium-sized dogs with long and muscular bodies. This mix has a deep chest, a powerful stance, and long, strong legs made for running. They have broad heads, medium-length muzzles, and wide, floppy ears that hang down to the upper jaw. Their almond-shaped eyes are usually brown, but they can also come in a lighter color. Size Since the Lab pointer is a new designer breed, there are no set standards when it comes to size. As a cross between a pointer and a Labrador retriever, you can expect this mix to be a medium-sized dog. Pointerdors are usually from 22 to 28 inches tall at the withers and can weigh anywhere from 35 to 80 pounds. Coat Color This mix can inherit the coat color from either of its parent breeds or sport a mix of colors. Since both pointers and Labs come in a variety of different colors, there are many color possibilities for their mixed-breed offspring. In most cases, though, the average Lab pointer mix is either white, brown, or black in color. Coat Texture The Lab pointer has a short, dense, and waterproof double coat that is relatively easy to maintain. As a double-coated breed, these dogs tend to shed moderately all year round and go through a heavier shed during spring and fall. If you or any of your family members are allergic to dogs, research the so-called hypoallergenic breeds and low-shedding dogs like the labradoodle , as they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers. Luckily, in this case, both the pointer and the Lab are members of the sporting dog group and share certain character traits. There are two sides to every pointer Lab — a devoted family companion and an athletic gundog. The loving and friendly Pointerdor forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for large and bustling families that will include their dog in all indoor and outdoor activities. As an offspring of two sporting breeds, the pointer Labrador retriever mix is a highly athletic and energetic dog that needs plenty of space to roam around and explore. If not allowed adequate space to run and play, this mix will quickly become bored, frustrated, and destructively chew everything in sight, beginning with your shoes and progressing to furniture and other belongings. These friendly and sweet-tempered dogs get along with everyone, including children of all ages. Not only are these pooches gentle and patient with kids, but they also love to play and will quickly become best friends with any child capable of matching their energy levels. Activity Level As an offspring of two sporting dog breeds, the Lab pointer mix is a very athletic and energetic dog that needs a lot of activity, more specifically at least 1 to 2 hours each day. When not provided with the intense exercise it needs, this mix will soon become restless and destructive. Caring For A Pointerdor Like any other dog, a pointer Labrador mix will thrive and stay happy when properly taken care of from a young age. To keep your dog happy and healthy, be sure to come up with a consistent care routine as soon as you bring them home and stick to it for the rest of their life. Exercise As mentioned before, Lab pointers are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Ideally, this mix needs up to two hours of intense activity every day to release all their pent-up energy and stay in excellent shape. Activities such as running, jogging, swimming, agility exercises, and games like fetch are all good ways to keep your dog exercised. Intellectual Stimulation Lab pointers are intelligent dogs that can easily become bored and frustrated if not exercised or mentally stimulated every single day. Like their Labrador parents, these dogs tend to be mouthy and will chew everything they can sink their teeth in when bored and under-stimulated. To avoid getting your belongings chewed, invest in tough and durable chew toys , and keep your mix stimulated with interactive and puzzle toys. Companionship Loving and loyal, Lab pointers form strong bonds with their owners and make affectionate family companions. They like to spend time interacting with their people and are the happiest when they are involved in all family activities. Grooming Despite being moderate-to-heavy shedders, Pointerdors are fairly easy to groom. Their short double coats have to be brushed two or three times a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe your mix once every two to three months or every time they return dirty from an outdoor adventure. Check their ears for waxy buildup and dirt once a week, and clean them as necessary to prevent painful ear infections. Diet An ideal diet for a pointer Lab mix should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with high energy. Their food needs to have high levels of protein, fat, and carbs, combined with all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. To prevent obesity and all health problems associated with it, avoid free-feeding your dog and stick to a regular and consistent meal schedule. Known Health Problems Pointer Lab mixes are generally healthy, but they can be affected by the same health problems that are often seen in their parent breeds. The most common health issues they experience are: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Lab Pointer Puppies Video History Though not much is known about its origination, this new breed has obtained recognition by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as a few other clubs that recognize designer breeds. Temperament These energetic, sweet-tempered dogs have a pleasant and courteous disposition. Being fond of playing, they can get highly possessive as far as their toys are concerned. Though gentle and loving, they have an independent nature, not requiring too much attention, unlike other breeds. Moreover, separation from their owners for some time will not have a great impact on them. Having a loyal nature, they are extremely devoted to their masters, trying all means to please them. The Lab-Pointer behaves calmly with other canine breeds, also being friendly with children provided they are not rough with it. Another interesting trait this breed has inherited from the Pointer is its brilliant sense of smell that makes it alert on sniffing something unusual or encountering any unfamiliar face. Care Exercise It is essential to make them exercise regularly to maintain a good physical and mental health. To channelize its high energy levels in a positive way, owners should take their pets out on a walk two times in a day or make them run daily. Lab-Pointer puppies are more active compared to the older dogs as the latter tend to calm down with age, preferring to be indoors. Grooming Requiring less grooming, their short or medium-length coat should be brushed once or twice a week to keep off dead hairs. Bathe the dog when dirty to prevent them from getting too smelly. Cleaning their ears will minimize chances of infection. Health Problems This hardy breed has no known health problems as such. However, it might be prone to certain common ailments suffered by its parents like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataract, cherry eyes and allergies of Pointer as well as dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary myopathy and deafness of Labrador. It may even suffer from some of the common dog diseases. Training The English pointer-lab mix is convenient to train though it sometimes becomes a mammoth task to obtain their attention. Therefore, they need a firm and tactful trainer who will handle them in a patient, thoughtful and gentle way, tempting them to follow his commands through rewards and incentives. Socialization and obedience training are also to be imparted to help them come out of their timid nature and mingle well with strangers, children as well as other pets. If kept as only pets and not for hunting then owners should make a conscious effort to keep their chasing instinct under control. Feeding Give your dog between 1. Moreover, they should also be provided a nutritious diet to meet their protein and mineral requirement. Over the years, we have always kept breeding stock that was structurally correct and naturally muscular with a great personality. Our females are medium size when compared to Labs. They hold their body condition on a limited amount of food and have maintained the great personality. The stud males are very strong, correct dogs that will walk up to any stranger and lick them in the face after a couple pats on the head. All adult breeding dogs must hunt, retrieve and track a downed bird with no formal training. But along the way something unpredictable happened: we fell in love with too many of the puppies. We had to stop raising puppies because our kennel was full and we did not have time to market the pups. Our hunting guests kept asking: where did we get those beautiful Labs, what is story with the spotted female, and where can I find one? So, after many requests, we started a breeding program in .View More About Us Our Adults and Working Dogs While we'd like to tell you the spotted female was a carefully planned creation, truth be known, she just showed up one day in a litter along with 10 black puppies. She is a beautiful female that hunts, points and retrieves with great energy. She has had three litters of pups; these dogs are scattered across the US, are loved by all that have them and are a constant source of high praise by their owners see the accompanying letters of praise. Though we have 12 adult dogs in the kennel, we limit breeding stock to five adult females and three proven stud dogs. Our goals are to offer more spotted puppies; though rare, we should be able to offer more in the future. We now have three young spotted prospects that we selected from two spring litters. If they pass the hunting tests, this fall they will be added to our breeding line. View Our Current Litters Questions? We are very blessed with the dogs we have in our care. By upholding high standards in our breeding program, it is our wish that others may enjoy the great qualities and uniqueness of these Hybrid Dogs for years to come. Should you want to reserve one of our pups or started dogs, please fill out our contact form and which puppy you are inquiring about. Lab Pointer mix puppies Thanks to their spirited nature, Lab Pointer mix dogs need a lot of exercise, and space. A big back yard is best — somewhere fenced in where they can run and explore. Alert and intelligent, the gun dog breeds and breed mixes are usually a joy to train. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as working companions and family pets. Often with a second dog backing the first in an identical position. Setters and Pointers perform the same function and were very popular before breech loading guns were invented. They gave the hunter a chance to load their weapon and get close enough to the game to take a shot, before the bird was flushed. These dogs were bred to gallop over huge areas of moorland and open countryside, searching for tiny traces of scent in areas where game birds are few and far between. This required a big powerful deep chested dog capable of quartering large areas independently, with a hunter following — on foot or on horseback These are the true Pointers — sometimes called English Pointers. However, what many people mean when they talk about Pointers is a very different dog. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. And for the most part, that is a good thing! These breeds are both are athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play. And who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. Lab Pointer mix origins — why create a hybrid? To understand the origins of a Lab x Pointer mix, we can begin by going back a few decades. The early crosses were often promoted as having the best attributes of both parents. Claims were made that Labradoodles for example would all be hypoallergenic or at least low shedding like their poodle parent. When we cross two very different dog breeds, which attributes each puppy will get from each parent is to some extent a lottery. The puppy could get the best attributes of both parents, or the worst. Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. HPRs have probably long been included in the occasional Labrador breeding programme, albeit illicitly, in order to incorporate the pointing instinct into certain lines of retrievers. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new. And has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years Lab Pointer mix size Both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers are among the larger of the medium-sized dogs. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females A Lab crossed with a true Pointer however, is likely to be a taller dog altogether. The true Pointer reaches up to 28 inches in height, and some of his cross-bred puppies may well do the same. Labrador Pointer mix colors There are just three coat colors for Labrador Retrievers — black, yellow and chocolate. Pointers, on the other hand, can be found in 8 different colors. Including liver, lemon, black or orange. And in combinations of these colors with white. They often have distinctive and beautiful markings with usually a white muzzle with dark ears and eyes. German Pointers come in all kinds of pretty variations of the color liver a rich dark brown either solid or mixed with white spots or ticking. In the UK, the GSP is also found in all those variations but with a black base color rather than liver. Within any hybrid litter, you can expect a lot of variation. A German Shorthaired Pointer black Lab mix might not necessarily be black. If it favors its Pointer parent, it could be a mix of colors. Even experienced breeders sometimes have a hard time predicting what their new Pointer Labrador pups will look like! Labrador Pointer cross shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predicable with a GSP or Pointer cross as both Labs, Pointers, and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat, The GSP and Pointer coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups may take after either. The German Wirehaired Pointer has a broken or rough coat which is low maintenance A quick once over with a body brush two or three times a week, and the use of a de-shedding tool when necessary should be sufficient to cover the grooming needs of your Lab Pointer Mix pup. Lab Pointer mix temperament There are two sides to a Labrador x Pointer mix. The sweet-natured family pet, versus the energetic working gun dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners, so can be prone to separation anxiety. And they do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. While it might seem like this headstrong mutt needs a lot of exercise and attention, just like either of their parent breeds, they will repay you over and over with their affectionate, loving nature. It is worth noting that the pointing breeds, which traditionally had to work much more independently and over greater distances than the retriever breeds, tend to be more independent in nature. Labrador versus Pointer temperament The Labrador Retriever is one of the most co-operative dog breeds on the planet. That is why they are so widely used as service and therapy dogs. When you mix a Labrador with a German Short Haired Pointer, you are likely to lose some of this intense desire to co-operate with people, that is the hallmark of the Lab. You may gain some pointing skills, and you may have a dog with better genetic health. But that pure Lab temperament is hard to beat from a training point of view. When you mix a Labrador with a true Pointer, the resulting puppies can be very different indeed in temperament from a Retriever puppy The Pointer is a more independent and less biddable dog that the Labrador. So its important to take this into account Labrador Pointer exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointer mixes have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. A Labrador or GSP needs at least an hour and a half walking each day. A true Pointer needs far more and many are ideally suited to being exercised on horseback. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited mutts healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Lab and Pointer mix health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. When it comes to Lab Pointers, the ones to watch out for are elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. It can affect both Labs and Pointers. Labs and Pointers are also prone to the degenerative eye disorder, PRA. However, this disease, like many others can be screened for and eliminated from the gene pool. They should screen for diseases such as PRA as standard. They can also carry a genetic form of hemophilia known as von Willebrands Disease which prevents blood from clotting. Again, these are diseases that your breeder should screen for with every litter. What next? Sadly the growing popularity of hybrid dogs has led a lot of unscrupulous dog breeders to enter the market. A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions, and let you look around their kennel to meet some Pointer Lab puppies. It can be very rewarding to open your home, and your heart, to a rescue dog. Breed rescues can be found in most regions and often have cross bred dogs and puppies looking for new homes. They will offer a supportive and knowledgeable adoption service. We have provided a list of dog rescues in North America and the UK. And from registering your puppies should you decide you want to breed from your dog Potential owners should be aware that adopting an unknown dog always carries some risk. 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. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Pointer parents. The most common colors of coat for a Lab Pointer are creamy white, brown, and black. Exercise and outdoor time is vital to the Lab Pointer. Lab Pointers can have a higher than usual prey drive, so make sure not to leave them unsupervised. Lab Pointer dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds and become playmates, but early training and socialization is very important. Lab Pointer History The Lab Pointer is one of the newest mixed dog breeds around, with most estimates saying it came on the scene some time in the last decade. These days, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. The Pointer hails from England, where they were bred for tracking and pointing purposes. The Lab Pointer has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 35 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches. The mixed breed likes to be around humans and will want to take part in most of your daily activities. To that end, the dog does not do well left alone for long periods of time. So if you have a large and busy family, the Lab Pointer will fit in well with your schedule. Although, be warned. In general, Lab Pointers are loyal but not especially suited to being guard dogs. If you have kids, all the better. Lab Pointer Health Lab Pointers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Pointer face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. The Lab Pointer needs a very high amount of exercise. If you come across water on your hike, the breed will love to go swimming. Weekly teeth brushing sessions should be implemented with a Lab Pointer. Your vet can help advise you about which brand of toothpaste is appropriate for your dog. Bathing your Lab Pointer only needs to be done if it comes back in a dirty state after an outdoor adventure. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Make sure to check their ears for debris and pests, especially after spending time outdoors, and clean their ears regularly. Your vet can give you advice on how to do this at home. Lab Pointer Feeding An ideal Lab Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. In general, the Lab Pointer is an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a suitable dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor sessions the mixed breed loves so much. Luckily, the Lab Pointer is a mixed breed that is relatively easy to train. Even with a well-trained dog, you should always supervise play time between kids and dogs so that neither party accidentally harms the other. Make sure to properly introduce your Lab Pointer to any other pets and set boundaries right from the start. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Lab Pointer for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Lab Pointer Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Lab Pointers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Pointer breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Black, orange, liver, lemon, yellow, chocolate Suitable for: Active families, homes with room for play Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets when socialized These animals are gentle, loving, and extremely loyal to their owners and families. If you are considering bringing one of these amazing dogs into your home, prepare for a lifetime of love and commitment. Read on below for more information on the Lab Pointer mix so you can make your home and heart ready for this adorable pooch. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Is the breed energetic? Are they easy to train? Their overall health is good for mixed-breed dogs, as they take on inherent health concerns of their parent breeds. This means they enjoy the stimulation and need attention. Once they are used to their surroundings and family, these dogs will show their gentle, loving, and loyal sides. If your family is searching for the perfect companion dog for both the adults and children in the family, these dogs may be your perfect solution. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their high energy levels make them the perfect companions for kids who love to run and play. They are also gentle enough to play without hurting smaller children. Yes, the Lab Pointer mix does well with other animals, when socialized properly and from a young age. Due to the fact both parent breeds were bred for hunting, it is important to introduce your new puppy to any small animals or other dogs you have in the home while they are young. Due to their intelligence, this breed can learn easily and can make other animals part of their family. In most cases, 2 to 2. This food can be divided to offer your pup morning and evening feeding. When caring for puppies, remember they often need more food throughout the day to ensure they grow up strong and healthy. Due to their energetic natures, long walks, playtime throughout the day, and other ways of keeping them stimulated should be done quite often. This will help avoid weight issues and boredom. Using treats and positive reinforcement are great tools to implement when going through the training process. Remember, however, that Lab Pointer mixes are known for being stubborn. Their trainer needs to be firm during this process. While this is a part of life when it comes to owning a dog, brushing their coats at least twice a week will help reduce the amount of hair you find around your home. Ear cleaning is very important for this breed of dog. Due to their floppy ears, infections are possible. With routine cleanings, you can help your dog avoid the pain these infections cause. When brushing your dog, take the time to clean their ears and check for any visible issues. Always use pet-friendly toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush during this process to help make the experience less frightening for your dog. Long nails can chip and break causing your dog unnecessary pain. Only clip the tip of the nail and avoid cutting into the quick, which is where the blood vessels are located. This can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort. Minor Conditions.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! 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 New York 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 New York? 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 New York? 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. Buying A Golden Retriever From A Respectable, Professional Breeder Purchasing a Golden retriever Puppy from a respected, responsible professional breeder is by far the best option when it comes to getting yourself a good quality, healthy puppy given the best start in life. A responsible professional breeder: Cares greatly about the overall quality and welfare of the breed and selectively breeds for the betterment of the Golden Retriever population as a whole. Screen sire and dam for health issues in trying to breed puppies with the lowest possible chance of inherited disease. Will help you to select the right puppy for you from the many different personalities in their litter. Not all dogs are created equal! Some are more energetic, more headstrong, more confident, others less so. They will match you to the perfect puppy for your hopes and lifestyle. They handle, care for, and socialize puppies in such an expert way that the puppies have had the best possible start in life and the greatest chance of growing up a confident, happy dog of good temperament. They provide some of the best advice and support that can be given about how you should care for your new family member, from the moment you make the decision right through your Goldens entire life. So as you can see, there are many benefits to buying from a professional breeder. But surely there must be some cons you may be thinking? Well it depends how you look at it, but: A professional breeder will ask you many questions to be sure you are a good fit and have the right lifestyle that fits in with owning a Golden Retriever. You could have a long wait. Good breeders are popular and do not breed excessively, so you may have to wait a year or more before a puppy becomes available. But a benefit to this is that it weeds out the impulse buyers which cuts down on puppies that are given up after rushed decisions. Compared to some other options, you will pay quite a high price. I say a high price but what I mean is a fair price really. A fair price for a good quality, healthy puppy. But mostly backyard breeders are the unscrupulous types. You usually will not be able to see the premises on which the puppies are bred, they will not ask any questions of prospective owners and there will be no commitment or offer of help and advice for the future of the puppies they breed. This results in a poorer quality of life for the animals, and expensive vet bills for the owners. One positive of backyard breeders though is the price. Yes, they are considerably cheaper than professional breeders. And the savings you make up front are more than lost for extra vet bills down the road. So the risk is your puppy has a higher chance of inherited disease and behavior problems than the general population. There will be no true guarantee of pedigree. But if your friend has taken steps to get veterinary advice and care for the puppies, has looked after and socialized them well, maybe even knows the father of the puppies and can prove he is of good health and pedigree then this option may not be so bad. However they got into the situation, there are way too many homeless dogs in the world. Lack of space and insufficient funding inevitably means that many dogs each year are euthanized. Maybe you could give a second chance at life to such a dog? But you should also be aware that some rescued dogs will have behavioral issues, though the center staff will inform you of this. They may also have suffered some level of abuse and have psychological issues, phobias or anxieties that may not be evident until a certain situation arises. So there is some due diligence and this greatly increases the success rate of finding happy homes for dogs that suit their new human family. This is obviously a good thing for both the dogs and hopeful owners too! Buying From A Pet Store Or A Puppy Mill A large number of dogs bought from pet stores originate from puppy farms, also known as puppy mills, which are profit driven businesses that mass-produce dogs and sell through pet stores and classifieds. In puppy mills, dogs are bred in appalling conditions, kept in overcrowded small wire cages, given little exercise or socialization, enjoy no human contact and receive nothing in the way of veterinary care. The puppies are usually taken away from their mothers and litter-mates at such a young age that behavioral issues in the adult dog are extremely common. The dogs in puppy mills are no more than a commodity, a cash crop to be produced and harvested while spending as little as possible to maximize profits as far as possible. Yes, many people have been lucky enough to have purchased the most glorious of family pets from a pet store, but for each one a lot of suffering has occurred for countless more. I strongly advise that you do not support the puppy mill industry and never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. The risks of not getting a quality, healthy dog are too high, and the ethics of the industry are shocking with many dogs suffering at their hands. Everybody should work to eradicate the entire industry and the first step is by not supporting them financially. There are many places and options available to get a Golden Retriever puppy, some good, some bad, and puppy mills and pet stores just an appalling option to be avoided. In my opinion your 2 best options are to source a puppy from a professional breeder or to adopt from a rescue center. But there are other options available and I hope this article has given you some information to help you in your decision. Please let us know about your experiences of getting a GR from any of the sources above, or even one I may have forgotten. Thank you. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.