german shepherd puppies for sale lancaster pa

We have answers. All you need to do is find one you love the look of, and then message their breeder for more information. We put plenty of time and effort into checking that the El Paso German Shepherd breeders that we partner with are the best. Leaving you more time to find that perfect pup! Are there any El Paso German Shepherd puppies for sale right now? Do you have the cheapest German Shepherds for sale El Paso? Looking for the cheapest puppies will often put you in contact with puppy mills or backyard breeders, who are more interested in turning a profit than raising happy, healthy puppies. We absolutely love shelter dogs, and they can make the most amazing pets. Whether or not you choose a shelter dog or a puppy from one of our partners is a decision that only you and your family can make. One of the first things we look at is their healthcare practices. We expect puppies to have regular checks, and you can ask for a copy of their records. When your new puppy arrives home, you should also take them to your own vet for a follow-up. Is it enough to walk German Shepherd puppies El Paso, or do they need more exercise? The German Shepherd breed is well-known for their intelligence and energy. All this will make sure your puppy stays active in both mind and body. Would a German Shepherd for sale El Paso make a good family pet? They also have a great sense of fun, so will be more than happy to spend plenty of time playing with everyone. What will a El Paso German Shepherd for sale be like to train? There are many German Shepherds all over the world who excel at being working dogs. This breed is intelligent, and picks up new commands very quickly. They also love the challenge of training sessions, so signing your new puppy up for some obedience classes is an excellent way to see exactly how smart they are. There are a few different German Shepherd breeders that will be selling their puppies in El Paso. These dogs are a very popular breed in the United States and Europe. Originally, this breed was developed as a working dog. The German Shepherd has a very strong control of its body and can protect people and animals while working. Because of this, these dogs are a very popular breed and many people enjoy having these dogs as part of their family. El Paso has German Shepherd puppies for sale all year round. There are several different German Shepherd rescues in El Paso and each rescue will have its own set of volunteers that are on hand to take care of the dogs. The volunteers will assist the owners with any training that is needed. These dogs love being trained and will get very anxious if you leave them alone for a long period of time. If you live in El Paso and would like to know more about the German Shepherd puppy rescue in your community, there are a couple of ways that you can go about finding out more information. One way to do this is to go online and do some research. Look at the websites and see what you can learn. If you prefer to do things that are personally doing to help you, visit the local animal shelter in your area. The staff at the animal shelter can give you information on different pet insurance companies that offer coverage for German Shepherds. They can also tell you about the different available insurance policies. The shelter may even be able to refer you to an insurance broker that can help you with the whole process. Ask them if they have any special prices for German Shepherd puppies. Usually, the prices are reasonable. You can expect to pay at least a thousand dollars for an adult dog, but the price could go up if the breeder is popular or if the pup is rare. Try to find out who the owner is. Has the puppy been socialized? Are there any health problems? Make sure you ask these questions before buying your puppy from any particular person. Bring all the necessary papers, including your Venn diagram for breeding purposes. If everything goes well and your trip turns out to be a very rewarding experience, El Paso German Shepherd puppies will be the highlight of your year. The bond between people and dogs is sometimes difficult to master. Be sure to always keep a good relationship with your German Shepherd puppy. They are a loyal pet and a true pleasure to have around. Share this:.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy About the Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever originated in Canada in the 19th century and is now a world-wide beloved dog breed. These dogs are medium-sized dogs, females have a height of .Their average weight as an adult is pounds for females and pounds for males. They have a life expectancy of years. When it comes to their temperament, Labrador retrievers are very loyal, friendly and affectionate companion dogs. They are known for being very social towards strangers and other dogs. Labrador retrievers also come in three colours : black, brown or yellow. These dogs are very active as they need plenty of walks, play time and affection. They are great with children and make a great companion dog. If you're thinking of adopting a Labrador retriever puppy, keep reading as we go through how to care for them! Learn more about the Labrador Retriever in our breed sheet. When to collect your Labrador puppy You can adopt and collect your Labrador puppy once they are 8 weeks old. This way, you make sure that they have had enough time to socialize with their family, mother and siblings. It also makes sure that they have developed good bite moderation before being adopted to their new family. Other advantages are that they have had time to drink their mother's milk and properly wean off. They will also feel more independent and will transition better to their new home after being 8 weeks old. We also encourage you to check out your local animal shelter before buying from a breeder. Where your puppy should sleep the first night When it comes to sleeping at night, your puppy will have some difficulties. This may be due to the new environment and new people. They may feel unprotected and disoriented. For this reason, it's normal to hear them cry as they may be calling their mother for guidance and company. Now that you've adopted this puppy, this is your job as their human companion. When they call out, try to be there for them as they are scared and lonely. Be understanding as your puppy learns to adapt to their new home. As a puppy is very dependent and on their first night they will feel scared and disoriented, it's best they sleep near you on their first night. Remember that puppies tend to sleep with their siblings and their mother. Being alone in a new place for the first time will be difficult for them. The best option for your new puppy is to sleep in their own bed inside your room, near you. So that if they feel scared or lost and cry, you can let them know that you are there with them. Once they feel more oriented and safe in their new home, you can move their bed to another location where they can sleep. Learn more in our article where we elaborate on how to prepare for your puppy's first night in their new home. What to feed your Labrador retriever puppy When feeding your Labrador retriever puppy, you will need to provide them with a rich and balanced diet. Keep in mind that puppies begin weaning when they are around weeks old. This means that they will slowly transition from their mother's milk to a solid food canine diet. A natural canine diet mainly consists in essential fatty acids and meat-based protein. The protein should have two or three types of protein from meat. For example: whole chicken, lamb, beef and fish. For fat sources, you can opt for chicken fat. Good fat sources can solute some of the most important vitamins a dog needs. When it comes to carbs, it should be kept in a low amount as dogs thrive on meat. If you are cooking for your dog, then we recommend to include low amounts of whole carbs, such as sweet potatoes. Lastly, you can offer some fruits and vegetables that provide good vitamins and minerals to help your dog's over-all health. Training your Labrador retriever puppy Labrador Retrievers are very active and intelligent dogs. Other than daily exercise, they will need basic dog training. Yes, even as a puppy! You can begin training your dog with paper training. Learn more about that in our article about paper training for puppies. You can then begin to teach them basic commands, such as to sit, stay, or even to play fetch. Remember to always train them for short amounts of time each day, not exceeding 15min, and always through positive reinforcement. This way, training will be enjoyable for them and will help you create a greater bond with them. To learn more, read our article about when to start training your puppy. Exercising your Labrador retriever puppy Your Labrador retriever puppy will needs plenty of exercise. Due to their small size as a puppy, this will mostly be at home. They will begin by playing with their siblings and walking or running around the house. Then, after their first round of vaccinations, usually around the age of 7 weeks old, puppies will begin to go outside. This is a very important part of their puppyhood as they will learn to go out on walks with their caregivers and will begin their socialization period. During this period, they will meet and interact with new people and other dogs. They will also explore new places. It's very important that during this period they have good interactions and don't get traumatized. When a puppy is well socialized from a young age, they will have a balanced temperament as adult dogs. Learn more in our article about socializing puppies. Hygiene care Next, we're going to talk about maintaining our puppy's hygiene. As Labrador puppies haven't grown their full coat, they won't need to be brushed regularly just yet. A bath is only necessary when they get very dirty on their outdoor walks. Dental hygiene is also important when it comes to caring for a puppy. You can opt for a dog tooth paste or a dental canine treat. Talk to your veterinarian to see which would be best for you puppy, and learn more in our article about dental hygiene for dogs. Other than that, we must make sure that their everyday environment is also clean and that we refresh their water bowl everyday. This way, our puppy will have great personal hygiene and we can help them prevent certain health issues from a young age. Health care Lastly, we're going to talk about your Labrador retriever's health. The Labrador Retriever is a relatively healthy and long-living dog, especially if they stay in shape. However, the lack of genetic diversity resulting from breeding programs makes them prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions , which are usually manifested as the dog grows old. For instance, Labradors tend to suffer from hip dysplasia. When your Lab is a puppy, you must ensure they get the necessary vaccines, and you must follow their vaccination schedule during the rest of their lives. This will prevent them from suffering very serious diseases that tend to affect dogs. If you want your dog to stay as healthy as possible, go to the vet for check-ups every 6 months. You can prevent the development of common diseases by watching your Lab for symptoms and caring for them as best as you can. Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity - they love treats, and if they don't get enough exercise they will soon become overweight, with the related muscular and joint problems. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy We hope that this article has given you great insight when it comes to caring for a Labrador Retriever puppy. Here are some other helpful articles for caregivers that are adopting puppies:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. 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. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy?

Aug 18, Share Boxers were originally bred in Germany as guard dogs in the 18th century. This medium to large-sized dog was bred as a cross between the Bullenbeisser dog now extinct and the Bulldog. The Boxers we know and love today for their silliness and energy have emerged from a Molosser-type dog that was used in hunting. It is important to note that officially there is only one type of Boxer breed that has different bloodlines. Sometimes, these bloodlines are mixed, while other times they are absolutely pure. There are no variant types or official sub-categories in the official sense. However, there are plenty of morphological differences among Boxer breeds to consider. Below are the different types of Boxer dog breeds and their differences. The 3 Types of Boxer Dogs 1. The dog is preferred for its slightly larger frame as compared to the UK and American Boxer. The bones are dense and large, which helps give the musculature a slightly more pronounced definition. The width of the thigh in this breed is slightly wider as compared to others. A feature typical to German Boxers is the length between their skull and snout. The length is exactly in the ratio of in German Boxers with a pure bloodline. The snout, in comparison to other types, is smaller than the American Boxer and wider than the UK Boxer type. United Kingdom Boxer Dog A post shared by Boxergone boxergone Defining characteristic: Considered the most elegant among all Boxers, owing to its high knuckles atop small feet This breed is also called the English Boxer or British Boxer. The UK Boxer stands out for being more lithe, sleek, and athletic as compared to other Boxer breeds. It has a slender musculature and a stylized body that allows for further agility and precise movements. English Boxers have the highest knuckles of all other variants. They are also thought to be the smallest with thinner and shorter legs. However, this does not mean that they lack strength or speed. However, it was the first one to be given official recognition in by American Kennel Club. The breed is the easiest to recognize among all other variants, thanks to the lack of wrinkles in adult dogs. Their coat is also denser, brighter, and stronger than English and German Boxers. The American Boxer stands differently from the English Boxer. This is because of the shape of its ankles, paws, and knuckles. However, it is easy to confuse American Boxers with German Boxers since both of them have the same stance. They love spending time with their owners and letting their playful and fun characters shine through. They are eager to please and very loyal dogs. Originally Boxers were bred to be working dogs, which is why they have such high exercise needs and energy to spare! Common health problems in Boxers Boxers are intelligent dogs who are very loyal to their families. Sadly, like many other purebred dogs, they are prone to certain conditions. If you are thinking of buying a Boxer puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Some of the conditions Boxers may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems in some Boxers with shorter faces. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Eye problems — such as corneal ulcers due to the shape of their skulls and prominence of the eyes. Heart problems — such as cardiomyopathy or aortic stenosis. Before breeding, parents should be screened. Skin problems - such as warts, skin tags, skin allergies and soreness in skin folds around the face skin fold dermatitis. Certain cancers. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your boxer Boxers are fun and active dogs who can be high maintenance due to their exercise needs. If you love getting out and about walking, they could be a good breed for you! A large secure garden is a must if you have a Boxer so they have plenty of space to blow off steam. Boxers can be very boisterous so do better with an experienced and patient! Boxers and barking Your Boxer is likely to make noise and how much they do make will be down to their training and personality. Boxers are naturally very good guard dogs and so are more likely to bark to make their owners aware of any comings and goings around the home. Training and socialisation Boxers are clever dogs but can be boisterous, so positive, reward-based training from a young age is really important. Boxers mature a lot slower than other breeds, so having a large amount of puppy energy in such a big dog can be challenging for some owners. You need to handle your Boxer with a firm but fair attitude and make sure you are patient and consistent. They can be boisterous so make sure you train them not to jump up at people from a young age. Boxers love human company so can develop separation anxiety if left alone. If they are alone or bored, they like to chew which means your furniture and belongings will be at risk! Exercise Boxers are very high energy, active dogs who love playing and being involved in everything going on. They keep their puppy attitude longer than most dogs so you might find your Boxer rarely has a calm moment at home! Your Boxer will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing around and exploring. You should also give your Boxer plenty of time to exercise off lead somewhere secure so they can have a good run around. On top of this, your Boxer will also need regular, short training sessions. They will also need lots of playtime and free time in the garden to do what they want. Grooming Boxers are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have short fur which only needs a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. As with any dog, you should expect your Boxer to shed throughout the year, more so in spring and autumn. A regular hoover should be enough to keep on top of it. Due to the excess skin around their faces, Boxers are at risk of developing a condition called skin fold dermatitis. Boxers and children Generally speaking, Boxers are good around children of all ages given the right training. An adult only home or one with teenagers is better for a Boxer. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. Puppy socialisation classes are a great way to get your pup used to new dogs. Early socialisation will help your dog get along well other dogs as an adult. They may get along OK with a cat they have grown up with, but you should always supervise your Boxer with smaller pets. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Boxer should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Get ready with the ear plugs, because Boxers are known for loud snoring! Boxers originated in Germany in the s so are considered a fairly new breed. Getting a Boxer Do plenty of research before getting a Boxer. These playful and lively dogs keep their puppy ways well into their adult years so need an understanding owner with plenty of time and patience! Boxers can be really loving in the right household and will love spending time with you. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Boxer. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Boxers are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. How about a UK Boxer? The answer is very little. All are considered to be 1 breed: The Boxer. However, each of these 3 Boxers have very slight differences. Dogs of these countries are bred to perfect these slight variances. With German Boxers, the nose is generally smaller; however only by a very small degree. The width of the thigh is slightly wider than the other types. As you can see, the skin other than the head has no wrinkles. Most, but not all, will have a tighter coat. The American Boxer, as well as the German Boxer stands differently than the UK Boxer due to the shape of the paws, knuckles and ankles. FAQ Are there different breeds of Boxers? The answer is no; there is only 1 Boxer breed. There are even dogs with all 3 types in the bloodline. How do I know which type of Boxer I have? If you obtain your Boxer from a professional Boxer breeder they will most certainly tell you which bloodlines they are breeding. Some do focus on just one certain style and will obtain dam and sires of that bloodline.What type of Boxer conforms to dog show standards? It depends which country you are in. In America, the judges tend to base their opinions on not only the American breed standard, but how the dog compares to others most commonly seen at shows. The written breed standards for many clubs can be applied to all 3 styles of Boxers. Some will say that U. Do breeders ever mix bloodlines? Some breeders who live by the rule that a Boxer is a Boxer, will mix bloodlines. Others hold a strict standard to never mix at all and work to preserve a strong line without any other types being mixed in. Many dogs have both American and European bloodlines.And with all of the breeding that has occurred over all of the past generations, one would be hard pressed to locate a dog that does not hold a trace of 2 or even 3 of the different bloodlines somewhere, even if it is very far back in the pedigree. Which type is the best? Generally, temperament is the same across the board. There are some that will say one type has more energy than the other, or one bloodline has more aggressive tendencies, however this has nothing to do with UK vs US or anything of the sort, it only has to do with the particular dog. There is no one to judge which Boxer breed type is the best; it is all a matter of personal taste. Someone living in America may have a gorgeous German Boxer and visa-versa. You may also like: Oldest Boxer Dogs - Boxers that have lived past the expected 9 to 12 years. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Do you hand make unique gift items? Do you frequent a local dog loving spot? Maybe you have a beach or mountain house? If any of these apply to you, we need your help! We are seeking in-kind donations to make our upcoming events a huge success. Please click the button below share your information and a volunteer will contact you. In-Kind Donation Form International Rescue Want to learn more about our international efforts and how you can help golden retrievers in need? Click the button below. Here you can interact with our available dogs, complete foster training, and learn how you can become involved with supporting NRGRR. See the calendar below for details. Please click on the event to see the list of dogs attending. Event Calendar Make a donation. Our volunteers give their time, their homes and their hearts to every dog who comes to us for help. Unfortunately, warm homes and loving hearts alone do not pay for the medical care and supplies our dogs need. Sadly, the number of golden retrievers who have entered our program, and the costs related to their medical care, have dramatically increased over the past several years. When you make a tax-deductible gift to the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, you can be assured that your donation is directly supporting golden retrievers rescued through our program, and allowing us to continue to provide help to others in the years to come. Thank you for your support. Box , Raleigh, NC Phone: .If you live within a hundred miles of Raleigh, NC, you can submit an application and pay a small fee to apply. The application process requires a phone interview and background checks. You will also be asked to attend a home visit. If you are approved, you will be contacted by an adviser and able to meet the dog. Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. The non-profit rescue group works with other rescue groups and shelters to provide safe shelter and food for homeless goldens. Founded in , the non-profit organization has rescued over 4, goldens and works to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. The organization has a great volunteer network and takes in approximately dogs per year. Another option is Golden Retriever rescues. This breed rescue organization takes in dogs from shelters, where they are treated humanely. The nonprofit also strives to increase public awareness of the breed. By volunteering, you can make a difference in the lives of these dogs. You can learn more about free Golden Retrievers at a local organization or on the internet. These organizations can help you find the perfect match for your family. There are rescues in NC, and even New Jersey. There are dozens of shelters that specialize in the Golden. The rescue group helps save purebred and mixed goldens. They also use foster homes and boarding facilities for their rescues. Since the rescue group was formed, over Goldens have been saved. These dogs are spayed, neutered, and given all their vaccinations. A good breeder will have a strict adoption policy and take the time to get to know each dog. A good rescue can be a good fit for you. You can pay by PayPal or with a check. It will take between three and four weeks for the application to process. The application process is easy. After you have filled out the application, a volunteer will contact you. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the Piedmont Triad. The adoption process typically takes three to four weeks. Share this:.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Welcome Sound in mind and body, well bred from carefully chosen stock, our dogs are capable of all tasks set for them. Whether you are looking for a family member, protector, competition teammate, service dog or companion, our German Shepherds will exceed all your expectations. They represent the finest in what the world has come to demand from the best. Looking for your new best friend? Check out our German Shepherd puppies! Our pups are vet checked, wormed regularly and given vaccinations prior to going home with you. Call .Hurry they go fast! Learn more about our dogs and our breeding program. Our dogs are an active part of our life-and we hope to share our love of the canine world. There is no better feeling than knowing your dog is well mannered and dependable. We listen carefully to what your interests and needs are, and can recommend specific pups or litters to choose from, depending on where your interests lie. Our breeding program is diverse, producing excellence in conformation, pigmentation, drive and stability. The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arizona? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arizona cost? Our goal is to match you with ethical German Shepherd businesses and breeders based on your favorite puppy preferences like breed, size, etc. How can I be sure German Shepherd puppies Arizona are ethically raised? We know that choosing the right German Shepherd breeder is a huge headache, especially with so many options out there. Have a look at our Breeder Pledge for more info. Uptown Puppies does not breed dogs. Rather, we act as MatchMakers for great families looking for awesome dogs from ethical breeders. When you work with Uptown, that means skipping past all of the unethical breeders online and getting straight to the fun part—bringing home your ultimate puppy. Can I meet my dog first? Our partners are proud of their puppies, and love introducing them to their new families. As our partner network continues to grow and expand, odds are pretty good that your dream German Shepherd is already out there waiting for you. MatchMaker is really simple. Next, will use your answers to connect you with matching German Shepherd breeders Phoenix AZ, businesses and litters based on size, temperament, etc. From there, bringing home your new friend is easy—and MatchMaker is totally free. If you want to see the difference that humane breeding practices can make, just take a look at some of our puppy alumni!

Plus 9 Tips on What to Look For! French bulldogs have become quite a craze with everybody wanting to bring this bundle of fun into their lives. The French bulldog is an expensive breed but their price is well worth it. They are an absolute charmer, smart, playful, and affectionate. Their cute face, adorable bat ears, wrinkly face, and short noses are hard to resist. French Bulldogs have every trait of a good pet dog. They are an extremely sociable breed and will be unhappy and depressed if left alone for long hours. So, now the question is where do I buy a French bulldog? A French bulldog can be purchased from an ethical, local breeder. Use local shelters, vets, or ask other French bulldog owners about recommended breeders. It is best to seek a breeder who has been in the market for several years, maintains pedigrees of the French bulldogs lineage and health, has medical history of vaccinations and health, and has professional references. Always take your time to perform due diligence on the breeder. This is not something that should be done hastily because you want to be sure you find a great breeder and the right French bulldog for YOU. Adoption is also a great choice but this may come with added responsibility and health issues that need to be tended to. My wife and I adopted our bulldog Daisy, but it was the right fit for our family. Owning a French bulldog can definitely change your life for the better. But owning one of these snuggle buddies requires work and patience. To help you know if a Frenchie is right for you here are 8 must know tips. So, if you want a Frenchie the first thing you should know is their potential genetic problems and behavior problems. You may end up paying thousands and thousands of dollars for a sick Frenchie. Due to the brachycephalic airway syndrome, these dogs are susceptible to a multitude of health problems. Most of these health issues are non-life threatening but can escalate the vet bills. Therefore, it is imperative to look for a healthy well-bred Frenchie, even if you have to pay more. Although small, French bulldogs may have a stubborn streak in them making them a little bit more difficult to train than other dogs. French bulldogs do not need a lot of exercises. Frenchies have fairly low energy levels. So, if you want to take your dog for long hikes on trails, then a Frenchie is not for you. They are loud breathers and snore a lot. This is due to the general makeup of their airways. French bulldogs suffer from digestive issues and can easily get constipated. They are extremely affectionate and want nothing but the love and attention of their owners. They are the happiest in the company of their owners sitting in their laps. Typically, French bulldogs do not bark excessively and can make wonderful apartment dogs. French bulldogs are excellent with children and also get along with other pets, as long as they are just playful. Before you buy be sure to do your homework. Here are several pointers that should help you in your search for the perfect fur buddy. A reputable and ethical breeder invests in genetic testing of their breeding stock and will be able to prove the same to you. An ethical breeder will not allow a dog who has been tested positive for genetic problems to be used for breeding. If a puppy is bred correctly and has an excellent health history then there is little chance of it developing any health problems. Your breeder should also be able to provide you the documentation of the vaccinations of the first 8 to 10 weeks of the pup. Good breeders will allow their breeding stock to have one or two litter every year so that they can protect the health of the female French bulldog. Even if there are multiple breeding females, a good breeder makes sure they do not have litters within the same period. So, ask the breeder about their breeding policy. Beware of the unethical breeders who exploit dogs and scam the potential owners. It is advisable to visit the facility and make sure that the dogs live in a positive and clean environment. A reputable breeder will not have several litters at once and also a variety of dog breeds for sale. An ethical breeder will also not try to let the puppy go before they are 8 to 10 weeks old. It can be dangerous for the puppy to be introduced into a new environment without prior vaccinations. Do not fall for what seems to be an abnormally low price. Ask the breeder about the health history of the parents as Frenchies have severe health issues in their bloodlines. Check for the eyes of the puppy as well as the parents for redness or any other issues. Always ask the breeder to show you the parents so that you know what your pup will grow into. It may not be always possible to see the father but this is a must with the mother. Ask the breeder if the puppies have been socialized. You can also ask the breeder for references who would have previously bought a French bulldog puppy from them. A refusal from the breeder should raise red flags! If a breeder is not telling you what you need to know, then just walk away. If you did not get a French bulldog that was AKC registered, you may find value in it, and the process in having your bulldog AKC registered is fairly simple. There are a lot of differences between male and female Frenchies in terms of personalities and temperaments. Male French bulldogs are more playful, mischievous, and assertive. On the other hand, females are often more docile, moody, dominating, and affectionate between the two. Female bulldogs are typically easier to house train than their male counterparts. Female dogs, although timid, get aggressive quickly if tempted and often more temperamental as puppies. They become calmer with age. Male French bulldogs also have the same problem but are less aggressive than females. These are some typical personality traits, however, the personality of a French bulldog is also dependent on the environment they live in, how they are raised, and trained. Spaying and neutering French bulldogs will also make a huge difference in their personalities, curtailing a lot of negative traits in both the sexes. Spaying and neutering French bulldogs reduces their health issues, makes them calmer, and easier to train. Another difference between a male and a female French bulldog is the difference in cost. Female French bulldogs are more expensive than the male French bulldogs because you can choose to breed her. Male Frenchies have big heads and a larger physical frame. They weigh more than females and are more susceptible to health problems than females. Male puppies are more energetic than females, who tend to be more relaxed. It ultimately boils down to the level of care and training you put into your dog. Why are French bulldogs so expensive? French bulldogs are expensive because of the expenses required for breeding and caring for them. The price of a French bulldog depends upon the number of puppies in the litter, color of fur, and the genes carried. French bulldogs come in an array of different colors. French bulldogs in rarer colors can cost a whopping price. The color of a French bulldog is dependent upon the genes of their parents. But some most common colors of French bulldogs are white, fawn, brindle, or pied white and brindle. Lilac, blue, and chocolate are rare colors and cost more than the other colors. Blue French bulldogs have a blue coat which is the result of a genetic disorder called color dilution Alopecia. French bulldogs are not easy dogs to breed and there are lots of reasons for this. If you are seriously thinking about bringing a French bulldog into your home you should know all the pros and cons of owning a Frenchie. Exorbitant Tests and Procedures A series of pricey tests and procedures are done during the breeding process. Progesterone tests These tests are required to know when exactly is the female ovulating. Blood tests are also needed to make sure the female is healthy and strong enough to carry puppies. Artificial insemination and c-section A natural way of mating is hardly accessible and therefore, female French bulldogs have to be artificially inseminated. This whole process is time-consuming and expensive. French bulldogs have relatively large heads and shoulders and so a female French bulldog cannot birth naturally as the birthing canal is very small and cannot handle the labor. Another reason is their narrow hips. The large heads and shoulders of puppies can also get stuck and can result in injury or their death. Therefore, all the French bulldog puppies are delivered through c-section, which is an expensive procedure. Then come the pregnancy tests, prenatal care, including check-ups, a good diet, supplements — all adding up the cost. High Protein Diet A French bulldog female also needs to be fed a high protein diet to induce lactation and to help her provide the puppies with plenty of vitamins. Constant Attention and Care French bulldog puppies can also not be left alone with their mommy for the first several days. A female French bulldog is a very good mom but can sometimes unknowingly roll over her babies and suffocate them. Newborn French bulldog puppies also need to be fed every three hours and require a great deal of care and attention. Health Issues Because they are brachycephalic dogs flat face they are prone to more health problems, especially breathing issues. Their skin folds look cute but can easily become infected. They are also susceptible to eye conditions like the cherry eye, and other problems such as hip dysplasia, joint disorders, and heart problems. A good breeder will conduct tests to ensure the pup does not have any of the preventable genetic health problems. Another reason for the high cost of the French bulldog is that their litter is relatively small with only one or two puppies. After understanding how much time, money, effort goes into the breeding of French bulldog puppies, you should have a new appreciation for the breeders. High-quality food, vet bills, toys, medicines, vaccinations, treats make breeding the French bulldogs an expensive affair. Despite the plethora of health issues associated with the extreme facial features of the French bulldog, there is a staggering demand for the French bulldog puppies which has given a fillip to unscrupulous and unethical breeding of this wonderful breed. From where you buy a French bulldog is your choice. However, always research carefully about where your French bulldog puppy comes from and buy them only from reputable breeders. It is important to do your homework on the breeder. The French bulldog is by no means a cheap breed but having pet insurance can surely mitigate those worries. Plus 4 Recommended Plans. But if you are looking for a furry companion who will have you amused and in splits all day, then look no further! Life is much better with a Frenchie. Post Views: .They are also big business today! Why do we mention this unpleasant fact up front? This is the only way to avoid falling prey to puppy mill scams that breed unhealthy Frenchie puppies. Researching Reputable French Bulldog Breeders The information included in this article can absolutely help you in your quest to identify a reputable, responsible, health-focused French Bulldog breeder that can sell you a healthy Frenchie puppy. Identifying Responsible French Bulldog Breeders A responsible French Bulldog breeder will demonstrate a consistent commitment to breeding healthy, happy puppies. What does this mean, exactly? Read on for specifics. Commitment to breed health and temperament Responsible breeders will voluntarily conduct pre-mating genetic health tests and participate in health oversight and research organizations like CHIC, the Canine Health Information Center database. Adherence to breed standards Responsible Frenchie breeders will voluntarily provide proof of purebred registry with the appropriate oversight organization. Proper care and socialization of puppies Responsible French Bulldog breeders will provide new puppy owners with a comprehensive packet including but not limited to puppy registration and pedigree certification, proof of microchip, veterinary clearance, remaining vaccination schedule, initial good health guarantee, take-back guarantee and food recommendations. As of time of publication, the Frenchie is now the number one most popular dog in the United States — a record previously held for over three decades by the Labrador Retriever! This means you need to know each of these red flags for unscrupulous breeders backward and forwards when searching for a French Bulldog puppy. Multiple litters from the same breeder available simultaneously Any dog breeder that advertises multiple litters of puppies for sale or back-to-back or year-round litters of puppies for sale may be operating as a French Bulldog puppy mill. Unwillingness to provide pedigree and health records Any dog breeder that sells Frenchie puppies without proof of registration, pedigree, proof of pre-mating health clearances and proof of puppy clean bill of health is a potential puppy mill. Questions To Ask A French Bulldog Breeder French Bulldog puppy mill breeders are literally counting on demand for Frenchie puppies to ensure they never have to answer any questions about how they breed and supply their puppies. In other words, unless you ask, they will never tell. So you must ask! Inquiries about breed-specific health concerns A health-focused, responsible French Bulldog breeder will care about the health of the breed itself, their personal breeding lineage and the puppy you are purchasing. This type of breeder is happy to answer questions about known genetic French Bulldog health concerns, especially the tendency towards serious lifelong health issues such as BOAS Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. These breeders may even volunteer this vital information before you ask! Expectations for potential French Bulldog owners French Bulldog breeders that care about their operation and its reputation will have their own pre-screening protocols for prospective puppy buyers. Pre-screening protocols may include an agreement to limitations on breeding rights, purchase of pet insurance, proof of initial veterinary exam requirements and more. However, if possible, try your best to check off each of these boxes before committing to purchase a Frenchie puppy. Observing Litter Dynamics Litter dynamics is a fancy way of saying you need to check to be sure the puppies get along with each other and the mother dog…not to mention new human guests like you! Interaction between puppies Appropriate puppy behavior is an indication that puppies have been permitted to remain with the mother dog and each other long enough to get some socialization pre-training under their belts. Puppy socialization and early development Puppies go through two fear periods as they grow up. The first period is from 8 to 11 weeks and the second period is from 6 to 14 months. Puppies that are properly fed, handled and socialized will demonstrate basic self-confidence and a playful nature when you bring them home. This will help them successfully weather the fear periods, especially the first one that begins about the time they come home with you. French Bulldog Puppy Temperament Assessment You should know going in how to assess the temperament in any Frenchie puppy you are considering. Personality traits to consider The official French Bulldog breed standard gives you insight into basic breed temperament traits to watch for. Playful, affectionate, even-tempered, alert and active are all hallmarks of the Frenchie breed. You can also make use of various standardized tests. Physical French Bulldog Puppy Evaluation While your canine veterinarian will be the ultimate authority when it comes to a physical evaluation, you can also do a basic evaluation at first meeting. Appearance and conformation Look for clear eyes and ears, healthy skin and coat and clean private areas. Also be aware that aggression or shyness can be signs of budding health issues. Checking for potential health concerns French Bulldog clubs in different geographic areas can be a great resource to find local temperament, conformation and health testing resources for your new prospective Frenchie puppy. But is the Frenchie the right dog breed for you? Activity Level and Exercise Requirements Frenchies adapt quite readily to life in smaller spaces. Their exercise needs are moderate and they are heat-intolerant so the indoor life suits them just fine. Time Commitment and Availability The Frenchie may not be a natural athlete, but a puppy of any breed are always going to have more energy and need more of your time and care than an adult version of the same. Your Frenchie puppy will need your help with potty training, mealtimes, initial and ongoing training and socialization, interactive playtime , bedtime routine, daily walks and more. It is a good idea to be sure you have sufficient time for all of this every single day before signing the breeder contract. Essential Supplies Reputable French Bulldog breeders should provide you with a specific list of supplies they recommend, including puppy food and transitional food for adults of the breed. The breeder may also send you home with a starter pack of food, toys , bedding and a l eash or harness. But child-proof latches and puppy gates will get you off to a good start. Here again, your local French Bulldog breed club and your canine veterinarian will be excellent resources for you to find convenient puppy training and socialization classes, play groups, dog parks and other essentials. Making the right decision on a French Bulldog Puppy can be a wonderful experience for your family Making the Final Decision Sooner or later, the big moment will come — decision-time. Are you ready? How can you know for sure? Additionally, be aware that French Bulldogs frequently come with added health challenges and associated expenses. Pet insurance may help with some of these potential costs. Selecting the Perfect French Bulldog Puppy Buying a puppy is a decades-long commitment — and investment. As such, you may have your exhaustive wish list of color, gender, size, pedigree and all that good stuff. But underneath it all, what matters most is good health. A healthy puppy of any size, gender and color is much more likely to be a happy and rewarding member of your family over the long term. This is even more crucial for French Bulldogs, since their short brachycephalic muzzle shape means they typically cannot be transported via commercial airline cargo. Conclusion Becoming a pawrent is a huge commitment and you want to get started on the right foot…. You can use all of the information provided in this article to do your due diligence before committing to your forever Frenchie puppy. Good luck and be sure to stop back by and let us know how it is going! Additionally, in her twin roles as freelance pet writer and animal communicator, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. Conclusion French Bulldog Health Issues French Bulldogs have been extensively bred for generations favoring the flat-faced, stubbed nose, bat ears, and stumpy legs look that is just irresistibly cute. All of these features are what contribute to their common health issues. See the list below for some of the most common health problems with Frenchies. BOAS Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a mouthful of a name , but it basically means severe respiratory problems due to their abnormally short snout. Dental issues — the short face of a French Bulldog also caused overcrowded teeth in the mouth. Dental problems may be ongoing. Cataracts — Frenchies are prone to eye issues, particularly in their adult to elderly years. Cataracts are most common, but conjunctivitis is also frequent. IDD intervertebral disc disease — the spinal shape of French Bulldogs puts pressure on the discs, and they can bulge or burst to cause spinal nerve damage Ear infections — those cute bat-like ears have their issues! Without a folded ear, they attract all sorts of dirt, dust and allergens and are prone to ear infections. Many of these can be mitigated and managed with an owner with good knowledge and close care, but genetics can dictate many. Make sure you visit your puppy, their home, their litter, and their mother before committing to purchasing them. Their mother should not be far from them, so it should be easy for you to view her or ask the breeder to let you see her. Ensure she has a clean bill of health from the vet and proof of her vet checks. If the father is also available, you should also view him. Many breeders will not own the father. Instead, they hire them as stud breeders. So viewing the father is not always possible. .The breeder should still possess information about his health too! Vet Check Any good breeder should have a vet perform checks on the puppies for confirmation they are happy and healthy before advertising them for sale. Some of the tests a vet should do on puppies include a physical health check, hearing test and providing them with their vaccinations. Hearing loss at birth is a common congenital issue for French Bulldogs. Puppies should be cleared to have a good sense of hearing. Unvaccinated puppies are highly vulnerable to getting seriously ill, especially when they go to new environments. Physical Health Check When viewing the puppies, you can also do a physical health check yourself. While you are no professional veterinarian, you can still check some things with a little bit of knowledge and prior research. Main things to check over include: Mouth — look inside the puppies mouth, looking for any abnormal excess of skin. This can be due to palate deformities and lead to respiratory issues. Eyes — ensure they are bright and vibrant. Look out for red or yellow eyes, which may be symptoms of hidden health issues. Coat — healthy puppies will have lovely coats that are soft and shiny. Ears — check both in and around the ears for any discharges. It may seem strange but give them a good sniff, as any odours can indicate an ear infection. Energy — healthy puppies should be active, alert and full of beans! Breeder History Breeding French Bulldogs can be profitable, so many breeders tend to get into it for the wrong reasons and do not tick all the boxes of a responsible and moral breeder. Your breeder should happily answer all your questions and provide all paperwork when asked. Avoid breeders that are honest and open about their practices. Trust your gut! Ask extensive questions of your breeder to make sure you are buying a healthy French Bulldog. A knowledgeable and experienced breeder will have no issues answer the below questions! The breeder should provide all history of both parents with honestly and transparency. How old are the parents? A mother that is less than three years old should not be bred as her genetic health conditions may not be apparent yet and still develop. Can I see the parents? Viewing the parents and seeing them healthy and happy will help ease your mind. How much litter has the mother had already? Dogs should not be bred more than once a year as overbreeding can cause health defects with the mother and the young, Every 2 — 3 years is ideal. Where have the puppies been living? View the area the puppies have been kept in and ensure it is light, airy and clean to promote good health. How often have the puppies been handled? Puppies should be handled frequently to get them adequately used to human touch. Can I have a copy of their vet clearance? Ensure you can verify that the documentation is valid. Can I talk to a former buyer? Speaking to someone who has purchased a puppy from this breeder in the past can be helpful as they can assure you that their pup has grown up to be happy and healthy. Breeders may be dishonest about their condition so you should confirm this for yourself. Be wary of a low price. Frenchies are expensive due to the time, money and expertise involved in their very specific requirements for breeding. A cheap puppy may not be bred healthily. Consider adoption. While a puppy can be irresistible, many pounds have older Frenc Bulldogs looking for their forever homes also. Male vs female. While there is not any real scientific proof, many owners will tell you that male Frenchies tend to have more energy, while females will be more chilled out. Pick a gender based on how they will fit into your family. Conclusion Knowing how to buy a healthy French Bulldog starts with understanding the breed. This question is usually accompanied with wanting a list of questions to be asking the French Bulldog breeder. Based on this feedback I wanted to give you the ultimate list of questions to ask, plus all the warning signs that should make you walk away. Not just warning sings about the French Bulldog puppy, but also her mother and the breeder too. Things to know before buying a French Bulldog puppy The moment you see that adorable French Bulldog puppy for the first time will last with you forever, it certainly did with me when we first met our own dog. Just take a step back for a second as there will be some red flags to watch for. I wish we had, but luckily, our dog ended up being ok, but it could have been very different: French Bulldogs are a notorious breed for health problems and unscrupulous breeders. With their cute squashed faces and cuddly squat bodies, they will tug at your heart strings. You will be tempted to just take that French Bulldog puppy and go. But please, please, please… before you do that, here are some things you should check before you pay your money. Your French Bulldog will become a huge part of your life, but make sure you know what to look for before you buy a puppy. Read these before you spend the money. By doing this due diligence you should hopefully get a puppy that not only fits your family and lifestyle, but also lives a long and happy life. You want to choose one that has a track record, online reviews, and a good reputation in the French Bulldog world… not some first timer nobody has heard of. Be suspicious of low prices: If the French Bulldog puppies are advertised as a lower than average price, be wary. The old adage about if it looks too good to be true is almost always the case with puppies. Low prices can be a sign of an unhealthy litter. Find out how many litters the mother has had already: French Bulldog mothers should not have anything more than one litter each year. The best scenario would be a litter every couple of years. More pregnancies than this mean she has been over-bred and both her and the puppies could have health problems. Look out for serious conditions and hereditary issues including dwarfism, hip and spine issues, soft palate issues, eye problems, and hearing problems. I would recommend getting a puppy from a French Bulldog older than this just to be sure. Before 8 weeks of age, they should still be with her, and it can also help you understand what type of dog your puppy will grow up to be. If the breeder refuses access to the mother, walk away. Ask where the puppies have been living: If the French Bulldogs have been in a dark garage away from human interaction it will mean they will be harder to socialize and harder to train. Ask how often the French Bulldogs have been handled: When puppies are regularly handled by humans, they will be much easier when taken home. Ask whether a vet has checked the puppies: Puppies should have been checked by a vet and had their first set of vaccinations before going to their new home. Ask to speak to a previous buyer:A reputable breeder will let you talk to people who have bought a French Bulldog puppy from them before. If they are unable to supply references and contacts, they could be hiding something. I hope you find these questions to ask a French Bulldog breeder helpful. Please do print them off before you visit the litter and decide to buy. The personality of the French Bulldog breeder This is so often over-looked, but I wanted to add it on as something to look for when buying a French Bulldog puppy. Only buy a French Bulldog puppy from a breeder who is prepared to take the time to answer any questions and concerns you might have. Breeders that treat buyers with respect will most likely extend that kindness to the French Bulldog mother and her puppies. This gives you an indication of what health problems could in store. These can include: Allergies. I know I did when my wife persuaded us to go and see our own dog for the first time. Of the four of them, this one little fella scampered over to me and immediately started chewing on my knuckles. That when I fell in love with him. It was a really simple decision in which one we wanted to take home. As you know, we went on to name him Claude. But, given hindsight, there are some questions I would have asked the breeder before deciding to buy him. And there are also some things I should have looked for too. It was our first ever dog though, so hindsight is a wonderful thing. However, there are unscrupulous breeders and there are certain health and physical problems view all Frenchie health conditions and concerns you should check for before you get too excited. It also includes some questions to ask a breeder when buying a French Bulldog puppy. Choose a male puppy if you want a more energetic dog: or a female if you want a more relaxed dog. There are subtle behavioural differences in the two genders which you can read in this blog post where I discuss the differences between male and female Frenchies. Make sure your breeder is knowledgeable: on breeding and cares for the puppies. I would always do online research into the breeder before I would even visit them. Be wary of what seems to be an abnormally low price: this can be a sign of an unhealthy puppy. Red eye can be a signal of a health problem. Ask the breeder how many litters the mother has had: a French Bulldog should only really have 1 litter a year , preferably only one every couple of years. Any more than that is a warning sign that she is being over-bred, and health issues could be present. Ask if the puppy has been checked by a vet: and has had the relevant vaccinations. If not, walk away as this should be handled by the breeder before the puppies go on sale. It can give you some insight into what type of dog your Frenchie puppy is going to grow into. If the breeder refuses to let you see the mother, then walk away as this is a huge warning sign. Ask if the parents have had health checks: as this can give you insight into any potential health problems further down the line. Conditions to look out for include hip problems, cataracts, cherry eye , deafness, and soft palate issues. Ask how old the parents are: if the mother is less than 3 years old, any genetic health conditions might not yet have manifested themselves. Ask how often the puppies have been handled: the more the young pups have been handled by humans frequently it will be far easier to get him used to all the excitement in store when you get him home. Ask to speak to a previous client: the best breeders will be more than happy to let you talk with people who have previously bought a Frenchie puppy from them. Ask for a hearing test: whilst this might not always be possible, it is a concern. White Frenchies in particular can develop hearing loss at birth due to a congenital issue. You can read more about this my recent French Bulldog hearing loss blog post. Cheap and rude breeders are an absolute no-no. When buying your Frenchie, you need a caring breeder that gladly answers your questions and shows you the parents and tell you about their history and problems. If you are dealing with a breeder who is just looking to make a quick buck and not telling you what you should know then walk away. How to best buy a healthy French bulldog puppy There are several factors you should consider before buying a French Bulldog who is hopefully going to live a healthy life. Sadly Frenchies can have some severe health issues in their bloodlines which you should look out for when purchasing your puppy. Health issues can include:. What does "breeder" mean? Irresponsible breeders who breed for profit rather than quality will accept any buyer with a check or credit card. Ethical breeders screen new homes as a potential new owner, be prepared for lots of questions , serve as knowledgeable mentors after you take your puppy home, and will always be there for you, as long as you own the dog. Ethical breeders spend lots of time socializing, caring for, and observing their puppies and will be able to recommend the puppy most likely to fit best into your life. They will tell you what you need to buy before you bring your puppy home, have started his paper training, had his health checked, and begun to accustom him to having his nails cut, feet trimmed, and coat brushed. All of this gets your puppy off to the best possible start. Ask for referrals.Ask your veterinarian if they know of a reputable breeder in your area or ask close friends who own healthy purebred dogs. Take advantage of social media and join French Bulldog groups, ask questions. You can also contact local breed clubs or visit professional dog shows and strike up a conversation with participants or spectators to see if they know of a good breeder. Meet the breeder at their facility.Finding an ethical, reputable breeder is important to ensure the health of your new puppy. If you contact the breeder, but they are coy about letting you see where the puppies were born and the conditions they are currently living in, this is a possible sign they are running a dirty breeding business, are a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Look at all the areas where the pups and their parents spend their time. The grounds should be well-maintained with clean, odorless kennels and exercise areas. Dogs should not be confined in cages for long periods. They should have individual runs if possible. The kennel should be heated and cooled. Fresh water supplies at all times. It is not uncommon for the male dog to be separated, but make sure you ask about him and see him. The breeder should be more than willing to let you meet the parents if at all possible. The parents will be the best way for you to see what the puppies will be like as adults. Look at the siblings if any remaining. Make sure ALL dogs have good coats, clear eyes and noses, and a healthy weight. Ensure it is not a puppy mill.Make sure the breeder isn't churning out high volumes of pups, but rather considers their breeding dogs to be family members and treats them with loving care. The breeder should encourage you to spend time with one or both parents on your visit. The parents should be friendly and socialize well with both people and other dogs. Their pups should have the same demeanor, be clean and energetic. Raising a litter of puppies takes an insane amount of work. Breeders who have more than one or two litter of puppies at once might not be giving the puppies the attention they need in this critically formative time. However, if breeders have multiple litters 3,4, or more at once, you may want to take pause. You can put your name on a waiting list. Since optimum mating times occur according to natural schedules, litters are usually born in the spring and fall. Do not expect to pay a few hundred dollars for your puppy — think in the thousands. Breeders should know the breed.Since most devoted breeders only deal with one type of dog, their knowledge of the breed should be extensive. Good relationship with veterinarian.All good breeders have a good working relationship with a respected veterinarian who examines each pup and provides immunizations and parasite control according to medical standards. The breeder should readily provide a complete medical record on each pup. You should be able to contact the veterinarian and speak freely about health records of puppies and parents. Ask for references.Breeders should provide several references from other families who have purchased pups and welcomes inquiries. Responsible mating is key.The breeder should take genetic predispositions into account to reduce potential inherited problems. Look up what health testing is recommended for your chosen breed — the AKC has great recommendations. Really good breeders will have a scan of these scores for each dog on their website, sometimes even complete with the x-rays. This testing is expensive, but good breeders will do it. Parents should be over 2 yrs old.If you want a happy, healthy adult dog, you need to be sure that her parents are happy and healthy adult dogs. That means waiting until the parents are 2 years old prior to having puppies. Puppies should be raised inside.Puppies raised inside are more likely to be exposed to kids, other animals, and normal home activities. Bonus points for breeders that expose the puppies to kids and other animals. Puppies should be unavailable until 12 weeks.Studies show that puppies removed from their parents and litter-mates too young are more likely to exhibit problem behaviors like fear or aggression toward other dogs. Be prepared for questions to you.A breeder may question you regarding your ability to care for the dog, how much time you have to spend with him and where he will fit into your family. Breeders pick the families. The breeder should take the time to get to know the family's needs and help the family pick a puppy. Introducing pup to new home.A knowledgeable breeder will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what you can expect in the breed, including any issues that might crop up later in life purebred dogs, even well bred ones, have be susceptible to certain diseases or health problems. They should also offer to be available to answer any questions you may have after you take the pup home. You should receive a written contract with a guarantee of health allowing time for a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian of your choice. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. Options to re-home a dog.Sadly, not all puppies work out for every family. A reputable breeder cares a great deal about where their puppies end up and will do anything they can to ensure they find another perfect home. Helpful list of questions for breeder.This popularity attracts them to inexperienced and unscrupulous breeders. So how do you know the difference between a responsible and irresponsible breeder? Dogs Australia registered breeders follow a strict code of breeding ethics, conduct health testing to help reduce the incidence of inherited diseases and, for accountability, and research. This could be the difference between a happy and healthy puppy and a poorly bred one. Dr Hedberg previously bred German Shepherds for over 30 years. Dr Hedberg gives a great guide on what to consider when purchasing a French Bulldog puppy as your new best friend. What is a healthy French Bulldog? Cheerful, deeply affectionate, intelligent, and courageous, yet with clown-like qualities, the French Bulldog is a popular family and companion dog. What health testing should breeders be doing? There is a range of health tests recommended for French Bulldogs. It is strongly recommended that Dogs Australia registered French Bulldog breeders test for the following health conditions in their breeding stock. Most testing is done after 12 months, with respiratory and eye tests done regularly to see how the dog is going over time. Puppies with high numbers of hemivertebrae, especially when in the lumbar area, are not recommended for breeding and placed in lovely pet homes. Dr Karen has seen an improvement in French Bulldog puppies bred by Dogs Australia registered breeders, seeing far fewer spinal issues. What is a well-bred French Bulldog like? Many French Bulldogs participate in Agility and do equally well at Obedience. There are concerns with dogs sold as French Bulldogs who have off-standard colours and coats that are sold for large amounts, for example black and tan, merle and lilac. The long coat gene really shouldn't occur. Dr Karen highlights how the merle and hairless gene do not occur naturally in the French Bulldog and how lethal the merle gene can be in French Bulldogs. Right breed — Have you researched all you need to know about your breed from its natural instincts to grooming? Right Breeder — Is your breeder responsible, operating under a code of ethics, with regulations and health checks? From getting a dog to keeping them happy we will have you covered at dogsaustralia. It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities. Keep Updated Want to stay across the latest news? Sign up here and we will add you to our mailing list.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Neither is necessarily better than the other, and you should ultimately do whatever you feel is best for your dog. Before you make your decision, however, it is necessary to understand what is involved with both options. Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock Some people like the idea of feeding home-prepared meals to their Labrador, as doing so allows complete control over everything that their dog eats, but be aware that choosing this option is a great deal of work. It is also something that you should speak to your vet about because they will be able to give you advice and point you in the direction of many resources that will help you. It is also, in our opinion, a much better choice for those who live busy lives. These have been formulated to give your dog all the nutrients they need in their diet. Secondly, take the time to look at the label. As a result, the breed is unable to self-regulate their eating, and the only way to stop them overeating is to strictly control the amount of food that you give them and to never allow your Labrador to free feed. Read and follow the feeding guide on the dog food. Simply look at the label and follow the instructions. Also, remember that the actual amount of food that your dog will need will vary between different dog food brands and products. It is always a good idea to keep a record of everything that your dog is given to eat during the day. This includes not only their meals but also any snacks and treats that they are given, even if they are used for training. Avoid feeding table scraps. However, meals prepared for humans are often high in salt and oil and not particularly good for your dog. They are also unnecessary calories and over time, can significantly contribute to your Labrador overeating. Limit treats to special occasions and for use in training. Much like table scraps, dog treats contain unnecessary calories, so you are best to limit their use. Ensuring that you regularly weigh your dog and keep track of their weight is a particularly good idea. Seek assistance from your vet. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. For that reason, many of the premium dog food brands have specially formulated puppy food that differs slightly from adult dog food. Royal Canin , for example, has breed-specific Labrador dry food for adult dogs and puppies. Ideally, you should feed your dog a puppy food until they are months old and then transition them to an adult dog food. The most important thing to remember about transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food is to introduce the new dog food gradually, over 7 to 10 days, by mixing a small amount of new food in with the old. Each day, gradually decrease the percentage of puppy food you give while simultaneously increasing the percentage of adult dog food. There are many reasons that your Labrador puppy might stop eating, and it is something you should keep an eye on as it can sometimes be an indication of a serious health issue. However, it is much more likely that your puppy is simply feeling a little off or has a slight illness, and in most cases, they will be back to normal within a day or two. Over time, you will get to know your dog extremely well, and even the smallest changes in their eating habits will be noticeable. There are a few things that you should keep an eye out for, as they can be indicative of a serious problem: Suddenly not eating or trying to eat at all Not eating and not drinking Vomiting An absence of bowel movements How Much to Feed an Adult Labrador Exactly how much food your adult Labrador is going to need will depend on a combination of their weight and activity level. Bigger and heavier dogs will need more food than smaller dogs, and highly active dogs will also need more than those that lead a sedentary lifestyle. You will find that the amount of food your Labrador needs will also vary depending upon the brand and type of food you choose to give your pet. Thankfully, all dog food must have a feeding guide on the packaging, and this is the best place to start. It is entirely up to you as to whether you choose to feed your dog once or twice a day. If you do choose to feed twice a day, remember to only give your dog half their daily intake in the morning and the other half at night. However, whichever way you chose, it is important to maintain the same feeding pattern, as dogs are creatures of habit, and they will expect to be fed at the same time s every day. Feeding a senior Labrador is essentially the same as feeding an adult dog. You should feed your Labrador on a regular schedule and follow the feeding guide on your dog food based on the weight and activity level of your dog. If you choose to use a dog food that is suitable for both adult and senior dogs, it is important to keep revisiting and checking the amount that you need to give your pet on a regular basis. Although your dog may not lose too much weight as they age, they will almost certainly become less active, and this will impact the amount of food that you need to give them. Labradors love food, it is as simple as that. This is a genetic feature of the breed, and you should expect that throughout the life of your Labrador, they will come looking for food many times each and every day. This is something you need to expect, and while training your pet not to beg for food will help a little, it is unlikely to be something that you will be able to completely get them to stop doing. Of course, there is one big advantage of the fact that Labradors are so food-obsessed: they respond particularly well to training when it involves earning food treats. There are many everyday foods that humans can eat that Labradors — and in fact, all dogs — should avoid because these are toxic or harmful. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Labrador Retriever gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Labrador Retriever gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Labrador Retriever, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Labrador Retriever is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink.

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article. Thank you so much for my lovely toy poodle puppy. She's so fluffy, energetic and so much beautiful! We call her Annie. She is only the second day with us and already became a family honey! She loves running in the garden with our second dog Jerry. Jerry is quite jealous of her, but I think they will become best of friends in a few days I will send you more photos and videos in the evening With love. I just wanted you to know that they have become an important part of our family. They are very energetic and full of life we just love our new puppies. They are growing in to their dog body. I have included a picture of them. I will send you updates regularly. Take care! She got to hang out with me and my wife for about an hour before bedtime, and then she went to sleep in her new crate with no problems. Not a single peep out of her all night. She was then greeted by the boys at a. This morning, and loved them instantly! They have been talking, petting, and playing toys with her all day. Thanks so much for the wonderful pup, we just adore her. I have enclosed a couple of pics for you, and will send some more again soon. Our puppies are trained within home environment and as a result, all our dogs consistently demonstrate a delightful, intelligent and happy disposition. Money Back Guarantee. Dedicated, loving family homes only. My puppies only go as pets but if you are a breeder looking for full registration I do know some breeders I can refer you to who sell with full rights. Thank you for respecting my choice to sell as companions. I only want to place this dog ONCE as new homes are a hard change and he deserves to be in a permanent home until he passes at a ripe old age. He is a wonderful black male, neutered and roughly 20lbs and on the large side of miniatures. Here is a description of him and pictures. If interested please fill out a puppy home questionnaire and we will go through the normal screening process to find him the right home. Please note he is currently in WA state near seattle. Luka is an affectionate and smart boy who loves being around his person. He has been trained in a variety of ways, including obedience, tricks, rally, nosework and agility his favorite! He is great on-leash and on walks and has exposure to both natural and urban environments. He is dog friendly, although dogs of equal size and larger are best suited for his playstyle he tends to forget his own strength. Luka has had exposure to small children, but can become nervous if the child is loud or energetic. He is currently groomed by his owner and does well with baths, nail trims and grooming, and can be touched anywhere. He can be quite vocal and excited when meeting new or familiar people he adores people! He also loves to play — fetch, tug-o-war, and chase are some of his favorite! The ideal family for Luka needs to be able to be with him most of the time. His current owner works from home so he is used to having someone around. If the family is not able to be with him because of work, etc, he would need a support system such as another dog for company or a dog sitter. Luka has separation anxiety that causes him a lot of distress and should not be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. Aside from this issue, he would make a great family dog for a family with older children, especially if they would like to do 4H or continue with his sports training. He would also do great in a home with a relaxed environment as a companion dog or with someone who has the capacity to take him everywhere. All puppies leave here with all the parts they were born with.

For example, the characteristics of the parent breeds shine through in my bestie — Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe. She is an F1B Goldendoodle who: Is extremely smart. Was easily trained as a puppy and is still easily trained as an adult. Is very active and requires daily walks and games of fetch. Is an incredibly devoted family dog. In addition to personality, you may be wondering about the physical characteristics of F1B Goldendoodles. The reason for such a range of sizes can largely be attributed to the variation the Poodle parent breed brings to the party. Since the Poodle breed standard includes three official sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—the Goldendoodle gets the benefit of a wide variation in size too. They weigh about 25 pounds. They weigh 26 to 35 pounds. They weigh 36 to 50 pounds. They weigh 51 pounds and up. F1B Goldendoodles will require regular brushing and grooming. F1B Goldendoodle coat colors Based on the variety of coat colors of the Poodle black, white, cream, apricot, to name a few and the range of shades of golden the Golden Retriever heritage brings to the mix golden, light golden, and dark golden , the F1B Goldendoodle can sport a rainbow of colors. They require energy burns and mental stimulation. This makes sense since both of the parent breeds are smart and active. They need attention and like to be part of the pack. Goldendoodles are eager to fit in with the entire family and adapt to life with you. They are often recommended for families and make wonderful companions. However, they are not some sort of wonder dog, either. Also, Goldendoodles are social dogs and may show anxiety or boredom if left alone for long periods of time. As puppies, they may be pushy or mouthy want to chew on everything or zoomy. However, with proper care, socialization, love, attention, training, and exercise, an F1B Goldendoodle is more love than you could ever imagine. That why, you could also say F1B stands for… 1 Forever Bestie…for ever and always by your side. Did you enjoy this article? Join the happy pack! Get the latest Happy-Go-Doodle stories delivered to your email inbox. Please comment below. It has been updated to include more information on the F1B Goldendoodle along with additional pictures. Conclusion What is an F1b Goldendoodle? Looking at Goldendoodle puppies can be a little confusing when there are a whole bunch of different letters before their breed. This Chocolate F1b Goldendoodle has a clear Poodle muzzle shape The F is a genetic term that stands for filial which in biology means the offspring of a cross-breeding. They use the term for both plants and animals when trying to make a new hybrid. In this case, F1 would be a breeding between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. F2 would be a breeding between two crossbreeds so both parents would be Goldendoodles. The b in an F1b Goldendoodle stands for backcross. This means that one of the parents is an F1 Goldendoodle while the other is either a purebred Poodle or Golden Retriever. Most breeders breeding F1b Goldendoodles will choose the F1b breeding with the Poodle being the largest genetic influence because of the desired non-shedding coat properties. F1b Goldendoodle Size Expectation Generally, any crossbreed of a Poodle comes in different sizes because Poodles themselves come in different sizes. There are three sizes of Poodle: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The Goldendoodle is generally bred from either the Miniature or Standard Poodle just because the Toy Poodle is much smaller than a Retriever. Goldendoodle puppy standing in the grass. The size range is still quite wide depending on each individual breeding. They may grow to be as little as 15 inches tall or as large as 25 inches tall. Health of Your F1b Goldendoodle When it comes to crossbreeds, you will usually find yourself with a healthier dog than if you buy a purebred dog. All breeds of dogs tend to be more inclined toward certain health issues. When you take a breeding pool of animals and reduce it down to breed certain traits to get different breeds of dogs, we are making them look similar but also as a side effect breeding some common health issues into them. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. When you get your Goldendoodle puppy , you should only buy from a breeder who has done the right genetic and health tests on their breeding dogs. While your wallet may be a bit lighter from visiting a good breeder initially, it will save you lots of vet visits in the long run by making sure your puppy is from a reputable breeder. F1b Goldendoodle Temperament Goldendoodles take the best parts of two hugely popular breeds and create a cute, hypoallergenic , and super trainable family pet. While they are active and energetic, they have the soft characteristics of Golden Retrievers which make excellent family pets with the quick learning of the Poodle. Teacup Labradoodles are a miniature size petite dog. They can be easily carried around even as full grown Teacup Goldendoodles. To make sure your Doodle can take everything in their stride, introduce them to lots of new experiences early on. Exercise and Training Needs Retrievers and Poodles are both highly active breeds and can easily walk upwards of two hours a day. Both are highly trainable but the Poodle tends to have an independent streak. The more Poodle content they have in them, the more drive they have and usually the more complex tricks they can do. Early training on your Doodle is super important when they have the intelligence and independence of a Poodle. Creating a good working relationship between yourself and your puppy will help build the foundations for a long and happy relationship. Ways to Keep a Big Brain Busy With genetics that make them super bright dogs, sometimes it can be difficult to find the off switch for your Goldendoodle. Training is a great way to tire them out and keep them busy because it makes them use their brain. Food is a great way to keep dogs entertained, be that with a long-lasting chew like a bone or antler or even some enrichment games. When dogs have to work for their food it tires them out a lot more than just eating from the bowl. Many owners have scrapped using bowls altogether and instead find fun ways to feed their dogs every day and make them work for it a little more. Intelligent dogs like Doodles really enjoy the extra enrichment it offers them. You can try things as simple as throwing their food all over the lawn or you can even get crafting and make your own snuffle mat out of rubber matting and old blankets! A snuffle mat, similar to grass, creates an uneven texture for you to hide food in and get their noses working during meal time. Every dog is an individual including puppies from the same litter but understanding their lineage may give you some clues as to what to expect from your new addition. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. No one really knows exactly when the first goldendoodle was created, but this mixed breed began finding popularity among breeders in the late s. It is believed that the success of the labradoodle led to the conception of the goldendoodle. F1Bs are created by crossing a first-generation F1 goldendoodle with a purebred poodle or golden retriever. Usually, breeders choose the poodle as the purebred parent in order to achieve a coat that is less irritating for people with allergies. F1B goldendoodles usually have a curly coat that is more reminiscent of the poodle than the golden retriever. The color of the coat may take after the golden retriever in hue, but doodles can come in many different colors. These dogs have floppy ears and may have either curly hair or long straight hair on their muzzles. They come in a variety of sizes, too! The poodle itself comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. There is even such a thing as a teacup poodle, which is the smallest of the four sizes, though the AKC does not recognize this size. Because the goldendoodle is not purebred, there is no uniform size that these dogs are expected to be. There are no guidelines. However, you can find goldendoodles in all size categories except for giant simply because purebred poodles exist in each size category. So, if you want a smaller dog, look for smaller parents and vice versa! Wavy and curly coats tend to be more common, but anything is possible as this is a mixed breed. F1B goldendoodles make wonderful family dogs as they are super friendly and do well with children. They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. They definitely have what is often considered the ideal temperament for a dog! Are F1B Goldendoodles Affectionate? F1B goldendoodles are generally a great choice for families with kids. They also tend to be gentle and tolerant. This is because these types of pets are seen as prey animals. The goldendoodle is bred from two hunting breeds. If you do have small pets, make sure to keep them safe from your dog. Are F1B Goldendoodles Aggressive? F1B Goldendoodles are not at all aggressive! They love meeting new people and are great with other dogs. Of course, every dog is an individual, and socialization during puppyhood is vital. Dogs that do not receive proper socialization are far more likely to become fearful or aggressive as adults. We would consider them the type of dog that barks to alert their owners. As we said before, every dog is an individual, and some dogs may bark more than others. Some doodles may only bark at strangers, whereas others may bark at animals in the yard or cars on the street. Are F1B Goldendoodles Intelligent? F1B goldendoodles are considered an intelligent mixed breed because they are quick learners and have superb observation skills. In fact, they are so good at observing that many people believe they can even tell what emotions their owners are feeling! If you want a dog that is easy to train, you should definitely consider the F1B goldendoodle. This breed learns quickly and is eager to please. Their affection and loyalty often result in them being quite obedient once trained. Because they are so easy to train, hiring a professional is not necessary. However, we always recommend that people join a group class of some sort as it provides opportunities for their dogs to learn how to ignore distractions and listen instead. Though doodles are already eager to please, using reward-based training will motivate them even more. Using positive reinforcement is the best way to train a goldendoodle. Are F1B Goldendoodles Energetic? F1B goldendoodles of any size have a fair amount of energy. After all, they are born of two hunting breeds that need to have the endurance to spend hours in the field. Luckily, many goldendoodles enjoy playing games like fetch. Fetch is a fantastic way to help your dog burn off some energy. Of course, doodles will also love joining you in activities like walking, hiking, swimming, or even biking make sure to talk to your vet before involving your dog in any strenuous activities. They may try to get your attention and get you to play with them, bark more often, or turn to take their boredom out on something else. Regardless of size, goldendoodles can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise. Apartment living may be easier with smaller goldendoodles than with larger ones. If that can be done, then goldendoodles can live anywhere. Many goldendoodles will bark to alert you of the presence of a stranger in the vicinity, which can make them good watchdogs. This is because the goldendoodle is just far too friendly. They will be more likely to greet intruders with wagging tails than anything else. F1B goldendoodles do make good service dogs. This is in part because of their eagerness to learn. Service dogs must be smart and obedient, and goldendoodles are prone to being both. They have an easy time providing the support someone needs because of their stellar observation skills. How to Care for an F1B Goldendoodle F1B doodles will need at least weekly brushing, and most owners prefer to keep their coats trimmed. Otherwise, they require the same type of care as other dogs: they need their teeth cleaned regularly, nails clipped as needed, and ears checked for infection regularly. Like all goldendoodles, F1Bs also require a decent amount of grooming. Their coats need to be brushed at least once per week, but more frequent brushing is required for longer coats. Most doodle owners prefer to have their coats trimmed regularly so that they do not need to brush them as often. If you like the look of a grown-out coat, then you will need to brush almost daily to prevent the hair from clumping and matting. Do F1B Goldendoodles Shed? How much a doodle sheds really depends on which breed it takes after more: the poodle or the golden retriever. If the F1B has a purebred golden retriever crossed with an F1 doodle as a parent, then you may expect it to shed more. The doodle would not shed very much in this case and may be a good option for someone with allergies who hopes to own a dog. Do remember, however, that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. An F1B goldendoodle should eat the highest quality food you can afford. The best dog foods follow AAFCO guidelines, have been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and have undergone feeding trials. To determine how much to feed your doodle, you can start by checking the recommended serving size on the bag. Otherwise, you can calculate the number of calories your dog should eat on a daily basis. You can do the math yourself or use an online calorie calculator. Because F1B goldendoodles inherit genes from both golden retrievers and poodles, they are at risk of inheriting the diseases of both breeds. Doodles who are similar in size to a standard poodle or golden retriever are also at risk for bloat. Smaller doodles may be at risk of inheriting patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes. Because we have to consider the health issues of two breeds instead of one, it may seem like the F1B goldendoodle is at a higher risk of inheriting problems than its purebred parent. There are some studies that suggest purebred dogs are more likely to inherit 10 out of 24 diseases, with mixed breeds only being more likely to inherit 1 out of the 24 the other 13 diseases were just as likely to be inherited by mixed breeds as purebreds. However, you could sink hours into this debate and still feel unsure about which side is right. Instead of getting caught up in debate, we suggest that if you want to add an F1B goldendoodle to your family, you should choose a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. These tests ensure that the parent dogs are without disease that they could pass on to their offspring. F1B goldendoodles live about 10 to 15 years on average, though smaller doodles may live a year or two longer. Are F1B Goldendoodles Expensive? Be cautious if you see a doodle being sold for a low price. These dogs may have been bred by puppy mills or backyard breeders who simply want to turn a profit but do not care for the health of their dogs. Always make sure to ask breeders numerous questions so that you know they have health-tested their dogs and are caring for them properly. However, how frequently you want to do this is up to you. Some people have their doodles groomed every 8 to 10 weeks, whereas others may prefer more frequent grooming. If you wanted to save money, you could learn how to trim your doodle yourself. Similarly, smaller dogs may be less expensive when it comes to their kibble and even medical expenses. Therefore, if you want a more budget-friendly doodle, consider a smaller size. We know you already know how to use Google to search for puppies. What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business as well as how familiar they are with F1B goldendoodles. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parent? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid purchasing from breeders who are irresponsible. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. It will not be easy to find an F1B goldendoodle to rescue. While the goldendoodle mix itself is popular enough to have rescues dedicated to it, the F1B is an even more specific mix of golden retriever and poodle. This is why they are harder to find at shelters. Even if it is clear that the dog is a doodle, the shelter may not know if the doodle is F1, F1B, or some other generation of doodle. Still, if you are interested in adopting, the best place to look will be a rescue dedicated to saving and rehoming goldendoodles specifically. Are F1B Goldendoodles Purebred? F1B goldendoodles are not purebred dogs. Goldendoodles in general are considered designer dogs because they are a mix created by crossing two purebred dogs. However, the F1B goldendoodle is a cross between a doodle and usually a purebred poodle though in rare cases, the purebred parent is a golden retriever. Either way, the AKC does not recognize these dogs, and there is currently no standard for breeding them. Because F1B goldendoodles are so friendly, loving, and obedient, they tend to be a great option for first-time dog owners. However, as long as someone can offer enough exercise, they should have no problem raising and caring for an F1B goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are playful, energetic, and super friendly. This makes them great family dogs who get along swimmingly with kids. By now, you probably have an idea of whether or not the F1B doodle is the right dog for you or not. Millie is pounds an inches at the withers, Jax is pounds and inches at the withers. The offspring are expected to be 20 to mini pounds. The puppies will go home October 7th. Females Males 1 Francis, GH purple 1 Open 2 reserved for GH 2 Open We take a processing fee of now by PayPal, zelle, venmo, cash, credit card or personal checks to secure your pick position, which comes off the total when you pay your balance at puppy pick up. Puppy selection and go home is hosted on the same day. The processing fee is refundable until puppy births or you are not provided a puppy from your designated litter due to our part. Otherwise the processing fee becomes transferable to a future litter of your choosing. Paymet for balance at time of pick up is accepted by cash, venmo, PayPal, zelle and all major credit cards only, no personal checks accepted at final payment. Puppies go home at 8 weeks on utd on age appropriate shots, dewormer, veterinarian checked, micro chipped, potty training to a doggy door beginning at 4 weeks of age, puppy food Purina Pro Plan lamb and rice formula small bites , blanket with litter scent, snuggle puppy, benebone puppy chew toy, tick flea and heartworm preventative for the first month and intestinal parasites preventative for the first three months, completely loved and pre spoiled with a 1 year health guarentee. We offer a discount for puppy training through Baxter and Bella and 1st month free for puppy insurance through Trupanion. Our puppies are raised by the puppy culture protocols. We do a weekly updates with photos, weights and progress reports. Each puppy is cleared by our veterinarian prior to leaving Texas Doodles. Puppy selection process is hosted at our home in Kountze Texas in person or via FaceTime if distance is an issue. Puppies are picked up in person at our residence unless prior arrangements have been made. We offer puppy ground transport through reliable carriers, meet at Houston area airports, fly in cabin with Southwest Airlines or American Airlines via cargo. We can quote rates for all options. We use Embark and OFA when health testing our parents. This is a pet price only with no breeding rights. Breeding rights are considered after an approval process.