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Labrador Genetic Tests Over the last few years a range of genetic tests have sprung up. These tests were created to help Labrador breeders determine whether their breeding stock is likely to pass on one or more diseases to their puppies. These tests have been a fantastic development. Enabling us to make better choices about which Labradors to include in a breeding programme. Certificate of recent eye exam They may also have had a test to rule out skeletal dysplasia, a form of dwarfism that can occur in Labs. Simple inheritance Some diseases are passed on by a simple process. In one straightforward type of inheritance each dog inherits a pair of genes one from each parent that is related to the disease in question. And these genes can either be good do not cause the disease or bad can cause the disease if they are paired with another bad gene. An example of this type of disease is Progressive Retinal Atrophy which affects many of our dog breeds and cause blindness. The problem with this old test was that dogs may show signs of the disease until after they have produced puppies. The gene test enables us to prevent these dogs from being mated. One of the best things about some of these genetic tests is that not only do they help us exclude affected dogs from the gene pool, but that they also enable us to include Labradors that would have been excluded before these tests emerged. Excluding dogs from the gene pool With this simple type of inheritance only a dog with two bad genes can get sick, but a dog with one good and one bad gene can pass the bad gene on to its puppies. If a dog has two bad genes, we can exclude it from our breeding programme. We can also make preparations in advance to help care for the dog when symptoms of the disease arise. If in doubt, the dog would be excluded from breeding. We could not risk mating a carrier a dog with one bad gene and one good with another carrier, because some of the puppies would then be affected get sick. With the new gene tests, we can include carriers in a breeding programme provided that they are mated to dogs which are clear of the disease two good genes. None of the puppies from this mating will be affected, though some may be carriers. All will therefore need to be tested in turn before breeding Why would we breed from a carrier? The problem is, that in many pedigree breeds, the gene pools are quite small. After many years of closed registry breeding, and because certain breeding practices involve the over-use of certain individual dogs, the dogs within the breed are often quite closely bred and share many relations. Excluding more dogs from the breeding programme would be disastrous. We badly need more genetic diversity, and these simple tests give us that opportunity. More complex inheritance Of course some diseases are not so obliging. Some are polygenic. Many genes probably contribute to the disease, and we have not identified them. Sometimes the environment plays a part too. Hip dysplasia is an example of such a disease. And to only mate animals with the healthiest looking joints. Are Labrador genetic tests necessary? Yes, but only if you hope to have the dog mated. Many tests are expensive and some are quite involved. For the most part, there is no need to have your dog tested unless you intend to breed from him or her. If you do, it will help you to decide whether making puppies from a certain pairing is a good idea or not. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. After seeing images of such fuzzy bliss, many owners of labs think it would be fun to create little mini versions of their favorite pet. However, breeding is a lot of work, time and expense. People who attempt it should be well informed of the risks and rewards. If you are looking for a puppy, you need to understand the process in order to ask the right questions. You need to ask for the correct paperwork to ensure your puppy has the best chance of growing into a healthy adult. The 1 Motto For Responsible Breeding With so many dogs available for adoption in shelters, there are millions of pups that need homes. The only reason that two Labradors should be bred is to further the breed standard. The best way to do this is to show your dog and have an objective person compare them with other Labradors. A judge is an expert on what to look for in the breed, and can tell if your dog stands out as the ideal specimen. Even if your dog looks healthy, they may be a carrier for several very serious diseases found in Labs. With any purebred dog, you will find common genetic problems. Without proper understanding of breeding lineage and possible issues that could arise, you could produce puppies that add to the genetic diseases instead of fighting against these debilitating issues. Genetic traits, including those that cause disease, are found to be either dominant or recessive. Dominant Genes: If any diseases are found on dominant genes, they will only need one gene to show up in the puppies for the problem to develop. Recessive Genes: Diseases from recessive genes need both parents to carry the genes and pass them to their offspring before the issues develop. While this seems fairly straightforward, there are also polygenic disorders that result from the cumulative actions of multiple genetic combinations. They can also mimic both dominant and recessive genes depending on the make up. Finally, genetic diseases also spring from chromosomal abnormalities. Normally, dogs have 39 chromosomes. However, a change to the number or structure of these chromosomes can cause genetic disorders including down syndrome. Genetic Issues in Labradors Genetic defects can show up in any breed and impact any system in the body. However, there are certain common genetic issues that are seen more often in the Labrador breed. Here are the main genetic tests that should be performed to ensure your dog is fit to breed. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is common in many large dog breeds, and Labs are unfortunately not exempt. It is an abnormal formation of the ball and socket of the hip joint that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Excellent hip scores are a must for both parents. Elbow Dysplasia While most people are aware of hip dysplasia, they are often less aware of an equally important test. Elbow dysplasia is also commonly found in Labradors. Dogs used for breeding should first be cleared by a cardiologist veterinarian to ensure they are free from this issue. Centronuclear Myopathy CNM CNM, which is similar to muscular dystrophy in humans, results in weight loss, loss of tendon reflexes, awkward gait and exercise intolerance. Make sure to clear your dog of this genetic issue before breeding. Exercise Intolerance and Collapse EIC EIC is a condition where dogs become weak in their hindquarters and collapse after 5 to 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise. Narcolepsy NARC This disease runs in large breeds and can either cause the dogs to suddenly fall asleep or look like they are having a seizure. For example, a Chocolate Labrador would be a silver color if they had this diluted coat trait. Additional Testing Additionally to the above, there are further additional tests available to eliminate some less frequently seen diseases in Labradors. And of course, both parents should also be checked thoroughly by a veterinarian and given a clean bill of health. Responsible breeders want to ensure their dogs are fit for breeding and will invest in these tests before bringing new pups into the world. With the help of genetic testing, breeders have all the tools necessary to have the best shot at producing the healthiest puppies that replicate the breed standard. Video of a Responsible Breeder Discussing Genetic Testing Here is a video where Labrador breeder Donna Stanley talks about the genetic testing that she does for her dogs before breeding to produce the most healthy and happy pups possible. Commit to Being a Responsible Breeder As you can see, responsible breeding is not for the faint of heart! There are many other factors to consider, such as breed confirmation approval from judges in the show ring, the time and expense of breeding and raising the puppies, and the necessity to ensure that the next generation is an improvement on the last. After all, no one wants the heartbreak and expense of treating a sick puppy whose suffering could have been prevented if the proper preliminary testing had occurred with the parents. Buyers are also becoming more aware of these genetic tests, and savvy puppy purchasers will ask to see certifications and paperwork proving that the parents are ideal candidates for breeding. Breeding quality Labradors can be very rewarding and fun, but make sure you are truly prepared for the amount of research, money and time involved before taking on this awesome responsibility. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. 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. Any thoughts? If you are under the impression that she somehow must have a litter to improve her health, think again. You should have a good reason for wanting to breed from her; for example, to keep a puppy, carry on desirable characteristics, improve the breed generally or produce a puppy for a friend. Before considering the multitude of testing that should be carried out on a prospective mum, please consider her suitability for Labrador breeding. Is her conformation of an acceptable standard? Is she too fat or are her legs too short? Do you look at her through rose-tinted spectacles? Is she affected by any of the health issues that are inherited but for which there is no test available? I Is breeding from her likely to be detrimental to her welfare, especially her temperament? Also take into account your circumstances: do you have the time, the place, the financial ability and, most importantly, the stomach? A fail here stops you in your tracks without further expense or risk. Testing should be carried out annually, so one should be done in the 12 months preceding the mating. Hip and elbow dysplasia are multifactorial abnormalities of development of the hip and elbow respectively. Both have a strong inherited element, especially elbows, though diet, exercise and luck also play a part. Dogs must be one year old or over. Each hip is scored from 0 to 53, so that the best hips have a score of 0 0 and the very worst 53 .Beware of just being quoted a total score. The Elbow Dysplasia Scheme requires lateral X-rays of both elbows, taken at and degree angles. Your vet would normally do this at the same time as the hip X-rays. Each elbow is scored from 0 to 3. DNA testing will flag up whether your dog has any inherited conditions DNA testing So your eye test is clear and your hips and elbows are looking good, now it is time for some DNA testing. Some conditions are caused by mutation of only one gene, so their inheritability is predictable. For Labradors, these are: Centronuclear myopathy CNM , a defect of the formation of muscle fibres that results in weakness, fatigue, difficulty eating and collapse. Exercise-induced collapse EIC , a genetic disorder that generally affects otherwise fit dogs that deal with normal exercise without a problem. Strenuous activity, however, especially when associated with excitement, produces hind and sometimes foreleg collapse lasting 15 minutes. The problem lies with a protein that is involved in neurotransmission. Hereditary nasal parakeratosis HNPK , an abnormality that causes the nose to dry out, leading to crusting, irritation, secondary infection and, over time, loss of pigment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. The retina is the light-sensitive part of the posterior eye. Progressive rod-cell degeneration leading to PRA is one of a group of retinal disorders that start with loss of night vision and eventually result in blindness. Affected dogs show symptoms from three to nine years old, so potentially after they have been bred from. Retinal dysplasia is similar but causes abnormal development of the rod cells, so that blindness occurs early in life, at around two to three months. Skeletal dysplasia 2 SD2 , a form of dwarfism, known as mild disproportionate dwarfism, where the body is normal but the legs especially the front legs are too short. It seems its origin can be traced back to a single male labrador, born in .You should have a good reason for wanting to breed from your dog For further advice I would suggest a few hours perusing the Kennel Club website. Remember that when agreeing to these tests being carried out, you also sign to allow the results to be published on the Kennel Club website. You can, therefore, check out the health status of any prospective sire, discover the world of Estimated Breeding Values and generally further muddy the waters by poring over pedigrees. Do not breed from untested dogs. Oh, and speak to your vet before committing to breeding Labradors. By Tom Massey Oct 09, It may seem counterintuitive, but the more popular and in-demand a puppy breed is, the more likely it is that these dogs will be sold to families without the proper health clearances. Greater scrutiny makes it seem like breeders will conform to high standards and practices of breeding, but the reality is that popular breeds tend to attract pseudo-breeders looking to make a quick buck. While some health issues for Labs are genetic, others are developed through their lifetime. Even if your Labrador is predisposed for particular genetic conditions, there are ways that you, as a responsible owner, can make decisions that will positively affect the long-term health of your Labrador Retriever. In other words, what an individual breeder does or fails to do affects the health of all future generations and stock of dams and sires from other breeders. Health guarantees are not synonymous with health clearances, so make sure to ask for records of health certificates and pre-breeding examinations. Every breed of dog is more prone to a particular set of diseases and less likely to develop some others. Breeders who do genetic testing pre-breeding can ensure that their puppy is at a lower risk of developing these genetically-predisposed diseases. What Is a Health Clearance? While the results of pre-breeding examinations are strictly confidential, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals does post clear results from the OFA tests. Pre-breeding exams for dams and sires typically include the following tests: Dams: General physical examination, checking for vaginal abnormalities or strictures, as well as testing for brucellosis Sires: Checking the testicles, prostate, and penis for abnormalities, a general physical examination, and brucellosis testing Health clearance tests differ from breed to breed. Labrador Retrievers, for example, benefit from further genetic health screening tests. Dominant and recessive genes in Labrador Retrievers play a role in everything from behavior, coat color, and ear length, to more serious issues like PRA blindness which an Optigen test looks for. They could just be a carrier for the gene, which remains unexpressed, and it tells the breeder that some portion of their offspring may inherit this gene — either expressed or not. These first years of their life should not be bogged down with health issues. These documents will guarantee that the puppy is healthy and free of any serious infectious diseases. Families should take their puppy to the vet within hours of bringing their new bundle home and double-check these assurances and vaccinations with their family vet. These are the most common issues Labradors may face as they age. Any large breed of dogs can present with an abnormal formation of the hip joint and socket. Both the dam and sire must have excellent hip scores, and this is where OFA tests and certifications can tell you whether this is truly the case or not. It presents in a variety of ways, including lameness, abnormal gait, holding the elbow at odd angles, and a reticence to play and move. Your dog could become easily tired, experience stiffness when standing, and may experience inflammation of the joint. The tricuspid valve in a dog with TVD is malformed and, as a result, the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as in healthy dogs. A Labrador with TVD will experience fluid or swelling, stunted growth, and loud breathing. Tests include a urinalysis, a complete blood count, and a chemical blood profile. Dogs with CNM experience weight loss, gradual loss of tendon reflexes, an awkward gait, and eventually display exercise intolerance. Known as EIC, exercise intolerance is a gradual weakness and decline in Labradors because of related diseases. Labradors with NARC issues could fall asleep suddenly or experience sudden shaking that resembles a seizure. Like previous diseases, narcolepsy in Labradors is a recessive condition. Depending on the severity of the issue or the genetic dominance, these tests provide awareness and information for both the buyer and the breeder. That way, if any related health issue comes up in the future, owners who buy Labrador puppies from reliable breeders have a clear family history. Conclusion Health guarantees and health clearances should give you, as a potential owner, more than just peace of mind. Health clearances help to ensure that all future generations of puppies are healthy, happy, and a part of a diverse genetic pool. At Snowy Pines White Labs, we encourage our families to look for health clearances based on two guarantees: Firstly, that your chosen puppy is currently healthy and is without any infectious diseases. Secondly, breeders should also offer a clearance that guarantees against the presence of major congenital defects and other genetic issues for quite some time after bringing your puppy home. Snowy Pines White Labrador puppies are a special part of our family and we treat them as such. Dogs from our dams and sires have produced generations of healthy, happy, and high-quality puppies with a formidable family history. Learn more about the lineage of our Labrador puppies or about how one-on-one care and individual attention for our puppies makes all the difference. Health screening for Labrador diseases is important. It enables us to know whether mating two adult Labradors will result in puppies less likely to suffer from inherited diseases. Ones which could give them a life of discomfort, and their owner a whole lot of stress and heartache. Not to mention putting them seriously out of pocket in the process. Within the Labrador gene pool, lurks a range of unpleasant inherited diseases. Understanding these diseases and learning to detect and prevent them, is an important part of improving Labrador health on a national basis. Health screening for Labrador diseases involves testing dogs. To see whether they carry the genes which could cause them or their future offspring to suffer from an inherited disease. A good deal of research has gone into these Labrador diseases. As a result there are now a number of screening tests available to Labrador Breeders. In most cases these screening tests are applied to the parents that are about to be bred from, rather than the puppies that are being sold. The most commonly applied screening tests offered by the BVA are Labrador hip scores and eye tests. All responsible breeders now test their breeding stock for these two conditions. There are also a range of further tests now available to breeders. And many responsible breeders are testing for these additional Labrador diseases too. You could be forgiven for assuming that a pedigree Labrador must have undergone some form of health screening, or come from health tested parents. Sadly, there are still many Labrador puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents do not have even the most basic health clearances. Puppies bred from unscreened parents can at the time of writing, still be legitimately registered with the Kennel Club. A genuine pedigree does not offer you any health guarantees. It is up to you, the buyer, to determine whether or not the parents of your puppy have been screened. You also need to know that the results of the screening meet your requirements. You must check that this score was better than the average result. You should only view a litter of Labrador puppies if both the parents have good hip scores and clear eye tests. You should ask in advance for hip and eye test certificates of both parents to be available for your scrutiny when you visit the puppies. Or better still, for copies to be emailed to you in advance of your journey. If certificates are not forthcoming, you should walk away. Labrador Eye Problems Labradors are susceptible to a serious eye disease that causes blindness, sometimes at a young age. And pronounced free from disease at the time of the examination. It does NOT mean that the dog does not have the inherited condition, just that he or she displays no sign of it at this time. These basic eye tests should be carried out on an annual basis. Labrador Hip Scores Hip dysplasia is a crippling disease of the hip joints. After examination, each hip is allocated a score. The lower the score, the better the hips. A perfect hip has a score of zero. But this is fairly unusual. The score is expressed by two numbers — one for each hip. In this example, .What we are looking for in good breeding stock is a Labrador hip score that is better than average. This greatly reduces the chances of the puppies inheriting severe hip problems. However, it does not guarantee your puppy will have good hips. Hip scores vary from breed to breed, and from year to year. You can find the latest data on the BVA website. In Labradors, the current five year mean is .Most Labrador breeders should be aiming to breed from stock with a hip score that is lower than average and balanced. This should result in gradual improvement in the breed over time. A good hip score for a Labrador is probably anything under 6, made up of even numbers on each side. Labrador Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia in Labradors is similar to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joints of the dog. It occurs when abnormal growth causes a malformation or degeneration of the elbow. This can lead to lameness, loss of range of movement and severe pain. Elbow scores are rated differently to hip scores, being given a rating of 0 to 3. Where 0 is a perfect elbow and 3 is one that is very affected. The range of scores is small, which means that there is not a lot of scope to clearly separate the range of potential problems. Health Screening Labs There are some additional tests now available to Labrador breeders, and these have been developed by independent organisations. The Optigen test is becoming popular, and many breeders are now testing their stock. These tests are relatively recent developments and the more breeders that support them, the better our chances of eradicating these unpleasant diseases. If you have been told that your Labrador puppy is a carrier for a nasty disease you might be concerned. Imagine you have picked out your beautiful labrador puppy and horror of horrors your breeder responsibly tells you that this puppy could be a carrier for a serious inherited disease. What should you do? Is it safer to back out and look for another puppy? Or should you go ahead and purchase a puppy that carries a serious disease? In most circumstances where the mechanism of inheritance is clear cut, it is perfectly safe for you to purchase a puppy that is, or might be, a carrier for a known disease. Labrador Genetics Genes come in pairs, one from each parent, and each pair works together to determine one aspect of your dog, coat colour for example, ear length. And then of course the millions of less obvious features that go to make your dog what he is, and which in some cases, may make your dog prone to illness. The gene for black coat for example, is dominant. So even if it gets paired with a gene for a chocolate coat, the labrador will still be black. Check out this link for more about labrador coat colour inheritance. Thus the chocolate Labrador always has two chocolate genes. Obviously this is an oversimplification of genetics! But it is helpful to understand. Because there are many diseases that we now test for in pedigree dogs, and some of these diseases are autosomal recessive in nature. If the faulty gene is paired with a normal gene, it will be switched off and lie hidden there inside the dog. Without causing any problems. There are genetic tests now which can determine whether a dog is clear, normal or a carrier, for a number of diseases. Only if both genes are faulty will the puppy develop the disease. The pup gets one gene from each of his parents to make up the pair of genes. He will never get the disease nor can he ever pass it on to his puppies. So if the puppy gets one faulty gene from his Mum and one normal gene from his Dad or vice versa he will still be healthy. If he is mated he will pass a faulty gene on to about half of his puppies. Provided that each of these Labrador puppies inherits a normal gene from its other parent, they too will be healthy. This is how diseases can sometimes skip generation after generation. If your breeder has had a litter of puppies blood tested for a particular disease then you may be informed that your puppy is a carrier. With autosommal recessive conditions, if the puppy gets two faulty genes we know that he will definitely develop the disease at some point because there is no normal gene to switch it off. Obviously we all want to avoid affected puppies being born, and most of us would want to avoid purchasing an affected puppy. Remember that the clear dog has no faulty gene and gives a healthy normal gene to every single pup so none of the pups can ever get sick from this disease even when the other parent is a carrier. Worse still if one parent is a carrier and one is affected, half the puppies will be affected. This is why buying from health screened stock is so important. The smaller the gene pool, the greater the chance of more diseases appearing. It is important that we do not eliminate perfectly healthy dogs from this gene pool for no good reason. With the development of so many available tests, breeding from carriers is not only possible, it is actually a good thing. Because it helps to keep that large and healthy gene pool. One of the beauties of widespread testing is that it allows us to breed from carriers because we can ensure that they are always mated to a clear dog. The more people that test, the more clear dogs that will be available, and the bigger our gene pool will be. I hope I have shown that there is nothing wrong at all in a breeder offering for sale puppies that may be carriers for a disease inherited in this straightforward way. To find out if this is a case of straightforward inheritance of the sort described here you should get the details from your breeder and check with your vet. It is important that the disease in question is not one that can affect carriers. However, in most cases is absolutely no need to avoid a puppy who is genetically a carrier unless perhaps you are intending to found your own breeding line. Even then you should not discount a carrier if all else is right. You will obviously need to be careful when choosing a mate, but as more and more dogs are health tested, this is becoming easier. To sum up: carriers of an autosomal recessive disease of the type described hear do not get sick. At least not from the disease that they are carrying! Carrier puppies are not necessarily substandard, and the breeder is perfectly within their rights to sell a puppy knowing that it is, or might be, a carrier of this type. She is also doing the responsible thing by providing her puppy buyers with this information. Genetic testing is not cheap. But these statements are misguided, as two healthy dogs can be carriers for an inherited disease and therefore produce puppies who are born to suffer. You would never know without the health tests. As long as there is no obligation on breeders to test their stock, there will be breeders who do not bother. It is therefore up to the public to put pressure on breeders to carry out these tests by refusing to purchase puppies from untested parents. You can help encourage breeders to carry out these tests by enquiring about them whenever you contact those offering puppies for sale, and by choosing puppies whose parents have been tested. More Help and Information. By Lisa Peterson The Labrador Retriever is a large, double-coated breed with a weather-resistant coat that comes in three colors — black, yellow, and chocolate, according to the AKC breed standard. From English fishing and hunting stock, this active, hearty breed was developed in Canada. Easily trained and a great swimmer, this breed excels in a variety of jobs from search-and-rescue and guide dogs to hunting dogs and family companions. Genetic health testing is an integral part of a sound dog breeding program. When using genetic health testing it is important for breeders to educate themselves about concepts such as modes of inheritance, penetrance, prevalence, and phenotype for a specific variant mutation in your breed in order to apply test results. Breeders also need to know which variants are causing health concerns in their breed, and which health conditions currently have no genetic test available. This handy search function by breed or by health condition can show breeders which DNA tests Embark provides. The health condition percentages based on clear, carrier, and at-risk status presented on common, rare, and very rare genetic risk factors are based on a subset of dogs within the Embark database and do not necessarily represent all dogs of this breed. While we are not able to provide specific population numbers at this time, we believe the data provided here to be sufficient to inform on current trends within the North American population of Labrador Retrievers. In the neuron, dynamin trucks neurotransmitter-filled vesicles from the cell body, where they are generated, to the dendrites. The mode of inheritance is recessive. Citations: Patterson et al Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd PRA-prcd is a retinal disease that causes progressive, non-painful vision loss. The retina contains cells, called photoreceptors, that collect information about light and send signals to the brain. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods, for night vision and movement, and cones, for day vision and color. This type of PRA leads to early loss of rod cells, leading to night blindness before day blindness. The gene is SUV39H2 and affects the skin and connective tissues. The gene is TTC8 Exon 8 and the mode of inheritance is recessive. The gene is COL11A2 and the mode of inheritance is recessive. The cornea is the surface of the eye. The gene is CHST6 and the mode of inheritance is recessive. In most dogs, uric acid is converted to allantoin, an inert substance that is then excreted in the urine. Dogs with HUU have defects in the pathway that converts uric acid to allantoin. As such, uric acid builds up, crystallizes and forms urate stones in the kidney and bladder. Uric acid is an intermediate of purine metabolism. While hyperuricemia in other species including humans can lead to painful conditions such as gout, dogs do not develop systemic signs of hyperuricemia. The gene is SLC2A9. This mutation was first described in the Dalmatian. This mutation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; that is, a dog requires two copies of the mutation to show signs of the disease. Affected dogs will show no clinical signs of disease in the early stages. As stones form, dogs will often urinate more frequently, urinate in inappropriate places, and possibly have blood in their urine. If a urinary obstruction forms, they are unable to urinate despite frequent straining. This is a medical emergency. Most dogs are adults before they show any signs of urinary issues years on average. Urate stones are invisible on X-rays and must be diagnosed by a veterinarian via ultrasound or urine sediment analysis. If left undiagnosed, bladder stones can lead to urinary obstruction, which can be life-threatening. If caught early, it is responsive to dietary management. Surgical intervention is often required when stones or an obstruction forms. Loss of PTPLA function is thought to cause muscle fiber damage and death, leading to replacement of the muscle mass with scar tissue. This type of PRA leads to early loss of cone cells, causing day blindness before night blindness. Affected dogs also exhibit episodes of cataplexy, a sudden complete loss of muscle tone in response to strong positive emotions. Hypocretin is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of appetite, arousal, and wakefulness. Cone cells not only register color, they allow the dog to adjust their eyes to bright light. Dogs with this disease constantly feel like us when we step out of a movie theater. Night vision remains completely unaffected. The gene is COL6A3 and the mode of inheritance is recessive. Astrocytes, named for their characteristic star-like shape, are supportive cells of the central nervous system. Astrocytes surround neurons, the functional unit of the central nervous system, nourishing, protecting, and repairing them from stress or injury, as well as enhancing their function. In Alexander disease, astrocyte function is compromised. Loss of myotubularin causes muscle fiber damage and death, leading to replacement of the muscle mass with scar tissue. Dogs affected with PKD have red blood cells that have impaired ability to produce energy, leading to breakdown of important cell processes that contribute to form and function. Citations: Gultekin et al b With 18 known conditions in Labrador Retrievers, this is evidence that genetic disorders are of concern within the breed and other conditions are likely to be identified in the future. By DNA testing your Labrador Retriever with Embark you can help accelerate more novel discoveries to help your breed and all dogs. Canine Health and Breed Resources. Responsible breeders test their dogs for diseases that are known to be hereditary prior to arranging a mating. Each breed is prone to a certain number of hereditary illnesses — but by ensuring only healthy, certified animals are bred, breeders can reduce or eliminate hereditary problems, and greatly increase the odds that their puppies live long happy lives. Interested puppy buyers should ensure that the breeders they select are performing all necessary health tests suitable for their breed — this gives you the best possible chance for a healthy pup. This page contains information on testing and clearances that Labradors should have done prior to being bred. Health Tests for Labrador Retrievers According to the Canine Health Information Center, all Labrador Retrievers being used in a breeding program should have their hips and elbows tested for dysplasia and their eyes checked against genetic defect by a canine opthamologist. However, there are other conditions that are found in Labs that should also be considered even though they may occur less frequently. Two Types of Tests There are two basic types of health testing available to Labrador breeders. Both are important and the differences are explained below. These are: Phenotypic Tests Genetic Testing In order to understand genetic testing, it is helpful to have a little bit of a background in how genes are inherited. Here is a very brief explanation that you can use to help you more readily absorb the information about testing that will follow. A gene is a sequence on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait, in whole or in part. For each gene, a dog gets one allele from each parent. For each trait, there may be several possible alleles, and because the dog gets one from each parent, he is potentially carrying two types of genetic material for each trait. Recessive alleles are only expressed if both are matching at that specific gene. In Labradors, there are several diseases that have been identified as the result of a specific mutation to a certain gene. So, a dog who has one normal copy and one mutated copy of the gene will appear normal, but could pass the mutated allele to offspring. If a puppy receives a mutated allele from BOTH parents, they will be affected and will show symptoms of the disease. Genetic testing is important because for these conditions where a genetic mutation has been identified, it is possible to run a DNA test to determine if the dog is clear, carrier or affected. This allows breeders to plan matings so that NO puppies affected for that condition are born. A breeder doing proper testing can definitely guarantee that their puppies will not be affected by those diseases. It is NOT enough to see that both parents appear healthy because they could potentially each have a mutated allele that could be passed on to the puppies- testing is the only way to know for sure. The diseases in bold print are the most likely of those listed in field type Labs. Some of the other conditions are much more common in show-type labs and some are equally infrequent in both types of labs. However infrequent, the fact that we can definitely and completely prevent them makes the testing worthwhile. Phenotypic testing checks for outward signs of the disease. Breeders also use testing information to avoid breeding healthy dogs who have many relatives who show symptoms of the disease. It has been proven that breeding dogs who are free of clinical OR subclinical signs of the following diseases helps reduce the odds of disease in the puppies, but cannot eliminate the chance completely. For all of these conditions, BOTH parents need to be tested free of disease- Hip Dysplasia — Hips are x-rayed and films sent to specialists for evaluation and grading. The most common certifying body is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA Hips are graded as either dysplastic affected by hip dysplasia — not suitable for breeding , fair, good, or excellent. Because these films look at the actual bones of the dog, it is important for the dog to be done growing to get an accurate evaluation. The OFA will examine x-rays on a preliminary basis in younger dogs but only offers an official grade to dogs over 2 years of age. Another certifying body is PennHip. This organization uses a combination of x-rays and measurements to determine hip quality and looseness. The measurements determine if the hip is better or worse than other dogs of the same breed and it is recommended to breed only dogs who are rated as better than average. Elbow Dysplasia — these are also x-rayed and films are sent to the OFA. Elbows are graded as various grades of dysplasia or normal which means no dysplasia. In Labs, only dogs with normal- rated elbows are recommended for breeding. Eye diseases — Dogs who are intended for breeding should have their eyes examined annually, or at minimum, within 12 months prior to breeding. Eyes are examined by a canine opthamologist and checked for cataracts, lens and retina irregularities, and any other sign of disease. Several types of eye diseases are believed to be heritable in Labs but few have genetic tests available so having eyes examined helps identify issues as soon as they arise to eliminate affected dogs from breeding. Results from the exams are sent to OFA for recording and dogs who pass the test no disease found are issued a certificate good for one year. Heart Diseases— Testing for heart disease involves a color flow ultrasound performed by a skilled cardiologist. This echocardiogram looks for congenital and adult-onset diseases in the formation of the heart structure and in the blood flow velocity and volume, which may be a concern for the dog as an individual, and as a breeding candidate. A dog who is clear of all observable defects is issued a certificate from the OFA. Dogs without a normal rating should not be used for breeding. There are all kinds of other conditions that can be examined phenotypically for signs of potential disease, such as shoulders, knees, and thyroid. We are proud of the fact that our dogs have been objectively evaluated in this way. Another way to check testing results is to search online. So, you are able to verify test results there. The key point is this: As a puppy buyer, you have the right AND obligation to check test results either by using an online option or seeing copies of the actual health test results. You deserve a healthy puppy so take the time to make sure you are sourcing your pup from a knowlegable breeder who will do everything they can to produce only healthy puppies. In this case, because neither parent had any mutant alleles to pass along, it is safe to say that we know that their offspring are also clear of mutant alleles. For example, you should expect that each and every Labrador used in a breeding program has had their hips tested for hip dysplasia. Hips, elbows, and eye exams must be done on each dog because they are not DNA tests, so there is always the possibility that a particular dog could be affected even if both parents are clear. We know this can be a confusing topic but we urge and BEG you not to give up. Study this page and email me if you have questions. Share this:.

Breeding the Poodle to a Border Collie greatly reduces or can even eliminate shedding. The Border Collie — Poodle cross is a great choice for people who enjoy the attributes and intelligence of a Border Collie and want a non-shedding coat. Any way you name it, the dogs are highly intelligent and great looking too! Growing up, Border Collies were my breed of choice, and they were amazing, but the shedding and over the top drive to work all day every day was more than I can handle in my current lifestyle. Introducing, the Bordoodle. Bordoodle puppies excel in Agility, as service dogs or therapy dogs, and as fun loving pets enjoying day to day life with their owners. The typical family that does well with a Bordoodle wants an active family pet to compliment their lifestyle. Our families take their dogs hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing, paddleboarding, to the lake, beaches, and more. We definitely produce dogs that are more chill and laid back, but our families getting a Bordoodle really want that high intelligence factor. Bordoodles make an incredible Agility, Performance sports or just an overall amazing trail buddy. Our Border Collies come from incredible herding lines and are great all around dogs. See Available and upcoming litters here! They love to play games, go on hikes, and be part of the family. Bordoodles love kids and get along well with other animals. They don't usually bark, except to warn of a stranger on your property. Bordoodles are usually hypoallergenic and are low to non-shedding. Bordoodles also excel in agility sports and are super desirable as service dogs due to their high I. We ask that you provide detailed answers whenever possible. Our Bordoodles are very smart, patient, intuitive, and level-headed. These are the ideal traits required in all service dogs regardless of the modality. In addition to our breeding program, Mountain Rose also owns the largest training operation in Utah. In our 8, sq ft facility, located in Morgan, Utah, we specialize in training Bordoodles as well as Sheepadoodles. If you are in need of a service dog, we can help you select a Bordoodle or Sheepadoodle puppy that displays the temperament traits consistent with those found in proven service dogs. You can obtain more information about Bordoodles and Bordoodles service dogs by browsing this site. If you would like to learn more about Sheepadoodle service dogs you can visit www. He can also be a bit stubborn but overall a complete joy. He rings his bell to go out to potty, at only 17 weeks can sit, stay, go down, roll over, leave it when treats are placed on his paws very impressive for a little guy , shake a paw or high 5 and has the best and most entertaining personality. He loves people and from what little interaction he has had with other dogs, seems to love them as well. We couldn't be happier with our newest family member. We really enjoyed meeting all the dogs, especially Flower and Finn. Of course, we also enjoyed the chance to speak with you and your trainers Colton and Daniel. Mountain Rose exceeded our expectations. After getting to play with the dogs in person, learning more about your program and seeing for ourselves how the puppies are being raised, we are even more excited about getting a puppy from Mountain Rose. Our fingers are crossed that Flower comes into heat soon! We also enjoyed seeing the Bordoodles at your daughter's house. Jonathan was very accommodating in showing us all five Bordoodles. They were very excited and fun to meet. Thanks again for your hospitality. She originally had reservations about us buying a Bordoodle. She said that she was unfamiliar with this breed and cautioned us and even advised that we may wish to look at a "purebred" dog. We just wanted to share that with you. He has really fit into our family and it's so fun watching him learn our routine.He's made friends with lots of the neighborhood kids and is super friendly with everyone. I take him to puppy school once a week with our son Carter he's 9 because Carter was having some trouble being the "pack leader" when we first got Gussie, but the puppy school has been great and Gus lights up the second Carter gets off the school bus each day. I attached a couple of pictures for you to see how much he's grown! She's so smart that at 4 months old she can play dead when she is shot with a "bang", she can heal like nobody's business, and she sits like a lady waiting for us to open the door before she goes out or comes in. She gets her treats in her bowl after dinner.All in all she's pretty terrific. He is definitely part of our family and we love him so much. He's such a smart dog! I remember when we first got him, his color was black. You said he would likely lighten up. Here's what he looks like now. The latest from Oregon Bordoodles! Check us out on Facebook for the latest news, upcoming litters and fun antics. Testimonials Wilder, now 3 month old, is awesome. He loves all of us, loves to please, and loves to explore and learn. Several neighbors and friends are jealous, and others have asked to help them with theirs. However, we met one of your older dogs at a restaurant last year, asked the owner about him, and immediately began researching Oregon Bordoodles. She is the most personable, intelligent dog I have ever owned. When we started looking into getting a Bordoodle we were fortunate to find Danielle, who answered all our many questions and worked closely with us throughout the process of picking a puppy and finally bringing our baby home. He is a spunky, energetic, loving dog. He loves to play and he is very brilliant. He can learn tricks in 10 minutes and will remember them forever. All of our lives have changed with his presence, but we would not trade him for any dog! It has been pure ease and love on every step of our journey. Lassie Grace is a love, with over the top energy and enthusiasm for life, hikes miles easily, with daily mile walks. Strong, muscular, guardian of her domain, still very puppy with ongoing training as she matures, never met a stranger human or canine , shining star at the vet and groomer they all love her disposition and they send me compliment notes on the joy she brings into their work space. She is high test energy yet mellows and melts right into you for love, confidently submissive, a total kid dog. The puppies were happy and at play in their warm and loving farm environment. We picked our female, red merle pup and named her Daisy. Danielle has provided us with excellent technical and emotional support as Daisy has grown. We love our year and half year old Bordoodle. Daisy is extremely cheerful, freindly and smart. She enjoys all ages of people, especially children. She is low shedding and rarely barks. As a very active dog, she requires consistent and lively exercise and play. Daisy is a great addition to our family and we love her dearly! Are you wondering what a "Bordoodle" is? Bordoodles are extremely intelligent, friendly and eager to please. They get along well with other dogs and children and are very easy to train. Bordoodles are often referred to as a "designer breed" or "Poodle Hybrid" which is not, technically, true, as all dogs are the same species. Life Span Did You Know? The Bordoodle is a designer dog breed. They are a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle. Although a hybrid breed can take on any combination of characteristics of one or both of the parent breeds, the Bordoodle tends to be a friendly, affectionate, and loyal family dog. The Bordoodle is a playful, loving, and affectionate family dog. They get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. They can be protective and initially wary of strangers, but do not tend to be aggressive as long as they have been properly socialized. As with any dog breed, poor socialization or training can result in poor behavior including fear-based aggression. But, these dogs generally have a lively, social, and friendly disposition. Although the Bordoodle tends to have a lot of energy, they can adapt well to just about any living situation. They will do well in large homes with room to roam as well as apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Bordoodles bond closely with their families, they thrive on attention and affection. This, paired with the fact that they are easily bored, means they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed breed can inherit the potential health concerns of one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. For the Bordoodle, potential health concerns to be aware of include allergies, epilepsy , hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders will screen their stock to ensure preventable issues are not being passed on to puppies. Bordoodles tend to be highly intelligent. Although they are eager to please and tend to pick up on things quickly, they are also easily bored. This can pose a challenge for some first-time dog owners. But, overall, the Bordoodle tends to be highly trainable and a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels. They are eager to learn and respond best to positive methods focused on praise and rewards. Puppy training classes are always an option and are a great way to socialize a puppy too. When it comes to coat care, the Border Collie is lower maintenance than the Poodle even though they shed more. You need to be prepared for either type of coat or anything in between with your Bordoodle. The Poodle coat may be low-shedding, but it requires daily brushing and almost monthly grooming in order to stay healthy. The Border Collie coat sheds moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a Border Collie is on a weekly basis and bathing is as needed. Weekly ear checks with careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. The Bordoodle can range from moderate to high energy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run should be sufficient to keep this dog happy and healthy. Trips to the dog park, playing frisbee, hiking, running, swimming with your dog , and more can all be great activities for you and your Bordoodle to do together. A fully-grown Bordoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. A Bordoodle generally lives years. Bordoodle Puppies for Sale. Showing 1 - 20 of 20 resultsPage 1 - 20 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. I got 30 years experience in Dog.Border collies and poodles are the smartest dog breeds in the world - this cross is exceptional. These are.Dewormed, first vaccinations and clear health check. These babies are desensitized to.These are 2 of the smartest breeds that make them easy to train and have a real desire to please you. With their.Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Name: Pixie Breed: Border collie poodle mix Birthday: march 5, 6 months old Size: currently about 5lbs, will grow to be max 9 lbs She.Next to the Border Collie, poodles are the smartest breed of dogs. Their eagerness to please and intelligence makes them easy to train. Both parents are.They will be ready to go to their forever homes at weeks depending on the puppy. We keep some puppies a little longer to ensure that.He is very playful and is 7 weeks old. Vaccinated and de-wormed fully. Pee pad trained. He is peepad trained and goes outside to potty. Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location. The benefits associated with first generation Bordoodles, include a more diverse genetic makeup than purebreds reducing possibilities of disease and other genetic conditions that affect the parent breeds. Bordoodles are also hypoallergenic, that is, unlikely to cause allergy in humans. The breed Bordoodles were designed so that families who did not live on a property would have the opportunity to own a dog from the Border Collie line. This gorgeous dog combines the intelligent farm breed with a poodle to create a more family friendly pet. This breed are fantastic with children as well as other animals. The Bordoodle is an affectionate, loyal and intelligent companion, the perfect addition to any family. The Bordoodle is a reasonably active breed so do require regular exercise. This is influenced by the genetic make-up of each pup with some pups appearing more Poodle-like and others more Collie, therefore, it is impossible to predict the exact size a pup will grow to. The standard Bordoodle will be a medium to large sized dog weighing approximately kg and reaching cm in height. The mini Bordoodle, will be a small to medium sized dog, weighing approximately kg and reaching cm. Bordoodle colours also vary in each litter, we expect wheaten, chocolate, black and blue merle coats in our litters. Generally, the coat types are classified as fleece or wool, the fleece coat is a mix between the Border Collie and Poodle coat, it is a soft curl or wave which is low to non-shedding whereas, the wool coat is tight and curly like the Poodle and non-shedding. The amount of grooming required is dependent on the type of coat each individual pup has. All Bordoodles will require some grooming and clipping, especially those with a fluffy, woolly, non-shedding coat, as it will not fall out. Dogs with a more predominantly Poodle type coat also need regular brushing to prevent knotting. Bordoodle ears, as with all floppy eared breeds, need cleaning regularly or they may become infected. Around the eyes, should also be cleaned daily to prevent buildup eye discharge and tear staining. Please note that a Standard Bordoodle will require a yard and would not be suitable in an apartment. The Bordoodle is a fun-loving family pet that is excellent with children and other pets. The expected adult size are medium sized dogs, around cm tall and kg.

Welcome to the Arkansas state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the southern region of the United States, Arkansas is known for its lush forests, picturesque mountains, and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for Boxer enthusiasts. Our mission is to connect you with the best Arizona Boxer breeders and puppies for sale throughout Arkansas. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Arkansas, with an estimated dog population of around 1. Arkansas offers a wealth of dog-friendly amenities, including various dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events catering to the canine community. Immerse yourself in the thriving dog show scene by attending events like the Arkansas Kennel Club Dog Show, where fellow dog aficionados gather to celebrate their love for their cherished pets. At TrustedPuppies. The majority of our trusted Boxer breeders offer secure and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup during their journey, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in The Natural State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also provide affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option ensures your Boxer puppy is transported to your doorstep by a professional who is knowledgeable about the unique needs of pet travel. Start your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Email: boxerlovers centurytel. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Remember, we can't moderate the results we show, but they are hopefully a good starting point to narrow down some of the Boxer breeders in Arkansas. Facebook Groups Facebook is another great place to find honest reviews of Breeders. Click here to search Facebook groups that discuss Boxer breeders in Arkansas. You can grab your free copy below. Boxer dogs are a great addition to any home, but you do have to make some considerations about your lifestyle. Whereabouts in Arkansas were they based, what was the Breeders name? It really helps others who are searching for a Boxer Puppy in the Arkansas area if they can read honest reviews from buyers like yourself. Are you a breeder of Boxers? Get in touch and we can add you to our directory. Please feel free to drop us a picture of your Boxer on Facebook or Twitter. And remember to check out our Boxer puppy buyers guide for lots of useful information. Recommended Posts:. I have one white male that is deaf other than that he is perfect. They will be 8 weeks in the 22 of April. Have any Questions or would like more pictures you can call or message me at xxx xxx-xxx8. Buy Now Boxer puppies for sale Males 5 female 1. For sale in Ward, AR if interested call ot text me for price and location. Comes with crate and food. Let me know if you have any questions. I have two sisters that will be two in August for sale. Must stay together. Skip the puppy stage. Save everything from being chewed up! Sits when prompted. No papers, not altered, completely housebroken with a dog door. Endless energy. Awesome, loving dogs. Serious enquries only. View Detail Boxer Female 5 yr old female Boxer, spayed. Calm disposition, sealed brindle, UTD on vaccinations, loving nature but shy also. I adopted from a breeder. I have 3 boys and 6 girls. They have been checked at the vet and had their first set of shots and de-wormer. Message me with any questions and for rehoming fee. Puppies are from family pets and raised indoors with children and dogs. I do not run a kennel. Text is best as I work a lot but I will return calls as soon as possible if I miss them. They come with full registration and will have their 6 and 8 week shots. Tails are docked and dew claws removed. I have 6 girls and 3 boys. They will be ready for their new homes around September 1st. I am taking deposits now. I can send more pics or videos of any puppy you may be interested in or can meet with puppies to pick your newest family member. These puppies are raised around kids and other dogs and are very well mannered. Text is best but will return phone calls as soon as I can. They come with AKC registration papers, copy of parents pedigrees, one year health guarantee, vet check before leaving, extra parvo prevention at 4 weeks, first puppy shot at 6 weeks, wormed every 2 weeks starting at 2 weeks of age. Contact through my website at xxx. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Boxer, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Boxers". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Boxer from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon. If you can't find the perfect Boxer puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Boxers young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

You've come to the right place! We provide healthy puppies and dogs for adoption in Coimbatore. Find animal shelters and pet adoption centres in Coimbatore near you. Urgent Need for pet adopters near me. Pets for adoption in Coimbatore: Find puppies and dogs for adoption in Coimbatore. Pets are available for adoption through free animal rescue centres near you. Mr n Mrs Pet with the absolute responsibility of completing your family with your dream companion and giving pets a loving home. Let's find the perfect match for you! We are a one-stop online pet shop near you for all your dog solution needs. We ensure that you Find puppies that are healthy and happy. We take pride and joy in raising high-quality dogs in Coimbatore. We are proficient in shipping and can arrange transportation to get your puppy safely to your home. Call us today at , and we'd love to answer any of your pet-related queries. Nice behavior from the staff members,has a great knowledge about dogs. I recommend Mr n Mrs Pet! Abhishek Pandyan I had purchased a cat from Mr and Mrs pet a few days back the services are awesome. The cat is too familiar with me and my family. Thank you MMP. Ajay Pratap Singh Hey! Still not found what you are looking for? No worries!! Let our pet experts come to your rescue. Fill in your details and we will give you a call. Are you a Pet Parent? Labrador dogs are very loyal and highly intelligent dogs they are active and sociable dogs. Most of the people who loves dog always have Labrador dog in his choice list. So, If you are looking to adopt Labrador puppy in Coimbatore and you are willing to know about the Labrador puppy price in Coimbatore or Labrador cost in Coimbatore then you are landed in the right place. We help them and provide pet a new loving and caring pet parents. Please mention in comments if you willing to do free adoption. Labrador puppies are available in black, golden white or yellow and in chocolate colour. Free Adoption: When there is an availability, there are several case when any dog parent family wants to give their pet to someone due to several reasons. What we offer is: First see the Labrador puppy, Ensure and feel the quality and if you feels that, this is what you need, then only pay. We only deal with Original Breeds. Happy puppy makes the family more happy. Definitely, you will heard from other mediums, that Labrador puppies cost around 6,Rs,Rs but please beware of mixed breeds, fake sellers and any type of fraud. Before buying the puppies please check the purity and originality of breed then only buy the Labrador babies or Labrador dog from them. Remember Original breed is Original because only original breed should have Good Temperament and Qualities which the Original Labrador breeds should have and Labrador cost in Coimbatore depends on that originality only. We will share some below important information here related to Labrador puppy such as: 1. What thing you have to take care while adopting Labrador puppy or Labrador Baby? Information of Labrador dog in Tamil such as height, weight, age etc. Name of some Pet shops in Coimbatore along with their addresses. Important things you should take care while Adopting Labrador Dog in Coimbatore: 1. Dog should be vaccinated with required vaccination. Vaccination card should be given by the seller. Labrador puppy or Dog health should be good and he should not be aggressive and most important puppy should be happy. Mother and Father of Labrador Puppy or Labrador baby should not be same blood line. Surety of Better breed and for puppies future health 5. Government guidelines has to be following while purchasing and doing sale of Labrador baby in Coimbatore with proper documentation. Basic Information of Labrador Dog: Labrador retriever is one of most popular breed in India and America and it is superb social breed and if you want to become first time pet parent then Labrador retriever is one of the best breed for you. Labrador retriever has short and dense fur. These dogs do not like to be alone for a long time. The life span of Labrador dogs is around 10 years. The height of Labrador adult dog can reach up-to inches and their weight can be up-to kilograms. Labrador dogs are very intelligent and have gentle, even tempered and kind temperament. Labrador retriever is one of the best companion dog for a individual or a family. For Original Labrador breed in various colors such as black, golden white or yellow, chocolate. You can directly contact us. We ensure you and will make sure that you will not disappointed and you will get the dog which you want. No one can compete us with the given Labrador puppy price in Coimbatore or Labrador baby Price in Coimbatore and the services provided by us. We only deal with best, original and genuine breed. Please make sure while adopting a Labrador dog in Coimbatore or any other pet animal either from us or from any other pet shop in Coimbatore that the government guidelines should be followed and well documented. Because buying a documented pet animal following government guideline ensures that you will receive the original breed, healthy breed and whatever age of the pet animal was told by the seller would be correct. If you are looking to adopt the Labrador puppy in Coimbatore from the pet shop. There are lots of pet shops in Coimbatore. We have told above that what all factors you have to be taken care while adopting a dog from anyone. Please do consider all the things as Labrador cost in Coimbatore will depend on all those fact or points. After all the adopted dog is the one who make our family smile especially our Kids and believe us when you return from your work your dog will do all the thing which makes you happy and to remove all your tensions. Feel free to contact us for any information required on pet animals. Be Happy with Your Pet and give them lots of love. If you are still on the fence, read on to find out more about Labrador Retrievers and everything that makes them one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Based on your budgetary requirements, you can bring home a Labrador Retriever Puppy of your choice. Labrador dogs are a friendly and outgoing breed of dog. These dogs are considered well-balanced suicide ranges between 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and the weight goes maximum up to 80 pounds. The most available color for such puppies is yellow along with the hard coat and they are also available in black and chocolate color varieties. Some part of the head is quite wide and the eyes sparkle with kindliness. They look most adorable and innocent. Many people are looking for the best breeds of the puppy out of which black Lab puppies are one of the best breeds of the dog. We will help you to go through certain unique features so that you can take interest in purchasing the Black Lab puppies for sale. The Labrador puppies are renowned for their friendship and affection between the dogs and humans. The cute and appealing personality is responsible for purchasing the Labra puppy for sale in India. We will also help you with knowing the Labrador puppies for saleand find the best fit for you. The Labrador puppies are the most affordable ones and we don't have to invest a huge amount of money in maintenance throughout life. They were originally bred to be fishing dogs that helped hunters fetch waterfowl. While they hauled nets and fetched ropes back in the day, Labradors have evolved to become some of the most loved pets owned by dog lovers around the world. It has been featured in a range of different ads, TV shows, movies, and popular events, making it impossible for people to forget how the breed looks. As they have been captured a million times over time, even people who are not dog lovers can easily identify Labrador Retrievers. While most Labs have been domesticated, a few of them still work as efficient working dogs, thanks to the energy they have carried with them over ages. Labradors are known for their agility, intelligence, and unconditional love for their owners. Labrador Retrievers have two layers of coat — a soft and weather-resistant undercoat that is covered by a short and thick top coat. Three of the most common colors for these dogs include cream, chocolate, and yellow. You can find Labs with many other colors as well, provided the breeder you approach has them. Premium Pet House helps you get your furry friend at the best Labrador Retriever puppy price in India. All Lab puppies at our farms are priced reasonably, keeping your genuine love for dogs in mind. Along with giving you a fair price for the puppies, we also give you an estimate of the monthly maintenance cost you may incur after bringing a Labrador Retriever home. Depending on where you live, we help you take an adorable Lab puppy home at the best price. It needs toys and accessories like a leash, collar, bed, and more to lead a comfortable life. You can either seek pet-sitting services or keep your pet at a boarding facility. Grooming is also an effective way to control excessive shedding, something Labradors are infamous for. The grooming routine of your Labrador should include brushing its coat, trimming its nails, trimming its coat if needed , bathing it, and keeping it aesthetic. It is important to provide extensive obedience and socialization training to your puppy at a young age to make it grow into a well-mannered adult. Make sure you train your pet using the most effective methodologies to make it retain the commands taught. Labrador Retriever Vet Care Expenses In India Once you bring a Labrador Retriever home, it is important to make regular vet visits for health checkups, vaccination, and preventive care. Ignoring these checkups can make your Lab puppy more susceptible to health complications that could have been avoided. This cost will go down as your pet gets older. When it comes to bringing an adorable Lab puppy home, there are two alternatives you can choose from: buying the puppy from a pet shop or approaching a dog breeder. Going to a responsible dog breeder in India is a preferred option as it makes your journey to be a Lab parent better. A trusted dog breeder will provide you with all the necessary information about Labrador Retrievers, from health considerations and dietary needs to exercising routine and behavioral traits. Getting A Healthy Labrador A dog breeder pays keen attention to the health of every Labrador on their farm. A breeder ensures that the dogs they breed are free from congenital health complications. You can also ask the right questions to the dog breeders in India to confirm that the furry friend you purchase is fit and fine! Dog breeders possess complete knowledge about the entire history of Labrador Retrievers. This helps you understand your pet better and become a better Lab parent. Meeting them gives you an idea about how your Labrador Retriever will look when it gets older. All you need to do is give them your preferences regarding the Lab puppy you are looking for and trust them with the rest. They will do their best to ensure that you receive precisely the puppy you were looking for. Extensive Support Our team of experts at Premium Pet House provides you with extensive and personalized support throughout your journey of becoming a Labrador parent. From the moment you get in touch with us, we resolve your queries and guide you along the way as you choose the cutest Lab puppy for you and your loved ones! Multiple Choices Premium Pet House does not limit your choices by giving you a handful of options. We put multiple Lab puppies at your disposal and help you choose the best option. Responsible Labrador Breeding We love the cute little Lab puppies just as much as you do! None of our team members indulges in any unethical or unsafe breeding practices to bring Labrador Retriever puppies to you. All the Labradors and their puppies living on our farms are kept in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. Rest assured that your pet will be leading a happy and comfortable life before you bring it home! Being the breeders and sellers of dogs, we keep the prices as low as possible to let you overcome any difficulty in making a purchase. Irrespective of where you live, we offer the best prices for Labrador puppies across the country. The breed is known for its pleasant personality that instantly makes it likable. Lab puppies are affectionate and become good friends with everyone they meet. As long as you behave nicely with them, they will have nothing but love for you! Moreover, Labradors are not aggressive at all. No matter how old your Lab is, it will always act like a sweet little puppy. They Are Fast Learners Labrador Retrievers are blessed with high intelligence, making them fast learners. Giving obedience and socialization training to your Lab puppy will not be difficult as it will learn your commands without a lot of repetitions. However, make sure you train your pet while it is still young and capable of forming new habits. Being water dogs, Labrador Retrievers love spending time in the water. Apart from playing games in the water, a Labrador can simply laze around in a pool and spend a considerable amount of time swimming with you. A Labrador definitely makes a family trip to a beach complete with its unconditional love for water! Labradors Are Playful And Protective If you are looking for a playmate that is also immensely protective of you, getting a Lab puppy home is the best choice! Labrador Retrievers possess child-like energies that make them playful and fun companions. It is difficult to have a dull moment around a Labrador. The breed is also very protective of its owner and their family. Best Exercising Buddies! If you have been looking for the right motivation to start exercising and build a healthy routine, your Labrador will help you sweat it out every day! Thanks to their history of being bred for accompanying hunters, Labradors have high energy that makes them the best exercising buddies you can ever have! Your Lab puppy will love joining you for a morning walk, jog, or run as you develop a healthy exercise routine. The child-like personalities of Labradors are an ideal match for the kids in your house. Bringing a Lab puppy home is no less than a beautiful gift for your children! You can leave the two parties with each other and watch them have the time of their lives! Labs make wonderful family pets as they can get along with everyone in your family. From a toddler to a senior citizen, everyone is bound to get charmed by your Labrador Retriever once you bring it home with you! Labradors Are Cooperative With Other Pets If you are bringing a Lab puppy home to other pets or bring other pets home to a Labrador, you can rest assured that your Labrador Retriever will not cause any trouble. Labs are very cooperative with other pets and consider them as family members. Their even temperament and lovable personality lead to cordial behavior with other pets, no matter which breed they belong to. If trained well, a Labrador can even live happily with a cat in the same house. Twice a year, your Labrador Retriever will blow its coat, leading to dog hair everywhere in your house. If you are allergic to dog hair, you might want to think twice before bringing a Labrador Retriever home. However, heavy shedding can be controlled by grooming your pet regularly. The skin of your pet produces natural oils that end up giving a peculiar dog smell. Moreover, the years of a Labrador Retriever give off a yeasty smell. However, if the smell gets too strong, make sure you take your Lab to a vet for a checkup as it may be due to skin or dental infections. The double coat of your Labrador Retriever will block the odor, making them smell more than most breeds. Daily Exercising Needs Labradors are high-energy dogs that have been used by hunters for several years. They need their daily dose of exercise to remain fit and healthy. Once you bring an adorable Labrador Retriever home, take it out on at least two minute walks every day. As the food intake of these dogs is also pretty high, it is important for them to burn their calories to prevent health issues like obesity. While food acts as a key motivator while training a Lab puppy, the motivation may also become too strong when the puppy grows up. Never make the mistake of leaving food open and available to an adult Labrador as it will never know when to stop. Overeating can make your Labrador obese and lead to a host of health complications. Watch what your pet eats and structure its diet to give it a long and healthy life. Prone To Separation Anxiety While Labrador Retrievers love spending time with their owners, their love often turns into separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. They are not the kind of dogs you tie outside your house. They need human company and love spending time with you. Leaving them alone can make them feel useless and lonely. Always ensure that your Lab puppy has someone to keep it company. They Need Space Labradors often need space to walk around due to their size and energy. You cannot and should not keep your pet confined in a closed space for too long. If you are planning to bring a Lab puppy home, make sure you have enough space for it when it grows up. If you live in a small apartment, make sure you take your Labrador out more often to help it move around freely. They are food-motivated dogs who will never say no to anything that is edible! Always ensure that your Labrador Retriever eats well without going overboard, irrespective of how old it is. It is also important to be mindful of the number of meals you feed your Labrador Retriever. Here is the dietary routine you should follow while feeding your Lab at different stages of its life: Up To 2 Months When your Labrador Retriever is still a puppy, it is advisable to feed it four meals per day. This is the stage where your pet does the most of its growing up. Unlike most other breeds, it is not advisable to free-feed your Labrador at this age. Labradors tend to eat a lot at all ages and you should not give them more food than what is absolutely necessary. Over 6 Months By the time your Labrador turns six months old, you should reduce its food intake to two meals per day. Do not give your Lab unlimited access to food and track what it eats all day. While a few dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others continue living a normal life. Labradors with this condition should not be bred any further. Elbow dysplasia leads to joint laxity and painful lameness. Cataracts Like humans, Labradors are also susceptible to cataracts. While they do not impair vision, they do lead to severe vision loss in dogs. It is not a major issue and your pet will recover from it in a few days. Ear infections This breed of dog office from ear infections because of the breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria. Hence, they are always recommended to clean their ears and keep them dry. It starts with your Labrador Retriever getting night-blind and makes it lose daytime vision over time. The health issue manifests itself in your pet by making it tired and stiff as it walks. You may also see your Lab puppy collapse during training or exercise sessions. While there is no treatment to fully cure myopathy in dogs, the best way to tackle is to keep your Labrador warm and at rest. Epilepsy This is another common health issue your Labrador can encounter, leading to mild or severe seizures. The fits can be identified by noticing your pet running around frantically as if it is being chased. If you notice such seizures in your pet, take it to a vet at once. Joint problems Labradors commonly suffer from the disease of joint problems especially at the elbow and at the hip regions. This health issue is also known as elbow or hip dysplasia. The conditions are severe because it starts affecting the joints and stop the normal movement of the body. These health issues are also responsible for inducing pain and prohibition of movement of all the body parts especially the elbow and legs. Obesity and Bloat These two health issues are quite severe for Labrador dogs. Unhealthy eating habits are highly responsible for affecting dogs severely. The stomach gets twisted or becomes swelled when the eating habits are compromised at regular intervals. Hence, feed them regularly with healthy meals. Interesting Facts About Labrador Retrievers Before you welcome the most adorable Lab puppy in the world, here are a few interesting facts that will make you fall in love with the breed even more: Labradors Almost Went Extinct A breed that is extremely popular today was once on the verge of extinction. During the s, families living in Newfoundland were asked to pay taxes to own dogs. Moreover, they were only allowed to keep one dog per family. As female dogs were taxed more, people stopped keeping them altogether, leading to a sharp decline in the Labrador Retriever numbers in Newfoundland. Fortunately, the breed found a resurgence in the UK, preventing it from going extinct. Labradors have lived interesting lives! It was given a life sentence without parole for murdering the cat. Ultimately, it lived in the Eastern State Penitentiary for ten years. This quality has made them the best choices for hunting and fetching. They Are Practically Waterproof Labradors are popular around the world because of their love for water. With their webbed feet and waterproof coats, they are built to thrive in the water! Their double coat insulates them from water and prevents them from getting cold even while swimming in cold weather conditions. When they come out of the water, the coat instantly skims all the water off with a simple jerk, making them dry almost instantly. Breeding a single Labrador can lead to puppies sporting colors like black, chocolate, and yellow. This is another reason why it is better to get a Lab puppy from dog breeders as they are bound to have dogs with a variety of different coat colors. Let us explore some interesting facts about them. The labrador retriever is a highly skilled and cute puppy that is famous for its intelligence. The lifespan of these puppies is about 11 to 12 years. There are three prominent colors of the coat of the Labrador retriever puppies that include yellow, chocolate, and black. Their eyes keep on sparkling and possess a mischievous personality. These are the finest bred of the puppies which are readily available across all counties including India. We have found that these dogs are highly easy to train and we need low maintenance costs yearly. Hence their affordability is the prime factor behind purchasing them. They always love to please the trainers and that is the reason why we can easily train them and get full control. These are quite friendly and have dynamic features that enhance their visual appearance. They sometimes act over smart since they have the special ability to learn to do daily activities which investing many efforts. They can easily learn how to open the door of the refrigerator and how to take out things from the shelf after noticing the activities of the owner. You can maintain healthy relation with them by investing a good amount of time and try to reduce giving instructions all the time since they get irritated by such acts. After observing the behavior with keen interest and observation, we have found out that food is the weakness of such a dog breed. We can administer them for rigorous training by providing sufficient food at regular intervals. The training becomes smoother and hence we can make them learn new tricks every day concerning the procedures of safeguarding the home and the family members. We also need to pay concern about the diet schedule because if they are overly fed, it may lead to health issues. Therefore, the Lab puppy price in India is extremely cheap for any common individual along with that he or she can take the best care by gathering the required provisions.

She is looking for her forever home that will take her on a run and adventures. She loves swimming, playing, cuddling. She is very athletic and will make an excellent working dog or family dog. Penelope is up to date on her vaccinations and Akc registerable. About her parents, Sir Odin lbs and Dam Freya 85lbs. Odin is the offspring of Jaeger that is highly trained and originated from a well-known breeder who provide working dogs for the police and the military. Odin is a water loving and protective addition to the family. Great attitude and attention to our little kids and we know that they are safe outside with him around. Freya has strong qualities, she is the perfect guard dog and mother. She loves our children and watches them like her own. Abous us, we breed exclusively high quality black german shepherds, our dogs are large with straight back. We have multiple generations on site free of hip dysplasia issues or genetic diseases. We guarantee a healthy puppy! Check our big family of shepherds at xxx. To become Penelope forever home, please call or text xxx. Like his ol'man, he has a great affinity with our son and loves to be a lap dog. Always looking for attention and ready to please. He will be a great addition as a companion or baby sitter. He received a complete nose to tail vet check and his vaccinations are up to date. About his parents, Sir Odin lbs and Dam Freya 85lbs. Chase is AKC registerable. We breed exclusively high quality black german shepherds, our dogs are large with straight back. To become Chase's forever family or for more questions, please call or text at xxx. Mom and Dad on site. She is 10 months old. She has superior recall and is looking for a best friend. We were going to keep them but that need more attention than we can give them. AKC registered. She has an excellent drive and will make a great working dog or family dog. She will grow to be over 90lbs. She had her complete nose to tail vet check and her vaccinations are up to date. Sir Jaeger lbs and Dam Freya 85lbs. Jaeger is highly trained and originated from a well-known breeder who provide working dogs for the police and the military. AKC registration available. We breed exclusively high quality black german shepherds, our dogs are large 85lbs and above and exclusively with straight back. Transportation available for an additional fee. Tasha is ready for her forever home, contact us to meet her at xxx. He shows a fine drive potential and will make a great working dog or family dog. He will grow to be over 95lbs. He had a complete nose to tail vet check and his vaccinations are up to date. AKC registration and microchip available. To meet Ranger and ask about shipping arrangement please call at xxx. We have both parents on site part of our family. Rehoming fee applies, just to ensure they go to a great home! Five males and four females. They were born July 19, so they are twelve weeks old as of today September 18, .We are eagerly looking for their forever homes. They have their first set of shots. Price is firm. We are in the Dallas Fort Worth Area. Please contact us through email for additional photos. These babies need homes!! They will come with first round of shots. They were born july 19th! He has heavy bones, a big beautiful head, and dark red pigment. Oz has a great temperament. He has an amazing pedigree full of VA world champions with too many to list. His father won several shows in Europe before he was imported to the US. He is the son of the VA world champion Willas Grafenbrunn. Contact us for more information. They born July 18, and they got their shots and deworner by Vet. They are ready for their forever homes. These pups are from top World class bloodline. Platon has won several shows, and he is the son of the famous VA Iliano Fichtenschlag. These pups will come with a2 year hip and elbow health guarantee, foreign registration, small bag of puppy food, and will be current on all vaccines. They will be ready for her new home in August. We are taking deposits to reserve your pup. Too many VA world champion dogs in their pedigree to list them all. We have raised Jack in our home around our family and kids. Jack is dark red and black with a beautiful coat. Jack has heavy bones. Both parents are hip and elbow certified. Jack is ready for his new home and he is current on all vaccinations and he will come with a2 year health warranty. He is the pick of the litter. He has heavy bones with big head. He has a beautiful dark mask. He is a gorgeous boy. He will be attending a national sieger show next week. He has been house trained. He has started on basic obedience training. He comes from a long line of champion VA dogs. Temperhoeve and VA Honda von Panoniansee. His father is a youth champion in Europe and a top 10 ranked male in the US. His grandfather is the famous 2 time VA1 Ballack von der Bruckenalle who is no longer available for breeding in Europe since he was sold to China. Felon looks like his ggrandfather Ballack. Felon has am amazing temperament and he wants to please you. He is very smart. He will excel in any situation. He will come with a2 year health warranty, small bag of puppy food, akc registration, litter certificate? He is up to date on all of his vaccinations. Contact us for more information at xxxxxxxxxx or visit our website at xxx. Our dogs are hand picked from top German breeders and are from world class West German bloodlines. We are conveniently located 40 miles from Ft. Worth and approximately one hour from Dallas TX. We are proud of our Kaiser facility and all of our outstanding dogs. Each of them is a special part of our family. It takes a great deal of experience, education, and knowledge about the breed to successfully produce world class German Shepherds. My husband Paul and I work together to ensure the highest breed standards are met. Our goal is to continue to not only meet those standards but to improve the breed. They are hand picked from top German breeders and are imported. They are from top West German bloodlines. Selective breeding program to produce superior offspring. We produce a limited number of litters each year in order to personally assure the very best care possible. Healthy puppies and adult dogs is a top priority to us. Our adult dogs have been DNA tested for degenerative myelopathy. Their hips and elbows have been certified as normal. We do a great amount of education with our new puppy owners regarding GSD growth and development, health maintenance, the importance of ongoing socialization and many other important topics about the GSD breed. We make it a practice to stay in touch with our puppy owners for ongoing education and support. We love to see our pups grow into amazing adult dogs as part of a loving family home! We also have a professional trainer available. She has worked with many of our puppies and their new families with outstanding results. She is warm, patient and loves what she does. She is careful and has a loving touch for her puppies; each one captures her heart. She has been extremely helpful to us when we have not been certain about next steps for our pup. Kaiser is not a puppy factory, but a caring, loving, thoughtful, and well read about the German Shepherd breed. So grateful for Terri and Kaiser pups! Our commitment to to the breed! The German Shepherd Dog is an exceptional dog. GSDs are able to perform at a high level in many different skills and duties: search and recuse, nose work, protection, herding, service work and sport work, all while being loyal and loving pets. A GSD will always have your back! Unfortunately, poor breeding has created many genetically flawed and sick dogs. These genetically flawed dogs break hearts and bank accounts and destroy the standard of the breed. Our breeding program is committed to providing genetically sound, clear in the head, true to the breed dogs, both in body and mind. All our breeding dogs are genetically tested for disease markers to ensure that they will not be subjected to these diseases. All our dogs go though hip and elbow testing and all are titled in Schutzhund or AKC or are certified in police disciplines. Our breeding stock are all imported or from imported stock and have outstanding lineage. From a Medal of Honor winner and IPO3-titled dog to a certified narcotics detection and patrol service dog - our GSDs come from highly awarded lines, true to the breed and clear in the head. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Nuckols Canines.

As a result of its genetic makeup as a cross between two dog breeds and pups may have an ultimate size that is difficult to predict. These puppies are enormous and develop quickly, so you may be wondering how much to feed a Goldendoodle puppy. What is the recommended daily amount of food for a Goldendoodle puppy? Most Goldendoodle pups need to be fed anywhere from 2 to 4 times a day, with each feeding consisting of around a third of a cup to as much as four cups of food, although this varies greatly with age and size, and type. Puppies develop rapidly, thus their dietary needs, including the amount and frequency of their meals, evolve with them. Keep in mind that this is not a question with a universally correct answer. Also remember that Miniature, medium, and standard Goldendoodles will have different feeding needs. Goldendoodle Puppy Feeding Chart There is a lot of nuance involved in feeding a Goldendoodle puppy since their nutritional requirements change with their age, size, and degree of activity. To do so, just divide the weight in pounds by 2. With this method, you may roughly estimate how many calories your Goldendoodle need each day when at rest. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. They need to be with the mother and the rest of the litter, putting on weight healthily. You should count on them sleeping for the most of the day and moving just for brief periods. The best way to get them adjusted to the new routine is to feed them three to four little meals a day, gradually increasing the quantity and lowering the wetness. You should begin by giving them a quarter to a half cup of a soft, moistened puppy chow every meal. You should modify the dose according to their weight and hunger levels. Reduce the quantity of food at first, and then gradually increase it to three or four small meals per day of dry puppy food. You can bank on them being a lot more self-reliant and inquisitive. Make the necessary adjustments according to their weight and degree of exercise. Give them lots of chances to play and interact with others, and take them on short walks. Goldendoodles are prone to becoming overweight, so watch how much food you give them. Choose a suitable quantity by considering their weight and degree of physical activity and breed size. Keep close track of their weight to determine the appropriate dosage. Make sure they have much to do physically and mentally to keep them from becoming bored and acting out. Learn the basics and begin interacting with others. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety in your Goldendoodle. This depends on breed size. Keep up with their education and socializing, and give them plenty of chances to play and exercise. Pay attention to how active they are feeling and feed them appropriately. Never stop encouraging physical activity, intellectual challenge, and social interaction. Make necessary adjustments based on their weight gain or loss. To maintain their health and happiness, provide them frequent opportunities for physical activity, fun, and intellectual challenge. Inspect your Goldendoodle often for indications of joint pain. Taking them to the vet on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining their health. Understanding Goldendoodle Puppy Nutritional Needs Puppies of the goldendoodle breed should be fed a healthy, well-rounded diet to ensure their optimal development and growth. Depending on their age, height, and amount of activity, a Goldendoodle puppy typically needs to 1, calories per day. Keep in mind that there are three different sized Goldendoodles. The smaller dogs would thus consume much less food. They need to eat a balanced diet of nutritious proteins, fats, and complex carbs. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the healthy development of Goldendoodle pups. Healthy growth of bones, the immune system, and the brain all depend on these nutrients. To avoid obesity and encourage good digestion, pups should be given three to four modest meals each day rather than one or two big ones. This aids in controlling portion sizes and facilitating proper digestion. Because of their small stomachs, puppies need regular feedings to keep them energized and healthy. As your puppy gets older, you may cut down on the frequency of feedings and boost the amount of each meal. Kibble may aid in dental hygiene by scraping plaque and tartar off the teeth while the puppy eats. Picky eaters could be more enticed by wet food, and pups with dental issues or missing teeth might find it simpler to digest. In addition, you should make sure that the food is formulated for pups and prepared with high-quality components. Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food Depending on their size and breed, you should transition your Goldendoodle puppy from puppy food to adult food between the ages of 12 and 18 months. You should start with a little quantity of adult food and puppy food mixed together, and then gradually increase the amount of adult food while lowering the amount of puppy food. This ease of adjustment may reduce digestive issues. When a Goldendoodle puppy stops eating, the first thing to do is to rule out any serious health problems. Feeding smaller meals more often, warming the food with water or chicken broth, or trying a new brand or taste of food are all options. Overfeeding, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues are all possible outcomes of free-feeding a Goldendoodle puppy. Because of their tiny stomachs, puppies need frequent feedings to keep them energized and promote their healthy development. Picky eating may be avoided and good eating habits can be established with a regular meal plan. Instead of two big meals, Goldendoodle pups should be fed three or four smaller meals a day. If you decide to free-feed your Goldendoodle puppy, keep careful tabs on how much they are eating so that you may alter their portions as they grow. Medium breed dogs require a high-energy diet throughout their brief growing phase. Prebiotic components improve for good digestion Unique kibble design 2. For a well-balanced diet, including more natural meats dogs love and healthy grains. This puppy food is designed to build strong, lean muscles and improve brain and eye health with taurine. DHA and ARA promote healthy growth and development, while LifeSource Bits provide a perfect combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost the immune system. It also lacks maize, soy, wheat, animal byproducts, and artificial tastes. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, for immune system No grains, maize, wheat, soy, meat by-products, or artificial flavors Taurine in the for eyes and brains. Introducing our tailored nutrition for medium breed puppies — a food designed to ensure your puppy receives the right amount of nutrients during their growth period. Divide the total number of calories that your dog will consume in a day into two or three meals. Give him some of these lesser amounts multiple times throughout the course of the day at various intervals. Here is a guide to what you should be feeding your goldendoodle puppy based on its age. During the first five to twelve weeks of their lives, young goldendoodle puppies need to consume at least three and sometimes even more meals every day in order to meet their nutritional needs. In order to accomplish this, you will need to split the total amount of food into three equal portions, using a goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule that is given with their food product, and then feed it to them at a variety of different times throughout the day. As your dog gets older, you should gradually reduce the number of meals it receives each day until you get to twice a day. This transition should take between three and twelve months. Dogs who are at least a year old are considered adults and should be fed in the normal manner of two portions per day. You are going to need to cut their nutritional requirements in half. The hours of seven in the morning, twelve in the middle of the day, and five in the afternoon are often reserved for feeding goldendoodle puppies. If you truly need to make some alterations to your mealtime schedule, it is acceptable for you to opt to give your puppy more than three meals per day. Before you go to bed, make sure to give the dog ample time to digest the meal and then eliminate it in the bathroom. Another alternative is to leave enough food out for your dog to consume throughout the day. Controlling the amount of food served to your goldendoodle puppy is vital if you want to make sure it gets the appropriate amount of calories for its age and size. How to feed goldendoodle puppy Your Goldendoodle puppy will need a healthy, well-balanced diet to reach its full growth potential and maintain its high level of activity throughout the day. You can feed your Goldendoodle puppy one of two different kinds of food. You may either buy dog food in a bag or cook it up fresh every day. As a precaution against nutritional deficiencies, many pet owners prefer to give their canines commercial dog food. Your Goldendoodle will thrive on a diet rich in protein and fat from strong sources, so keep that in mind as you shop. Packaged foods should include an ingredient list for items that contain two or more types of beef proteins. Fish and meat. Either fish or beef feed can count as an acceptable source of protein so long as those two components come first on the ingredient list. As a consequence of this, the meal contains very few additives or carbs, which suggests that meat is one of the most important components of any dog meal. Protein can typically be found in dog food in the form of peas, beans, and various other types of protein-rich vegetables. In addition to beef and chicken, other types of protein and fiber that are beneficial for pups include all grains and green vegetables. They contribute very little in the way of nutrients and are therefore frequently used as fillers. Talking to the veterinarian who cares for your dog is the best way to get a more accurate picture of the amount of food that your Goldendoodle ought to be eating. When should you change the goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule to an adult one? You are going to have to wean your puppy off of puppy food and transition him over to a mature dog diet instead so that he can get all the nutrients he needs. The size of a breed is an important factor to consider when feeding a puppy, and this stage of development is no exception. Because larger strains require longer maturing, it is possible that they will require some puppy food for up to two years. On average, dogs should start eating food formulated for adults between the ages of one and two years old. If you are uncertain of how to handle the transition and how you can make it less traumatic for your dog, you should seek the opinion of the veterinarian who treats the dog if you feel unsure of how to handle the situation. Goldendoodles are also susceptible to a number of health problems resulting from unnatural eating patterns. Illnesses that are commonly seen in Goldendoodles are caused by poor diet, and they include: The Deformity of the Hip Joint Both forms of hip dysplasia result from improper growth of the hip joint. Your dog may have trouble climbing stairs or running around if he or she is afflicted with hip dysplasia. In some dogs, this can result in paralysis. Goldendoodles should maintain a healthy weight to prevent hip dysplasia, which is more common and has more severe symptoms in obese dogs. You can do this by developing a goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule that keeps the amount of food the puppy receives in check. Patellar Dislocation It is not uncommon for a dog to experience a dislocation or partial dislocation of the patella. Stumbling and pain could result from a dislocated patella. Some of the discomfort associated with patella luxation can be mitigated by keeping your dog at a healthy weight. FAQ 1. To prevent your puppy from becoming overweight or malnourished, you should give it two-thirds of a cup of puppy meal each day. How Often Should Goldendoodles be Fed? It is recommended that you give your puppy food three to four times per day. Therefore, it will be able to sleep soundly all night long. It normally takes puppies between five and thirty minutes after eating to defecate. Apply the guidelines on our meal chart to your dog. Conclusion There you have it! It may seem like a lot to take in, but your little guy is worth the effort. These guidelines are going to set him up for the healthiest life possible and make the first few weeks go a lot more smoothly for both of you. Remember, any time there is a question, always consult your veterinarian. Related Posts. While free-feeding is generally okay when feeding your puppy, it is wise to introduce a feeding routine at around 13 weeks old. As for adult Goldendoodles, you can feed them one meal in the morning and another in the evening. This should be enough to make them feel full throughout the day. Senior Goldendoodles, on the other hand, can be fed once in the morning or once at night. If your dog still prefers two meals, you can feed them similarly as you would an adult. While on the topic of optimal feeding time, it is also important to know when to give treats to your dog. Usually, it is best to give treats to your pooch in between meals — not right before and not right after. Preferably, you should only use treats to reward your dog. In turn, this will also affect their potty schedule and interfere with the balanced diet they should be getting. Always remember that you can tweak these optimal feeding times so that it fits your lifestyle better. However, it is best to feed them around the same time each day. They love any food and can eat almost anything you serve. However, it is still essential to know the best foods to give your Goldendoodle. Providing the best kinds of food for your dog is not only good for their health, but it also helps preserve some of their best features, such as their hypoallergenic trait and calm disposition. Wet food is easier to chew than dry food and is suitable for dogs with weak teeth, senior dogs, sick dogs, or dehydrated dogs. Wet food is arguably the best puppy food. Its flavor and softness are excellent for developing teeth. Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is the most convenient food to serve your dog. In addition, dry food is also one of the best food choices for a Goldendoodle as it is excellent for their dental health. Dry food prevents tartar buildup and gum disease and promotes stronger teeth. Kibble is best for adult Goldendoodles as their teeth are as strong as it gets. Some ingredients you should look for when choosing kibble are chicken fat, flaxseed, omega-3, and meat protein. There are also grain-free options if your dog prefers those. This consists of raw meat, bones, fish meal, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. Feeding your Goldendoodle a raw diet reduces the use of commercial dog foods that have added preservatives and unhealthy processed foods. BARF diet has been proven to bring health benefits such as healthier and shinier skin and coat, good dental health, fewer ear infections, and less odor in Goldendoodles. Plus, Goldendoodles like the taste of raw food! Homemade Diet: A homemade diet is very much acceptable for Goldendoodles. They can thrive with this diet as long as proper nutrients are provided. Make sure to supply them with the six key nutrients a dog needs — protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Preparing a homemade meal is also much cheaper. Moreover, it also gives you more control over what your dog consumes. Likewise, a Goldendoodle with an underlying health condition might be better off with a homemade diet. In addition, some Goldendoodles may benefit from specific kinds of foods or supplements that are tailored for their coat color. To learn more about Goldendoodle coat colors, read our comprehensive guide on the topic. On some occasions, the generation of a Goldendoodle can also affect the best diet for it. In conclusion, the best dog food is always on a case-to-case basis. Consult a vet if you want to be sure! These dogs are prone to bloating and often have different allergies to food. Certain foods cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in these dogs. Some of the most dangerous foods for your Goldendoodle are grapes, raisins, and prunes. These three foods contain an unknown toxic substance that can trigger major problems such as choking and kidney failure. Cherries are also notorious for your Goldendoodle. Its pits, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide , a poisonous substance that can cause an upset stomach. Soda is not just unhealthy for humans but for dogs as well. The carbonation and sugar levels of soda can be hard for dogs to handle. It can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, excessive flatulence , and diarrhea. Moreover, as we all know, chocolate is toxic to Goldendoodles. It contains a xanthine compound known as theobromine , which dogs cannot digest and metabolize. Needless to say, keep your Goldendoodle away from chocolate! But if your dog happens to consume chocolate and shows signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, and increased heart rate, visit the nearest vet immediately. Onions and garlic should also be kept away from Goldendoodle because these contain a thiosulphate compound. This compound may cause discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, any food with a high level of sugar and salt is bad for your Goldendoodle. Salty foods will dehydrate your dog, and excessively sweet foods can cause diabetes. It is a good habit to also check the sugar and salt levels of any food you give to your Goldendoodles. Other harmful foods are macadamia nuts, walnuts, raw or undercooked food, coffee, dairy products, citrus fruits, and avocados. Luckily for you, Goldendoodles are generally not picky eaters. The ideal time for the transitioning period is around 10 days. Do this until your Goldendoodle is comfortable enough to try completely new food. Refer to the table below for a more detailed breakdown of transitioning your dog to a new food: Day. The Proper Care and Feeding of Goldendoodles Feb 14 Written By Skye Parker There are a lot of different factors you should consider when you are thinking about the right food and the right amount. Like their age, how much they weigh, or what to do if your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. We will talk about the different ages of puppies and how much to feed them as they grow older. We will talk about the different options for dog food and what you should get and avoid. It's also essential to think about what to do in different situations where you have a picky eater or what to do if they ever get sick. When your Goldendoodle is younger, you will need to feed them more often than when they get older; they will eat less at a time too. Anytime you are transitioning your puppies' feeding options, whether it's giving them more, switching brands, or from puppy food to dog food, you will want to do it gradually. For a while, you will mix the two. If you make a sudden change in their diet, it could cause stomach problems for your Goldendoodle. Transitioning will usually take about days. Standard Goldendoodles will need cups per day. This is an excellent guide to follow; however, all dogs are different, and if your dog ever acts hungry or aggressive constantly, this is a sign that you should increase their eating portion. If you can ever see your Goldendoodles' ribs, that is a strong indication that they need more food. Most dogs will stop eating when they get full, but it is still better to have set feeding times throughout the day rather than having one big meal available at all times. Foods That are Unhealthy or Poisonous for Goldendoodles There are a few foods that we may eat regularly that aren't healthy for Goldendoodles. This is very important to know of the foods to be mindful of. Grapes or raisins: These can cause your Goldendoodle to choke, and they will have a hard time digesting them. This also includes prunes. Dairy Products: When dairy products are given in large amounts, it can mess with the digestive system. Dogs' bodies are not used to processing dairy, which could cause problems if they have a lot. However, even though it's best to avoid this, a small amount is acceptable. Cherries: This might seem like a weird thing to be on this list, but they are toxic to Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. Any foods that are raw or uncooked could cause salmonella and other diseases. You should also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. Soda: This isn't the best for humans and even worse for dogs. They don't do very well with carbonation or high amounts of sugar. Chocolate: This is the most commonly known food that is toxic for all dogs, and it is accurate. Whether dark or light chocolate, dogs don't react well to this food. Coffee, avocado, onions, and garlic are all foods Goldendoodles should avoid eating. Any salty foods are not healthy for your dog either. It can cause them to get sick and dehydrated. Foods with a lot of sugar or even constantly providing food containing sugar can cause your dog to get diabetes. You don't have to change your Goldendoodles diet when they get sick, but most vets will recommend switching to white rice and chicken for their meals when they're ill or after surgery. When you are preparing this meal for your pup, you will want to give them only white meat with all bones and fat removed. As for the rice, people will usually say brown rice is healthier because it has more grains, but white rice is easier for them to digest when they are sick. Boil the chicken like you usually would until cooked. Then drain the water, pull off all bones and fat, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. As for the rice, you can boil it like you usually would or use the chicken broth from the chicken earlier. However you decide to prepare it, do not use any seasonings; these can be toxic for your puppy and worsen the condition. When deciding how much to give your puppy, use a one-to-two ratio. You will also want to check the temperature of the food to ensure they don't get burnt. Feeding a Picky Goldendoodle If your Goldendoodle is a picky eater, the solution is usually a quick fix. The common reasons for being picky could be that they are fed too often, they lack physical activities, receiving too many treats, or if your dog is stressed or sick. These are reasonable causes for a picky eater; they also have easy fixes. If you follow all of the guidelines brought out in this article, you will be sure to have a healthy and happy Goldendoodle. Their diet affects their behavior a lot more than some people may realize. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, you can visit our available puppies page. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame. A quantity of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs. Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized in one area or generalized all over the body. Occasionally, there may be watery release from the eyes or nose. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle puppy? Feel about its ribs — you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. You can also ask the breeder who sold you the puppy to see if they have any suggestions. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time. Since puppies grow fast, the importance and frequency of meals change as they develop. Summary Feeding a Goldendoodle can both be difficult and comfortable at the same time. Since they are not choosy eaters, these dogs can adapt well to new meals. The downside is that the Goldendoodle manages to have an acute stomach. This means you have to be alert about what you give your puppy. Remember, satisfied dogs are the healthful ones. If your Goldendoodle is overfed, it can lead to a host of health problems. Here are some signs that your Goldendoodle may be overfed. Similarly, underfeeding your Goldendoodle will cause it to become incredibly skinny, and it will be more prone to getting sick. This is why you need to strike that balance when feeding your pup. Feeding Chart for Goldendoodles Here, we present to you a feeding chart for Goldendoodles of different ages. They are energetic and playful, and they make great family pets. Goldendoodles typically reach their full adult size between 8 and 12 months old, but they can continue to grow until they are two years old. During this time, it is important to feed them the right amount of food to help them grow at a healthy rate. This will help to ensure that they get the nutrients they need without gaining too much weight. Goldendoodles are active dogs, so be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise as well. With the proper care, Goldendoodles can be happy and healthy pets for many years to come. When they are aged months, they should be fed three cups a day. If they start to gain too much weight, reduce their portion sizes. If they start to lose weight, increase their portion sizes. Feeding a Goldendoodle is not difficult but requires some attention and care. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle stays healthy and happy. This should be split into two meals, with no more than 1. With the right food and care, your Goldendoodle will stay healthy and happy for years to come! Plus, all that fur means they tend to lose a lot of body heat, so they need extra calories to stay warm. Of course, every dog is different, so you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Goldendoodle. But as a general rule of thumb, cups a day is a good amount of food for an adult Goldendoodle. What Foods Should You Feed Your Goldendoodles Here are some of the best food choices for Goldendoodles: Dog food based on meat and vegetables: This type of food is packed with nutrients that your Goldendoodle needs to stay healthy. This type of food is designed specifically for puppies and contains all the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Grain-free food: Some Goldendoodles have grain sensitivities, so grain-free food is a good option for them. This type of food is also generally easier for dogs to digest. Which Food Types Are Bad for Goldendoodles While Goldendoodles are generally known for being one of the most food-friendly dog breeds, there are still some foods that they should avoid. The worst food for Goldendoodles is actually quite a common one: chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress or even kidney damage. Signs Your Goldendoodle Has a Bad Stomach Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can sometimes suffer from stomach problems. Sometimes stomach issues can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet, but other times they can be indicative of a more serious problem. If your dog is lethargic, has a loss of appetite, or is vomiting blood or bile, these are all signs that something more serious may be going on, and you should seek veterinary care immediately. This unfortunately is common in the Poodle breed and Lexie at a 8 years old just had a near death experience with this issue! So, how much should you feed your mini Goldendoodle puppy? Depending on his breed, activity level, and size, you may need to adjust the amount of food you are currently giving him. Always remember — puppies need plenty of water to stay hydrated! Related Reading. This means you should avoid leaving food out for them at all times, as they can eat too much and become sick or even develop bloat, which can quickly become deadly. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle Puppy This may seem like a silly question, but it is relevant because the answer is actually not that obvious! You should be able to cover the food with your hand without your puppy making too much fuss. Allow them to start eating. While they are eating, stroke them and pet their heads. This is an excellent time to brush them, too, as they are occupied and not scrambling around. This is an important practice to get them used to your presence and prevent food guarding and aggression. Considering how large Goldendoodles can get even when they are puppies, this is an important part of their training. Next, give your puppy about 15 minutes to eat their food. During this time, they will either eat all of their food or eat until they are full and lose interest in the rest. After 15 minutes is up, remove any of the uneaten food left behind. If your puppy is still eating, then let them finish their food. The number of options can be overwhelming! Hopefully, I can whittle it down for you and make the decision a little easier. The American Kennel Club recommends using premium or high-end puppy food as they typically have a higher nutritional density and are more consistent, whereas cheaper foods can be inconsistent and contain filler products. Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their food should be more nutrient-dense because they can only eat a little bit at a time. Their food will generally be more expensive owing to its quality; however, it should last you longer than a bag of adult food. Just like with adult dog food, you can choose between kibble or solid food, pouches or semi-moist food, or canned soft food. Top Puppy Food Suggestions For Goldendoodles While there are innumerable options out there for you to choose from, I have carefully narrowed them down to three products that I highly recommend for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will grow to be very large and be prone to joint problems, so it is a wise decision to start them on puppy food that will support their growth through the time when they are doing most of it. Here are my three favorite Goldendoodle puppy foods and the features I love about them: Product. One of the most popular dog breeds is the Miniature Goldendoodle. One of the most crucial aspects that affect your Mini Goldendoodle's overall health is its diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that he or she remains healthy and content. Let's talk about how much food a Mini Goldendoodle should eat to maintain a normal weight and get all the nutrients they require. Consider the following when choosing how much to feed your Mini Goldendoodle: Age Compared to adult dogs, puppies have distinct dietary demands. Puppies of the Mini Goldendoodle breed need to eat more often than adult dogs do. They also need a particular kind of dog food specially formulated to encourage their development. Weight The amount of food a Mini Goldendoodle needs will depend on its weight. Obesity and other health issues can result from overeating. Exercise Level More energetic dogs need more calories than less active dogs do, just like us humans. Health Issues Your pets diet may need to vary depending on certain medical concerns. You might need to convert to a specific diet catered to your dog's needs, for instance, if they have food allergies or sensitivities. Recommended Feeding Amounts Your Mini Goldendoodle's calorie needs will vary over time according to their age, weight, and degree of activity. The following are some general guidelines, tips, and tricks: Puppies Mini Goldendoodle pups require more frequent feedings than adult dogs do. This is actually true of most if not all breeds. You can start giving your puppy two meals a day after the first six months. In order to help their digestion, senior dogs may need food that is lower in calories and higher in fiber. The easiest way to decide on the right food quantities for your aging Mini Goldendoodle is to speak with your veterinarian. It is important to remember that these are only broad recommendations and that your Miniature Goldendoodle's nutritional requirements may shift depending on their particular requirements. It's advisable to keep an eye on your dog's weight and modify their food schedule as necessary. Learn more about Mini Goldendoodles:.

These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. Since that seemed unbased in hard science and more on opinion sure, there were a few "science" and research backed studies but nothing convincing: I mean, really, who's actually funding that type of thing, ha ha , I finally shut out the noise and used common sense. Example: My kid slept through the night by three months using no newfangled sleep training techniques! Luckily, he's not emotionally damaged or not attached to me or anything - at least not yet, he's not old enough to blame me for his problems! So, I've been unable to get consistent advice on this whole exercise thing. When did this theory 5-minute rule originate? What formal study was done, using tests and controls to say, "Yes, this is a guideline we saw in XYZ breeds at XYZ ages using XYZ time limits, finding that joint health in senior dogs occurs when this happens? I know, I know, this is my cross to bear as an academically trained researcher and information science person. So, with my 15 week puppy, I've decided to go with common sense. No excessively rough play, no five-mile hikes or jogs, etc. Just good ol' fashioned no-strings-attached fun. Because of my confusion I'm terrified I'm damaging my dog!! Same thing when I was getting my kid to sleep. I draw this parallel because in both instances, the root of each theory was to avoid "damage" in any way. I'm not being inflammatory at all, just it's my response to the conflicting advice I've been hearing. I also know if that's all Mindy got, she'd be miserable! I did read Pippa's book and love the site - this is just my response to it all. I also wonder how many people are truly adhering or even aware of this guideline and still have healthy dogs, or the reverse. Causation can't always be correlation. Any thoughts? Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on.

All our parent dogs are our pets, first and foremost. We love our Doodles so much; we are thrilled to be able to provide deserving families with their furever best friend. We believe a puppy is more then "just a dog" , we are trying to change the way puppy choosing is done. Rather then choosing a pup based solely on appearance, we conduct evaluations to better understand each pups personality, and best living situation, ensuring a perfect match! We truly believe our pups are very special. And stand out from the rest. Our breeding program is a small in home structure. We breed responsibly, as well as in a loving caring, manner. Health and temperament are a main priority; our dogs have been through extensive health testing and are all cleared. Our entire family puts so much love into each and every pup! Including our 3 young kids, who provide multiple daily puppy snuggles, and love. We use the puppy culture program with all our pups, which puts them in the ideal place to thrive in their furever homes. We help with resources for training, pet insurance , and nutrition. The unconditional love, and companionship these beautiful pups bring is indescribable We also use BAB empowered instruction in our program. All will have been seen by our trusted vet, and have undergone puppy evaluations before allowing any selections to be made. Once we have completed these necessary pre-go-home evaluations, we supply this information about each puppy to the clients on the reservation list. At Western MA Doodles, we allow clients to make informed choices on go home day in order of their spot on the reservation list. Some breeders choose to match each individual puppy with a specific client, not allowing them to choose. Neither approach is right or wrong, but it is important in either case that clients have all of the information they need to evaluate if the puppy will be a good match for their family, and vice versa. It is amazing how almost always my clients choose the puppy I would have matched them with anyway. Human nature is a funny thing. We want to make sure the pup meets their needs and will excel in your household. I offer myself up to clients in advance of go home day and answer any preliminary questions about the puppy evaluations. We hash through the pros and cons of each pup. And a beautiful thing happens. The focus is moved from solely their needs to the pup's, as well. And that is what I want. Clients who consider what is best for the puppy as much as for them, setting up a beautiful, lifelong partnership to heal hearts and change lifes! Truly an amazing, beautiful thing. Winston demonstrates eagerness to please and loves to spend time training. Lee and family do such a great job socializing their pups that Winston acclimated to our household of 3 cats and a 6 year old labradoodle within hours! He is a very loving little guy and clearly had a great start at Berkshire Poodles! Could not have made a better choice in breed of dog and breeder. After only a little over 2 weeks she has blossomed into such a sweetheart. She has continued to amaze me with her intelligence. She was going in and out of crate after 3 days and now I have her actually jumping up at string of bells on door and barking to go out. She has not had an accident in the house in over 5 days. Thank you Lee, for such a wonderful companion. She walked on the leash pretty much like she had been doing it all her life! Got her home and she adapted so quickly! What an awesome pup! Lee and his wife were so kind and accommodating we couldn't ask for a better transition! Would recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great poodle! They obviously love their dogs! Crystal Dewey We really had a good experience with Lee and his father in regards to picking out our puppy and having the information and local references we needed about her health and care. She was an adorable puppy and has turned into a well behaved loving member of the family. She's a beautiful dog too and gets compliments everywhere we go. Ginny Our Pally, now nine months old, is a delight in every way. She is smart, curious and very affectionate. She is never aggressive with anyone, human or canine; she just loves to be companionable and learn new things about the world. She has one weakness: socks. But if you keep your sock drawer closed, she is a practically perfect poodle. Get in touch. Berkshire Poodles. For the adoption application, please click here. Our Mission: 1. What better time than now to bring home a trained puppy? MBD University is now open to anyone who would like to enroll their new or older puppy in our Board and Train Programs! We are based out of Ashby, Massachusetts and welcome customers, by appointment. Here, we invite you to take a tour, learn about how amazing Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are and what makes MBD so incredibly unique! A professional, is a breeder who breeds their own dogs and sells the puppies directly to the customer. We are not a commercial dog breeder and we will never compromise on our very high standards, ever. Two of our top initiatives include; 1. Setting the bar high for all dog breeders everywhere and 2. Educating ALL customers with regard to responsible dog breeding practices. That is our promise. After all, very few of us knew about puppy mills until fairly recently! Did you know that by having an overnight employee at MBD, your puppy receives an additional 2, hours of socialization vs. We offer Turnkey Puppy Training and everything in between. Watch the video demo below! Smiling yet? We have openings on the following all 2. We are also accepting reservations for Spring ! Here is the link to our upcoming availability Google Doc! When you fill out the application, I will respond with personal recommendations based on your preferences. JUST in time for the Holidays! Choose a Bernedoodle that is already trained and ready to go, if available, or choose your own puppy to enroll. Check out this link for more details! Featured in this video, Mocha! Mocha is practicing her training commands with lots of distractions around at Home Depot. She is also being socialized with places, loud noises and KIDS! Yes, you heard right, we will be bringing you Mini Goldendoodles due in October ! The waitlist has just opened for Millie the mellowest Golden Retriever everrrr! Calm, healthy parents make calm, healthy puppies! We have honeymooned for a Mini Goldendoodle litter due Oct. Now is the best time ever to get on this waitlist! Guardian Home Program: We currently have openings in our Guardian Home program for adult doodles! Click here to learn about becoming a MBD Guardian! Graham Memorial Fund! These funds will go towards your pups training and to one of our very own MBD employees starting or heading back to college in Congratulations to Thomas Bianco as the 1st recipient of this award! To California Delivery and more! Instead, we hand deliver each puppy with our very own MBD employees. This way, your puppy is safe for the whole journey and would not be exposed to other puppies that may have illness or parasites. Doodles in Pairs are the best! He traveled all the way to the United Kingdom! We never ship puppies, rather, we deliver our babies personally, with MBD employees, for their safety and your convenience. We will personally deliver your puppy to you! Click here for more information on how we deliver, personally, from MBD to you. We hand deliver these precious puppies from our door to yours and with our own employees! The Furnished puppies are non-shedding while the Unfurnished Bernedoodles may be low shedding. Nature AND Nurture, …. They are, by far, the calmest most loving doodle breed I have ever encountered. Just as every person is unique, so is each Bernedoodle! The variety of colors and patterns are endless BUT the temperament stays consistent and that comes back to choosing great parent dogs. We are the only completely transparent breeder nationwide to offer eight full weeks of live puppy action! Very few breeders offer this unlimited access because puppies poop a lot and they have bigger poops as they get bigger. They are also susceptible to more because, well, their still very young and therefore have immature immune systems. Similar to human babies. They even have poop parties! We are proud of our work here at MBD and we would love for you to be an active part of the journey to bringing your new fur baby home. Having a Guardian Home program is the gold standard for quality of care. We want our parent dogs to be happy and that means no kennels, lots of love, living in a regular home surrounded by amazing people and kids and going to watch them play at their games! They love their babies, like we do, and have a limited number of pregnancies. Five, at the most, if everything goes perfectly. We even have a Guardian club! Happy dogs, happy puppies! With this model, MBD will never become over crowded, dogs would never ever be over bred and they are ALL happy happy happy dogs. To learn more, please visit the guardian page and then e-mail us at Elisa MAbernedoodles. Entertaining, educational and transparent! Our puppies are cuddled and loved by people from the day they are born and you get to see it all! Therefore, I have made the decision to keep the environment for my parent dogs kennel-free in our exclusive MBD doggie daycare! All of our parent dogs either live with guardian families or at MBD! They play together in their groups by day, in one of our six doggie play arenas, and sleep together by night! Some sleep in crates at night in order to maintain their house training but usually my bed is quite full! At MBD, we maintain the highest standard of care for every dog and puppy. They are all very well socialized, much loved and very happy! Doodles in pairs pictured above! The Process: 1. Please take a few moments to explore the website! Learn about Bernedoodles and what makes us unique at MBD! Most of your questions will be answered on this website. Conversely, please also research what a puppy mill is and what it looks like so you can be sure not to buy from a puppy mill. Caution: Extreme cuteness overload may occur and could last several decades. Tendency to become addictive and you may want more than one. .Click here to learn about our puppy pricing and click here to find the 5 minute puppy adoption application. Filling this out will prompt Elisa to reach out to you via email with our upcoming availability. You can go ahead fill out the 5 minute adoption application and place a deposit via the PayPal button on the puppy deposit page. You will receive a confirmation email within business days. PayPal is our deposit method of choice because it offers YOU protection against the many scams out there currently. However, we do accept other payment methods for the balance when you come to choose your puppy! Additional questions? However, on occasion, there are last minute openings! Blue Merle Mini Bernedoodle at 9 weeks old Bernedoodles are by far, the most loving, loyal, loving, family friendly, non-shedding, most intelligent canine companions created. They come in many sizes depending on the sizes of the mother and father. Every Doodle from MBD is one-of-a-kind with the most wonderful, family-friendly temperaments. It is always so exciting to see what each litter will look like! A Mini Bernedoodle at 3 months old pictured above. However, doodles are widely accepted as the best dog for most people who have fur related allergies. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Massachusetts? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Massachusetts. Miniature Poodle puppies for sale in Massachusetts price varies based on several things—size, coat color, and breeder experience, etc. Uptown will pair you with mini Poodle puppies for sale Massachusetts, as well as Massachusetts Poodles that fit your budget, too! Do your breeders arrange travel for Boston Poodles out of state? They sure do! Most of the companies and Massachusetts Poodle breeders in our network are really good at moving Massachusetts Poodles out of state and all over the country, and can send your Massachusetts Poodle puppies for sale by plane to a major airport near you. Because our network is expanding, there is a chance a Poodle breeder could be in the area! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Boston? We make sure your puppy is healthy and well by having strict standards with regards to the place that they are born, how they are cared for, breeder experience, and much more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Boston? Although the internet makes it a cinch to locate puppies, it is also easy for dishonest breeders, as well as puppy mills to do a lot of damage. We have one mission—to help the honest miniature Poodle breeders Massachusetts, companies and businesses get found by people like you, and place a beautiful Poodle pup in your home. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Boston? Honest breeding centers do exist and are a wonderful place. Puppy mills are not ethical places. Countless sick puppies are born there. Puppy mill dogs, such as miniature Poodle Massachusetts, often have serious health as well as behavioral problems that cost owners thousands upon thousands more than properly raised dogs—and also pass away young. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Boston for sale now? Are you interested in getting a Poodle or miniature Poodle puppies Massachusetts for sale? Well, you can start the process by searching below! What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Boston? People debate over the origins of Poodles as they hail from either Germany or France. They are ever popular at pedigree dog shows - especially the large Standard Poodles as they look so elegant once they are trimmed and groomed. Mini Poodle puppies Massachusetts are skillful in a whole lot of dog sports. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Boston? Unfortunately, online puppy scams are as common as anything. Look at our reviews and recent miniature Poodle puppies in Massachusetts to see how great a choice Upwork is for you!

This alone can make them more expensive, as well as being crossed with a rare purebred dog. Some Rhodesian Shepherds inherit the Ridgeback. Although not all Rhodesian Shepherds will, some are lucky enough to inherit the classic Ridgeback strip. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strip of fur along their spine that goes in the opposite direction of their coat, which is not only a breed standard but a requirement for purebreds. Rhodesian Shepherds can weigh over 75 pounds. Rhodesian Shepherds are big dogs, with the average dog weighing around pounds. This makes them not suitable for most apartments and city living, especially with their exercise needs. Rhodesian Shepherds are hard workers. Just like their purebred counterparts, Rhodesian Shepherds are natural working dogs that need some purpose. This can be a real challenge for inexperienced dog handlers, so this mix is definitely not for everyone. However, as long as their exercise needs are met, Rhodesian Shepherds will repay you with affection and loyalty. The next best way is to study the temperaments of German Shepherds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. German Shepherds are one of the most sought-after working dog breeds, having been around for centuries. Originally developed for herding, German Shepherds are extremely versatile dogs due to their high intelligence levels. They also require hours- no exaggeration-of exercise to keep them calm and well-mannered. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are, by contrast, calmer and more laid-back than German Shepherds, though they still have the instincts of a hunting dog. Originally bred for hunting and homestead protection, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can seem quite intimidating. Often reserved and even aloof with strangers, these large hunting dogs need to be socialized early to establish proper social etiquette. Except for their early years as puppies and young adults, Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to be calm and quiet indoors. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Generally, Rhodesian Shepherds are great for active families, especially families that are outside daily. Families with children that enjoy playing and spending time with their dog are the ideal situation for Rhodesian Shepherds. As for cats and small animals, it depends on each individual dog. Some Rhodesian Shepherds have little to no prey drive, whereas others will chase your house cat into hiding on an hourly basis. The German Shepherd is known for its protective and loyal qualities, as well as high intelligence. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for being a good hunting dog. Crossing the two breeds can create a dog that has qualities that are both loyal and independent, a good guard animal but also an excellent hunting companion. The best thing about owning one of these dogs is their ability to go on outdoor adventures with you! They love to explore new territory, and they will never turn down the opportunity to spend time in nature, so if you have been looking for your next adventure buddy, then this is the dog for you. At this point, Germans were starting to get really into dog breeding. Many people wanted dogs that would make excellent companions and be able to perform important jobs. One of the most famous shepherds was Rin Tin Tin, who starred in many films and helped to influence many more who wanted their own dogs. It is believed that one breeder started the German Shepherd breed in .Max von Stephanitz is credited with creating this magnificent animal, which has contributed much to society over time. German Shepherds are usually black and tan or black and gray in color, although they can have a sable or blue coat too. They share a lot of characteristics with wolves or foxes in terms of their appearance. Male German shepherds typically weigh around 75 to 90 pounds when fully grown, while females are usually around 55 to 70 pounds. This dog breed developed in Africa, where it was used as a hunting companion. The dogs were traditionally used for hunting lions and other wild game. The ancestor of these dogs is believed to be the ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi. The breed was originally called the African Lion Hound because of their ability to hunt lions, but when European settlers came to Africa, they found this breed and began breeding it with other common breeds in Europe at the time, such as Great Danes and Bloodhound. This led to crossbreeding between two dog breeds, which resulted in the name being changed to Rhodesian Ridgeback. A Rhodesian ridgeback is a dog with an unusual appearance. The ridge can be straight or wavy, depending on how tightly curled each individual hair is. They are typically muscular, around 70 to 85 pounds, with long legs and a decent-sized head. They are highly intelligent, alert, and independent. This dog was bred for hunting, so it does have a tendency to roam. It can grow to be around 65 to 95 pounds. It is common for these dogs to have a Fawn, sable, black, and tan coat. Temperament Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix is very independent and quiet with a gentle temperament. However, it does tend to have quite a bit of dominance, which can be good and bad depending on the situation, so you do need to be assertive when training it, or else it will not listen. They can also benefit from the diet by having some supplements like fish oil. You can either pick a dry food or wet food or a blend of both. In my opinion, a blend of both is best. Dry food is usually a better option than wet food. That is, for every 1 cup of dry food that you give the pet daily, you can also add 12 oz of wet food to it. But as it gets older and begins to get bigger, that amount should gradually increase until the dog can finish about 11 cups of kibble every day. As for the feeding frequency, puppies can eat three times a day, but as they get older, you can reduce the feeding frequency to twice a day. It is best to feed dogs at the same time every day. So, for example, if you want to feed your dog in the morning at 7 AM, then do so and repeat the same schedule every day. If your dog has long fur, then trimming might be necessary to prevent the hair from matting together and causing discomfort to your dog. When giving it a bath, you may want to use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo and conditioner. Hypoallergenic shampoos are specially designed for pets that might have allergies to certain types of products. They have no harsh chemicals or perfumes in them, which can irritate your pet. This makes hypoallergenic dog shampoo perfect for dogs with sensitive skin, like Ridgeback Shepherd Mixes. Exercise Needs As highly energetic and athletic dogs, the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix will benefit from a regular 30 — 90 minutes daily exercise. A good walk around the neighborhood on a leash is sufficient for this breed. You can also include more outdoor activities like running, swimming, hiking, and such. So once again, make sure to give them the amount of exercise that they need. This is the condition where the joints deteriorate and may result in pain for your dog. Since, in most cases, this disease is passed along from the parents, it would be best to get your dog tested before getting it. Dermoid sinus can be treated through surgery and are not usually fatal. For deafness, while there is no definite cure for deafness, you can treat the underlying health issues that cause it. Training Requirements and Tips Dog lovers should note that this breed is very intelligent. So, all it takes is a bit of hard work and patience to train it. Just remember that you should be firm during training sessions, so the dog will know what you want from them. Socialization, obedience training, crate training, and housebreaking are all part of the standard home-training requirements for this breed. Male vs. Female Male and female dogs have their own unique advantages. Male dogs tend to have greater territorial instincts, so they are considered better for guarding property. On the other hand, females are more protective of their families, so they are better for personal guardians. Males also need more robust, assertive training than females, but once trained though, they tend to be more stable and steady family dogs. They also naturally more protective of young kids and tend to treat kids as oversized puppies. They love to cuddle as much as males do but are usually okay to stay by themselves in a separate room. This makes them great for single owners or families with active work schedules. So for those who are considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix, they should consider which one of these characteristics appeals to their needs and lifestyle the most. Before you decide to get a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix, make sure that there is enough time in your schedule to take care of a dog. As mentioned earlier, these dogs need plenty of exercise and attention from their owners. They are also known to be very protective when it comes to their family members, so constant obedience training is a must. The best home for these dogs would be in a house with a large, fenced-in yard space where they can run and play freely. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Black and tan, sable, solid black, fawn Activity level High; requires up to minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for active families that can meet the exercise and training requirements Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require approximately cups of high-quality food per day depending on activity level Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, obesity, bloating, cancer, epilepsy, and cataracts History The Rhodesian Ridgeback x German Shepherd is a mix of two dogs, the German Shepherd, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The German Shepherd is a working dog breed that was originally bred in Germany, while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hunting dog breed that originated in Africa. The German Shepherd is a versatile breed of dog that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as herding, guarding, and tracking. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful dog breed that was originally bred for hunting lions in Africa. Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd mix is a popular companion dog breed that is known for its loyalty and intelligence. This breed of dog is also known for its ability to get along with children and other pets. If you are looking for a loyal and smart companion dog, then the German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix may be the right breed of dog for you. Image Source: Velroy Fernandes — pexels. They have a long head and muzzle, and their ears are erect and pointy. Their tail is thick and tapers to a point. German Shepherds are also large, but they have a more slender build than Rhodesian Ridgebacks. They have a thick, double coat that is either black and tan or all black. Their ears are floppy and their tails are long and bushy. When these two breeds are mixed, the result is a dog that has the best of both worlds. They have the size and strength of a Rhodesian Ridgeback with the intelligence and trainability of a German Shepherd. Size Rhodesian Shepherd are some of the most popular mixed breeds. They are a mix of two large and athletic dog breeds, making them ideal for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. German Ridgeback are large dogs. They typically weigh between 65 and 95 pounds. They are also fairly tall, standing between 24 and 27 inches at the shoulder. They are very intelligent and have a high prey drive. This mix is not for first-time dog owners. They require an experienced owner who can provide them with firm, consistent training. Socialization is also important for this breed. Without it, they can become aggressive. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is a loyal, protective breed that makes a great family pet. If you are considering adding a German Ridgeback to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Grooming Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for being one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds, which is great news for those of us who are not professional dog groomers. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are known for being high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. So, what can you expect when you mix these two breeds together? When it comes to grooming a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix, you can expect to spend a little bit more time on it than you would with a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback. If your dog takes after the German Shepherd parent more, then you can expect to spend a little bit more time on grooming than you would with a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback. On the other hand, if your dog takes after the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent more, then you can expect to spend less time on grooming than you would with a GSD. Image Source: Laurie Gouley — pexels. This hybrid dog is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the German Shepherd. These dogs are known for being alert, protective, and intelligent. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. Exercise If you have a German Ridgeback, you know that they are high-energy dogs. They need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. A tired dog is a good dog! Here are some ideas for ways to get your German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix the exercise they need: -Take them on long walks or runs. That means plenty of protein and healthy fats, as well as some carbohydrates for energy. The best way to ensure your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is getting all the nutrients they need is to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. When it comes to feeding your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this is a large breed of dog, so they will need more food than smaller breeds. Second, because of their high energy level, they will need more calories than the average dog. And finally, because they are a working breed, they will need a higher quality of food than the average pet food. When choosing a food for your Ridgeback Shepherd mix, look for something that is high in protein and fat, with moderate carbohydrates. Avoid foods that are high in fillers and artificial ingredients. They are very quick learners, but can also be stubborn at times. This breed is not for everyone, as they require a lot of patience and consistency when it comes to training. However, if you are up for the challenge, the rewards of owning a Rhodesian Shepherd are endless. One of the most important things to keep in mind when training a German Ridgeback is to be consistent. This breed needs a firm hand, but also needs to know that you are in charge. They will test you at every opportunity, so it is important to stay calm and be consistent with your commands. This breed is very food-motivated, so using treats as a reward for good behavior is often very effective. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix are extremely active dogs, so they need abundant exercise. Are Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix good guard dogs? The answer is yes, they can be excellent guard dogs. They are large and strong and have the ability to intimidate intruders. They are also very loyal to their family and will do whatever it takes to protect them. However, it is important to note that not all German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback will make good guard dogs. Common diseases among Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix Unfortunately, there are several health problems associated with the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix. Some of the most common include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, bloating, obesity , and eye problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both hereditary conditions that can cause a great deal of pain and suffering for your dog. Skin allergies are also fairly common in this breed and can be extremely uncomfortable for your pup. Eye problems are also relatively common and can range from minor irritations to serious conditions that could cause blindness. While there are certainly some health risks associated with the German Ridgeback, there are also many joys that come along with owning one Are Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix good with children? When it comes to children, Rhodesian Shepherd are good with them. They have a lot of patience and they are very protective of their family. However, they need to be trained properly so that they know how to act around children. If you are thinking about getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback x German Shepherd, then make sure you are prepared to train them properly. Otherwise, they may not be the right dog for you. How much does a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd puppy cost? This breed is a great choice for families looking for a confident and protective dog. With proper training , they make excellent guard dogs. They are also good with children and other pets. Rhodesian Ridgeback mix puppies for sale When it comes to finding the German Ridgeback puppies, be sure to do your research. There are many reputable breeders out there, but there are also many who are not so reputable. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when your puppy grows up. Ask lots of questions and get to know the breeder before making a decision. With a little bit of research, you will find the dog you are looking for. These dogs are a mix of two of the most popular breeds: the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the German Shepherd. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Males are expected to be about .Females are slightly smaller at approximately 24 inches and about 60 pounds. The appearance will depend on which parent it takes after. From the Ridgeback parent, they could take various shades of wheaten although the lighter varieties are less common. On the other hand, German Shepherds come in a wide variety of coat colors. GSDs also come in rare colors like blue , blonde , and panda. Grooming Rhodesian Ridgeback — German Shepherd mixes that takes their coat after the Ridgeback parent will be fairly easy to groom. They will need occasional baths and weekly brushing to keep their coat and skin healthy. On the other hand, offspring that take after the GSD parent will require brushing several times a week. They will also shed profusely twice a year. During those times, they will require daily brushing and more frequent baths. Their teeth should be brushed frequently to avoid periodontal diseases. Strength The GSD-Rhodesian Ridgeback cross does not only have a strong, solidly built body but also a powerful bite, which it inherits from both parents. Speed German Shepherds run fast and, in fact, can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are slower at 25 miles per hour. Nevertheless, Rhodesian Ridgeback — German Shepherd mixes are expected to run fast, show incredible agility, and have remarkable stamina. For working dogs, these traits can be very useful. For household companions, however, this needs to be addressed through exercise. They love to run, play with their humans, and go on long walks. The more opportunities they have to burn off their excess energy, the happier and healthier they will be. Apart from physical exercise, these dogs need mental stimulation. They enjoy puzzle games as well as regular training sessions. Additionally, they do well in canine sports like flyball , rally, and agility. They typically need fewer than 5 exposures to learn something new. On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not place very highly in the dog intelligence ranking. Nevertheless, their willingness to learn new things and eagerness to please their humans make training them enjoyable and fulfilling. Temperament The Rhodesian Ridgeback — German Shepherd cross is a protective dog that is ever vigilant of potential threats. They are wary of unfamiliar people but may welcome their presence once they are accepted by the rest of the family. Despite their protective nature, these mutts are very affectionate. Early socialization and proper handling also make them excellent companions for the entire family , including young kids and other animals. Health Like other large breeds, the GSD — Rhodesian Ridgeback mix can be prone to bone and joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. The best way to avoid this is to screen both parents before mating. Other than that, you should avoid jumping and running on uneven surfaces while their bones are still developing. Other health issues this cross can inherit are poor thyroid function from the Ridgeback and bloat from the GSD. Ridgebacks typically live between 10 and 12 years while the expected lifespan of German Shepherds of between 7 to 14 years. Nevertheless, dogs often surpass their expected lifespans. With a high-quality diet, ample exercise, and regular access to veterinary care, a happy Rhodesian Ridgeback-German Shepherd mix can easily live well beyond 10 years old. You might find a breeder mating these two breeds in pursuit of a designer working dog. Each of these two breeds is more valuable as purebreds. For this reason, their respective breeders find no motivation in crossing the two. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is a large dog with an incredible work ethic as well as the courage and stamina unique to hunting dogs. This cross needs plenty of opportunities to exercise but can also switch off to relax. Additionally, they are adaptable, trainable, and protective of their home and family. Rhodesian Shepherds may not be hypoallergenic The parents of this breed have different coats. This makes it difficult for one to predict if the mix will shed heavily or not. Because of this uncertainty, it may not be suitable for allergic sufferers. They are not a good first-time dog Though the mix is intelligent and learns easily, it can be a handful like its parents. With an independent streak and a tendency towards dominant behavior, it may sometimes be unwilling to obey. The owner should not be inexperienced or timid, but firm and knowledgeable. Exercise and work are needed for both parents and the offspring, a situation that may tire out an introvert. They make good guard dogs and watchdogs The qualities it inherits from both parents make it an asset in security. It plays the role of both a guard dog and a watchdog. It is not aggressive unless badly trained but will protect its family when needed. Watch out for separation anxiety Many owners make the mistake of assuming this mix would love being alone because of its independent spirit. However, just like its parents, it is used to company. Being alone can trigger separation anxiety which leads to destructive behaviors. Because there are no Kennel standards or similarities in the looks of the parents, the puppies will grow to exhibit different physical characteristics. Genetics plays a major role here. Some of these dogs may look more like the German Shepherd, others will favor the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Some may combine both features to create an unusual look. Therefore, you may find some with the erect ears of the German Shepherd or the floppy ones of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Most get the ridge on their backs, but the face usually is that of the German Shepherd. Size The Rhodesian Shepherd mix is a medium to large dog breed like its parents. It weighs between 64 to 95 pounds and grows up to 27 inches. It could either be short and shiny like the Rhodesian Ridgeback or a medium, dense double coat like the German Shepherd. Coat colors include gray, black, liver, and gold. There could be some differences in the behaviors of every individual. Also, factors like good training and the right environment influences personality. That being said, there are some traits you can expect from any member of this mixed breed. The first common trait is loyalty. This hybrid looks out for its family and is devoted to them. Loyalty is one attribute that makes it a good guard dog and watchdog, and it would defend its family to the last. Not surprisingly, it is also protective. Another good guard dog quality is its wariness towards strangers. Like its parents, the mix is friendly only towards members of its family or those it knows well. With strangers, it is aloof. Socialization stops it from developing aggression towards strangers, but wariness is essential for its guard duty. It is courageous as well, a trait gotten from both parents. The Ridgeback hunted lions and the German Shepherd protected flocks against wolves. You can count on this Rhodesian Shepherd to face danger without hesitation. As highly intelligent as its parents, expect this mix to understand and respond to commands with ease. You have to be patient while training this breed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is a loyal and gentle companion, friendly with its family and loving with those it knows. This mix can defend its family with its life and stay faithful throughout its life. It is also good with kids, especially when socialized early. However, its large size makes it unsuitable for toddlers, so it is more ideal to have them in a house with older kids who can respect a dog. To get this hybrid to get along well with other dogs and pets, it should be socialized from an early age. An adult with no prior experience in living with other animals may not fit in well. The male unneutered dog could also be aggressive towards other males. With smaller pets, its high prey drive could get in the way. This is why socialization is vital if you want a home with multiple dogs and pets. Because of its novelty and rareness, it is hard to determine the average cost of this breed, or where to find it. For the price, the cost of shopping the parents could give you an idea of what to budget. Cost varies, though, as the breeder could charge more or lesser than our estimate. Regardless of the cost, the breeder should be reputable. Ensure you get a pup with no underlying medical conditions or undesirable behaviors. Some breeders may offer advice and ask questions of their own. Do not buy a puppy based on a guarantee alone. Another option is adoption, though with this breed it could be harder than shopping. That said, you might stumble on a Rhodesian Shepherd in a rescue shelter specializing in German Shepherds or Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Adoption is cheaper and more canvassed for, but you also should ask questions. Some abandoned dogs suffer trauma from abuse or a medical condition that made the previous owner abandon it. As such, it requires a rich kibble fit for its size. While some dogs can manage a poor diet, this hybrid would have health problems if fed a subpar meal. Keep it hydrated too by providing enough water. Supplements like fish oil are also good for its system. Glucosamine and chondroitin are some other supplements that would help strengthen its bones. Like its parents, it can get overweight. So you should regularise its meal and stop it from free feeding. Human food and treats should be minimal as those can make a dog gain weight. You could keep it on a raw meal or give it a blend of dry and wet dog food. Dry food is usually preferred as the main meal, then wet food adds variety. Consult a veterinarian or nutritionist to know what to feed your pup. Another rule of thumb is to know the factors that influence feeding. Like other dog breeds, do not feed a Rhodesian Shepherd puppy with the same meal or ratio that you would an adult. The same applies to seniors. That is the age factor. Size is another, and you should also determine the energy level of your mix while establishing its diet. A bored and restless Rhodesian Shepherd is a recipe for destruction. It loves the outdoors and should be taken outside numerous times a day. This is a win for you if your hobbies involve stepping out of the house, not board games and binge-watching series. It is advisable to keep your mixed dog on a leash, at least till it is well trained to obey a recall command. Its high prey drive may push it to dive after a smaller animal. It needs at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Sometimes it could get to an hour or more, depending on your dog. Some activities fit for the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix include walking, running, hiking, swimming, playtime at a dog park, or games like fetch. These borders on the physical. Age and size also determine how much exercise this crossbreed needs. It is advisable to start small with a puppy and stick to light activities. As for size, an obese dog would need a different exercise requirement than its slimmer counterpart. For this Rhodesian Shepherd, training is both easy and frustrating. It is easy because of its intelligence, but frustrating due to its stubbornness. The best way to start training is when your pooch is still a puppy—if you adopted it as an adult, you would have a different set of challenges. Ensure your pup knows its place in the human-dog relationship and acknowledges you as the leader. Only then would you make headway with this stubborn breed. As usual, obedience training and socialization are a must. Let your pet learn simple commands and respond to them. It should also get to meet new people and visit foreign places. For this breed, training has to be consistent, not random. This mixed breed is sensitive to harsh words, yelling, and punitive methods—so you must keep your cool and be patient while training. Use treats, praises, pats on the back, and other forms of motivation to encourage it. Also Read:. It seems easy to fall in love. These dogs have long hair that covers most of their body, but it also has a thick coat on top and short fur around its face which gives an interesting variety in appearance. A lot goes on during puppyhood — most specifically in terms of how big your dog gets. If this sounds like something up your dog then make sure to be more familiar with the adoption of this breed. The average lifespan for this animal ranges from 14 years old, which makes them one of the longest-living breeds on earth. A lot of people feel intimidated when they first meet a large, powerful dog. They are often dogs who do not know their own power and need some time to get used to; just remember this about them: they can also surprise you with how well-behaved these big breeds really are. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix can come in all sorts of different shades, like Fawns or sables with black spots on them to mix it up even more. They have easygoing personalities and are generally affectionate and sweet-natured. They usually take a lot of time to warm up to a new person and require training before they are ready to handle a household. The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix is a tough breed and can be hard on themselves and others. They need a strong-willed owner. In training a Ridgeback, you must start early. They can be extremely stubborn and may resist a lot of your training. Ridgebacks are excellent guard dogs. They are extremely loyal, have little tolerance for chaos and noise, and enjoy a secure environment. In this situation, the joints can be damaged and also can become the reason for pain in the body. These are some of the diseases that this breed bears, and there are also genetic health issues that would influence their health, so it is advisable to check the dog before taking it. Deaf and bare feet are sometimes visible in this breed. Dermoid sinuses can be treated surgically and commonly are not lethal. Although, until now none of no specific treatment has been discovered for the deaf you can avoid the underlying hygiene problems which could be the reason for this. With age, they will not usually have as many complications as young dogs. It is therefore vital that you get them regularly. So the training requires dedicated work and diligence. Be sure that you must be strong when the dog knows what you want to know. The best thing about your young Rhodesian Ridgeback becomes social training from a child and how other dogs and people are engaged. Social education has trained education and tree training and improvements are all areas of the usual household requirements. As a very dynamic and muscular dog, the German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback will be useful for 30 to 90 regular minutes of everyday workout. You can also add other outdoor activities such as long walks, mountain hiking, and running in a large yard. Raw foods with twisted bones, firm flesh, and a fine quantity of ingredients are the best for this type. In case, if raw food is expensive and difficult to maintain a diet, look for fine standard dog food that will fulfill its nutritional needs. As this breed has been one of the athletic breeds, it will demand more than the normal quantity of water intake on a regular basis. The combination of food varieties such as dry and wet food could be a good choice to be included in the diet chart. Whether he is training for competitions or just enjoying a walk around the neighborhood, he will enjoy the experience. However, you should always be careful not to neglect your dog. Make sure that he or she has proper space and training so that you and your dog can share a happy life together. This breed is an incredibly satisfying dog and one that will make sure to keep you active- be sure that you are completely set to be a good keeper of this breed. Post navigation. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in southern Africa to hunt lions. German Shepherds are also large, athletic dogs that were originally bred for herding and protection work. Together, these two breeds make excellent working dogs with strong hunting instincts and loyalty to their family. While the exact origins of this mix are unknown, it is thought that this cross was first developed in the United States in the s. Today, this mixed breed is still primarily a working dog, but they can also make exceptional family pets. If you are looking for a smart, protective, and active companion, this may be the perfect breed for you. The most distinctive feature of this breed is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of its fur. This ridge is caused by a genetic mutation that causes the hair follicles to grow in different directions. Ridgebacks Shepherd mixes are also known for their short, shiny coats, which are either light wheaten or red wheaten in color. They have long, floppy ears and a tail that is usually docked. While males typically weigh more than females, the average weight of this mixed breed is between 65 and pounds. The average height is around 24 — 27 inches. The shape of their head is similar to the German Shepherd, which is typically wedged-shaped. Their nose is either black or brown and their eyes are either dark or amber in color. This hybrid is an excellent companion dog who is loving and affectionate with family members but still reserved around strangers. This breed is also highly trainable, making them an ideal candidate for obedience training and even agility courses. With proper socialization, this breed gets along well with other dogs and pets. These dogs excel in obedience training and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise. They need consistent training from a firm, experienced owner. These dogs are not suitable for first-time owners or those who are not willing to put in the time and effort required to train them properly. This mix is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise. A daily walk is a minimum, and they will also enjoy hiking, running, and playing fetch. This breed is not suited for life in an apartment or small home; they need a yard where they can run and explore. Socialization is also important for this breed, as they can be suspicious of strangers if not properly introduced to them from an early age. With proper training and socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix can be a loving, loyal companion. Rhodesian Shepherd — Are they Aggressive? The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd Mix is a large, powerful dog that was originally bred for hunting. However, this aggressive streak can also make them difficult to handle, and they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. As a loyal and protective dog, they can be very suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized, they may become aggressive toward people and other animals. In addition, this mix is a high-energy dog that needs plenty of exercise. Without an outlet for their energy, they may become destructive or even aggressive. For these reasons, it is important to consider whether or not this mixed breed is the right breed for you before making a commitment. This high-energy breed needs at least an hour of exercise every day. A Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd Mix is the perfect companion for runs, hikes, and any other outdoor activity you can think of. Remember, this breed was originally bred to hunt lions, so they have plenty of stamina. In addition to their daily walk or run, this mixed breed will also appreciate some playtime in the yard. Mental Stimulation The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix is an intelligent breed that requires regular mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. One way to do this is to give them puzzle toys filled with treats, which will keep them occupied and mentally challenged. You can also vary their walking route and introduce new playthings regularly to keep them from becoming restless. With a little effort, you can ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix stays happy and mentally stimulated. They need to be groomed on a regular basis. The Ridgeback Shepherd is not a hypoallergenic breed, so they do shed relatively frequently. As a result, they will require daily brushing in order to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. They should also be bathed on a monthly basis, using a mild shampoo to avoid drying out their skin. With proper grooming, this mix will be a handsome and healthy dog. As a result, they inherit many of the same health conditions as their parent breeds. However, there are steps that owners can take to help their dogs stay healthy. For example, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to prevent obesity, which is a major risk factor for many health problems. Additionally, keeping up with routine vaccinations and vet check-ups can help to catch any potential health problems early on. With proper care, Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherds can enjoy long, happy lives. Rhodesian Shepherd — What should they eat? As any pet owner knows, what you feed your animal companion can have a big impact on their health and well-being. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few general guidelines that can help you make the best choice for your dog. This will help to ensure that your dog is getting the nutrients they need without ingesting too much filler material. Focusing on their nutrition will help to avoid problems such as obesity and joint problems. By following these guidelines, you can help your Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix stay healthy and happy for years to come. Rhodesian Shepherd — Dog Friendly? The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix is a large, powerful dog with a strong prey drive. This can make them difficult to socialize with other dogs and can also make them a danger to smaller pets. However, with patience and training, many Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherds can learn to live peacefully with other dogs and animals. Rhodesian Shepherd — Child Friendly? This is because they are loyal, protective, and patient. As a result, young children should always be supervised when around a Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd. Rhodesian Shepherd — Do they Drool? One of the less desirable traits of this breed is their tendency to drool. While all dogs produce saliva, some breeds are more prone to slobbering and drooling than others. The reason for these drooling tendencies is the shape of their skull and muzzle. This structure allows more saliva to pool in their mouth, which leads to drooling. In addition, this breed is also known for being very food-motivated, which can further contribute to drooling behavior. If you are considering adding a Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd to your family, be prepared to deal with some drool. However, regular grooming and cleaning can help to minimize the mess. Rhodesian Shepherd — Weather They can be sensitive to weather changes. While all dogs can be affected by extreme weather conditions, some breeds are more prone to problems than others. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd is one of those breeds. This type of coat does not provide much insulation, making the dog more susceptible to cold weather. In addition, this breed is also known for being very active. As a result, they may have difficulty regulating their body temperature in hot weather. If you are considering adding this mixed breed to your family, be prepared to deal with some weather-related issues. Life Expectancy The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd is a mixed breed of dog with an average life expectancy of 14 years. This lifespan is about average for most dogs, but it is on the shorter end for large breeds. Large breeds are more likely to experience health problems and joint issues than smaller breeds. As a result, they often do not live as long as smaller dogs. The reason for this lack of AKC recognition is the mixed nature of the breed. Puppy Prices Prices for Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd puppies can vary depending on the breeder and the individual puppy. This price range is about average for most mixed-breed puppies. This unique and amazing dog is sure to make a great addition to your family. And as always, thanks for reading! Facial features tend to resemble the GSD, while the body takes on Ridgeback qualities. You can expect this mix to have a shorter coat than a GSD, and a less muscular body. Colors will often include shades of brown, and the sable or dark GSD coloration. These mixes are fortunately not heavy shedders. Brushing them once per week is often enough. Lifespan: up to 14 years on average. Prone to obesity. This mix can be great for families, and can get along well with kids. These high-energy dogs will form close bonds with their owners. They're lively, intelligent, nosey, friendly, and brave. An hour of daily exercise at minimum is recommended to help curb destructive behaviors. These dogs were officially named Rhodesian Ridgebacks in in Zimbabwe. The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is known for its distinguishing feature — the ridge of hair running along its back. This ridge stands out as it is composed of hair that is growing backwards. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can grow up to 27 inches tall, and can weigh up to 80 pounds, while its female counterpart can grow up to 26 inches tall and can weigh up to 71 pounds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be aloof to strangers but is very loyal to its owner. It is intelligent and teachable. When it comes to health, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are at high risk of developing dermoid sinus, degenerative myelopathy a neurological condition affecting the spine , hypothyroid, and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Dermoid sinus is a condition that can be screened for at birth. Affected puppies can be saved through a surgical operation where the affected dermoid sinus is removed. The life expectancy of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is roughly 10 years. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago at the age of .Big thank you to his owner Erik for letting us post this great picture! Originally used as a working dog and a herding dog, German Shepherds are now often seen with the police, patrolling malls and areas where security is of utmost protection. This breed is known for its handsome and well-built features. It is hardworking, fearless, obedient, and trainable according to dogster. If you are energetic with an active outdoor lifestyle, this is the pet for you. An adult German Shepherd can grow up to 25 inches or .It has a thick coat that sheds heavily throughout the year, and blows its coat twice per year. Regular brushing will be really important with GSDs, and is thankfully all you need to do for coat maintenance for the most part. When it comes to health, GSDs are at high risk of developing elbow and hip dysplasia, and skin allergies. German Shepherd can live up to 12 years on average. Although this a relatively well-known breed, it is not yet popular because there are very few breeders who focus solely on producing Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes. For more information on the differences between these two breeds, feel free to read our comparison article: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd. It stands like it is ready to fight at all times! Its face and head will more so resemble that of the GSD, but their backs will have the famous Ridgeback line. These are obvious signs to look out for when trying to identify a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix. The average lifespan of this mix is up to 14 years according to shopforyourcause. Since GSDs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are both known for their overall strength, power, and love of active lifestyles, we can expect the mix to be quite similar in this regard. Although German Shepherds are used extensively in police work , the same cannot be said for these mixes — these are strictly house pets. In terms of exercise, these dogs love running outdoors and playing with other dogs. Just like its parent GSD, it is best to allow a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix to play outdoors in order to curb its aggressive behavior and excessive energy levels. Keeping it locked up inside all day can be very stressful for this breed — it is highly recommended to get these dogs at least an hour of exercise every day. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix Health One of the common health problems that medium to large dogs face is dysplasia, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is no different. It is at high risk of developing both hip and elbow dysplasia. Before accepting a puppy from your breeder, verify if the parents have gone through the required genetic testing designed to identify dogs that could potentially pass on heritable health issues to the puppies. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also prone to having dermoid sinus — so this mixed breed will also be at risk of developing the condition. Always have your puppy checked every six months to correct possible dermoid conditions. Both breeds are also susceptible to skin, ear, and eye infections — try your best to be on the lookout for any signs of irritation or infection on these body parts. If your pup continually scratches any of these areas, you may need to have it checked out by your veterinarian. Tip: Great breeders always ensure that they are breeding from healthy parents. They should have the proper documentation proving that their breeding dogs are healthy, and without genetic conditions that can affect the cross-breeds. Feel free to check out this YouTube video from Dogs Naturally Magazine for tutorials on how to prepare a raw diet for your dog. If preparing a raw diet is simply not feasible for you, you can still purchase high-quality commercial dog food that will be relatively healthy for your dog. You can also ask your vet for any advice regarding ideal brands for Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mixes. You should also be careful when giving your dog a treat during training — the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix can easily become obese like its parents. Despite being active all day, eating too much sugary food can lead to high sugar levels and their bodies might not be able to break it down naturally. Their diets should ideally be high in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements to help lower the risk of joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is a large breed that may not be ideal for first-time dog owners because of its sheer size and strength. These dogs are best for people who are looking for a friend that they can run with and take on hikes, since this breed thrives on vigorous amounts of daily activity. Despite this, one of the the best traits Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes have is the ability to just chill out and remain pretty calm when around its owners. They will absolutely love spending time with their families. This dog needs constant attention, an energetic owner, and mental distractions from time to time. Leaving a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix on its own for too long may not be the best idea since these dogs can be prone to separation anxiety. Unfortunately, when this happens, these dogs can be prone to destructive behaviors. You should also bath your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix at least once per month. There is no need to give it a daily bath because it will dry its skin out. Most Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes have thin coats so there is no need to brush them too often. Brush it once a week to give it a shinier and softer look. In terms of physical activity, this hunting and guarding dog loves moving around! Its parents are active dogs so expect the cross-breed to be very active as well, loving long hikes and runs. Aim for one hour of activity per day. You can also run with your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix in the morning. It will help your dog child release some energy before you leave for work. Here are signs that your pet dog is feeling stressed. Whining — a GSD whines when it is bored, and when it wants to go outside. As the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is from a family of intelligent breeds, expect it to whine when it cannot do what it wants. Pacing — when your dog continually walks back and forth, it is a sign that is stressed or anxious. Iheartdogs explains that this happens when a dog is in a very small enclosure or on a leash, and they are feeling suffocated. Lip-licking — lip-licking or lip flicking they bring their tongue in and out for no reason is also a sign that your dog is stressed. It is either that they are hungry, want to move around, or something is bothering them on their skin. Lowered-Ears — this trait is from GSDs. If you see your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix with its ears down, it is a sign that it is feeling anxious over something. Barking — the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix barks at people they are not familiar with. If your dog keeps on barking when there is no stranger around, then it means it is feeling off about something. Drooling — drooling can mean two things — your dog is not feeling well or is anxious and nervous. If you notice that your GSD and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is drooling for no reason, take it to your vet immediately. Scratching — if your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix continually scratches its ears, tails, or a part of its body, check it out for any signs of rashes and other infections. Tail-chasing — this behavior is common to German Shepherds. They often chase their tail when they are bored or anxious. Displaying excessive behavior — this hybrid produces a very active dog. However, if your dog keeps on moving around, barking, and drooling, put it on a leash and bring it to your vet immediately. Frequently Asked Questions Are Ridgebacks aggressive? Historically, Ridgebacks were bred to be hunting dogs. This means that they are naturally territorial and protective dogs, however, this does not translate into aggression. Instead, they are generally well-mannered and even-tempered, making them a great breed for families with or without kids. They are extremely intelligent, which means that they might be able to suspect an intruder or bad energy from a person, where they might become somewhat aggressive. However, this is only due to their territorial nature. It all depends on how the dog has been trained and treated. Despite their hunting background, Ridgebacks are tender and gentle dogs who are highly protective over their companions. Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks be left alone? As Rhodesian Ridgebacks are such loyal and affectionate dogs, they can be prone to separation anxiety. This can result in separation anxiety. The best way to tackle separation anxiety is to bite the bullet and leave them alone in a room for an hour every day. This time should increase after a couple of days. When you do return, make sure not to excite them with praise. You should walk into the room and ignore their excitement, as this will help them to normalize you wandering in and out of the house. Eventually, they will learn that you will return and there is no point worrying. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks easy to train? In fact, their intelligence makes them notoriously difficult to train! This should include simple recall training and obedience training, so you can learn to trust them off the leash. To tackle this, you must commit to consistent training until they get the hint. While it will take a long time, the results will be worth it! Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks bark a lot? For example, if they can sense an intruder or a suspicious person, they will probably bark to threaten them. You can enjoy up to 14 years of great companionship with this hunting and guard dog. Reduce risks of common medical problems like dysplasia and infection by giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix a proper diet, vaccines, and plenty of exercise. This large dog is gentle and very loyal to its owner.