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Although she stands no more than 10 inches tall and weighs between 4—6 pounds, the Toy Poodle has a big, playful personality that can fill up a room. While frequently associated with France, Standard Poodles were first developed in Germany, where they were used in duck hunting. They have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Poodles of all sizes have curly coats with extensive grooming needs. Their coat grows continuously, calling for a trim every four to six weeks. However, there is no such thing as a completely "hypoallergenic" dog. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before officially bringing home a Toy Poodle puppy. But during this long life , they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care. Pet parents may benefit from investing in pet insurance early in life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of the photoreceptor cells rods and cones on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but the condition can cause blindness over time. PRA is an inherited disease and there are currently no effective treatments available. Patellar Luxation The patella kneecap is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves luxates outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This movement can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis. Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. While some cases will correct themselves, in more severe cases the patella remains out of place. In mild cases, joint supplements such as fish oils and glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended. This causes pain and limping occur as the bone breaks down. In some cases, pain can be controlled with medications. In severe cases, surgery to remove the head of the femur may be recommended. Symptoms include visible debris, redness, odor, head shaking, and scratching. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam. In most cases, ear infections can be resolved by cleaning the ear and with topical medications. Toy Poodles develop ear infections more often than most other breeds. This may be partly due to Poodles having long ear canals with excess curly hair to trap in moisture and debris. Trimming not plucking the hair from the ear may help reduce the incidence of ear infections. Dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections frequently have allergies that should be addressed. Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Dental disease occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque build up, leading to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth—and eventually to tooth and bone decay. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also help prevent plaque and tartar. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea commonly called the windpipe flattens. This happens due to weak cartilage rings or the sagging of a membrane along the trachea. Most cases are treated using medications, but in severe cases where breathing is impeded, surgery may be necessary. Toy poodles are likely genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse. When on walks, use a harness instead of a collar, as pressure on the trachea can cause further damage. The condition causes a deficiency in a protein called the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to stick together and form a clot. In dogs that are deficient in this protein, the blood may have difficulty clotting, which can lead to bleeding from the nose, vulva, bladder, or gums. Additionally, dogs with this condition may bleed for a long time after trauma or surgery. If there is concern about VWD, a screening test may be performed. This test measures how long it takes for a small cut in the mouth to stop bleeding. If the time is longer than usual, additional testing is needed to confirm VWD. Because some dogs with VWD do not have notably prolonged bleeding until later in adulthood, blood levels of von Willebrand factor can be measured to help with diagnosis. Most veterinarians recommend testing for VWD prior to any planned surgery, including spays, neuters, and dewclaw removals. Puppies should be fed a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages. For Toy Poodle adults, dental-focused diets may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease. Toy poodle puppies, however, should eat three to four small meals per day on a consistent schedule to help maintain their blood sugar. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on the dog food provides valuable information for pet parents. Just remember: In small breeds like the Toy Poodle, calories in treats add up quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are playful and self-confident when socialized at a young age. While relatively calm, Toy Poodles enjoy playtime and exercise with the family. The breed is gentle with children and other pets, though all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised. Because these pups are so tiny, they can accidentally be hurt during playtime. Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Toy Poodle Behavior Toy Poodles bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be sensitive to stress, and sudden changes in the home environment may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, because Poodles are so smart, they need mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained—and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark, jump, be destructive, or misbehave. Toy Poodle Training Toy poodles want to please their owners. Paired with their smarts, this makes them an easy breed to train. As always, training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats. Fun Activities for Toy Poodle Obedience training. Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Toy Poodle is remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, it is said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Sweet, cheerful, perky and lively, it likes to be with people. Delightful, very amusing and keen. Socialize these dogs well. They make very good watchdogs for their size. Without the proper type and amount of exercise they may be high-strung and timid. Toy Poodles are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless given rules to follow and limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do, this breed will tend to bark a lot. Do not let this small dog develop Small Dog Syndrome , human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes varying degrees of behavior issues , including, but not limited, to snapping, growling, guarding , demanding, untrustworthiness with children and sometimes adults, sensitive, nervous, reserved with strangers and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to tell the humans what it is HE wants THEM to do. This little dog can be good with children, however is usually recommended for older children who know how to display leadership skills. The reason is that most humans treat the dog in such a way that makes it unsure just who the pack leader is in the human-dog relationship. The dog, in his mind, is convinced HE is the leader to humans. Height, Weight Height: up to 10 inches .The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle that is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Toy Poodle. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can cause blindness. Skin conditions, possibly due to unskilled use of clippers. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. Given enough exercise, they are not active indoors. They will lie right next to you and are more sedate when indoors, although they love to play outdoors and are a highly intelligent breed, so they do like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate their mentality. They will do okay without a yard. Exercise These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Life Expectancy. Life Span Did You Know? Breeders developed Toy Poodles in 18th century England as smaller versions of their German predecessors. The Toy Poodle began to represent social status, and nobles would decorate their dogs in high fashion of the time. They became so popular, in fact, that they were one of the first toy breeds recognized by the Kennel Club. Toy Poodles are smart cookies. Their intelligence is one of their predominant features, and is often showcased during obedience training. These dogs have tremendous problem-solving capabilities that make them ideal for competitions. On the other hand, this same intelligence makes for an easily bored pup. They need mental stimulation, like challenging games and toys , to keep their busy minds occupied. The Toy Poodle may also be suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people. This dog breed can adapt to a wide range of living situations due to their small size. As a matter of fact, they have trouble dealing with any kind of alone time. As such, the Toy Poodle is an excellent companion animal for people who love a little company. There are a few health conditions that Toy Poodles are more susceptible to than other dog breeds. For example, they may suffer from eye disorders, like cataracts, or blood clotting disorders, like Hemophilia. Because of their size, they may also bear the risk of dental crowding, kneecap migration, or trachea instability. With regular visits to the veterinarian, many of these potential health concerns can be comfortably managed. Owners typically have an easy time during obedience training with Toy Poodles. Their intelligence often hastens the training process. However, they can present destructive tendencies when left to their own devices for too long. Toy Poodles have famously low-shedding coats. They lack undercoats, so their shedding is minimal. Their fur is hypoallergenic and mats rather than sheds. These pups will only need to be groomed to prevent matting and increase shine. Usually, brushing your Toy Poodle once or twice a week and grooming every six weeks is sufficient. As a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing dental disease so good dental care is important. Poodles are an active breed in general, and Toy Poodles in specific are just as active. After a few laps around the kitchen, the Toy Poodle will tire out and happily sit by their owners during daily activities. The Toy Poodle stands at a mighty inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from pounds and usually averages around 8 pounds. Toy Poodles usually live 12 — 15 years. The Poodle coat is built for the water and even the Toy Poodle tends to have excellent, practically innate, swimming abilities. Featured Toy Poodle Article. PROS: Intelligent, long-lived and easy to train. In the UK these are separate breeds each with their own register. But in the USA, the different Poodle sizes are all categories of the same breed — the Poodle — rather than distinct breeds in their own right. To find the history of the Toy sized poodle, we need to look at the breed as a whole. There they were originally bred as retrievers for fetching ducks and other waterfowl from the water. Poodles are derived from Barbets — water dogs which are still around today. Scaling down Miniature and Toy Poodles were created by gradually scaling down the big Poodle dog. This was first done for specific hunting tasks. But changed to breed them for companionship. Fun Fact! Poodles are loved by everyone throughout history. Elvis was one of these well known Poodle lovers. He adored Poodles so much he often gave them as gifts to his loved ones. He gave one called Little Bit to an early girlfriend, gave one named Duke to his mother, and gave his wife Priscilla Presley a Toy Poodle called Honey! After that a dog would be categorized as a Miniature or Standard Poodle depending on how much bigger they grew. Miniature Poodles can measure up to 15 inches. That puts our curly toy breed on the same scale as other toy dog favorites, Pugs and Shih Tzus. In the show ring, where two of these tiny toy poodles are equal in all other respects, the smaller dog will take the rosette. So what is the magic tipping point when a Miniature Poodle becomes a Toy? This, again, is less than a Miniature Poodle, who should weigh in between 10 and 15 pounds. The toy poodle adult is a very small dog. And their puppies are very tiny indeed. This tiny size makes this small Poodle dog breed vulnerable to injury at any time but especially when they are new puppies, and this is something to consider when deciding between a puppy and a rescue dog. Like many other smaller dogs, this small poodle breed reaches maturity sooner than their larger cousins, and your Toy Poodle dog will be fully grown by their first birthday. How long do Toy Poodles live? This is a breed with a relatively good life expectancy. A small sample of owners in the UK who were willing to complete a survey for the Kennel Club including details of how their pets had died 20 dogs in total , found that the average lifespan of those Poodles in the toy group had been 14 years and eight months. And it is not that unusual to hear of a 17 or 18 year old Toy Poodle. Fourteen is a respectable age for any dog. It also reflects the general rule that small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs the average age for Standard Poodles in the same survey was 12 years. And pleasingly, the leading cause of death when the time came was simple old age. They have dark, oval eyes and their ears hang close to their heads. Poodles have long, straight muzzles, and of course a very distinctive coat. Toy Poodle Tail In the USA the toy poodle tail is usually docked, which means that the tip of the tail has been cut off. This is a procedure that is carried out when puppies are just 2 or 3 days old. Tail docking is illegal in much of Europe and in England and Wales is only permitted for working dogs such as terriers, retrievers, and spaniels. Generally toy dogs and companion dogs are no longer docked there. Toy Poodle tail length after docking is about half to two thirds the original length of the natural tail toy poodle sitting patiently Does A Toy Poodle Shed Hair? That means some form of grooming is a must. It will also need trimming every six to eight weeks. For most Poodle parents, this is as straightforward as an all-over haircut, known as a pet clip or a puppy clip. They will initiate you into the fascinating and dare I say it? A teddy bear Toy Poodle is one that has been given a teddy bear Poodle cut which leaves more hair on the face and paws, giving a puppyish look. And if all this makes you think the that a corded coat might be the way to go, bear in mind they are the highest maintenance coat of all to keep clean. Are They Hypoallergenic? One defining feature that all poodles have in common is those glorious curls! And an important feature of tight curls in any dog is that when the dog sheds, as all dogs do, the shed hair remains trapped in the curls rather than ending up on your clothes and furniture. Because shedding is reduced in Poodles some people with allergies are able to tolerate being around them when they are not able to tolerate dogs with coats that shed freely. Coat Colors There are a staggering ten Poodle colors. Some of them incredibly vibrant — a full grown red poodle, for example is a very striking sight! Other shades are more muted and subtle. There really is a color to suit every taste. You can also get tan Poodles, a pale version of the brown Poodle puppy.

How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! Labradoodles come in several sizes. Mini Labradoodles are typically under 16 inches tall and weigh about 15 to 25 pounds. Medium Labradoodles have a height of 17 to 21 inches and weigh from 40 to 65 pounds, while the Standard Labradoodle weighs in at anywhere from 55 to 90 pounds and reaches a height of 21 to 26 inches tall. While giant Labradoodles do not technically have a category all their own, they do fall under the standard umbrella of a typical Labradoodle, often weighing in at 80 pounds or more and are taller than 30 inches. In other words, giant Labradoodles technically fall under standard but trend on the larger end of the scale. A large size Labradoodle facing the camera for a photo. What Factors Result in Giant Labradoodles? The most dominant factor in achieving the stature of a large Labradoodle is parentage. A good breeder will take a bigger Poodle and breed it with a substantially hefty Labrador Retriever to produce a giant Labradoodle. While this does not always guarantee the offspring will be giant, it could still result in pups that grow within the territory of standard and large Labradoodles. Always consider that a trustworthy breeder will never give a percent guarantee that the offspring produced will be large, even if the parent breeds are big. Genes do play a significant factor, but sometimes other things can come into play when determining the height and weight of a dog, including birth order, what type of food the dog eats, how much they consume of it, and their early growth rate. The Poodle and Labrador Retriever are both in large sizes. Puppies require proper nutrition to aid in their early development. Ideally, puppies get fed 3 to 4 smaller meals per day instead of 2 meals in a day for older puppies and adult dogs. Puppies can be prone to upset stomachs and diarrhea, and overfeeding can only exacerbate the issue. Be sure to keep their bellies full at a slow and steady rate, as this will help improve their overall digestion and immune systems. Depending on their feeding habits, Labradoodles could potentially grow larger even after their typical early growth rate ends , which lasts for a year. Longer growth rates can also occur in larger breeds, such as the Labradoodle. The Giant Labradoodle and Health Problems Another reason not to overfeed Labradoodles is that it increases the chance of health issues when the dog matures. Due to both the parent breeds being prone to skeletal problems, Labradoodles have a higher risk of hip dysplasia, resulting in arthritis and chronic pain. Do your research. Find a reputable breeder, as they will only breed Labrador Retrievers and Poodles who are in good health. Labradoodles are also prone to excessive weight gain if fed improperly, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and other respiratory problems. The solution is to stick with a scheduled feeding system and ensure the Labradoodle receives anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes of daily exercise. Labradoodles have high energy and need a diet with plenty of protein and adequate exercise, and giant Labradoodles are no exception. Labradoodle sitting in the studio. However, this delay is likely to cause additional problems later in life, such as joint issues and hip dysplasia. Because of this, vets often recommend neutering larger breed dogs upon maturity, usually after the first year. How Long do Giant Labradoodles Live? A Labradoodle comfortably sitting on the road. Where to Find Giant Labradoodles? Despite being a popular designer dog, sometimes it can be challenging to find and adopt large Labradoodles. Research breeders in your area to find one with good reviews and trustworthiness. A reputable breeder will never guarantee that the Labradoodles will grow to be giant, but if they have a reputation for mating large dogs with reasonable success rates then you can be sure to trust them. Another way of finding Labradoodles is by looking into local animal shelters or rescue services. Many factors can contribute to a dog ending up at a shelter, including being lost, given up, or even neglected, and while Labradoodles are very sought after, you may find one there. In addition, there are often specific breed rescue organizations. Giant Labradoodles Make a Great Addition to the Family Giant Labradoodles have all the charisma and intelligence of their parent breeds while also being extra cute with their curly textured coat, high energy, and modest temperament. Most larger Labradoodles can grow to be over 30 inches tall and weigh in at about 80 pounds or more with the proper diet and exercise regimen. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Labradors make fantastic pets as they are loving and friendly, and they also make great working dogs, because they are intelligent, focused, and driven. But what about the Labradoodle Size and other key characteristics? The big problem with labradors is that they shed a lot. So, they can be a nightmare when it comes to keeping your home clean or taking them into public spaces. Enter the labradoodle. This breed mixes a Labrador with an equally intelligent and loving poodle to give you a dog with all the charisma and temperament of a labrador with the low-shedding coat of a poodle. How Big Dog Labradoodles Get? But what exactly can you expect when you mix a labrador and a poodle? How big will your labradoodle be? What will their temperament be like? How long will they live? What kind of medical issues are they likely to develop? Read on as we jump into all of these questions, starting with exactly how big your Labradoodle is likely to get, and what to expect from a Labradoodle created with a miniature or toy poodle. What Is A Labradoodle? A labradoodle is what you get when you mix a labrador retriever and a poodle. But there are different classifications of labradoodle depending on how they were bred. A mix of labrador and poodle is called an F1. For this reason, the mother will almost always be the labrador and the father the poodle. An F1B labradoodle is known as a doodle mix and is what you get when you mate an F1 labradoodle with a full-breed dog, either a labrador or a poodle. You get F2 labradoodles, which is when you mate two F1 labradoodles. You also get F2b labradoodles when you breed and F1 and a F1b labradoodle A labradoodle is considered an F3 when their closest pure-bred poodle and labrador relatives are their grandparents or older. These are also called multi-generational labradoodles. As well as your standard labradoodles, you also get miniature or toy labradoodles, which is what happens when you mate a labrador with a miniature or toy poodle. Labradoodles are often compared with goldendoodles, which is what you get when you mix a poodle and a golden retriever. You can learn more about l abradoodles, goldendoodles, and the differences between them here. Why Were Labradoodles Bred? Labradoodles were initially bred in order to give labrador service dogs the non-shedding coat of a poodle. While labradors have the temperament and intelligence to be excellent service dogs, they are prolific shedders, which can make grooming them and cleaning up after them a headache. Poodles were also selected so as not to undermine the characteristics that make a labrador an excellent service dog. Poodles are also very intelligent dogs, and in fact, are considered more intelligent than labradors, and they were also bred to be companion dogs, so they match labradors in their friendly nature. Labradoodles have been around since the s, but only became a popular dog breed in the late s when dog breeder Wally Conron introduced them to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as a viable breed for service dog work. Labradoodle Size As with all dogs, the size of an individual labradoodle depends on the size of their parents. Breed a big labrador with a big poodle, and you will get a big dog; choose smaller examples of the breed, and you will end up with a smaller labradoodle. A standard labrador retriever male dog will measure 22 to .Females of the breed are a bit smaller and measure .Standard poodles are a little bit smaller. Both males and females will be at least 15 inches tall, but can be as large as 22 inches tall, so almost as tall as a labrador. They weigh a bit less as well. You can expect a male poodle to weigh 60 to 70 pounds and a female poodle to weigh 40 to 50 pounds. When breeding labradoodles, you will almost always see a female labrador matched with a male poodle, as the female needs to be the larger of the two to ensure the birthing process is safe. As a result, labradoodles tend to be almost the same size as standard labrador. Male labradoodles should be somewhere between 22 and 24 inches tall. Female labradoodles will be around 21 to 23 inches tall, and both weigh somewhere between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles that are the result of mixing with a miniature or toy poodle will, of course, be smaller. Miniature poodles measure between 9 and 15 inches tall and typically weigh between 15 and 17 pounds. Toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall and weigh just four to six pounds. Medium labradoodles, which is what you get when you mix a miniature poodle and a labrador, weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Male medium labradors will be 18 to 20 inches tall and females will be 17 to 19 inches tall. Miniature labradoodles are much smaller than their standard cousins measuring just 14 to 16 inches tall and weighing 15 to 25 pounds. What About Labradoodle Puppies? Labradoodle puppies will typically weigh between seven and twelve pounds by the time they reach two months of age. Miniature labradoodles will be much smaller, weighing just four to seven pounds by the time they reach two months. This is estimated to be one-quarter of their full adult weight. It will then take them around another year to reach their full size, which they hit between 12 and 18 months. They will keep putting in weight for about a year after this time to fill out. It is very important to watch their diet during this time as these dogs love to eat. It is easy for loving parents to overfeed their pooch and then end up with an overweight dog. Their love for food means it can also be very difficult to put them on a diet once they have gained too much weight. Other Labradoodle Characteristics What else can you expect from your labradoodle? While what you get with cross-breed dogs is always unpredictable, years of breeding these dogs give us a good understanding of what you are likely to get with a labradoodle. Most labradoodles have the curly, low-shedding coat of a poodle that is short wavy and wiry. However, while most labradoodles have a low-shedding coat, you do get outliers, and you can end up with a pup that sheds just as profusely as a standard labrador. Never shave a labradoodle down like you might a poodle. They need this hair for insulation, and shaving them down can cause them to overheat. Labradoodles can come in a huge range of colors, including chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blue. As Labradoodles are not a pure-bred dog, they are not limited to the same three colors as pure-bred labradors. Labradoodles have an average life expectancy of years. But they also suffer from many of the same common health issues as both labradors and poodles. Labradoodles tend to be very intelligent; this is a characteristic both of their parent breeds possess. The poodle is ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world, behind the border collie, and the labrador is within the top five. Labradors were originally bred to retrieve game from wetlands, which means they have a good retrieval instinct and love to swim. These are both characteristics commonly found in the labradoodle, which is also eager to please and easy to train. Poodles were bred as companion dogs from as early as the 15th century. They are attentive and affectionate but also tend to be protective of their humans. Some labradoodles will share these more reserved traits of a poodle. While the coat of a labradoodle is quite predictable because the wire hair of the poodle is a dominant gene, where the dog will fall on the personality scale is less predictable. Luckily both labrador retrievers and poodles have lover personalities and make great family pets, though in quite different ways. A standard labradoodle will need to eat around 1, calories per day, depending on their size and energy levels. They also need a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise a day to keep them fit, healthy, and stimulated. While miniature and toy labradoodles might look like they are less work in the exercise department than their larger cousins, they need almost as much exercise each day. Neither poodles nor labradors like to be left alone for hours on end, and the same goes for labradoodles. They can develop anxiety and depression if they are left alone for hours on end, so they do best in households where there are lots of people to play with them and love them all day long. A standard labradoodle will grow to be a little bit smaller than your standard labrador. Labradoodles should be somewhere between 21 and 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. You can also get smaller labradoodles by breeding a labrador with a miniature poodle or a toy poodle. Miniature labradoodles are much smaller than their standard cousins, measuring just 14 to 16 inches tall and weighing 15 to 25 pounds. Labradoodles are considered large breed dogs, as this includes all dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds. A standard labradoodle will weigh around 50 to 65 pounds, making them a large breed. The labradoodles that you get when breeding with miniature or toy poodles are significantly smaller. Labradoodles tend to reach their full height at between 12 and 18 months, but they will continue to fill out and gain weight for about a year after that. It is important to be wary about overfeeding labradoodles. They love food and have little control over their own appetite, so it is not uncommon for excessive treats and generous meals to result in overweight pups. Are Labradoodles Good Pets? Yes, labradoodles tend to make great family pets. While it can be unpredictable as to whether they will inherit the stranger-loving friendly nature of labradors or the more reserved but attentive and loving nature of poodles, both of these temperaments make for excellent pets. Labradoodles are always intelligent, as both labradors and poodles are intelligent dogs. For this reason, they tend to be easy to train. This makes them a good breed for first-time pet owners. However, be warned, labradoodles require a lot of love and care. Their coats need to be thoroughly groomed at least twice a week, and they need a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. They do best in households where there are lots of people around. Should I Shave My Labradoodle? Counterintuitively, this will contribute to overheating as they lose their essential insulation. You can also expose their sensitive skin to sunburn and other problems. Labradoodles and goldendoodles both make excellent pets, and which is better depends on your personal preference. Labradoodles tend to be a little stronger, bigger, and have more energy. They also tend to be slightly more reserved than playful goldendoodles. But both breeds are highly intelligent, loving, and usually have the low shedding coat of a Poodle. While it is not accurate to say that pure-bred dogs are better than mixed breeds, purebred dogs have more predictable physical appearances and character traits, so you have a better idea of what you are getting when you get a pure-bred dog. With mixed breeds, traits can combine in unpredictable, and not always desirable ways. The Verdict There are few dogs out there better than a labrador, which is why they are one of the most popular pet breeds in the United States and also very often used as service dogs. However, there is no escaping the fact that labradors shed a lot! This is why the labradoodle was developed. Labradors were crossed with poodles to create pups with the temperaments of labradors but the low-shedding coats of poodles. Standard labradoodles tend to be a little bit smaller than your average labrador and have the burly, wiry coat of a poodle. But, if you are looking for a smaller dog, you can also get labradoodles that are created by breeding with a miniature poodle or a toy poodle. This means you can have this amazing labrador cousin at home, even if you live in a relatively small space. Have you ever had a labradoodle? What do you think of them? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below or via our social media. Related Article. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. Like the American Labradoodle, the Australian variety comes in three standard sizes. Miniature: 15 to 30 pounds, 14 to 16 inches tall Medium: 30 to 45 pounds, 17 to 20 inches tall Standard: 50 to 70 pounds, 21 to 24 inches tall So, according to the breed standards available, there is no way that an Australian Labradoodle can qualify as a giant breed. Parentage is a great way to predict how large your puppy may grow to be. Like most dogs, adult male Labradoodles tend to be larger than females. In some cases, males can outweigh females by 10 to 15 pounds! Predicting Adult Size from Labradoodle Puppies Standard Labradoodle puppies typically weigh between 7 and 12 pounds when they are 8 weeks old. But, there will be some variation. Dogs do most of their growing in the first 6 months of life. By the time they reach 10 months, a Labradoodle can weigh as much as 80 pounds! But, remember, the bigger a dog is, the longer the growth cycle. Some people that want a giant Labradoodle think feeding a puppy more food will help them get a larger adult dog. Giant Labradoodle — Problems with Overfeeding Puppies need good nutrition in proper amounts to develop at their optimal rate. A slow, steady rate will help them achieve this and will also improve immune functions. Overfeeding can put a strain on their digestive system, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea. This is why young puppies need 3 or 4 meals a day, rather than 2. Smaller meals will be easier on their small stomachs! Overfeeding can also overstimulate growth. This is a particular issue in larger dogs that are already at risk. Skeletal Problems for Labradoodles One of the most concerning skeletal problems that Labradoodles are at risk of is hip dysplasia. This is a condition that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis. Heavier and faster-growing dogs are also at higher risk. Reputable breeders will only breed from parent dogs that have good hip scores. Obesity On top of skeletal disorders, dogs that have too much food are also prone to obesity. Excessive weight can lead to a number of health issues, including: Heart disease.

You'll find cute, clever, and unique monikers that will fit your pup to a tee. By Lisa Marie Conklin Lisa Marie Conklin is a freelance writer covering health and wellness, real estate, pets, and home. She's also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on November 24, You would think gathering a list of black Lab names for your new Labrador retriever would be a cakewalk. After all, there's tons of creative names for black dogs already out there, but you want a name that truly captures who your black Lab pup is. No worries, we've got tons of inspiration for picking the perfect name for your pooch! Whether you're looking for black Lab puppy names or monikers for your newly adopted adult dog, you're going to have so much fun choosing from this list of names that parents of this special breed can truly appreciate. Can't really blame her. Dogs are very attracted to stinky stuff , after all! Check out these girl black Lab names befitting your queen. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. The U-EL license is applied only for the staff of the organization that holds the account. Maximum number of electronic items is unlimited applies as a total of each type of usage. This is an additional license to the rights included within the regular Royalty-Free license. Note that the other restrictions still apply. Time Limited Exclusivity This license represents an exclusive right to use the downloaded media, but such exclusivity will only last for a limited period of time. 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The British or English Bulldog is bigger and stronger. Some breeders wanted to create toy, or miniature bulldogs by mating the smallest dogs of each litter. Some of the smaller bulldogs were taken to France by British emigrants. The French bulldog is smaller than its English counterpart, and has erect, bat-like ears. He has a large, square head. French Bulldog puppies for sale Are you ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? Look no further than our beautiful KUSA-registered puppies from show dog parents. We have two females looking for a loving home. These puppies are more than just adorable bundles of joy. They come with various essentials to ensure a healthy and happy journey with you. Each puppy has a microchip implanted, giving you peace of mind knowing they will always be easily identifiable. Inclusive to that, our puppies are up to date with deworming because we believe in keeping them healthy from the start. Two inoculations have been done, ensuring that your puppy is protected against common diseases. Our puppies's parents have undergone health testing. This means you can expect strong puppies who are not just visually appealing but also genetically sound. There are breeding restrictions on the contract. These puppies are full of love and will follow you around, becoming your faithful and loyal companion for life. So, if you're ready to add some wagging tails and wet kisses to your life, contact us and meet our puppies today. Posted .Breeder lives in Gauteng. Puppies can be flown to major airports in South Africa. Microchip implanted, dewormings, vaccinations will be administered. We are selectively breeding for moderate muzzles, moderate build, and moderate tail, to have healthier frenchies. Responsible, ethical breeders who share the same vision with us can discuss regarding lifting breeding restrictions. Puppies start at R14 each. Contact Venesha Devnath .Contact eileen petsplace. He will often snort when excited. Frenchies are born with short tails sometimes almost no tail — they are not surgically docked. Colours: brindle, fawn, black with white markings, and pied white with markings. Weight: dogs .Height: 28 - 33 cms at shoulder. How breeds of dogs developed. The English bulldog has small, curled ears, but the French bulldog has large, bat ears. Which one has the better hearing, do you think? Human ears are wonderfully constructed too, so that we can enjoy sound. If we listen intently, we can hear what we want to hear. We can "turn a deaf ear" to what we don't want to hear. If God exists, why can't we hear Him speak? Actually, He speaks to us all the time - through the immense wonder of the day and night sky, for example. But we don't want to hear, for that would mean turning from our self-centeredness. Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear! We are KUSA registered and our Frenchies are microchipped and vaccinated before being handed over to you. Our process of finding suitable homes for our puppies is not just about selling. We aim to match the right families to the right dogs, and this can only be done via a face-to-face interaction. Visits to our farm are by appointment only. Over the years, family and friends requested dogs such as the ones who were part of our family, so we decided to embark on a breeding programme to produce the best Puppies in South Africa. While relatively new in breeding circles, we have ensured our dogs are of the highest calibre, and are treated with the respect they deserve. Why French Bulldogs? Apart from being loyal, cute and absolutely adorable lap dogs, they are lively, playful, athletic, alert, easygoing, bright, keen, patient, affectionate and sociable. French Bulldogs date back to the in the s, they are a small breed of domestic dog and are a result of a cross between their Bulldog ancestors from England and original Ratters from Paris, France. For more resources and dog care tips, click here… Our Farm A few pictures of our farm where our French Bulldog Puppies are born, and cared for before being adopted. Share this page with other Frenchie enthusiasts: Our Puppies.

By Catherine Armstrong Updated September 26, From 14 ounces to 75 pounds, your golden retriever puppy will grow and develop a lot during his first 2 years. Your golden retriever will be a faithful, loving companion during his life span of 12 to 14 years. Newborn Goldens Need Their Mom Like all puppies, golden retrievers are born blind, deaf and completely reliant on their mother for survival. She feeds them, licks them clean and keeps them warm. Golden retriever puppies weigh between 14 and 16 ounces at birth and will double their weight by the end of their second week of life. Golden retriever moms tend to be calm and friendly, so hold and socialize with newborn puppies often. Goldens Love Carrying Toys Around All puppies learn about their environment by exploring with their mouths, but goldens were bred to carry ducks without damaging them, so they're especially mouthy. Provide young puppies soft toys to carry around and you'll quickly see evidence of their retrieving instinct. Make sure the floor is clear of small items that are dangerous to puppies such as paperclips, coins and pills. Golden retrievers have thick, shaggy double coats that require daily brushing; otherwise their coats becomes hopelessly matted and tangled. Start grooming your puppy while he's young so he will be accustomed to holding still long enough to get pretty. Monitor Your Golden's Growth Carefully monitor your golden's growth between 4 and 7 months of age. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, a painful joint condition exacerbated by rapid growth. Goldens who grow too quickly also suffer a higher likelihood of soft tissue injuries and some cancers. Feed your puppy kibble specially designed for large breeds, which is less calorie-laden than other puppy foods. Ask your veterinarian for a slow-growth plan to minimize health risks. Such a plan includes careful weight monitoring, a low-calorie puppy food, exercise and elimination of excess food. Exercise your golden puppy daily to train his metabolism to burn excess calories. Play with him on grass and soft surfaces to minimize the impact to his hip joints. Always a Puppy Your golden reaches his full height of up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder by the end of his first year and reaches his full weight at 2 years old. A male weighs 65 to 75 pounds; a female typically weighs 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens keep their youthful temperament well into adulthood. Make sure your golden pup gets plenty of exercise. The dog's size and active nature require that he gets more vigorous exercise than some dogs. As a retriever, he can have no greater joy than fetching tennis balls or splashing in a pond to retrieve sticks or floating toys. Caroline Colie, Ph. This article will give you tips and details about the golden retriever labor and delivery. This is perfect if you are a first-timer who is about to witness a litter in a matter of days, weeks, or months. Experienced pet owners are also welcome this in for quick refreshment or something new knowledge that wants to be learned. Prepare Yourself The important thing you need to do is to prepare yourself by educating yourself. More particularly if you are a first-timer. Recognizing the problems as early as possible is your advantage. This is because you can become calmer and think logically which makes the chances of delivery much safer. What you need is to scour every resource you have regarding the stages of labor and you should also determine the complications if something uneventful might happen. Given the fact that each canine breed has its own vulnerabilities and complications. Also, each dog has its own unique whelping and birthing process, so embraced the unexpected. Above all, the ultimate keyword you should know is preparedness as they are essential in delivering the litters safely and with ease. This is one of the best ways to prepare your golden retriever for labor and delivery. Gestation Period Generally, an all-female dog breed has a gestation that lasts up to 63 days. Determining the exact delivery time is still difficult find out. But the usual time frame of delivery is usually between 58 to 70 days. Although your local veterinarian can help you narrow the time frame by examining the female dog. Also, be aware the there are still chances that your female dog is not pregnant but feeling pregnant. This phenomenon is known as pseudocyesis or false pregnancy. If your dog has an improper diet, there can be complications and discomfort while on her pregnancy period. There are some things you should remember while your golden retriever is in the labor and delivery process. Some Tips: Never give them treats or scraps — Your goal is to feed your pregnant golden retriever highly nutritious food on a regular basis. Again, stick to the suggested regular adult food. Give him plenty of water — Make sure that your female dog has enough water. Check the water bowl very often. You need to keep them hydrated at all times. Feed your dog only small meals instead of bulky meals — The reason behind this is your pregnant dog has already full in the abdomen. Feeding her large meals will only create discomfort which can eventually lead to complications if you keep on feeding her in large amounts of meals. Feed them high-quality kibble food — Investing in premium quality and wholesome kibble food is a perfect meal for your pregnant golden retriever. The fact that high-quality kibble food has more quality ingredients and jam packed with nutrients and vitamins that your dog needs. Giving them low-quality kibble food is like putting them in danger. You should be wary of their diet and also watch out for any dog food that has GMOs, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, meat by-products, and fillers. Golden Retriever Labor and Delivery As your pregnant golden retriever nearing its labor and delivery, you are going to need to monitor her at all times and watch for changes. Check the body temperature at least twice as this can help you notify its impending birth. A day before the labor, your female dog will have a drop in her body temperature which is a sign of near birth. The normal temperature should be to .And prior to the labor which is 24 hours , the temperature may drop 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, be prepared. Stage One of Labor The moment the temperature drops, the labor is expected to happen anytime soon. Your dog might feel lethargic and anxious. This will be followed by a nesting behavior. While your dog is in its nesting behavior, this is the time to put her in the whelping box you should train her to get accustomed to the whelping box beforehand. In some cases, they will try to drag some piece of fabric or pieces of clothing into her whelping box. The initial stage will normally last 6 to 12 hours. Stage Two of Labor Moving on, this next stage is the right moment where the puppy is going to be delivered. There begin visible contractions. The female dog feels the strain. The first puppy is about to deliver in 1 to 2 hours prior to the straining and contractions of the female golden retriever. If you cant handle it properly, you can call your vet for assistance and for a care delivery process. After the delivery, the female dog may enter into her resting phase which lasts up to 5 hours. If there are expected puppies, active strains continue to persist and will begin again. You should know the estimated puppies by having your female dog take an ultrasound early on, so you are aware of the golden retriever labor and delivery are finished. Although some female dogs will not have their resting phase. Because in some cases puppies are rapidly delivered. Stage Three of Labor After the puppy is born, the female dog will enter stage three of labor. This stage is where the placenta is being delivered which normally occurs between 6 to 15 minutes after the delivery of the puppy. After the delivery, the mother dog will enter stage two of labor again. It will depend if the mother dog will continue in contraction or will continue her resting phase. The stage of 2 and 3 labors will continue if there are still puppies in the mother dog. You should watch out for the number of placentas. The number of placentas should tally with the number of puppies. Finally, the Whelping Stage By the time all the puppies are delivered, the female golden retriever will immediately clean the puppy. This process is removing the amniotic sac if still present and she will also chew the umbilical cord. After this, you will eventually hear the puppies crying. You can assist and nurse the newborn puppies in order to help the mother if need be. But keep in mind, no more heavy exercise for them, they should be given light physical activities only. Have them walk with you with a maximum of five short walks within a day. Your pregnant dog should be well-rested for the last 2 to 3 weeks prior to her delivery. Because the last weeks are going to be essential for the health of the puppies and the mother also. There will be complications or worse, puppies could die if the mother gets hit too hard or bumped somewhere on the abdomen part. That said, make sure that you consult with your vet before giving any treatment or any sort of medication. Because these can pass down to her unborn puppies. But be sure to talk with your vet all about it. That said, the vet is able to detect ant physical abnormalities, infections, or even diseases with the puppies. You should also ask some questions regarding the golden retriever labor and delivery. Because you will never know if the delivery will be safe or a complication will happen. There could be bleeding in her vagina before birth. Important Nutrients for Pregnant Golden Retrievers When feeding your pregnant golden retriever, you should consider several factors. Maybe right now, you are feeding your dog a cheap kibble food with low nutritional value and full of fillers and other synthetic components that can be dangerous to your dog. Vitamins Vitamins are obviously crucial to anyone and that includes that pregnant dog. There are fruits and vegetables and even organ meats that contain one of these vitamins. Also, vitamin D aids calcium absorption. Canned mackerel dairy products and eggs; and salmon are high sources of vitamin D. In addition, you should also include folate. Because folate is essential in preventing any multiple birth defects. Sources of high folate include liver, poultry, and pork. Just be careful of the amount of liver you are giving. Medium-sized dogs eat more than mg of vitamin A on a daily basis. Minerals Iron, calcium, phosphorous are important to every dog including pregnant ones. Calcium is great for the development of bone and tooth, and calcium is crucial especially during the nursing period. Meaty bones are high sources of calcium although you should keep your pregnant dog from eating dog bones after 7 weeks of labor because it might lead to problems in health. Phosphorous aids the development of bones in puppies, it can also prevent any bone health problems in female dogs. Fish and eggs are great sources of phosphorous. Iron helps fights anemia which is fairly common in dog pregnancy. The best sources of iron are organ meats, liver, kidneys, and beef heart. So you need to focus on this essential meat. There are premium kibble products that offer a large protein diet that is cital in your pregnant dog. Fatty Acids Great sources of omega 3 fatty acids came from fish like wild-caught salmon. You can also give some fish oil dog supplements in order to aid the overall health of your female dog. They are also beneficial in aiding the nerves, fetal brain, and also eyesight. Instead, you should be hygienic given the fact that the puppies are susceptible to any kind of disease. Hydrogen peroxide Towels paper towels, washcloths, and blankets Antibacterial gel ointment. Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

However, puppy goldens are more fluff than flow. It doesn't take long for a golden puppy to begin growing feathers in his puppy fluff, which are the start of the long, full coat he'll have as an adult. From Fluff to Fur Most golden puppies begin growing the start of feathers in their short, fluffy puppy coat at around 3 months of age, but this can depend on the puppy's heritage and bloodlines. If his parents grew adult coats later, chances are so will he. Your best source for information about your puppy's heritage is his breeder. Ask to see your puppy's parents at the breeder's, and find out how old they were when they got their adult coats. The Coat Transition Around 3 months of age, you will notice some long hair growing in your puppy's tail. This is the beginning of his feathering. Goldens have feathers on their legs, under their stomachs, and on the tail. The adult coat begins growing on the dog's tail first and continues gradually up his body. The new hair will be slightly darker than his light puppy fur. Unlike other breeds, a golden doesn't shed his puppy fur. It is pushed aside by the longer adult hair growing in and eventually becomes the dog's undercoat. The undercoat will thicken as the longer outer coat grows in. This transition can take until your puppy is 18 months old to be complete. Grooming Helps Start grooming your golden retriever as a puppy. Goldens are heavy shedders and the more you groom, the less hair you'll find around your house. Begin by running a soft brush over the puppy's body to get him used to it. Brush in the direction the hair grows. Add a pin brush and slicker to your tools as your dog grows, and brush him daily or at least weekly. Removing loose hair from your golden will make way for new hair to grow in and minimize the flying fur on your clothing. They have a dense, light-colored undercoat and a slightly coarser, darker outer coat. The thickness of your dog's coat is dependent on his environment. Nature dictates that a dog who spends more time outside will have a thicker coat than one who spends all his time indoors. As the temperature changes, his body regulates the amount of coat he needs. Seasonal shedding of indoor dogs is dictated by daylight, since they do not experience the temperature changes that a dog who spends more time outdoors does. The amount of daylight stimulates hormones that control hair growth. Indoor and outdoor dogs shed more in the spring and fall. More Articles. Golden retrievers are popular for their flowing and sunny coat. Still, Golden puppies are more fluffy than flowing. It will not take time for the puppy to grow feathers in his puppy fluff, which indicate a start of the full and long coat he will get growing up. Stage 1: From Fluff to Fur At around 3 months of age, most Golden puppies will start growing their feathers in their short, fluffy puppy coat. If the parents of the puppy grew adult coats later, it is more likely he will. This stage indicates the start of feathering. Golden Retrievers have feathers on their tail, stomachs and on their legs. Gradually, the rest of the adult coat will grow throughout his body. The recent growth of hair will be slightly darker than the former light puppy fur. The Golden Retriever puppy is different from other breeds because it does not shed his puppy fur. Rather, the puppy fur is pushed aside by the newer, longer and outer coat that grows in. The overall transition takes 18 months for completion. Grooming The best time to start grooming your Golden retriever is when it is still a puppy. Since they are heavy shedders, the more you groom them the less hair you will find around your house. It is advisable to brush in the direction that the hair grows. As your puppy grows, add these two tools to your collection: a pin brush and a rake. Brush him daily or at least twice a week. Getting rid of the loose hair from your Golden will allow new hair to grow in and reduce the flying fur in your clothing. The Golden coat Golden retrievers are double coated dogs. They are characterized by a thick, light-colored undercoat and a moderately rougher, darker outer coat. The environment of your dog will greatly affect the density or thickness of the coat. As per nature, a dog that spends more time outdoors will have a thicker coat than a dog that spends all the time indoors. The body will regulate the amount of coat a dog needs according to the temperature changes. Daylight is another factor that dictates seasonal shedding of indoor dogs. This is because such dogs do not experience the temperature changes that a dog who spends much time outdoors does. The underlying reason for daylight contributing to seasonal shedding is that it stimulates hormones that bring about hair growth. In the spring and during the fall, indoor and outdoor dogs shed more hair. Find the Best Undercoat rake for your golden retriever A golden retriever rake is a very essential tool to have that specifically targets the undercover hair. The rake helps to easily detangle debris and loose hair that get messy over time when overlooked. Other brushes like the pin brush target the outer coat only. Therefore, it is important that you get a rake that is designed to reach the undercoat to get rid of dead and loose hair. A rake has a big hefty looking grip with sharp pins that are built to penetrate the outer and target undercoat hairs. At the end of every sharp looking pin, there are rounded edges that sooth your dog while you clean it at the same time. An ideal undercoat rake should have:- Pins with rounded edges Pins that are strong and durable A handle with a good strong grip A design that makes it easier to detangle undercoat hair. Golden puppies are not born with full hair, though. Instead, they have short, fluffy coats, which later grow into a long, shiny hair. So, at what age does a Golden Retriever get long hair? A Golden Retriever starts growing long hair on its tail at three months of age. The feathers on its legs, chest, and stomach start showing at about one year. Some dogs might sport longer or heavier coats than others. This article will explore what determines the age at which your Golden Retriever gets long hair. Finally, you will learn how to take care of your Golden Retriever to ensure his coat remains healthy and shiny. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! The outer coat of long hair extends to the tail and underbody but is longest in the areas where it feathers out away from the body. These areas include the tail, chest, legs, and stomach. This comes down to the specific genes they received from their parents. Note: In traditional Scotland, Golden Retrievers accompanied hunters on their hunting trips, and their work was to retrieve prey. The dogs sported long hair and thick undercoats, which protected them from the biting cold and heat. It will take about 3 months before you begin to see the first signs of longer hair, usually on their tail. From this stage on, a Golden puppy starts sprouting feathers aka longer hair. This growth marks a departure from puppy fluff and the beginning of the long, full coat characteristic of a mature Golden Retriever. This will help you estimate more accurately when your puppy might get his longer hair. Golden Retriever Hair Growth Stages As mentioned earlier, a Golden Retriever puppy starts growing adult hair at approximately three months old. However, this growth is subtle and may not be noticeable until he is closer to one year old. Your Golden Retriever can be considered to have a fully grown coat when he is two years of age. Long adult hair starts growing first at the tail. This feathering process then proceeds to the legs and stomach. With time, the entire body gets the adult coat, which tends to be darker than the former puppy fur. Feathered fur is usually light and soft and is useful for temperature regulation; it thickens during the cold season and thins during warmer months. Interestingly, Golden puppies do not shed their puppy fur. Instead, once new hair starts growing, the puppy fur gets nudged aside by the newer and longer outer coat. Golden Retriever puppies are actually born with their undercoat. They grow their long hair out over the top as they get older. Eventually, the undercoat grows thicker as the longer outer coat begins to cover it. This transition takes almost 18 months, though, for most Retrievers, the full coat grows once the dog is more than a year old. If he spends considerable time outdoors, he is bound to get a much thicker coat than if he were to stay indoors. The mature coat helps keep your dog both warm and dry, depending on the weather. The dog also sheds more during the summer months in order to keep cool. The thing is, for double-coated dogs, the undercoat grows much faster than the outer coat. As such, when you shave your Golden, the hair that grows back tends to look dull and uneven. Furthermore, your dog needs his full coat to protect him from the sun. Besides, Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders, and frequent grooming reduces the amount of shed hair found around the house. Early grooming is also beneficial in other ways: It allows your puppy to get used to grooming, thus making the activity easier and even enjoyable to him as he becomes an adult. For Golden Retrievers with long hair, grooming helps keep the hair in check and reduces excessive shedding Brushing encourages blood circulation in the skin, which stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair production. Start by using a soft brush and always ensure that you brush parallel to the hair growth. Do this daily or once a week. You may add a pin brush and a rake Amazon to your grooming tools as your puppy matures. The rake is excellent for removing debris and detangling messy undercoat hair. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! This will help make way for new growth and reduce the amount of fur that settles on your clothing. When washing your Golden retriever, try to use shampoos with the least amount of chemicals like this one at Amazon. This helps retain the hair better by reducing shedding. If your dog has skin issues, consult your vet. The vet will determine the cause of the problem and advise on diet change or the appropriate mode of treatment. These beneficial Omega acids can be in fish oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, or through additional vitamin supplements Amazon found to be good for Golden Retrievers. Also, beef bones containing bone marrow are excellent for healthy skin. Remember to clear this with your vet if your dog has allergies that would prevent him from consuming any of the recommended foods and supplements. Watch Out for Unusual Shedding Golden Retrievers shed their hair year-round but the shedding becomes especially heavy twice a year in the spring and fall seasons. However, if the shedding seems unusual or: The shedding is excessive and out of season Your dog is losing large patches of hair You may need to visit your vet since this could be a medical issue. Your dog might be suffering from a fungal or bacterial infection, a food allergy, or external parasites such as fleas or mites. If the hair loss is accompanied by a strong odor, see my article Smelly Golden Retrievers What Stinks? Here are some useful suggestions on how to accomplish this: Keep your dog clean. Long hair coats can trap twigs and leaves, which could cause the hair to tangle and mat. Always remove such items before your dog takes a bath — every weeks for adults but more often for puppies as they get dirtier. Brush the coat often. Have a regular brushing routine. Brush your Golden Retriever more often during shedding season — like daily. Provide high-quality nutrition. This should contain the right nutritional balance and include minerals, vitamins, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Final Thoughts Every Golden Retriever follows a unique timeline when it comes to growing long hair. Even their hair color appears in different shades of gold. Keep looking out for the initial feathery patches, and once these kick in, you will be sure that long hair is on the way. With time, your reward will be a coat full of lustrous, shiny golden hair. Share 0 Shares Learning about the three stages of your Golden Retrievers coat will help you understand each stage of growth. It starts at birth as a thin short coat, morphs into a fluffy stage between months of life, and finally your dog will display their gorgeous long feathery coat as an adult. The 3 Distinctive Stages of Coat Development for a Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever was bred to have a thick double coat that meant that they could retrieve shot birds in any weather, such as during the cooler duck season. This thick coat kept them warm in cold weather, and the water flowed off their coat keeping them warm and dry. They have a lovely personality and tend to get along with everyone, young and old alike. But it is their beautiful long golden coat that they are known and admired for. But it dries to a warm soft and fuzzy stage that will keep the puppy warm and regulate their body temperature. At months of age, your GR will transition from their soft fuzzy coat which becomes the undercoat. They will start to grow their outer coat through the undercoat at this stage. Everyone loves a cute Golden Retriever puppy; they are so adorable with their fuzzy fur that makes them look more like a cuddly bear than a dog. Combined with their drop-dead good looks and their cute demeanor and cuddly disposition, you have one little puppy that will wind you around their paw and steal your heart. In the two to three months after their birth, they will be a little fuzzy ball, and here is why. The Golden Retriever puppy is born with a short thin coat of fur which is suited to them while they adjust to life and learn how get about. Their short coat is easier for the mother dog to clean, and it enables the puppy to move about unencumbered while learning how to walk, play and feed. Although their coat will start getting thicker in the first few months, they will remain short. In these first few months of life, it is a good time to train your little Golden to enjoy being groomed as this will become part of their weekly life. Brushing them while they are young gets them into the habit of being groomed because the Golden Retriever does shed a lot of fur and brushing your dog helps to control their shedding. This stage of coat growth and development happens around months of age. It often shows first in the tail area but be aware that this can vary from dog to dog. Their coat is a double coat. The undercoat is thick and protects them from heat and cold. The dense outer coat grows from amongst the underlying puppy fluff which settles to become the undercoat. At months they will start getting their adult coat. Each Golden Retriever is different, there is no set time that each stage must happen within. Asking your breeders for information about when the parent dogs of your puppy went through their coat growth stages will give you an idea of when that will happen for your pup. This full growth stage is from about 8 months onwards, again, depending on the dog. These long, beautiful hairs start on the tail, followed by the stomach, chest, and legs within their first year. From here on, the coat of the Golden Retriever will be shed several times during the year, depending on where you live and what the climate is like. The highest level of shedding occurs in the late spring, and the late fall. Other than that, they shed modestly throughout the year. When do Golden Retrievers Tails get Fluffy? Dogs are individuals, and the time that they achieve any key steps in their growth cycle can vary depending on the dog. The tail starts to fluff out at around weeks old and is made up of two layers. First there is the outer layer of long guard hairs, then the undercoat is comprised of softer, downy hairs. Each dog is different as to when their tails achieve the beautiful Golden Retriever fluffy look. The guard hairs start first on the tail which becomes fluffy and long by the time they are six to eight months old. The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed that is a great family dog. They have a lovely nature, plenty of energy, and just love their people. Their fur can get everywhere — on your furniture, on your clothes, floating in the house, and rolling around like a tumbleweed in the garden! When you get a Golden Retriever, you must accept the shedding that comes with the dog. So why do they shed so much? It is because of their coat; they are a double coated canine, which means that they have a waterproof topcoat, but they also have a soft downy undercoat. Their coat is designed by nature to help regulate their temperature. It is normally during the changes of the seasons — particularly spring and fall, that they shed the most. During summer their coat is thinner than usual, but they start growing thicker fur for the winter. But in saying that, be aware that they shed pretty much all the year around. Regular grooming with a rake comb and pin brush during grooming helps control the thick under hair. Regular brushing removes the excess loose hair from within the coat and can cut down on the amount of hair in the home. The climate where you live is a factor in the coat stages of your Golden Retriever. If you live in a hot place, they will shed their coat more to remain cool. If you live in a cold climate your golden will shed less to protect them from the icy climate. A dog who spends a lot of their time outside will develop a thicker coat than a dog that spends a lot of time indoors. As earlier stated, the Golden Retriever seems to shed all year around. But what if it is excessive, like handfuls of hair falling out — is that normal? There are certain things that can affect the amount of fur that your Golden Retriever sheds. It may just be a growth phase that they are going through, but it could be an outside influence that is causing a change in their shedding pattern. Allergy reactions due to pollen, food, or even their grooming shampoo can be a factor. You may notice them scratching more than usual. A dog with allergies also suffers from eye or ear infections so check them regularly to ensure all is well. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can almost drive a dog mad, and you will notice your dog itching themselves and probably whining at the same time. That thick coat is an inviting place to call home for parasites, so check their coat carefully, especially after long walks in wooded areas. Stress can affect your Golden Retriever. They need to be with their owners. If your Golden Retriever is feeling left out, they may begin scratching themselves or fretting which can cause hair loss. Make sure that they are also booked in for a regular health check with your local vet. The vet put your mind at rest as to what is normal shedding and what is not. A long rake comb can really sort out the dense undercoat and pull out any loose, irritating hair while a pin brush keeps the top hairs clean and tangle-free. With a consistent routine of grooming and washing your dog, you will remove the loose hair and be able to dispose of it. Sometimes when your dog is molting shedding their hair you can grab handfuls of their hair and pull gently. Brushing daily if possible is great, otherwise, try to groom them at least three times per week. Bathing, which is important to care for the coat, needs to be done once a week, or twice a month using a suitable mild dog shampoo. This phenomenon is a natural occurrence as your Golden Retriever ages. During the puppy stage , they are more of a light golden color, but as they mature, some of the longer guard hairs darken over time. Their coat is characterized by a thick, light-colored undercoat and moderately rough darker outer coat. The climate can make a difference. A hot sunny climate where they spend a lot of time in the water can make for a lighter-colored coat. The Golden Retriever should not be shaved as it is the worst thing that you can do to your canine. If you do a complete shave, it may damage the coat and it will never grow back like before. It can also result in skin allergies and damage. The undercoat is designed to protect the dog from both hot and cold temperatures. The springtime shedding of the undercoat helps them cope with the heat. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are known for their lovely, fluffy coats and long flowing tail. Their soft golden or darker caramel colors are beautiful and new owners are attracted to their looks, good nature, and goofy, adorable antics. But like most things, there is a price to pay for their good looks, and that is that they shed a lot. But with regular grooming and brushing, a bath or two a month, and the use of low allergenic mild shampoo, you will be able to control as much of the shedding as possible. And if you ask any Golden Retriever owner, they will tell you that the shedding is a small price to pay for such an affable, glorious dog. Golden Retriever Resources and Tips. Grooming He is excellent as a family companion, however, for him to rest peacefully on the couch and act as the house's mascot - he needs activities. Goldens are excellent retrievers, so the dummy is a sport created for retrievers. He is a working dog, created to work in water, for example, to fetch arrows. Fortunately, you can meet his needs much more quickly, through active learning of tricks, obedience training, and tracking. Golden retriever coat stages Stage 1 At 3 months old, most Golden puppies begin to shed feathers in their short, fluffy puppy coat. If the puppy's parents later grew an adult coat, it is more likely to do so. You can ask the breeder to meet the puppy's parents and find out at what age they had the adult coat. Stage 2 When the puppy is about 3 months old, he will begin to see long hairs growing on his tail. This stage indicates the beginning of blending. Golden Retrievers have feathers on their tail, belly and legs. The dog's tail is the starting point for the growth of the adult coat. The rest of the adult hair will grow all over his body. The recent hair growth will be slightly darker than the formerly light puppy coat. The Golden Retriever puppy differs from other breeds in that it does not shed its puppy fur. Instead, the puppy fur is repelled by a newer, more long, outer coat that grows. The complete transition takes 18 months. Golden retriever appearance You need to know something before you have a golden retriever living under your roof - the breed description. This dog has a harmonious appearance that is perfectly finished with a longer coat. The head is nicely sculptured, without jowls, with a well-defined foot and a relatively long muzzle. The balanced body ends in a tail carried flush with the topline. The limbs are strong, and muscular, giving the Golden Retriever an energetic, powerful gait without raising the front paws too high. The golden dog has longer, smooth or wavy hair finished with feathers. Importantly, underneath the coat, a dense undercoat protects the skin from water. The acceptable coat colour is golden or cream. There may be a small white mark on the forecast. However, the coat must not be too dark - red or mahogany. When it comes to Golden Retriever dogs, the breed description also applies to size. Males are slightly larger than bitches, a common trait in quadrupeds. At the withers, their size is cm, and bitches - cm. The weight of males fluctuates around 28 kg and females - 27 kg. Goldens are classified as medium-sized breeds. Their standard weight can range from kg, with males reaching 56 to 61 cm at the withers and females from 51 to 56 cm. They have a proportional and quite muscular body structure. This is a sizable but gentle breed known for its warm nature. Golden retrievers are extremely friendly and sociable, they give equal sympathy to basically everyone - even burglars. Therefore, they certainly can not be considered guard dogs. They are patient and very understanding - great dogs for families with children. They are usually easy to raise. They get attached, love company, and usually get along well with other animals. Quite often they are used in dog therapy, sometimes they work as tracking or rescue dogs. They can detect drugs or gas leaks. They can also be trained to help people with disabilities. A golden retriever is definitely not a couch dog. You need to take him out for long walks to "run around". He loves all physical activities, including swimming. He is remarkably resilient. Originally, it was a hunting dog, so it happens that it brings various "prey" in its mouth. Golden retrievers have gorgeous fur, which is a dog decoration. Of course, the pet looks great if its coat is neat, shiny and clean. Dirt, tangles, bits of twigs, or food entangled in the hair take away a lot of the charm and are unpleasant for the pet itself. They can pinch, tangle and snag on everything. In case of exceptional lack of care, fur can start to moss and felt, which looks really awful and there is no way to do anything with such a mess of hair - only cut it off. So let's take care of our pet's fur so that it remains a natural decoration and we can be proud of it. What is the best way to take care of a golden retriever's coat? What is the coat of a golden retriever? Golden retrievers have a coat that is either smooth or somewhat wavy. The hair is quite long and reaches its largest size on parts of the body such as the chest, belly, thighs, tail, and front legs exactly their backside. These dogs have an undercoat and it is waterproof. Long hair is a beautiful look but has many problems because it tangles easily. It's also not very resistant to dirt, especially because golden retrievers in a classic coat don't have protective colours it means that after jumping in the mud it will be obvious. Dogs of this breed undergo intensive moulting in spring and autumn, which should be responded to with more frequent and intensive brushing. You should also consider giving your dog a dietary supplement to strengthen growing hair. Tools for golden retriever coat care Since the coat of this breed of dog is both delicate and quite long, we need several fur care tools for different stages of combing. All products should be bought in a good pet store e. Do not use human tools! They are not suitable; for example, the same comb as our dog is extremely unhygienic. So what do we need and what should we equip ourselves with? First, we need a poodle brush - it is perfect for smoothing the hair without tugging it too much. Secondly, a metal comb is irreplaceable when attacking tangles of all kinds. Thirdly, one of the following tools will come in handy, depending on what your pet's hair is like and what effect you want to achieve with trimming and shaping the different parts: a pair of degloving scissors, a trimmer, a razor or a trimmer rake. What are these tools used for? Primarily to shape the fur on the neck, ears, paws, bristles and tail. The combing itself should always be done on a dry coat. We make gentle, sweeping motions, starting with the head and ending with the tail. Do not tug or pull the fur. First, we deal with tangles with a comb, then we smooth the whole with a brush. Alternatively, we can apply conditioner to the coat during bathing and then use a metal brush to remove any tangles and tangled parts of the hair. After a thorough combing, if the dog is preparing for a show, we can spray over the coat anti-static liquid, so that it will not electrify. Cosmetics for golden retriever coat care What is the best shampoo for our Golden? A golden retriever should be bathed if it gets very dirty, of course, this should be done more often. Our dog needs special cosmetics, dedicated to shaggy dogs, not humans! Using our products will disturb the pH of his delicate skin, and may cause rashes, hair loss, itching and dandruff. Of course, for long-haired pets, a hypoallergenic one will also be very good, for exceptional sensitivities. Before taking part in a show it's worth using a special shampoo to increase the coat's volume and use a smoothing spray. Remember that the shampoo should be rinsed thoroughly and be careful not to get into the nose, eyes or ears of the pet ears of the dog should be cleaned and dried after each bath, because due to their hanging shape it is difficult to drain water from them, and in warmth and moisture fungi can develop. During washing, we can also apply conditioner or lotion for a few moments to make fur smooth and shiny. Then take a soft towel and squeeze out excess water do not rub or rub too hard. A hairdryer will also come in handy - set a slightly warm stream of air and gently, part by part, dry the coat. Don't exaggerate the amount of shampoo, as the hair will stick together and fall out, making it look greasy, which definitely won't add to the dog's charm. Let's also remember about regular trimming tufts of fur from between paw pads. To do this, let's use scissors with a rounded end. Grooming The golden retriever has a characteristic, long, dense coat of a golden colour, but does not moult excessively. The dog needs to be brushed 1 or 2 times a week, except during increased hair loss spring and autumn , when it may be necessary even daily. In addition, the dog's claws need to be trimmed regularly - otherwise, they can cause discomfort and pain. It is also necessary to cut the hair from between the pads. However, frequent baths are not advisable, except for recreational ones in open water. Golden retrievers should only be bathed when they are simply dirty. After each contact with water, his ears should be thoroughly cleaned to avoid the development of ringworm. More Dogs.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies, you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Pennsylvania Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Pennsylvania? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of our golden retriever puppies for sale. How do I know which breeders to trust in Pennsylvania? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Crafted for a fellow pet parent and features natural sweet potato treats, double-sided flannel bandana, an adorable, personalized bone-shaped ID tag, spray cologne, a handpoured Lemon Chiffon non-toxic soy candle to eliminate the odor exclusively made for this dog themed gift box! The gift box can be engraved with the dog's name and artwork - something really special that will take any gift to the next level! Perfect for storing keepsakes or can be repurposed as a stylish cache for anything special. Box size - 12x10x5". Order multiple boxes shipping to a single address, please contact us at info duskylark. We will add a handwritten tag with the recipient name on the shipping box to make sure that each gift box finds its owner. In case the recipient has some food sensitivities, please be sure to read all ingredients and allergens. Allergens: milk. Gift boxes ship within days. Each gift box goes out in a shipping box with air bubble wrapping so your order arrives at the final destination in the most pristine condition. No packing slip or invoice is included in the shipping box. Receipt will be directly emailed to you. Please note that we work with small-batch and local artisan businesses so certain items might become unavailable on occasion and without a lot of notice. In the event a product is unavailable at the time of your order, we reserve the right to substitute an item for a similar item of equal or greater value. This adds to the uniqueness and beauty of each gift box. Boxes are not painted or stained in any way, so the wood will show natural markings. Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products. Design: Liked the theme and the toys were definitely durable. Health: Treats were made in the U. I mean, I love celebrating Halloween early as much as the next person, but in March? Mostly I was just weirded out by feeling like I'd been sent a Halloween box in March? Happy early Halloween, y'all! But in addition to that, everything in the box felt extremely high quality. Design: Both dog toys here felt very high-end and durable. Neither one was hideous, and I liked that there was a subtle St. I also loved that the rope toy is created through Fundacion Mitz which gives jobs to women in vulnerable communities. Health: I appreciated that the Loving Pets treats were made in the U. Customer Experience: I canceled my subscription via email, and it was easy. The customer service representative was pleasant and I liked that I got an email warning me that my subscription was renewing before I was out of the cancellation window. Summary: I was skeptical of this box going in because subscribing on the Greater Good site felt a little jenky, but I was actually really wow-ed by the quality of the items in the box and the value. I loved the products, and loved even more knowing that my purchase was feeding shelter animals. And our pick for the best Dog subscription box is… Okay, I lied. I love that it gives back, and everything in it felt really high-quality and thoughtfully-curated. I loved seeing a Fair Trade toy in the box, too. It felt good to buy an indulgent treat for our pups that also helped pups in need. Thanks for reading! Pin It The Dapple sometimes receives a small affiliate income when you shop using links featured on our site. Never Miss a Pupdate Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Email Address. Start your life together out right with the puppy gift box that keeps giving for your new fluffy bundle of joy. Each Puppy Dream Box comes with an assortment of minimum 7 or more items including all-natural delicious puppy treats and puppy-tested toys that are durable for teething puppies while gentle enough on their sensitive teeth and gums. Our aromatic puppy grooming products will make your puppy fresh-scented and our puppy-cute accessories will be handy together with puppy blanket to make them ready for snuggle time. Consider it your start-up suite of puppy-safe and fun products. Do you know what your puppy is dreaming about? After getting a Puppy Dream Box, they will adore you just as much as you adore them. Puppy cuteness, puppy-dog eyes, and snuggles! Get your camera ready, this dog gift box is sure to create Insta-worthy snapshots of cuteness overload! Can i customize my Puppy Dream Box? Our goal is to put a smile on your face while your dog gets a spring in their paw-steps, inspiring hours of playtime, exercise, mental stimulation, snuggles, and adventure for dog-lovers and their fur-babies. All rights reserved.

Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. What is the best age to start training a Lab puppy to work? This guide will answer all of your questions regarding when to start training a Lab puppy. It will combine my personal experience with that of other experts in the field, along with information from behavioral research, to guide you with your decision of when to start training a Labrador puppy of your own. Congratulations on your fluffy new bundle of joy. Labs gained their well-deserved place among favorite breeds for so many reasons. Enthusiastic companions, fast learners, loyal and brave, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic pets. How Puppies Learn In the natural canine world, mother dogs teach their pups everything they need to know about their world, survival and living together happily in various stages of development. Most professional trainers try to mimic the natural canine learning process in their puppy training phases. In fact, we only recommend positive training techniques. Rewards can include food, special treats, praise and petting, playing with a favorite toy, etc. Basic Training Concepts Every Puppy Should Learn The first two components of your puppy training should be thorough socialization and potty training. Here are a few tips with each of those early behaviors. Socialization actually refers to exposure to a wide range of situations and individuals. This goes for being around lots of different people, including children. While your pup is still impressionable and inquisitive, introduce her to friends, neighbors and strangers. Introduce her to children with careful instructions to stay quiet, move slowly and pet gently. They could end up grabbing her tightly, and scaring or hurting her. Being handled by other people will be very key in socializing your puppy. Your dog should be properly socialized to gentle and careful handling, teeth brushing, touching ears and paws and tail. This will make trips to the vet and groomer easier. Make sure to also check out our guide to taking puppies outside for more help with socialization. Crate Training for Dogs Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to love spending time secure in their cosy den. Some puppies basically crate train themselves, loving their crate from day one. Others need a more gradual introduction to this safe space. The trick is to not turn crating into a punishment , but instead make it a wonderful place to have a short undisturbed rest. Most puppies will go through a play biting phase, so if you need help training your lab not to nip, you can follow this guide. It will be important for your dog to sit quietly in the field or duck stand. Self-control should be incorporated throughout daily routines and all training phases. Finally, learning how to walk politely on a leash in public is important. In addition to the behaviors listed above, there are a few extra considerations for training a gundog. As early as 8 weeks old, professional gundog trainers begin introducing lab puppies to various scenarios. The core behavioral requirements for a gundog that can be started in puppies this young are: Thorough socialization and desensitization to various environments and sounds. Be sure to start with quieter sounds and build to louder sounds, especially when introducing the sound of gunfire, to avoid creating a frantic dog. Calmness and steadiness amidst distraction. The earliest introduction to this is teaching your pup to sit for his meals, which can be captured as early as six weeks. There are, however, two important considerations to your Lab puppy training. Before their leg bones are fully developed, Labs can develop joint issues if they run too hard and long. Second, resist the urge to play fetch and retrieve every day with your Lab puppy. They overdo it with tossing a ball or dummy to try to encourage the pup to retrieve. The retrieving instinct typically kicks in quite strong around puberty between five to 10 months. Instead, we suggest focusing on sit, stay and waiting quietly with self control. Those are the more difficult behaviors for a lab to learn once adolescent hormones kick in. Start with socialization and household manners as early as 8 weeks old. Then move to sit, stay, steadiness training, and walking on a leash between 12 and 18 weeks. Training is an ongoing life skill, rather than something you do once and consider done. For a hunting Lab, adding various distractions and practicing perfect recall in different environments will be the two biggest training techniques to work on throughout life. Enjoy your training! And yet, many new owners get so caught up in the cuteness of these bundles of fur that they disregard any training until the dog is much older. Sometimes new owners are just overwhelmed with taking care of their new puppy. Others lack the information needed to make good decisions regarding training for their new family member. Unfortunately, though, some bad behaviors or missed socialization and exposure opportunities are difficult to address with an older dog. So, if your goal is for you new retriever to eventually grow into an excellent duck dog, here is a guide to raising your Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Picking up the puppy The journey with your new retriever pup starts the day you pick him or her up from the breeder. Hopefully you have done your homework and selected a litter of puppies with parents who have proven trainability. If you have a pick from the litter, you will want to take some time to observe the puppies. Even so, most trainers will tell you that picking a puppy is a complete crapshoot, meaning there really is no way to know how good the dog will be while looking at them as a puppy. Genetics and a proven pedigree are the best way to stack the odds in your favor from the start. Beyond that, if you have a good breeder, they are the next best source for information regarding the pups. A good breeder will give you a recommendation based on what you plan to use the pup for and your family situation. Check out this post on searching for a great retriever puppy and what to look for in breeders. If possible, bring someone with you to pick up the puppy. While you can put a puppy in a crate to transport them home, leaving the litter is a traumatic time for most puppies. Being held on the way home is a good way to start bonding with the puppy. Learn what to buy for your new Lab puppy. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. The first week raising your Labrador Retriever puppy There is very little training needed the first week you have your puppy home. Use this time to hold, pet and play with your new puppy. Bonding with the puppy is important and this is a good time to do that. You will likely be exhausted this week from getting up multiple times each night to let your puppy outside. Learn more in What should I do the first week with my new Lab puppy? Socialization is key for retriever gun dog puppies While socialization is important for all dogs, it is essential for retriever puppies destined to hunt. Socialization is the act of putting your retriever puppy in new situations and allowing the puppy to figure it out. Your puppy may handle new situations well, or she might show timid or frightened behaviors. This is not the time to coddle your future gun dog. Dogs are very aware of their owners and if you act or acknowledge your puppies fear, they will likely think you are scared too. This is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve with socialization. We want puppies to learn to adjust quickly to new situations. We want them to learn how to figure out new conditions and handle them without fear or hesitation. Puppies need to be socialized to people also. Let your puppy interact with people of all ages, including children. In addition, it can be helpful if they are also socialized to other dogs and cats. And yet we see too many retrievers with little to no retrieving desire. Sometimes this is just the result of bad breeding, but it can also be the result of poor introduction to retrieving or using the wrong items for retrieving. Many people like to play fetch with their puppy using a ball or Frisbee. But if your puppy is destined to be a hunting partner, this is going to make some retrieving problems down the line. We may use a ball to encourage a very young week old puppy to retrieve, IF, and only IF, the puppy is struggling with retrieving desire. Otherwise, we strongly discourage ongoing use of these items. Gun dogs and duck dogs are working dogs and they need to retrieve birds that fall to the ground. The rolling action of the ball or frisbee will create an excitement and energy that will make retrieving birds seem boring. We have found that dogs that have only retrieved balls or Frisbee often struggle when they need to retrieve a bumper or bird. We have an entire post on this subject, see How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Expose your Labrador puppy to common hunting elements A retriever that is going to be expected to hunt, should be introduced to hunting equipment and elements at an early age. Hills and mounds, flat areas and shallow divots are terrain that a hunting retriever should learn to traverse with ease. In addition to land, different water is also an important factor. Lakes are good, but you should also try to expose your puppy to dirty water. Water with lily pads, cat tails and algae are all things a duck dog will need to handle to work. Hunting equipment Labrador retriever puppies need to learn all about the equipment you use when hunting. Doing this when they are young and continuing the exposure as they grow, will make this second nature to them. Boats and blinds If you hunt out of a boat or blind, introduce your puppy to it. For boats, start on land. Get your puppy comfortable getting in and out of the boat. Throw retrieves from the boat. Similarly, introduce your dog to the blind as a good thing. If you are using a dog blind or hut, make sure your spend lots of time getting your pup comfortable going into and out of it. Make it a fun place to go to get retrieves. Duck or goose decoys If you will use decoys when hunting, take time to expose your puppy to them. Many times over the next few months, put some out on your lawn and let your puppy learn what they are. Eventually, move them to water and again allow your pup to explore them. Throw retrieves through them and teach the dog that he can ignore the decoys. Guns This is one of the most important things that you need to exposure your new puppy to. And it really needs to be done right. The last thing you want to do is create a gun-shy dog. That is very difficult to fix and the dog may never be able to hunt if the damage is too deep. Learn more about how to do this correctly in Introduction to gunfire. Basic obedience for your gun dog puppy Your puppy is ready to learn obedience early on, and you will find that if you start when they are only a couple months old, they will learn quicker and be more obedient as they age. This will make a huge difference as they get older. Teaching HERE to young pups will require a long lead. Squat down a few feet from your puppy and say HERE as you gently pull them to you. Praise is essential with young pups, but the praise should be given when the puppy does something right. For instance, you say SIT and push his bottom down. You can use treats to teach your puppy obedience and reward him or her for obeying commands. But treats should only be used for very young puppies under 4 months. Many Labs will soon learn to only obey when given a treat, that is not the lesson you want your dog to learn. It can be difficult to discipline a cute little puppy, but it is essential. Here at Otter Tail Kennels, we get more than our share of calls from people whose puppies are out of control and causing problems in the home. The pups are causing friction in the family relationships. Small issues often become much larger issues if they remain uncorrected. If you see your puppy doing something wrong, you need to take action to let him know that the behavior is not acceptable. Final thoughts on raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog The time to start training your Labrador puppy to be a duck or gun dog is now. Right away. Even if you plan to send your retriever puppy to a professional trainer in the future, you still want to take the time to socialize, expose, teach and discipline your dog now. Each week your puppy is growing and learning, and those first five months are the perfect time to get him or her off on the right foot. The socialization, exposure, and obedience are all steppingstones they need to advance in their role as a hunting partner. Do not skimp or disregard this time. You can give your ultimate duck dog some essential skills — the ability to adjust to every and all situations with ease. Nothing could be more important. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Obedience First The most common deficiency in the average hunter's gundog training program is a lack of emphasis on obedience and steadiness. If I could persuade the average gundog owner to do one thing better as a trainer, it would be to spotlight obedience and emphasize the non-retrieve. The non-retrieve is when the pup sees a bird or dummy fall but doesn't get to retrieve it. The trainer or another dog retrieves it while the pup watches. We took a wrong turn somewhere in the evolution of training and now go about the retrieving and steadying processes in a totally illogical manner. We take a young dog and give him hundreds of retrieves with no restraint. For the first thousand retrieves, we encourage the dog to take off at will after the falling dummy. Then, after we have him well trained to break, we change the rules and decide to make him steady-which requires a certain amount of punishment to counteract the breaking behavior we have just trained. The sequence should be reversed. Train the pup on obedience first, and train him to be steady by teaching him to expect to be steady. This is done with non-retrieves. As soon as the pup is proficient at basic obedience, the "stay" drill should include some falling dummies. While he's sitting, toss out a dummy or two. Then go and pick up the dummies while he watches. If you are picking up 75 percent of what the pup sees fall, then he doesn't expect to retrieve everything that drops from the sky. He becomes steady, with little effort and no punishment. Additionally, he develops into a calm, pleasant hunting companion. The same principle applies to the older dog in hunting situations. If you send the dog immediately every time a bird falls, then you are training him to break. Make his life easier by making him wait. When duck hunting, wait until you have several ducks on the water before you send your pup to retrieve. Unless wind or current is carrying off the ducks, it won't hurt them to float for a half hour. If you are shooting doves, pick up the short, easy ones yourself. Let your pup sit for minutes before he is sent for the difficult retrieves. The exception, of course, is the crippled bird, for which you must send the pup quickly to reduce the odds of escape. The practice of delayed retrieving also pays dividends by making it easier for your pup to learn hand signals and blind retrieves. If you have four or five dead ducks on the water that have been there a while, your pup is not going to remember exactly where they are. He knows they are there and will eagerly cast off in their general direction, but his certainty will waver and he will be prone to seeking help from you. Conversely, when you engage in the practice of immediately sending your pup on every fall, you are training him in self-reliance. When he's launched on the splash, he knows exactly where that bird is and will quickly pick it up. After he's found several hundred birds all by himself, it is going to become difficult to convince him that he needs help from you in the form of hand signals. Coming on Command One of the most common obedience problems is failure to come on command. This is as prevalent in young, green dogs as breaking is in older hunting dogs. Both problems stem from a lack of obedience. If a dog is well trained to heel, sit, stay and come, he'll do nearly anything you want. The problem lies in the definition of "well trained. That means he will respond properly when the neighbor's cat walks by, when another dog is playing next to him and even when shotguns are going off and ducks are falling. Too Much Dog The average hunter appears to be "overdogged," or to have a dog that is too hot for him to handle. I place the blame for this on our field-trial system. Our retriever field trials were brought over from England in the early s, along with the golden and Labrador retrievers. The trials were small and very representative of a day's shooting, and the skills judged were those that had value to the hunting dog and hunter. The trials emphasized game-finding ability, softness of mouth and calmness of demeanor. The typical Labrador retriever of 30 or 40 years ago was a gentle, calm dog. Today, an unfortunately large number of Labradors are hyperactive and difficult to train. The basic reason for this shift in breeding selection appears to be our field-trial system. Unfortunately, our field trials-mainly because of increasing entries-have evolved over the years into elimination contests that evaluate skills that are of little importance in a hunting dog. These behaviors include lining, angle entries into water, pinpoint marking and precise handling at long distances. Gone by the wayside are line manners and obedience, as well as game-finding initiative. Moreover, training precision lining and long-distance handling require a great deal of repetition and some degree of punishment. The dog that excels at these skills tends to be hyperactive, with a high pain threshold, which is exactly the type of dog we are breeding today. Electric Collars The electric collar, which can create as many problems as it solves, is becoming far too predominant a training tool. The electric collar is a great training tool in the hands of a good trainer. However, there is an astronomically greater number of electric collars than there are good trainers. The truth is, in order to train a dog with the electric collar, you must be able to train him without it. The collar does not magically impart the knowledge and skills of dog training to the guy holding the transmitter. Most folks buy an electric collar to solve a basic obedience problem, and they generally end up abusing the dog and not solving the problem, or trading one problem for an even bigger one. Proper training can solve nearly all problems in basic obedience, and you don't need an electric collar to do so. Selective Breeding We have forgotten the basic goals of breeding selection and have embarked on a course of producing better dogs by training rather than breeding. The Labrador is the breed I most commonly work with, and I am alarmed at the trends I see. It has become the general custom to force-fetch train every dog. This corrects any tendency to drop birds, mouth birds or run off to the bushes with birds. It also masks the genetic tendencies toward those behaviors. We are now masking with training the major trait that we spent a hundred years developing through selective breeding-namely, delivery to hand with a soft mouth. If we take a hard-mouthed dog and put him through the force-fetch program so that he delivers gently to hand, then he will behave like a great dog. We may even make him a field champion through superior training. However, his puppies will still have that genetic tendency toward hard mouth, and we will be going backwards in the selective-breeding process. Two other examples of behaviors that have a very significant genetic component that we mask with training are: Hyperactivity We train the hyperactive dog to be under control and be a gentleman. The electric collar is quite popular for this. Put a hyperactive dog in the hands of a good trainer with an electric collar and that dog will make an excellent gun dog or field-trial dog, but his puppies probably will inherit the same hyperactivity. His puppies will be just as difficult to train as the sire was. Cooperative Nature We generally characterize these dogs as "soft" and tend to give them away as pets when they flunk the electric-collar program. Thus we are tending to remove from the breeding pool dogs that exhibit this valuable trait. This trait of "cooperative nature" is of extreme importance to the average hunter, because the average hunter is usually quite unfamiliar with dog training. The gist of all this is that the average hunter is low in dog-training skills, which is as it should be. The community of dog experts should be promoting the selective breeding of a dog that the average hunter can train and enjoy. We should not be breeding a dog with a bundle of genetically transmitted behavioral tendencies that make him difficult to train into a good working dog. The average hunter should not have to get a Ph. We probably need to look back to England for solutions. They still have the same field trials they had 80 years ago, still selectively breed for major traits and still get rid of dogs that lack a cooperative nature and predisposition toward trainability. I, for one, get my personal dogs from England. They are calm, cooperative and pleasant to live with, and they find all the birds I shoot. I've gotten lazy and prefer a dog that has gotten most of the required talents through selective breeding. Continue Reading. Selecting Your Retriever Puppy I usually suggest you turn your back to the litter of pups, back up, reach down and grab a pup, to choose a Labrador puppy to train as a gun dog. I look for tail position. A dog with its tail sticking straight out vertically or just slightly vertical is more than likely in the middle spectrum of attitude and will be trained easily. Also, from seven-weeks old to six-months old is when a puppy develops his personality. The primary reason a puppy or a dog becomes gun-shy is improper training. I train a puppy to not be gun-shy like this: I have a. When I fire the pistol, the blast from the pistol shoots the dummy up in the air. This part of the drill teaches the puppy how to look for a bird and watch it fall. So, with this little simple drill, the dog has learned that when it hears gunfire and looks up in the air, the puppy will see something flying or falling. It has also learned that when the dummy hits the ground out in front of it, if the dog retrieves that dummy, the dog will be praised and petted. That puppy will learn to be steady and sit calmly, until I give it the command to release it to pick up the dummy and bring it to me. Everything about training a retriever is built on the foundation of obedience training, which is the first course in training a retriever. This training teaches the young dog that everything he sees up in the air when a shot goes off, and everything that falls to the ground is not his to go and retrieve. Once again, every step of training a retriever is built on the obedience training that dog has learned. Can you help my dog not be gun-shy? When I walked him around the block, one of my neighbors was having a new roof put on - using those air-gun type staplers to staple the shingles to the roof. When he saw and heard that racket - bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! We had the gun-shy dog sit 50 yards from the dummy launcher and launched a dummy. So, I kept him here at the house. Next, I had him sit beside me, got the pistol we used for a dummy launcher - without a shell in the pistol - and cocked the hammer, pulled the trigger and dry-fired the dummy launcher. Then while I stayed with the dog, my assistant fired the pistol that launched the dummy toward us. The dog would go pick up the dummy and bring it to me. More than a month was required for us to go through this process of getting the dog to where he was steady when a gun was fired near him, and we could send him out to retrieve the dummy. I tell all the people I train for to not do that. The best way to introduce a dog to working with a hunter and to the loud sounds of shooting is not to take your dog with numbers of other hunters - especially the first time you take your dog to a duck blind. Work your dog, and let your friend do the shooting. That way, your dog knows that someone he loves his handler is sitting right beside him when the gun goes off, and that nothing bad will happen to him. If he sees a duck fall, send him to retrieve it, and then praise him and pet him. I think training a retriever mainly requires using common sense. If you begin throwing a dummy, sending the young dog to get it, taking the dummy out of its mouth when the dog brings it back to you and keep throwing that dummy, your dog will tire out. A better way to start teaching a pup to retrieve is: go to a hallway in your house, shut all the doors leading into any rooms along the hallway, and then sit the puppy between your legs. Then, release the pup. He should run down the hall and pick up the rolled-up sock. When you take the sock from the pup, make the pup sit between your legs, put your left hand on it, throw the sock, and let the pup retrieve it. One or two of those exercises per day with a young dog will get that young pup started on the right road to being a retriever. Obedience training is the foundation for all the other skills that the dog needs to learn. We begin with food bowl training. Usually a good pup will learn this first step of obedience training within days of practice. In our outside kennels at this writing in October, , we have 10 dogs. This sit command not only teaches the dog to sit when the command is given, but it also is communicating to the dog that we want him to sit and be steady - not be moving and not fidgeting. Each of the commands we teach in basic training has connections to the rest of the commands that the dog will need to learn to be a fully-trained retriever. Then, you can walk anywhere without your dog running off or having to be called back. I truly enjoy retriever training, because I can watch a dog go from a pup to a well-trained working dog in a relatively short time. Or call Bill Gibson at or email him at bgibson mossyoak. It's important to keep your new hunting buddy safe. You've invested time, money, and your heart into your partner, so keep him or her safe in the car with a Gunner Kennel. We don't leave home without it. This guarantees that their pup will be admitted into our program on the first day of the month after the pup turns six months of age. All pups from other kennels are considered "outside pups". Because demand for training pups that were purchased from Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Kennels is extremely high, our kennel space is very limited. Since assurance is given to our clients that their pups will be given priority for training slots, we will only take "outside" pups when we can reasonably assure ourselves that kennel space will be available for a sufficient length of time to properly train the pup. Our hunting dog training program is designed to encompass four levels of training. Once the pup has been introduced to real-life hunting situations, we would then classify a pup as a true "started gun dog" ready for the next two levels of training. At the end of this phase, the dog will walk at heel on lead, sit on the whistle, stay on command, recall on the "here" command, and will make single retrieves out to and beyond thirty 30 yards on both land and water. The dog will remain steady until sent for the training dummy and deliver to hand. The dog will also be properly introduced to gunfire. Gunfire will be the norm for marks and the dog will be steady to wing and shot. Also, the pup will begin the first steps of stopping on the whistle, leading to remote handling in more advanced levels of training. Again, the heel, sit, stay, place, and here commands continue to be reinforced. The dog will be worked out to seventy-five 75 yards on marks, trailing memories, and blinds. In addition, the dog will be reinforced to stop on the whistle, recall on the whistle and introduced to basic hand signals. All training at this level is done off lead and steadiness is the norm. Emphasis will have been on reinforcement of basic obedience and hand signals to the point that they have become conditioned habits. Many factors impact these estimates, many of which are owner induced. These issues can take from a few days to several weeks or more to address and correct. That is why we highly recommend that the new owners stick to our guidelines in dealing with the puppy during the interval between go home day and six months to bring the pup up to its maximum potential without creating issues. Must be micro-chipped. Must be current on Bordetella vaccination. Must be current on Rabies vaccination. Must test negative for intestinal coccidia, giardia, whip worms, round worms, and tape worms. Must test negative for ticks and fleas and be on a regular monthly preventative. Must test negative for heartworms and be on a regular monthly preventative. Must test negative for Lyme disease and be vaccinated for the same. Dogs not meeting these criteria will not be accepted into the training program.