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Gap in birth The overall Labrador gestation period is from 58 to 64 days. You will notice when your Labrador is ready to give birth by watching for common signs such as a lack of appetite and a rigid abdomen. You might find them crying; it may be due to the labor pain. How many puppies does a Labrador have in their first litter? After their first litter, they will have on average between 6 to 10 puppies. Labrador Litter Size The average Lab litter size can range between 1 to 12 puppies depending on the health, age, and size of the dog. The size of a litter is different for different breeds; large breeds give birth to more puppies than small ones. Litter size depends on the size, diet, and age of the Labrador, the litter size may increase or decrease. You should also know about the Labrador heat cycle. The biggest litter recorded in the Labrador breed was the birth of 14 puppies. What factors affect the litter size in Labradors? Litter size is not a fixed thing, but it changes depending on different factors. The very first litter of the female Labrador is mostly tiny as compared to the other litter. If the female is under 7 years, there are chances of a small litter. While on the other hand, sometimes breeding Labrador before 5 years can result in a large litter size in puppies. Even labs that give birth between 2 to 5 years of age get large litters. Older Labradors produce less sperm than young male labs; this may affect the litter size in terms of puppies. However, the male Labrador that is 5 years old has an abundance of quality sperm, which contributes to a healthy and large litter. This is why it is highly recommended to allow breeding when both the male and female Labradors are 5 years old. The health of the Labradors Health plays an important role when it comes to litter size. In short, both of the Labradors should be healthy in order to maximize the overall number of puppies. As a dog parent, if you want your female lab to give birth to the maximum amount of puppies. Providing the best quality supplements to both male and female Labradors is really going to help in increasing litter size. Diet A female Labrador with a poor diet is never going to give birth to the required number of puppies. If you expect a large litter size from your Labrador, you should first provide her with the best quality food throughout the year, not just in the breeding season. Providing the best quality and suitable quantity of food is going to improve the fertility of your female Labrador. We are not talking about providing a bunch of supplements but a balanced diet to produce a large litter. Gene pool As mentioned above, it is not all about the female Labrador. Still, male Labradors somehow plays a role in litter size. Fertility is the only factor that is affected by the gene pool. Other than this, traits are primarily hereditary. Sometimes, the color, size, and eye colors are not affected by the gene pool, but all of these are hereditary. Gap in birth Last but not least, the gap between the birth seasons also affects the litter size of the female Labrador. You cannot expect the same large litter two years later. Consult a vet when you are planning to breed your Labrador. Black Labrador retriever named Zola, 4, delivered ten pups who are a mixture of three different colors — only seen on a "handful" of occasions before. Over the years, they bred a mixture of yellow, chocolate, and black Labs and decided to strategically mix doggy DNA to produce a litter of all three. They have used Wylanbria Kennels as their stud farm from the moment they started breeding. Diana Stevens, 47, the farm's owner, worked with them to breed a line of stud dogs with whom their female Labs could successfully produce a mixed litter. Zola was impregnated by Stevens' black Labrador Rocks, 3, who was also uniquely bred to carry all three color genes. SWNS It took over a decade to combine the correct genes on both sides to make it happen, and even then, the chances were still slim. The ten adorable pups — two yellow, three chocolate, and five black — were born on October 18 and are all matched with permanent loving homes. Last week, Zola went into labor, and Davis told SWNS she had her fingers crossed that this would be the litter that she'd both been waiting for — and wish was granted. The couple has a huge waiting list of families keen to get one of their pups. Zola had a tricky pregnant experience with her rarer litter — culminating in her delivering the puppies via C-section — so Davis has decided not to breed her anymore. In a few years, Davis plans to breed from one of Zola's daughters, which will give her the freedom to choose between each color combination. Related Articles. Stage 2: Giving birth Once your dog is ready to have her puppies, she will begin having strong contractions and feel the need to strain. The first puppy often takes the longest to be born; if contractions are weak it might take between two-four hours, but if contractions are strong, they should come within minutes. There will be a time gap between each puppy, which can range from five minutes to 1. As long as your dog is comfortable and not straining, this gap between puppies is normal. If at any point your dog has been straining and having strong contractions for minutes without progressing or producing a puppy, contact you vet immediately. Most puppies are born head first but some come tail first. Puppies are born inside a thin sac, which the mother will remove, enabling them to breathe. After each puppy, your dog should pass an afterbirth placenta , which they often eat. Between each puppy, your dog should be comfortable, settled and licking her newborn pups until her contractions restart. You may see a small amount of green tinged discharge following a pup being born, but a thick green discharge without a puppy can indicate problems. Exact timing varies, but most dogs give birth to their whole litter with 6 hours. The process should never take longer than 24 hours — any longer and the risk of a problem becomes very high. Once your dog has given birth to all her puppies, she is likely to be very hungry and tired. Dystocia is especially common in flat-faced breeds such as Pugs , Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. Straining but no pup Contact your vet urgently if your dog has been straining for minutes without producing a puppy — there may be a problem. Bleeding You will often see some fluid and bloody discharge during a whelping, but anything more than a few drops of blood is abnormal and should be checked by your vet immediately. Puppy stuck Large puppies, deformed puppies, and puppies delivered backwards can sometimes become stuck inside the pelvis or part way out. If your dog has puppy stuck inside her, call your vet immediately. Do not touch or try to pull out the puppy without specific advice and guidance from your vet. Sac problems Some dogs need help removing the birth sac from their puppies especially first time mothers. If any of your puppies still have their umbilical cords attached a few hours after they are born, you may need to tie and cut them off yourself. You may also need to tie off any cords that are bleeding often caused by the mother overenthusiastically nibbling them. Always call your vet for advice about how to properly tie and cut an umbilical cord — doing it incorrectly could cause an infection or hurt the puppy. Stillborn puppies Always have your dog checked over if she gives birth to any dead puppies. Treatment for dystocia problems giving birth If your dog is having trouble giving birth, contact your vet straight away and try to give as much detail about her and the pregnancy as possible. Your dog may need the following: Monitoring: your vet may decide to keep your dog in the hospital to monitor her and see what happens. Your vet will check her regularly and take further action if necessary. X-rays or a scan: x-rays and scans can help check the unborn puppies and diagnose any problems. Medication: if your dog is struggling to give birth, your vet may decide to give a medication called Oxytocin, which causes the womb to contract more forcefully. Assisted delivery: if your dog is struggling to pass a puppy, it might be possible for your vet to gently help deliver it. However, if the puppy is too big or deformed to pass through the pelvis, your dog may need a caesarean section. Caesarean: A caesarean section is an operation performed under a general anaesthetic to open the womb and remove the puppies. Contact your vet for advice if you notice any of the following symptoms: Lack of milk. Whelping Prenatal Care Preparing for your Labrador bitch's labor is critical. Keep track of your dog's breeding date. After about 35 days of pregnancy, the mother's food intake will increase. She will require twice as much food as normal, increasing to three times as much when she begins nursing. The best Labrador nutritional plan is to buy an approved dry food and feed according to the package. These foods are balanced and require no supplementation. They have the extra calories needed by the pregnant or nursing mother. Do not use calcium as this can cause metabolic imbalances, and excess vitamins may be harmful to the Labrador puppies. Exercise of the pregnant bitch need not be restricted until after the first weeks of pregnancy. Day 45 At about the 45th day of her pregnancy, your lab mother should be examined by a vet. As well as assessing her overall health, your vet can x-ray your Labroador to ascertain how many puppies she is expecting. Earlier in the pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to confirm pregnancy and, after 25 days, the embryonic heart may be seen beating. Gestation The gestation period of the Labrador bitch is considered to be 63 days. Lubricate a rectal thermometer with margarine or KY jelly and insert it about an inch. Leave it in place for three minutes. You will need to determine your pregnant Labrador's bases temperature should be approx 38 degrees. Stage One of Labor During the first stage of labour the cervix dilates and uterine contractions begin. Contractions are not as easy to see as in humans but can nevertheless be very painful and distressing to the Labrador bitch. She may appear uncomfortable, restless, pacing, shivering and panting. The mother lab will probably not eat, she may even vomit and whine persistently. She may occupy herself building a nest. This is the longest stage of labour, generally lasting six to eighteen hours. By the end of this period her cervix will have completely dilated so that the puppies can pass. .Stage Two of Labor During the second stage of labour, contractions continue. The placental water sacks breaks and fluid is passed. Placentas are usually expelled after each puppy is born. Pups usually appear approx every hour after thirty minutes of straining. The bitch will lick the puppy clean and bite the umbilical cord. It is during this time that the mother bonds with her puppies and recognises them as her own. The licking of the bitch stimulates the puppies to breathe. The mother lab will likely eat the afterbirth. If the bitch does not tear away the sac and lick the pups, you should tear the sac open, clear all fluid away from the pup's nose and mouth, and vigorously rub the pup to stimulate breathing. The mother will take rests during labour and up to four hours can pass between puppies. If she is not straining then everything is usually normal and on schedule. If more than four hours pass without a puppy or the mother strains forcefully for over an hour without producing another pup, immediately take the bitch to an emergency veterinary hospital. It is not abnormal for puppies to be born rear feet first. You must do this very gently because puppies are fragile and easily hurt. Stage Three of Labor The third stage of labour is a very indistinct period for Labradors. Once all the puppies have been born, the bitch enters this third stage during which time the uterus expels the remaining placenta, blood and fluid. It is rich in antibodies which will protect the puppies for the first few months of life. Colostrum is only produced for two days and the puppy is only able to absorb its antibodies for a day or two. If their bitch did not nurse during the first 2 days of life, the puppies have a serious immunological disadvantage. Great care should be taken in cleanliness and the puppies can be vaccinated as early as 2 weeks old depending on their circumstances. Whelping Set up a comfortable whelping area for raising the puppies. The Labrador bitch should be able to come and go as she likes while the puppies remain confined. The mother dog should be isolated from all other dogs for three weeks prior to labour and 3 weeks after delivery to prevent infection. Herpes is spread by sniffing and licking between dogs. Adult Labradors rarely have any symptoms but the new or unborn puppies will die. Toileting Infant Labrador puppies are unable to take care of these matters. If necessary, use a cotton swab, tissue, or your finger to gently rub the baby's genital area. Have a tissue ready to catch the urine. Rubbing the anal area may also be necessary if the babies do not seem to be defecating as much as expected. Watch for diarrhea. Normally the puppy stool is very loose but should not be watery. It is normal for puppies to have very round bellies, however if you think the baby might be constipated, taking the temperature rectally with a normal rectal thermometer usually provides enough extra stimulation to get things back to normal. Starting Solid Food When the puppies start biting and chewing they may be ready to start on some solids. At first it may be necessary to mix solid food with a little formula and to smear a little around their mouths gently with your finger. We commence blended solid food at 3 weeks of age. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your Labrador Giving Birth Labrador Retrievers are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog to give birth will be one of the most significant things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible video of a Labrador giving birth to her 8 puppies. The owner added some fun captions to make it even more awesome. Nature is truly amazing. Even though your dog will be relatively undemanding when it comes to the actual birth, there are still loads of things you will need to do to get her ready, including getting the area prepared where she will be giving birth. Consult Your Vet To ensure your Labrador is as successful as possible during birth, make sure to have frequent discussions with your vet. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the important first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and inform you of anything you should know. As with human pregnancies, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet if you have any concerns and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions you may have about how to care for your Labrador during the coming weeks and the birth itself. Your vet will be able to give you valuable input and help you plan for the birth. Ensure your dog has a healthy diet in place , along with the appropriate exercise, and do everything you can to make sure she stays healthy throughout the pregnancy. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many puppies she is carrying. Your vet is the best person to advise you exactly what your dog needs at this stage in the pregnancy. Transition the food gradually and feed little and often. This ensures an adequate nutrient and calorie intake. Your vet may also recommend folic acid and essential fatty acid supplements. But if your vet specifies anything additional for your Labrador, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready! And remember, the checklist should include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. It will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You should have some blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If your Lab has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. Making sure they are all warm and cozy will be your priority. A bunch of newborn Labrador puppies snuggled up to mom and surrounded by comfort blankets is really adorable. The new mama realizes this and will attempt to keep her pups warm using her body temperature by keeping them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the room warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies are lying. This one also has thousands of positive reviews and comes with a removable cover for easy cleaning. Place your hand underneath it to test where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping , a whelping box will be required. This is for the Labrador puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make a whelping box yourself using a large cardboard box. You should place it in a quiet room of the house. The whelping box should be big enough for your dog to stretch out and comfortably turn around. The recommended size for Labradors is 4 feet x 4 feet and 2 feet in height. Various factors determine puppy weight at birth, such as sex of the puppy, litter size, length of gestation, and the adult weight of the mom. From this study of Labrador puppies, the average puppy weight was 1. Give them time. But be ready to take their weights within the first day or so. You will also need to check the temperatures of the puppies if you believe one may be sick. The area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, which causes trouble breathing. The mom will try to lick it away as best she can, but if you see one of the Labrador puppies still struggling to take breaths, make sure you have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon at the ready. Gently swathe the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suck out the mucus and massage his chest very gently, holding him for a while after. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Generally, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace is essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your Labrador to the vet. But if there is an emergency or if you have any worries, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have a soft travel crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets ready to go in case you need to transport your Lab urgently. I recommend you invest in a travel crate as part of your preparations. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your Labrador to the vet during labor, it will be useful to have someone with you. Consider asking a close friend or relative. They could drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This will be a scary moment for your Lab, and she will value having you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will have taken care of most of this during the preparation stage. You will have placed clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you should help maintain a clean and comfortable environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a relaxed and comfy setting for your Labrador: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as her favorite soft clothing, blankets, and toys. Close windows to minimize loud noises and distractions. Give occasional words of encouragement in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need to rest. Make sure she is comfortable and supported. Giving Your Labrador Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your Labrador during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. Animals are instinctual in ways that astound us as mere humans. Labs are also terribly smart. They have a knack for knowing what to do during and after giving birth with their instincts and intelligence. They know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger from your Labrador. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best and needs her space. The best thing you can do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your Lab give birth is also knowing that you may be needed and, if so — be ready! If you have prepared well, everything will be available in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Other signs are restlessness, not eating, vomiting, pawing at her bedding as if making a nest, licking her vulva area, or releasing a clear watery discharge. The first puppy should be delivered within 1 to 2 hours of the onset of contractions and pushing. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling and cannot push anymore. She appears to be in pain, is yelping, or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen that can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions and straining hard for more than 30 minutes without another puppy coming. Puppies are born in a thin membrane that needs to be removed to avoid suffocation. As soon as the membrane is removed, the mom will lick the puppy, which stimulates breathing. After each birth, the placenta afterbirth will follow. The mother may eat it, and this is perfectly normal. This is discussed at the prep stage. However, if there is something more complicated, you will need to take your Lab to the vet. The gestation period in dogs is around 63 days or 9 weeks. But how long does the birth actually last? It generally takes a Labrador between hours to deliver her puppies, but it can take up to 24 hours. Puppies are usually born at intervals of 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary. Before this, she may be in the 1st stage of labor, while her cervix dilates, between hours. Your dog may rest for 2 hours before the next delivery, and sometimes this can extend to 4 hours. Sometimes, several puppies are born quickly. This process continues until all the puppies are born and each placenta is passed. Stage 2 is known as the delivery of the puppies, and Stage 3 is the delivery of the placenta. Dogs typically alternate between stages 2 and 3 until delivery is complete. The placenta and the pup are not always delivered together. If your Labrador is giving birth the first time, you may be wondering, how many puppies can she have? A Labrador may have puppies per litter — the average is 7 puppies for large breeds. However, the first litter is generally smaller. Factors that determine litter size include time and method of conception whether artificial insemination , age of the dam, past pregnancies, health, and diet. Check out these interesting facts around litter sizes: The average puppy count for large and giant breeds is seven per litter, according to this study of breeds and 10, litters. Labradors are capable of having 10 puppies. Dogs are most fertile 48 hours after ovulation because hormone levels are just right. Artificial insemination can result in fewer puppies due to how semen is preserved. The age of the male sire can affect litter size too. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups after the birth. She will be exhausted and need lots of rest and love. And the newborn pups will be adorable helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Your vet will offer specifics if there are precise health concerns for your Labrador. But otherwise, here are the general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound: Once your Labrador has had sufficient time to recuperate, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. Encourage her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this stage, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let mom join them and begin nursing. Make sure the pups are getting enough food from mom and that she is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your Labrador is unable to produce milk for a while, you will need puppy milk formula to feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts Labradors are smart, instinctual, and amazingly affectionate. They also make awesome moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. I hope this guide has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your Labrador is giving birth. You will also know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in! Good luck, and you will soon be hugging those little balls of fluff! This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Breeding a litter of puppies has huge appeal for many people. And indeed, absolutely anyone can breed from their Labrador. Whether or not they should is of course a different matter. And one on which many Labrador lovers have strong feelings. Public opinions about dog breeding It is quite common for Labrador owners thinking of breeding from their own dog to post up on internet forums and groups, asking for advice and information. Unfortunately the reaction they get from regular members is often enough to send them scurrying away without further comment. I say unfortunately, because once someone has been driven away, the opportunity to guide or influence them has been lost. This is a shame because there is possibly only one thing worse than a completely unprepared person producing a litter of puppies. And that is a completely unprepared person producing a litter of puppies without help. Who should breed from their dogs? There are those that believe no-one should breed dogs at all. They feel that there are too many unwanted dogs in the world already, and that no more puppies should be born. The chances are, if you are thinking of breeding, you already know of a family whose girl had a litter with no problems at all. Should my dog have puppies — Getting at the facts The facts are there are pros and cons to breeding. You need to consider the age, health and attributes of your female dog, and consider how breeding will affect her. And if you are to go down this route with minimal risk and maximum enjoyment, you need to do so with your eyes wide open, and armed with plenty of information. In this article we try to take a balanced view, and to give some objective and considered advice to those tempted to take the plunge and begin Labrador breeding themselves. Popular reasons to begin Labrador breeding In this section we take a look at some of the reasons why people want to breed from their dogs. And we look at the important factors which you need to consider before going ahead with breeding from yours. There are some reasons for breeding from a female Labrador which have no foundation in fact at all. There are reasons for and against spaying at an early age, or even at all. You may wish to consider these before committing your animal to such a major surgical intervention, but that is another subject. It is certainly not to her advantage physically, to have a litter before removing her uterus. Myth: Having a litter will calm her down The temperament of your female dog will depend on a variety of factors, including the genes she has inherited, the way you manage her, and how mature she is. Many dogs grow a little calmer with advancing maturity. If your dog is a bit excitable and hyperactive before having puppies, she is likely to be so afterwards. And what is more, will have produced half a dozen or more excitable and hyperactive puppies. It will be good for my children to see puppies born and raised I want another female dog just like mine It will make me some money These three reasons have some foundation in fact, but there are a huge number of influencing factors which could be involved in your case. One or more of these might mean for you, that breeding from your dog is not such a good idea. Reason: It will be good for my kids There is no doubt that in an ideal world, with a perfect pregnancy and easy labour, and half a dozen or so live healthy puppies, there is some pleasure to be had for all the family in the raising of a litter of puppies. However, life is not always that straightforward, and it is important to consider the consequences of a less than happy outcome. Although it is not common for a Lab to die in labour, it does happen. Only you can judge the effect that might have on your children. For one or more puppies to be stillborn or die in the first few days of life is more common. A midnight dash to the vets for a caesarean section, and difficulties getting the dog to feed her pups afterwards are a distinct possibility. These are not easy things for adults to cope with, let alone small children. A litter of healthy puppies will occupy a lot of your time, for several weeks. Whilst hand-rearing puppies is exhausting, and caring for sickly puppies is gruelling and distressing. Your children will not benefit from your lack of attention or the stress levels in your home during this time. Reason: I want another dog like mine This is a completely understandable motive for breeding from your dog. And it is important to take a really objective look at your dog and to try and see her through the eyes of others. Your dog shares the most genetic information with her siblings. Buying a brother or sister, from another litter by the same parents is the best way of getting a dog like her. Of course, it may be that her parents are no longer alive or being bred from. But another dog from the same line of close relatives bred by a knowledgeable breeder is likely to give you a very similar dog. Breeding your girl to a dog of your choice, without any real knowledge or understanding of his genetic lines, is likely to produce uncertain results. It is something to consider. The quality of your Labrador: When we have a really exceptional dog of great quality, it is only natural to want to breed from her. If your female has been winning awards for her appearance and structure on the show bench, or successfully passed her Gundog Grades, if she is doing well in agility or obedience competitions, or succeeding in field trials or working trials, you at least have some measure of her quality as judged by other people. This in turn will give you some idea of the potential for demand for her puppies. The principle factor you will need to assess is her temperament. You will need to particularly consider her disposition towards people, especially children, and her trainability. It is these two qualities which she must excel in order to stand a chance of producing good puppies. It would be very wise to get several unbiased opinions on these important factors. Reason: It will make me some money This is not always a reason that people admit to, but it is certainly a motivating factor for many people in the decision to breed a litter of puppies. Unfortunately, the costs involved in gaining health clearances for a Labrador will often outweigh any income gained from a single litter. So unless you wish to breed on a regular basis, you are most unlikely to gain any financial benefit at all from breeding from your dog. On the contrary, you stand a good chance of ending up considerably out of pocket as we shall see below. This is an interesting argument and though in principle a fine ethical stance, it is a difficult one to define precisely. Most of us would agree that you should not breed from a substandard animal, but what exactly constitutes a better dog is a very subjective matter. Indeed the breeding of pedigree dogs by so-called experts has come under a great deal of scrutiny lately. But most people would agree that you have a moral obligation to do your best to ensure that the puppies you produce will be healthy happy puppies that grow into healthy, happy, good-tempered, trainable dogs. Fulfilling this obligation can be a time and money consuming responsibility. Making healthy Labrador puppies There are a number of inherited conditions to which Labradors are susceptible. It is vital that anyone breeding Labradors ensures that both parents of any puppies they produce, have been checked for these conditions before getting their dog pregnant. The scientific community is clear and increasingly urgent: generations of breeding to standards based on solely on appearance has allowed bad welfare choices to be made. And now we need to breed for health as well as good looks. Apart from your moral obligation to do so, the consequences of failing in this duty can be serious. Without these clearances, you stand an increased chance of producing unhealthy puppies, of failing to sell your puppies most new owners know to ask for health clearances , of being sued by angry owners of unhealthy puppies that you have sold them, and of having unhealthy puppies being returned to you and the cost of their veterinary treatment being laid at your door. Health clearances The minimum health clearances required for a Labrador are hip scoring and eye testing. Many breeders nowadays also test for a range of other disorders, and elbow score their dogs as well. These tests are a crucial part of maintaining and improving the health and happiness of our Labradors. The costs of these tests are considerable and if you decide to go ahead and breed from your dog it is a good idea to get the cheapest tests done first. That way, if your dog fails the cheaper test, you will be spared the costs of the more expensive ones. Information on health screening tests for Labradors can be found in our health screening section. Protecting against inbreeding Part betterment of the breed and part making healthy Labrador puppies, protecting against inbreeding is an important part of maintaining healthy breeding lines for all pedigree dogs. Inbreeding occurs when related dogs mate. Whilst most people will instinctively recoil at mating very closely related Labs, few people realise the damaging effect of mating dogs who share a great- or great-great-grandparent. The average number could be as high as .Fortunately, because our genes come in pairs, as long as one copy is correct, we never feel the disadvantages of carrying a faulty copy. Passing on faulty genes Put simply, the each generation of puppies is being fathered by only a fraction of the male dogs in the previous generation. This leads to homozygosity — puppies begin to be born with two copies of a faulty gene — and this time the disadvantages of that fault are expressed. Luckily there are a lot of Labs in the world, so protecting against inbreeding is very achievable. These travel costs you make need to make the journey several times also need to be part of your decision making. You need to be objective about this, if you mate a dog that is overweight for example, you may be putting her safety at great risk. How old should my dog be to breed from her? A female dog needs to be physically and mentally mature before she has puppies. But she should also still be youthful. It is not fair to put an older dog through the stress of pregnancy, whelping, and raising a litter. This means that she should be at least two years old, and probably not more than four when she has her first litter Do you have the right support? As you will be acting as midwife when your dog goes into labour, you will need a mentor, someone who has whelped a lot of litters, to advise you. This may be your vet, though not all vets are experienced at dealing with a normal whelping. It could be the person who bred your own dog, or just an experienced friend. But you will need someone who can advise you and who is willing to be phoned at 3 in the morning. And there could be quite a few of them! How many puppies do Labradors have? Many Labradors will have six to eight puppies. Some may have as many as twelve or more. Some as few as one or two. Litters of ten are not at all unusual. The extremes come with their own issues, but even if your girl has an average litter, that will still be half a dozen or so homes for you to find. Finding homes for puppies? Prospective owners can pick and choose. So you need to consider if and why they might choose you. Is your female Lab a show winner? Has she won several Field Trials? Is she an agility champion? Working Trials? The hard fact is, these are the qualities that puppy buyers may be looking for. They want to know that the parents of their pup are successful in some way. No matter how lovely and how beautiful your dog, there is a very good chance that you could be left with several rapidly growing puppies, long after the cutesy eight to nine week stage has passed. Could you cope with this? Providing long term support Once your puppies have left and gone to their new homes, in the eyes of many, your responsibility continues. New puppy owners often need help and support, and the person they are likely to turn to, is their breeder. So you need to consider how you might feel about this, and whether or not you would be prepared and willing to take a puppy back if the new owner really cannot cope. Unless you can do this, you are simply adding to the mountain of unwanted dogs currently languishing in rescue centres throughout the land. The financial costs of Labrador breeding There are a range of costs to take into account when breeding from your female for the first time. These include Health clearances Worming and veterinary antenatal care Extra food for pregnant and lactating female dog A secure and appropriate whelping box and plenty of soft washable veterinary bedding Heated pads for pups to cuddle up to when the mother dog is not with them A fund must be available for a caesarean section and any other emergency postnatal care that may be required by your lactating dog or her puppies Worming medicines for puppies Kennel Club registration for each puppy Food for weaning First vaccinations and vet checks Costs of extra care and vaccinations for any pups unsold after eight weeks. If you have to take unpaid leave from work to be with the puppies you will need to factor this into your costs as well. Breeding a single litter can leave you substantially out of pocket, especially if your girl needs a caesarian section not uncommon. The greatest cost is probably the mental and physical effort that you will be putting in to the whole exercise. During the weaning process, puppies need feeding six times a day to begin with, and this is quite a pleasant if somewhat sticky process. However, this is only a small part of your responsibilities. The two most challenging factors to take into consideration are Time Mess The time factor: A pregnant Labrador requires your absolute and undivided attention from the moment she goes into labour until several hours after her last puppy has arrived safely. This whole process can take 24 hours or more. That means no sleep for you. After that time, your dog requires that a responsible adult is on your premises and available to see to her needs, and those of her puppies for the next seven to eight weeks. Keeping puppies clean, fed and generally well-cared for is enormously time-consuming. So you either need a boss willing to give you six weeks off, or another adult available to replace you at home. The mess factor: Most Labs make a pretty good job of cleaning up after their pups until you start to wean them at about three weeks old. If all has gone very well, then for the first three weeks you will be able to gaze at this adorable pile of Labrador loveliness with a deep sense of pleasure. Everything changes at weaning time. From this time onwards, cleaning up is your job. Bear in mind that all puppies have the primary objective of covering themselves in poo during their every waking moment. As fast as you clean them up, they will get messy again. This process is no fun at all. And the bigger and livelier the puppies get, the less fun and more challenging the cleaning process becomes. You will need the biggest mountain of newspaper in history, and a lot of hot soapy water and patience. The cleaning up process takes place every time you feed six times daily , and in-between where necessary. This is hard and smelly work, especially with kibble fed puppies. Is this the right time for you to breed from your Labrador? To sum up, here are the factors that you need to consider carefully before making a final decision to breed from your female Lab Are your objectives realistic and is mating your dog likely to achieve these objectives? Is your dog of suitable quality to ensure quality puppies? Is she is tip-top condition? Can you afford the necessary health checks, stud fee, veterinary treatment and other costs of raising a litter? Do you have an experienced mentor to help and advise you throughout pregnancy and labour? Can you be at home for seven to eight weeks without a break? Are you prepared to interview and vet prospective new owners and to turn away unsuitable buyers? This can be a time consuming and sometimes uncomfortable job. Can you house and care for any puppies that are unsold after eight weeks? Are you willing to take responsibility for any puppies that are returned to you later it happens. Are you prepared to take the risk to your dog of undergoing pregnancy and labour? It is probably worth underlining that even the best bred litter will sometimes fail to sell, especially in times of economic hardship. It is not unheard of for rescue centres to be given an entire litter of twelve week old puppies that the owner has simply been unable to sell and does not have the resources to house now that they have outgrown their puppy pens. If you are still unsure about breeding do take your time with this important decision. And if you are yearning for another dog please spare a thought for the many thousands of unwanted Labradors in rescue societies awaiting re-homing, often through no fault of their own but as a result of divorce, emigration, or the death of an owner. Please check our health screening section for details of the current health checks now recommended for Labradors in the UK. Has your Lab had puppies? Share your experiences with owner dog owners having the same dilemma using the comments box below!

Poodles are amazing canines, capable of high intelligence , strong loyalty and having a range of emotions. Just like people, Poodles can feel sad, depressed, excited, happy, bored, overwhelmed.The Poodle is known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world within the top 5 with a unique temperament. Being so elegant, particularly the show dog, many people do not realize just how friendly and "people orientated" a pet Poodle is. They love human companionship, love to play and are truly a fantastic canine family member. Along with each Poodle having their own unique personality, owners find that their Poodle can also have some odd or particular habits or behaviors. Let's take a look at some of the behaviors of this breed and whether one should be concerned.Sleep Puppies - Poodle puppies up the age of 8 months can sleep anywhere from 15 to 20 hours per day! Their sleeping needs will decrease with age. With puppies, it is very normal to sleep quite a bit and to be extremely active while awake. It is normal for Poodles to take naps. Dogs that are left home alone during the day for more than 3 hours will usually take many more naps than ones that have companionship during the day. Senior Poodles - Senior dogs will sleep more often and naps will increase as the dog grows older. A Toy Poodle is considered to be a senior at the age of 10, a Miniature Poodle at the age of years and a Standard Poodle at 7 years old. It is important to allow an older dog to take naps whenever they wish and not to "push" playing or exercise on them. While daily walks are still very important to health, do allow a senior to rest when needed. Most Common Behaviors Seen There are many stages that a Poodle puppy enters during this fast time of growth and development. Some stages happen so fast, you can see your Poodle changing right before your eyes! Other behaviors can be present for the dog's entire life.Let's take a look at what is normal behavior for a Poodle puppy , adolescent and adult dog.The Hyper Poodle Puppy - This phase will last from 8 weeks to approximately 1 year. It will be normal for your puppy to have an abundance of energy! Poodle puppies will want to play from daybreak to nightfall. It is normal for a pup to run around the home, investigate every object they can get their mouths on and generally wear you out! Do keep in mind that a puppy will want to chew on everything, well before teething even begins. Be sure to puppy proof the house can use firm training if your Poodle is not listening to commands. Read more about how to help a hyper Poodle. The Clingy Poodle - Some Poodles can be rather shy and may wish to stay very close to an owners as opposed to venturing out even a bit to interact with others or to independently play. Over time, this can be wearing on owners and does not allow the dog to have a quality life that is full with exploration and self-confidence. Read more about what to do if a Poodle is clingy. This can be negative or positive. Some Poodles have Separation Anxiety, a term used when a dog has a difficult time coping with being home alone. Dogs who feel this way may become so happy when their owners return home that they loose control of their bladder. Since we can't be with our Poodles every moment although we wish we could , you may wish to read the separation anxiety section. The Chewing Machine - As mentioned above, puppies have an almost uncontrollable instinct to chew on everything that they can find. This is actually a very important stage, as it is a learning stage. An owner must keep the home "puppy proofed", however at the same time one must allow a puppy to explore their world, both inside and outside of the home. When teething begins, this can be an especially trying time. You may wish to read more about this in the teething section. Nipping - Nipping can become a bad habit, if training is not given to show a Poodle that nipping is not acceptable. This can interfere with many aspects, including having your dog behave when company comes over or when your dog is playing with children. Puppies naturally nip because this is the 1st form of play that a puppy learns. It will be the owners job to show their Poodle was is and what is not acceptable so that you do not have a nipping adult dog! You may wish to read more in the temperament section. Jumping on People - This comes from a good place, a Poodle that jumps up to say hello just has a lot of enthusiasm in their greetings. But, this can quickly become frustrating behavior. Read how to allow your Poodle to release pent up energy and learn self control when saying hello: When a Poodle Jumps on People. It's important to deal with this sort of behavior at the onset to correct things quickly. Learn more in the Poodle Growling section. Marking - Marking is different than having housebreaking accidents. With this, a Poodle will spray urine in the house to mark his or her territory. And the reasons behind this can be triggering very strong canine instincts. Fortunately, there are ways to stop a Poodle from marking , by using a combination of establishing proper hierarchy and responding to this in the right way. Coprophagia - Commonly known as eating feces , this is a disturbing behavior that is not uncommon with all varieties of Poodles. A dog may ingest his own poop, that of another dog or even cat feces from the litter box. Learn what can prompt a puppy or dog to do this and steps you can take to stop this. Begging - Dogs that have learned the art of begging can be relentless. If you find yourself giving in, these tips to stop a Poodle from begging can stop this behavior and lead to less stress for both you and your puppy or dog. Disobedience - Poodles can have independent streaks and if care is not taken to teach rules and guidelines, there can be issues with no obeying. Read how to address a Poodle that won't listen to turn things around. See also: Chewing and Licking at Paws - There are several route causes for this. Read how to limit this and at-home remedies to stop itching and possible inflammation. Poodle is humping a lot - This sort of behavior can come from Poodles of any age and even from those that are fixed. Why a dog does this and helpful advice regarding how to stop a Poodle from doing this. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Proper care for the Poodle will involve many aspects that will all work in combination to maintain excellent health and promote learning and good behavioral habits. It is important to establish a foundation of proper care during the puppy stage that will carry over throughout the Poodle's life. We will discuss: The items that you should have to care for a Poodle puppy Details on the 5 most important tips for proper care - Feeding, house training, offering the right amount of exercise, grooming and how to offer a healthy environment. Toy Poodles and Mini's will be puppies for the 1st year; standards mature at a somewhat slower rate and are considered to be puppies until the age of 2 years old. During this time, much care is needed for both physical growth and mental development. Bringing your new Poodle home is not as simple as just picking up your new family member from the breeder. Good care involves planning ahead. It helps to have all needed items well in advance so that you can focus on the puppy without having to rush out for a needed supply items. One of the most important elements to be aware of is that no matter what the puppy has been fed since he or she began eating solid food, you should have the exact same brand on hand. Quickly switching foods can cause upset stomach and other issues…and in the case of a puppy it can be the cause of hypoglycemia. A slow change must be made. If you opt to go with a different brand or to home cook, have enough of the 'old' food on hand for several weeks, as well as the 'new' so that that you can make gradual changeover. A quality dog bed — A new puppy will feel stress going to even the best of new homes. This is why making sure that you have a nice, soft, comfortable dog bed is important. You should show your Poodle that this is the area in which he can rest, sleep or just get away from noise when things seem to overwhelming. If you will be leaving your puppy home alone during the day, it is best to have the bed placed in the area where he will be staying. A gated off section of a room or inside a canine playpen works well. The entrance to this can be left open when you are home with your puppy can of course, closed off when you are away. In this way, the puppy will become accustomed to the area. If you will be home with your puppy, place this in the corner of room that is frequently used but not chaotic. Dogs like to have their own quiet spot, but not feel isolated. Walking and ID accessories — Along with a retractable leash and a collar for ID purposes, it is highly recommended to have a harness for your puppy. Toy Poodles no matter what the age and all Mini and Standard puppies should have on a harness and not a collar when they are on a leash. When a leash is connected to a dog collar, this can create too much tension on the neck, which can cause collapsed trachea. The trachea windpipe is protected by rings of cartilage…when this happens, those rings collapse in, causing pain and breathing problems. These can be purchased at a pet supply store and come in many unique and interesting designs so that your Poodle always looks stylish. If you are not sure which harness would be best for your Poodle puppy, you may wish to look to both 'Accessories' and 'Clothing- Harness' in the Poodle Specialty Shoppe. A Car Safety Seat - Long ago cars did not even have seat belts for humans. But now, of course, we all know how many lives they save. The very same is true for dogs. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you cannot be in control of those who are driving near you. Be sure to secure your Poodle into a canine car safety seat. All it takes is 1 second of you having to quickly brake for your Poodle to go sliding off of the seat, completely unprotected. These are also great for dogs that are prone to car sickness. A raised booster seat will assist a puppy in being able to look out of the window which reduces motion sickness. However, choosing high quality toys that can stand up to continual chewing and hold a puppy's interest is better. Puppies are full of energy and filled with curiosity; having a good supply of toys at all times will be very helpful. Puppies that are in the teething phase will be experiencing discomfort and teething toys will help to sooth sore gums and offer a chewing outlet See also: Poodle teething Grooming Supplies - Poodle care certainly involves proper grooming. This includes nails, dewclaws, bathes, drying, wrapping, trimming, clipping and topknots. See also: Bathing a Poodle Clothes - Particularly for tiny toy Poodles, protection against the elements should be implemented as needed. During cold, icy winters the use of canine shoes or paw wax helps protect paw pads from ice melt chemicals and aids with traction. A sweater or cute vest can keep a small Poodle puppy from becoming chilled. During hot months, shoes help protect sensitive paws from hot surfaces. Bowls - Plastic bowls often contain heavy dyes that can cause staining on a Poodle's coat. In addition, tiny scratches that easily develop in plastic bowls can also harbor dangerous bacteria. It is best to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls for both food and water. Dishes should shallow so that a puppy can easily reach both food and water without bumping their heads or straining to reach. Toys and Mini's may like raised bowls. However, Standards - who are prone to bloat- should only eat and drink from bowls that are at floor level. Free feed until 3 months old leaving food out at all times and then give your puppy 3 meals per day plus healthy snacks. Please choose your food wisely; cheaper foods with fillers will not offer the proper nutrition needed to aid with the rapid growth that is associated with the puppy phase. You will find that if you reserve snacks and treats as rewards for training, housebreaking and command training will go smoother. Read more: Feeding a Poodle 2- Start house training right away, keeping in mind that it is your commitment to the process that will bring about success. Generally, housebreaking takes 2 to 3 months. If your Poodle puppy will be expected to use an outdoor area, do not focus too much on indoor training when the pup is home along, since it is difficult for puppies to learn 2 different methods. Do keep in mind that young puppies should not be over-exercised since it can interfere with growth plate development; however a daily 20 to 30 minute per walk is perfect. Walks allow a puppy to release pent up energy, it expands their view of the world and is a good staring point for socialization techniques and learning proper heeling. Poodles are generally very active dogs. Aside from a walk each day, this breed loves to run , jump and show off their agility capabilities. Playing catch, Frisbee or training your Poodle to jump through hoops will keep them in good health, both physically and mentally. See also: Poodle Exercise Requirements 4- Begin a routine of grooming and care. While many puppies will balk at the idea of being brushed or having teeth cleaned, doing these tasks on a regular basis allows a puppy to become accustomed to being touched and taken care of. Taking care of the teeth during the puppy stage is important since dental hygiene will affect the adult teeth that have not yet erupted. Read more: Poodle dental care 5- Limit stress, focus on fun. One of the most important elements of Poodle care is to offer a loving, safe environment. Puppies and dogs are sensitive to their owner's moods and the atmosphere of the house in general. Puppies can become easily stressed in noisy, chaotic homes. Puppies should be given a designated area to retreat and rest if feeling overwhelmed. Often, a gated off area that is secured when a pup is home alone, but the entrance is open when owners are home works best. Speak to your pup in a pleasant voice and remember that positive reinforcement for good behavior works much better than scolding for bad behavior. Take time to puppy proof the home, clearing the floors of any small items and stowing away shoes and other objects to higher ground. This should be done before bringing a puppy home but also on a regular basis. See also: What it means when a Poodle puppy shakes - If a Poodle is suddenly shivering, you'll want to look to these top reasons. Poodle Winter Care - Everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle during the wintertime. Other Articles: Apricot Poodles - This is a super popular coat color. Details and photos. Black Poodles - Another gorgeous color. Poodle tear stains - Putting to rest the old myths on what works. A list of the most effective at-home treatments to remove stubborn stains. Poodle hair tangles - Due to the nature of the curly coat, tangles are not uncommon yet should be removed as soon as possible with a method that does not affect hair growth. Are You a Member Yet? When you sign up to become a Member of the site, this allows you to receive a friendly notice when new pages of information have been added. Always something to help keep your Poodle happy and healthy. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters. In fact, the English name poodle is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And in France, Poodles are called Caniche, a name derived from chien canard, meaning duck dog. There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever. No matter the size, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. Despite his regal air, the Poodle is no snob. These are people-friendly dogs who want to stay close to their families — they get lonely when left by themselves for long periods — and are always up for a good game. This is especially common among the smaller varieties — Miniature and Toy Poodles — who are more likely to be coddled and untrained. The Poodle coat needs a lot of upkeep to stay beautiful and healthy. Most Poodle owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every three to six weeks. If you want to save money on grooming expenses, you can learn to do it yourself, but it takes time and effort. Poodles have weepy eyes that can stain the surrounding hair. To cut down on stains, gently wipe down the face daily with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dipped in warm water. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Poodle History The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed especially for hunting waterfowl. Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into his own distinct breed in France. Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. After that, the breed arrived in Gaul where it was used for his hunting abilities. Yet another theory is that the Poodle descended from dogs that were brought out of the Asian steppes by the conquering North African Berbers and eventually found his way into Portugal in the 8th Century with the Moors. Whatever its ancestry, this is a very old breed. Illustrations of Poodle-like dogs adorn Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs dating from the first centuries B. The drawings and statues show dogs that look very much like modern-day Poodles, bringing in game nets, herding animals, and retrieving game from marshes. The Toy and Miniature varieties were created by breeding small Poodles to each other, not by breeding Poodles to smaller breeds. The French used the larger Standard Poodle for duck hunting, and the mid-sized Miniature Poodle to sniff out truffles in the woods. They trained Poodles to perform tricks, dressing them in costumes and sculpting their coats into fanciful shapes to add to their stage appeal. Wealthy patrons took note and started clipping, decorating, and even dying their own Poodle companions. The Kennel Club in England registered their first Poodle in , with the first British club for Poodle fanciers arriving on the scene two years later. The Poodle Club of America was founded in , but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in .Poodles were fairly rare in the U. By the mids, however, the Poodle had become the most popular breed in the country, a position he held for more than 20 years. Poodle Size There are three sizes of Poodle: toy, miniature, and standard. The Toy Poodle stands up to 10 inches tall, and weighs about six to nine pounds. The Miniature Poodle stands 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Standard Poodle stands 15 inches and taller usually 22 inches ; males weigh 45 to 70 pounds and females weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Some owners and breeders think the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles are a bit more high-strung than the Standard; however, other breeders and owners disagree with this theory. An outstanding trait of the Poodle is his intelligence. He is often said to have human-like intelligence, an amazing cleverness that astounds his owners. Of course, smart dogs can be difficult to live with. They learn fast — good habits and bad — and they remember everything. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Poodles, especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. Cushings Disease Hyperadrenocorticism : This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It can be due to an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland, or it can occur when a dog has too much cortisol resulting from other conditions. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination. If your Poodle exhibits these two symptoms, take it to the veterinarian. There are treatments to help with this disease, including surgery and medication. Epilepsy: A common cause of seizures in all varieties of Poodles is idiopathic epilepsy. It often is inherited and can cause mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Canine hip dysplasia is inherited, with environmental factors sometimes playing a large part in its development. Over time, there is degeneration of the joint that can cause arthritis and pain, even lameness. Excess weight, excessive or prolonged exercise before maturity, a fast growth rate, and high-calorie or supplemented diets can contribute to the development of canine hip dysplasia. Veterinary care includes nutritional supplements, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by is an under active thyroid gland. Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Poodle has Legg-perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation: The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose sight during the day. Many affected dogs adapt to their limited or loss of vision very well, as long as the surroundings remain the same. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: This condition is a congenital failure if development of the optic nerve. It causes blindness and abnormal pupil response in the affected eye. This genetic condition is difficult to diagnose and often is mistaken for hypothyroidism, allergies, or other conditions. When a dog has SA, the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. These glands typically produce sebum, a fatty secretion that aids in preventing drying of the skin. Affected dogs typically have dry, scaly skin with hair loss on top of the head, neck, and back. Severely affected dogs can have thickened skin and an unpleasant odor, along with secondary skin infections. Although the problem is primarily cosmetic, it can be uncomfortable for the dog. Your vet will perform a biopsy of the skin if SA is suspected. Treatment options vary. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Poodle Care Poodles do just fine in any type of home, from apartments to estates, so long as they have regular exercise and plenty of human companionship. They prefer to live indoors with the family, particularly the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles, since they have no trouble getting their ya-yas out in the house. That goes for Toy and Miniature Poodles as well. Many owners of small dogs skip training, and wind up with a badly behaved dog. Poodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: Standards, 1. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Limit treats, keep him active, and feed in meals rather than leaving food available at all times. Keep your Poodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Poodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Many allergic people are able to keep a Poodle with no reaction. The hair is curly, wiry, and dense, and this unique texture can be trimmed, clipped, groomed, shaved, and otherwise manipulated into all kinds of fanciful shapes. Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. He requires regular grooming, every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat in good condition. If you are considering a Poodle, consider the upkeep of the coat and expense of grooming. There are many ways to style the coat for easier care. In fact, many owners simply shave it off. Even when clipped short, your Poodle will need to be brushed , bathed , and trimmed every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat clean, short, and tangle free. Even if you let a professional handle the complicated stuff, your Poodle needs daily brushing. Many Poodles have weepy eyes that stain the hair under their eyes. To cut down on staining, wipe around the eyes and face every day with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dampened with warm water. Breeds with drop-down ears are prone to ear infections because the ear canal stays dark and moist. Sometimes, this hair needs to be plucked. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and prevent your legs from getting scratched when your Poodle enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Poodles who grow up with other dogs or pets in the house — or who have plenty of opportunities to interact with them in group training classes, dog parks, and the like — will enjoy their company. If your Poodle is used to being the only pet in the household, however, he may need some time and special training to help him accept a newcomer. Poodle Rescue Groups Poodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Poodles in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed.

As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. 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. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Pennsylvania is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Pennsylvania that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Pennsylvania that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Pennsylvania, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Pennsylvania, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Pennsylvania has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Pennsylvania. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Pennsylvania is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Pennsylvania? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. About us It all began in , when my husband brought home our first English Bulldog puppy. I didn't grow up with dogs, however my husband did and I quickly fell in love with our little Bulldog puppy, which led to where we are today. We are a small in home breeder of quality English and French Bulldog puppies. We are nestled in the small town of Millmont Pennsylvania on a 52 acre farmette, with plenty of peace and quiet to raise our dogs. We are also in compliance with AKC. .American Kennel Club. Our dogs are our beloved pets, and we strive to breed responsibly. They are family raised, well socialized and come to you happy and healthy. We are committed to the betterment of the breed by placing a priority on health, temperament, and conformation. Our priority is locating a loving and responsible home for each puppy. We will do everything we can to earn your trust and assure a pleasant adoption experience as well as offer lifetime breeder support. We make sure the puppies we offer are loved and spoiled from birth so they will be secure, happy dogs all their lives. These magnificent dogs will steal your heart with their comical antics and sweet personality. Our Puppies. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.

Is there a Dwarf German Shepherd? The two distinct types we mentioned in the introduction are defined by the length of their coat; either medium or long. Both types have a double layered coat, a softer and thicker undercoat and a coarser outer layer of guard hair. As their name suggests, the German Shepherd began in Germany. While there were different progenitor breeds, the first officially recognized dog was called Horand von Grafrath. In von Grafrath's owner started the breed as the epitome of what a working dog should be and it is from this one dog that all modern German Shepherd dogs originate. There has been some discussion over the years whether this dog may have been part wolf. The working origins of this breed are very important as the standardization was established to promote the dog's ability. This was something which was becoming lost as industry and urbanization began to reduce the need for working dogs. Thus, the German Shepherd was created to ensure these traits were maintained. While many GSDs are now kept as companion animals, they are still one of the most widely used working dogs in many different areas. Shepherding is not as common a practice as when the breed was established, but use in law enforcement , security and rescue operations is widespread. It wasn't just physical ability which made the German Shepherd breed so popular. Their incredible loyalty and desire for engagement means they are relatively easy to train. For the same reasons, they need to be well-socialized and given sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Without these practices, they can develop behavioral problems. How many types of German Shepherd are there? While the medium and longhair varieties are the only recognized length of coat for purebred German Shepherds , the color of said coat can be varied. Not all will be allowed in competition, with some color variations being considered to be faults affecting their scoring. Similarly, there are dogs which look very similar to the German Shepherd, but are not considered part of the breed. We will discuss these breeds further below. While they are usually of two colors, it is the distinctiveness of their markings which gives them this name. The saddle part refers to a patch of black fur which lays over their back, resembling the shape of a saddle on a horse. The other color of Saddle Back German Shepherds are usually either tan or red. In many dog shows and competitions, the more vibrant the color, the better the scoring. Liver color is not welcomed and may be used to deduct points in German Shepherd show dogs. They usually also have a black muzzle which covers their snout and parts of their face. Other areas such as their tail may exhibit black coloration. Solid Color German Shepherd Dog The solid color German Shepherd dog is less common than the Saddle Back, but they shouldn't have any other differentiating characteristics. Their health status and temperament should not be informed by color. It is possible to have powder blue colors in the dog's coat, but it is unlikely this will be solid. While a GSD may be accepted in competition, they will likely be marked down for both this color and liver. However, for solid colors, you tend to only get solid black or solid white German Shepherds. Solid black German Shepherds are accepted in competition. However, solid white German Shepherds are one of the few color variations which tend to be immediately disqualified. It should not be confused with albinism. Perhaps partly due to their disqualification from competition, solid white Germans Shepherds are not very common. They have a curious and striking appearance which is often confused with other dog breeds. Due to a genetic mutation, but they are a full German Shepherd and are not a mixed breed. The mutation occurred in a litter from the USA. This type of German Shepherd exhibits a white coat on the abdomen and legs, but has black or tan on other parts, giving them a sort of panda like appearance. Like other German Shepherd Dogs, they are agile, strong and ideal family pets. However, they arouse controversy over some breeders as white markings are considered a fault. The main controversy appears to be the belief that the dog is from inferior stock, but so far their health seems to be average when compared to other types of GSD. Image: perrospastoraleman. The sable pattern does not manifest in patches like the saddle back. Instead they have various multicolored hairs over their bodies which gives a variegated all-over appearance. This color tends to develop as they get older and some may be stronger than others. The color may be a combination of tan, gray, black, or gold. However, all Sable German Shepherds start off as tan and then develop darker colors as they age. The variations among Sable GSDs are wide, but they are due to a dominant gene. They are believed to be dominiant over German Shepherd colors and variations. Dog breeds similar to the German Shepherd Dog While there are different accepted and unofficial coat patterns in the German Shepherd, it can be easy to confuse them with some other breeds which closely resemble them. This common confusions are due to similar body shape and size, with similar usage as working dogs. Some may even derive from similar parts of the world, but they are all considered distinct breeds. They include: Belgian Shepherd This breed originated from Belgium, with its first breed description being recorded several years before the German Shepherd, although its breed standard was officially established after. They are excellent worker dogs, especially in herding, but are also well-known for their even temperament, playfulness and faithful personality. As with the German Shepherd, there are breed variations within the one breed. The four main types are: Malinois Tervuren Laekenois Depending on the location of the breed association, these breeds may all be considered part of the one Belgian Shepherd breed or they may be considered separate breeds themselves. Part of the confusion with the German Shepherd is the markings, with the Malinois in particular having a similar black mask on their face. Czechoslovakian Wolfhound This dog originates from the now defunct country of Czechoslovakia. It has been used as a working dog, especially as a guard dog to be used in border territories or to be used by the police. The breed comes from the crossing of the German Shepherd and the Eurasian wolf. Their inception is not necessarily the nicest one since they were bred to be used as attack dogs in special forces initiatives. Due to their wild heritage, they are keen natural hunters. This personality trait needs to be discouraged when they are young. They can be loving and protective with their families, but can show aggression with strangers. They require experienced guardians who have the time and energy to devote to extensive training and care. Dutch Shepherd This is a dog which shares origins with different breeds such as the Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd. This is evident in its physical characteristics which present in an equally muscular body and raised ears. This breed is distinguished by its coat with the most common variety being a tabby pattern with black, chestnut or yellow coloring distributed over their body. Working and show lines of German Shepherds In addition to the length of their coat and its coloring, the German Shepherd is also sometimes categorized by its body type. This body can be more or less stylized, tending to be more or less muscular. The more muscular the dogs are considered to be working lines and the less muscular are show lines. They are not officially different types of German Shepherd dogs, but they do exhibit small differences. Focusing on working dog lines, they tend to have larger muscle mass and a more structured body. This means they are more commonly used by police or security forces. There are differing opinions on whether temperament differs between working and show breeds. While both types will require training and education, some believe working dog lines can tend to be more aggressive and better suited for security. Conversely, show dogs are thought to have a more docile temperament. Whether a working or show dog, German Shepherds are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. These dogs need a lot of attention, proper socialization and careful training. Without it, they are prone to behavioral disorders. They can be wonderful and loving companion animals, but their need for attention and structure does not suit every temperament. Not all types of German Shepherd are show dogs, but even within this category there are variations. Show dogs can be either: Conformation: purebred German Shepherds used in conformation shows are bred to have a particular physical standard. Unfortunately, these dogs have breen bred to the point that deformities and health problems have practically been encouraged. This was brought to international attention with the Crufts dog show in the UK where a winning GSD was visibly deformed, causing outcry in the public [1]. Competition: for this type of purebred German Shepherd show dog, the animal needs to carry out certain physical tasks to compete against rival dogs. The working lines of dogs are now bred all over world, there are some original working lines which are more traditional. The categories of German Shepherd working dogs are: West German working lines East German working lines Czech working lines West German working lines are believed to be the most similar to the original breed standard of purebred German Shepherds. East German working lines are noted for their emphasis on good temperament and practical workability. Czech working lines are though to be the most wolf-like of the different types of German Shepherds. Show lines have origins in Europe also, specifically in West Germany. There is no recognized Dwarf German Shepherd breed. As with humans, German Shepherds can have genetic mutations which lead to conditions such as dwarfism. Unfortunately, dwarfism in German Shepherds negatively affects their heath in a very serious way, causing many problems and even resulting in pain. They have a much lower life expectancy and are not believed to live past 5 years. For this reason, breeding of these dogs is discouraged, being considered cruel. If you want to read similar articles to Types of German Shepherd - All Breed Variations, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category. Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. Aug 17, Share German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different types. The breed has changed drastically throughout its ancestry in various countries. Max von Stephanitz was the creator of the German Shepherd, aiming for a perfect personality, workability, and stunning appearance. His goal was to create a masterpiece: the ideal working dog reigning supreme above the rest. We like to think that his expectations for the breed have been fulfilled, as German Shepherds are one of the most beloved breeds across the globe as both service dogs and companions. Learning about their unique history will make you appreciate the breed even more. The 5 Types of German Shepherds 1. They are thought to be as closely related to what Max von Stephanitz had in mind. Not only are they charming, but they are also workers at heart. As with most working lines, these dogs tend to be smaller by a slight margin opposed to show lines. They are bred to have a high pain tolerance, which makes them much more valuable in their field of work. They are hardy in structure and have more of a blended coat pattern, known as a sable color. While this is the most common, they can also be black and tan or a mixture of sable and black. These dogs are much higher energy than show lines, which also means their prey drive is much higher. Having these working lines as pets is absolutely doable. However, it may require a bit more commitment on your part. These hard workers will need various games or tasks to fulfill their mental thirst. Agility runs, stimulating games for sensory, and a sense of purpose is essential. Read about the best food for this breed. They share much of the same history as well. They were bred and tailored particularly for their extremely heightened desire to work, along with their quick ability to guard. Because of their prey drive instinct, monitoring them around other animals and small children can help to avoid primal triggers. Some are incredibly docile and sweet, never hurting a fly. However, because of their working roots, it is something to watch for as a responsible owner. They have incredible focus and endurance, suiting them perfectly for physically and mentally stimulating roles. Like their West brothers and sisters, East German DDRs have sable coloring, though most are darker and sometimes even black. German Shepherd puppies have a different diet — get them what they need! Czechs are a bit leaner than other working lines and are nimble because of that. They tend to mature the slowest growth -wise of the working lines. They were once the most prey driven, which led to high stamina and agility. While this line has calmed over the years, they are still hard-wired for work. So, if you opt for a Czech puppy, reputable breeding to ensure a proper temperament for your family situation is imperative. Having appropriate outlets is vital. If you want the best out of your dog , providing them with appropriate behavioral training is key to an irreplaceable relationship. Because of muddied breeding, many Czech puppies have bloodlines that veered off, mixed with another German Shepherd type line along the way. Looking to travel with your German Shepherd? These lines are the most different of all the Shepherd variations. Since they are a combination of many bloodlines, you may notice that an American Shepherd is more substantial in build and their heads and muzzles are shorter. American show line German Shepherds are most generally black and tan, though with specific breeding, they can be a variety of colors. They are generally lighter and have more of a sloping gait and longer hocks than their European relatives. Their underbellies are thicker, as are their chest portions. Because of the backyard breeding problem among Shepherds in America, many of these dogs are passed off as champions but are muddied down. So, if you want a show-quality Shepherd, be sure to do your homework. Proven bloodlines are a must to ensure good temperament and quality. Backyard breeding has led to these guys getting quite a bad rap. You may see people selling shepherds claiming strong champion bloodlines, but these may not be authentic. While people may not breed these dogs to be irresponsible, it leads to many undesirable traits, such as nervousness, aggression, and various health issues. Need a convenient place for your training treats? Best Treat Bags for Dog Training 5. They are typically a rich rust color and black. Their backs are straighter, preventing any excessive sloping to reduce commonly seen issues. They must pass tests to ensure that their joints and hips are in tip-top order, to avoid problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. The Show lines came about once the working lines were solid, and each dog used for breeding must also double as working dog material. However, rather than being such prey-driven workaholics, these tend to be slow-paced dogs who do better within family structures. Because of selective breeding, European, and mostly German show line German Shepherds, have a less chance of developing issues relating to ill temperaments. Tests will reveal any traits considered unwanted to prevent further breeding from the specimen. Therefore, the most significant difference between show lines of America and Europe is a focus on the overall greatness of the breed. European lines uphold the authenticity of the original breed standards. These strict regulations help produce reliable, well-rounded dogs. This is what initially led to the German Shepherd taking on different breeding structures between the two sides. The separation lasted until .The introduction of the German Shepherd to the United States dates back to .Because of unregulated breeding, the U. Many original bloodlines are now broken, causing undesirable traits in the breed. Czechoslovakia had their hand in things as well, developing their unique spin on the breed. Europe and American lines have differences relating to breed standards. Conclusion Generally, German Shepherds are fantastically loyal and fiercely intelligent. When you opt to purchase a puppy, you must be aware of its history. This step can only help enhance the bond you will have with your pet, as well as prepare you for any bumps in the road of pet-owning. When training is properly implemented, their brains are stimulated , and if they are well-cared for, they are terrific additions to many different lifestyles. To be confident that you are getting a quality dog , deeply research any breeder and their claims to lineage. That will help ensure that you are getting an even-tempered, trainable dog. Many can appear almost entirely black with hints of cappuccino shade closer to the mid-limb region. Black and tan colors are common. In addition to being visibly darker, these dogs, common among working dog breeds, also possess characteristics such as more compact bodies than their show-line counterparts. Their smaller bodies make them more athletic and suited for robust tasks, which means they demand more stimulation. But if you, as an owner, actually want a dog that can engage your family with high energy, then a Working Line GSD is perfect. This perfection also comes on a budget. Ultimately many business factors like supply, demand, experience, reputation, and cost of doing business need to be factored in. One might think that standard best practices like visiting the stud do not apply to working line dogs. Aside from stimulating physical activities, West German Working Line German Shepherds also crave attention and appreciation, much like what an owner would expect to give his faithful companion. So before welcoming a German Shepherd, including the West or East varieties, to your home, ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and standards. These dogs are purpose-bred; they need an owner equally committed to their emotional needs as they are to their physical ones. Finally, West German Working Line dogs have an intimidating presence — an excellent deterrence for intruders and even pests. So, whether you are a farmer or an investment banker, these German Shepherd dogs are bred for a wide range of purposes, and thus, they will make efficient pets. The East German Shepherds, bred with impeccably high standards, showcase unique anatomy. With cappuccino and tan swapped with sable or sober grey, these German Shepherd dogs have a darker appearance with prominent black fur across their backs. At least height-wise, the bigger DDR Shepherds match smaller show-line shepherds. Their purpose-focused breeding is evident in their physical structure. Their backs, alongside their fur color, give away the difference. Interestingly, though working-line German Shepherds are generally cheaper than show-line shepherds, East German GSDs might be an exception. The high standards adhered to in their breeding and their purpose of protection have resulted in their prices coming pretty close to the top-tier show variety. The rarity and robust health of these German Shepherd dogs is another contributing factor to their high prices. Pure DDRs are not only hard to find but also live healthier due to genetic predisposition to the illness being ruthlessly bred out at the stud-selection stage back in the days of Deutsche Demokratische Republik. Consequently, the dog is fit for physically fit single owners and families wanting a guard dog. Their intimidating presence, alongside their devotion to not just you but your entire family, makes them the perfect, practical companion. Their purpose as a protector is undeniably evident. Despite being almost immune to most disorders and diseases that most GSDs are prone to, East German Shepherds cannot defy physics and come with the same drawbacks as any big dog: the wrong crate, crate pad, or bed can seriously affect their joints. Czech German Shepherd Czech German Shepherd Czech German Shepherds , another meticulously bred variant adhering to specific standards, originate from the Czech Republic, or they would have a different name. They are also a working variety and come relatively cheaper than show-line shepherds. They are almost entirely black, sable, or a mix of the two and resemble DDR Shepherds in many visual traits. Their sizes are pretty similar, but it is best to get confirmation from the breeder. Aside from being similar in looks, these dogs are also pretty close to DDR Shepherds in personality and maintenance demands. You will need exciting puzzles and games to keep him occupied throughout his development. But before you try to find a suitable breeder, you must be positive that a Czech GSD is the right fit. However, the visual appeal aspect can be subjective, and looking at the stud can help you assess whether the puppy will grow into the kind of pet you have in mind. More than the looks need to be factored in when selecting a dog. Czech Shepherds have incredible stamina and an intense need to be liked. This makes them the perfect cross between guard dogs and family pets. Like most working lines, they will love you and your family and jump to protect what they love. That also comes with a drawback: you need to teach your Czech Shepherd to differentiate between threats and norms. Fortunately, Czech Shepherds are intelligent enough that if you train them right early on, they can be pretty social and discern between actual threats and the normal. Czech Shepherds are full of energy and need an outlet. If you have productivity problems, getting a Czech Shepherd might not be the right call. But if you are an active individual with enough space in your home and your heart for an eager, high-energy dog, then this breed is ideal for you. There seem to be as many categories of German Shepherds as there are actual German Shepherds. But ultimately, your choice comes down to two options: the working line dogs vs. Pros of.

At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy 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. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! The first vaccination for your Golden takes place between 6 to 8 weeks. Since everything is new to your pup, he might be timid and get easily scared. Golden puppies just left their source of security and are away from their littermates and mother for the first time. Bring your pup out to relieve him after every meal. Divide it into four small meals throughout the day. This is also the recommended age to start training. Housebreaking is especially important to avoid bad habits from developing. If you want him to be friendly to all, socialization at this age is also essential. This will help him grow familiar with strange sights, smells, and sounds. For the diet, stick to feeding him four small meals a day with the same amount mentioned for 7-week Goldens. After the vaccines, keep your Golden pup away from other pets for at least two weeks. Golden Retriever at 3 months This allows them to have full immunity, especially against the fatal parvovirus. They are becoming more curious, and you might have a problem with biting. Stay calm and teach him gently but firmly that he is not allowed to chew on you or anything else, except his chew toy. You can also acclimate him to grooming. Get him used to being combed and his paws handled. Introduce him to the blowdryer and praise him when he stays calm. You can start to be more serious about training. Spread 2 cups of kibble over the day, and cut one meal out by the end of the week. He should also be picking up basic commands. If your pup is quick to learn, kick it up a notch by teaching him a few tricks. Golden Retriever at 5 months Offer some chew toys that you can cool in the fridge to alleviate him discomfort. You may also start exercising him for 20 minutes a day, as this is the stage where he should show excitement for the outdoors. Swimming, fetch, and walking are great to start things off. Some Goldens are potty-trained around the 4-month mark, although accidents might still occur. He will have the body of an adult, but the legs and tail of a puppy. Golden Retriever at 6 months Also, his nose and ears will grow faster, so you end up with a goofy-looking pup. You need to be careful with him for the next six months because this is when they are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. Avoid long walks, going down the stairs, and stopping suddenly while running. The pressure from those activities might cause joints to deform. Your Golden may also start to display signs of sexual maturity in the next few months, if not neutered or spayed. Some of them never grow out of it and will stay young at heart into their old age. To be sure he is free from hip dysplasia, have him checked by the vet when he is two years old. When do Golden Retrievers stop growing? Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between 3 to 6 months of age. Around the six-month mark, their growth starts to taper off. This will prevent him from reaching his full potential. If left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to their bones, muscles, immune system, skin, and digestive system. Being ill for an extended period might also affect his development. Your puppy may be stunted due to malnutrition. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth Some people prefer bigger Goldens, but some like them small, like Mini Golden Retrievers. This might lead to under or over-feeding, neither of which is ideal. Accelerated growth can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. It can also be responsible for bone disease and arthritis. Stunted Golden puppies, whether by illness or under-feeding, are generally weaker, and make them susceptible to falling sick. What is the best age to spay or neuter your pup? You can spay Golden Retriever puppies as early as 8 weeks old, but any time before they reach sexual maturity is preferred, which is around one year old. This will prevent undesirable behaviors such as marking, territorial behavior, or a fixation with toys. All of which are hard to correct when they manifest. For breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, vets recommend spaying around the 6-month mark. Will neutering or spaying your Golden pup affect his or her growth? Yes, fixing a Golden before they reach sexual maturity generally causes your dog to grow bigger. This is because sex hormones suppress growth hormones. Without growth inhibition, your Golden will continue to grow. Aside from joint problems, there are also a few issues connected to spaying or neutering. They can become more prone to some forms of cancer. Some dogs also experience a change in behavior after the operation. The lack of estrogen can make female dogs more aggressive. Male dogs may also experience an increase in fearfulness. Sexual maturity usually occurs in Golden around 8 to 12 months. This gives you ample time to decide whether to sterilize or not. How heavy is a newborn Golden Retriever puppy? But, puppies as small as 10 oz at birth have been recorded. They usually leave their mom at 10 lbs. Also, bigger litters generally have smaller puppies, but they should all catch up by their 8th week. How to identify an overweight Golden Retriever? Use your eyes and hands to assess if your Golden is overweight or not. A survey in showed that .While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues. Do Golden Retriever types have different growth rates? Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs. Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy. Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree. When is a Golden Retriever Full Grown? Goldens are a large breed, and like other such breeds, Golden Retrievers grow until they reach their full height and weight. This process typically occurs between the ages of one to two years old, or 18 to 24 months; however, there is some variation in how fast each dog grows during this period due to both genetic factors and environmental ones, like diet or exercise level. Use our weight chart to help keep an eye on how your Golden puppy develops as she grows. Is Your Golden Retriever Healthy? Golden Retrievers are beautiful, friendly dogs that will steal your heart with their cute antics. That said, many disorders that adult Golden Retrievers have are treatable or preventable through regular vet care. Preventative care, along with a pet insurance policy, is an ideal combination to give your Golden a long, happy life. Some of the most common medical conditions that Golden Retrievers are susceptible to developing are: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia Golden Retrievers are prone to develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are common orthopedic issues seen in many other large dog breeds. The canine hip and elbow rotate smoothly within its socket joint, which holds them together with powerful ligaments. When these areas degrade due to wear and tear caused by poor alignment or injury, excessive stress and uneven bone wear are placed on the attached ligaments, leading to lameness, stiffness, arthritis, and pain. When your dog suffers from dysplasia, simple tasks like jumping into the car or climbing stairs can be difficult. A vet can assess the severity with imaging technology and prescribe relief for any present symptoms, allowing the dog to return to activities as usual. Skin allergies and conditions Golden Retrievers are at risk for various skin problems, including allergic reactions and parasites. They also require more care than other breeds to keep their coats clean due to the deep undercoat that insulates against cold weather. Keep an eye out for any allergies your pup might have towards certain items in their environment, as well as molds and dust, which could trigger reactions on contact-sensitive areas like ears or paws. This breed is also prone to various skin conditions, including granulomas a type of non-cancerous tumor , sebaceous cysts, and lipomas. Cancer The cancer rate among Golden Retrievers is sadly all too common. Golden Retrievers are also often diagnosed with other cancers, including lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mastocytoma. Heart disease and respiratory issues Golden Retrievers are at risk for various conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and circulation. This disease has severe effects, including death if not treated immediately. If you notice any signs like lethargy or weakness along with difficulty breathing, then see a veterinarian right away as your dog might be suffering from issues caused by SAS. Protect your Golden retriever puppy with pet insurance. You might not be able to control the genes passed down to your Golden Retriever puppy from generation to generation. What if your dog develops cancer or heart issues? The veterinary costs can add up pretty quickly without proper pet insurance coverage. A quality policy will cover a significant portion of all emergency procedures and medication costs. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Types of Golden Retrievers There are mainly three subtypes of golden retrievers; American goldens, Canadian goldens, and British or English goldens. Although some argue there are more types, i. In fact, they are really one breed - the golden retriever. I mention it here because the weight of your golden retriever may vary based on which subtype they are. They typically weigh between 55 to 75 pounds and have a more athletic build. These dogs have longer legs and narrower heads with straighter muzzles than other golden retrievers. They also tend to have darker coats that range from golden to red or rust. Canadian Golden Retriever The Canadian golden retriever is similar in size to the American type but has a thicker coat due to its adaptation to cold weather conditions in Canada. These dogs can weigh between pounds, with males being larger than females on average. British Golden Retriever British golden retrievers tend to be slightly smaller in height and weight than their American or Canadian counterparts. You can usually recognize the British golden retrievers as their coat colors are typically much lighter than American or Canadian goldens, with the most common color being pale cream. However, they come in shades of gold: from pale cream to dark reddish-gold. When consulting our growth chart, expect to find the American and Canadian golden retrievers on the scale's upper end heavier , with the British goldens on the lower side. They should put on 1 - 2 lbs per week in the first two months. Their most significant growth spurt will be between 3 - 5 months, where they will put on 2 - 3 lbs per week. This should slow down by 6 months old, where they'll continue to put on 1 - 1. They may be fully grown at 1 year old but usually will have a slow growth rate of 0 - 1 lbs per week but only some weeks. Your puppy will go through five distinct stages to reach adulthood. To learn more about their behavior and development at each stage, see our page on the complete puppy development process from birth to 18 months. However, there are some alternatives to get a rough idea. While it's impossible to predict the exact size, there are ways to estimate their adult weight based on their parents and litter. The Parents Firstly, take a look at the parents' sizes. Golden retrievers typically weigh pounds for males and pounds for females. If both parents fall within this range, your pup will likely end up in this category. However, if one parent is significantly smaller or larger than the other, then there is a chance that your puppy may not follow the average weight range. Bear in mind male golden retriever puppies tend to take their size from the male parent, whereas female goldens take after their mothers. Littermates Another way to gauge your puppy's potential size is by examining its littermates. A puppy that is the biggest in the litter is much more likely to be a larger than average adult dog. Similarly, the runt of the litter is most likely to stay on the small side. However, it has been known for the runt to become one of the bigger adult dogs once they don't have to compete for food. Impact of Nutrition on Golden Retriever Growth Puppies are irresistible, with cute little faces and playful demeanors, but they require proper nutrition to grow healthy and strong. As a new puppy parent, you may wonder how much food is enough or how often to feed them. The impact of nutrition on puppy growth cannot be overstated, as it affects everything from weight gain and immune system development to bone density and overall health. One of the most critical factors in puppy nutrition is ensuring they receive the right amount of calories for their age, breed, size, and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, which strains your pup's joints and increases their risk for obesity-related health problems later in life. On the other hand, underfeeding can result in stunted growth or malnutrition. You can find more information about how to feed your puppy by consulting our puppy feeding guide here. It includes a schedule you can print out and a food calculator to determine how much to provide and how often. If you suspect your puppy is unwell, you must consult your veterinarian. These charts will help you see if your puppy is underweight, but you must also consider any symptoms you notice. Illness and puppy growth are concerns every new dog owner should be aware of. A puppy's immune system is not fully developed, so they are more susceptible to illnesses than adult dogs. This can impact their growth and development, causing long-term health problems if not addressed promptly. One of the most common illnesses in puppies is parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and even death. Another concern is canine distemper, a virus that affects the respiratory and nervous systems. Symptoms include coughing, fever, seizures, and paralysis. Both illnesses can have lasting effects on a puppy's growth and development. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian immediately. Is My Puppy Too Thin? As a new puppy owner, it's only natural to be concerned about your furry friend's health and well-being. One common worry is whether your puppy is too thin. While every pup is different and body type varies, some general guidelines help you determine if your pet is at a healthy weight. Firstly, take a close look at their overall appearance. You should be able to feel their ribs with ease but not see them protruding from under the skin. Additionally, their waistline should be visible when looking down at them from above. They may carry excess weight if they appear round or bloated instead of having an hourglass shape. Another factor to consider is their energy levels and activity level. If they seem lethargic or struggle during playtime, this could indicate that they are underweight and not getting enough nutrients in their diet. Is My Puppy Too Fat? One of the most common questions that golden retriever owners ask themselves is whether their puppy is too fat. It's well-known that goldens love their food and tend to put on too much weight if not kept in check. It's also difficult to tell with a golden retriever puppy if it's fat or fluff. An excellent tool to tell if your puppy is too fat is to check their body condition score BCS. This scale ranges from , with 5 being ideal. If your puppy scores above a 5, they may carry excess weight. You can also check for physical signs like a lack of visible waist or feeling ribs with difficulty. If you do find that your pup is carrying extra pounds, don't despair! With small lifestyle changes like increasing exercise and adjusting their diet, you can help them lose weight and maintain a healthy BCS. Finally In conclusion, the Golden Retriever puppy weight chart is a great tool to help owners understand their pup's growth and development. It can be a reference point for tracking size, weight, and overall health progress. With the aid of this chart, owners can take proactive steps to ensure that their puppy receives the proper nutrition and care to develop into a healthy and happy adult dog. Frequenty Asked Questions How much should golden retriever puppies weigh? Your puppy's expected weight will depend on its age. Our puppy weight charts can tell you what to expect from one month to two years old. These charts consider factors such as age, gender, and breed size specific to golden retrievers so that you can get an accurate estimate for your pup. How big is a 10 week old Golden Retriever? A week-old golden retriever should weigh between 15 - 20 lbs for a male and 10 - 15 lbs for a female. How much should a week-old Golden Retriever puppy weigh? A week-old golden retriever should weigh between 20 - 25 lbs for a male and 15 - 20 lbs for a female. A week-old golden retriever should weigh between 22 - .On average, Golden Retrievers stop growing at around years of age. However, this can vary depending on factors such as genetics and gender. Male Golden Retrievers tend to take longer to fully mature than females, which means they may continue growing until they are years old. You might like these. By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Golden Retriever Male Puppy Growth Chart lb and kg Keep in mind that minor differences are not a cause for alarm: it is not compulsory for your pup to weigh the listed amount. However, if your puppy has a very low weight, you will know that you should check with your veterinarian. As a new owner of Golden Retriever Puppy, you will be surprised to know that handling of puppies can boost their growth. Not only does it promote proper weight gain, but it can also affect development in other areas. Introduction In Comparing the puppies who were handled with those who did not show that the puppies that were being held opened their eyes and ears and had their hair grow faster and they even had better motor development. You may want to know how your puppy compares to another Golden Retriever. Or are you worried that your dog growth is not on the right path? In studying Golden Retriever growth charts, it is clear that most pups gain weight between 5 and 10 percent per week. Keep in mind that a lot of factors can affect the growth rate of a puppy. One size doesn't fit all Not all puppies will follow the growth chart at an exact speed. There can be a lot of diverse reasons for this. The growth chart can alert you should there be significant differences. However, even good owners can have skinny dogs. The Golden Retriever growth charts can alert you to the common causes of slow growth. Occasionally it comes down to a change in the dog diet. Ensure your dog likes his food and that he eats frequently. Request your veterinarian to rule out worms or any other condition. In the meantime, rest assured knowing that most puppies do well when they are raised by a loving and caring owner who has a good relationship with a trusted veterinarian and spends a lot of pleasant time with the puppy. To ascertain if your puppy is large, small, or average-sized for his or her age, you will first find the correct chart based on the sex of your puppy. Scroll down until you locate your puppy's age on the left side of the table. Then compare your dog weight with each column subsequently to that age. To predict the future heights and weights of your dog growth for a period of time. If your dog weight is always in the average range, you can scroll down the average column to estimate how large your puppies maybe as an adult. The same applies to other columns too. Remember, this is just an estimate. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:.

Filter Dog Halloween Costumes Face it. Your dog is more of a party animal than you'll ever be. If it were up to him, he'd be drinking punch straight from the bowl within the first five minutes of the party, followed by a run across the dance floor to chase that person dressed like a cat. That's why you shouldn't deny your pet the pleasure of dressing up for the holiday, just like his master! You'll find fun dog Halloween costumes here! Fortunately for you, we a have myriad of great dog costumes for your pet to choose from. If your dog's got the rhythm in his heart, then you can dress him up as one of the great musicians of the century, like Elvis or Michael Jackson. If your dog is more of the superhero type, he can become Batman or Superman. He can even help you on some Ghostbusting missions in one of our Ghostbusters pet costumes. Whatever his fancy is, we're sure to have something that will let your pooch get in touch with his inner party animal with our dog costumes. Search through our large selection of pet costumes for the best puppy outfits around! Dog Costumes Life without your pet is just too hard to imagine! Your furry little friend gives you love, companionship, and endless hours of entertainment. Your pet could be the life of the party if he just had a silly outfit to wear! From Star Wars to Wizard of Oz , your dog can join any kind of party with one of these adorable outfits. If your pooch is a fun-loving canine, then he might be ready for one of our dog costumes. Just check our list below of some of our favorites! Of course, make sure to check out our other lion costumes , so you can match your pet by going as a group costume with your pet! Hot Dog Costume for Dogs Now, this hot dog costume may be a little confusing to your little doggie. Normally, your pup likes to eat the hot dog, but in this funny outfit for dogs, your pet becomes the hot dog. The hot dog portion of the costume is even made out of a faux leather material to give your pet an appetizing look! Dog Spider Costume Does your dog ever chase after bugs? Does he leap and bound across the living room trying to eat that rogue fly that found its way into your home? Well, then perhaps your pooch likes to pretend that he is a vicious arachnid, hunting for his meal. Insects in your home had better beware! Shark Puppy Costume Have you ever seen your dog dreaming? You know how it goes. They start making some goofy noises, and then their legs start twitching. Well, your dog might be dreaming of being the apex predator of the ocean, hunting down all the fishies that are smaller and weaker than him! Of course, you pup could just be dreaming about eating an endless array of hamburgers that fell on the floor… Minion Dog Costume Now, this is a costume that accurately portrays how most dogs view themselves! Your average dog sees himself as your ultimate helper, much like the Despicable Me Minions are to Gru. However, the Minions from the animated film often find themselves causing more trouble for their master than helping much like your clumsy pup. Gru still loves them anyways and lets them tag along during his misadventures. This Minion dog costume should help you bring your pup on all your misadventures as well. It comes with a jacket and hood that help make your puppy look like a creation from the depths of your laboratory. No lightning bolts are necessary to jolt this costume to life. It also looks great with any of our mad scientist costumes. Costumes for Cats Cats are quite the enigma. Even experienced cat owners will tell you that sometimes, their cat just does things that cannot be explained, but that never stops us from loving the fluffy little animals. For those of you brave enough to try, we do carry many outfits that are that can be worn by cats. Those that do enjoy wearing clothes will look ultra-adorable in our costumes for cats. Search through our selection of pet costumes to find something your kitty won't hate to wear. Dress them up in cat Halloween costumes that one time a year or even for an every day look. Just think about it. You must feed him and provide him with suitable drinking fluids. You must provide him with adequate entertainment, or he will become dissatisfied and subsequently tear up the curtains. You even clean his poop up. Cat Bat Wings Have you ever been suspicious of your cat? He might just be a vampir in disguise! Well, now you can with this cat bat wings accessory. Cat Lion Costume Your kitty sees himself as a wild jungle king, even if he spends most of his time napping in sunbeams. He sees himself as a ferocious lion, who uses his masterful hunting skills to track down any prey, even if he IS still afraid of a lone cucumber. Well, we suggest making a compromise, by letting him wear this cat lion costume , which is based on the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz. Some cats are afraid of them, since they resemble their well-known foe, the cucumber. A few cats actually eat them. Even fewer cats… dream of becoming one! Now, your ferocious little kitty can become her favorite fruit when she dresses up in this cute cat banana costume. Star Wars Dog Costumes Have you ever wondered what kind of character your dog would be if he were in the Star Wars movies? Would your puppy be an agent for the Galactic Empire, wearing a Stormtrooper outfit? He could even be an Imperial Walker, so you can dress up like Darth Vader and become a real live version of the classic meme. Well, whatever role you think your pooch would play in the Star Wars movies, we have a costume that will help him unleash his inner star power! Just check out our list below. Ewok Dog Costume Wicket might be one of the easiest associations you can make with your pet! After all, Ewoks are small, furry, adorable, and they have an intense desire to protect their home from bad guys. Just use this Ewok dog costume to get his look down right. Bantha Dog Costume Is your dog the kind of wild beast that Tusken Raiders would like to take along with them on arduous journeys on Tatooine? Then your pup is probably a bit like a Bantha! Banthas are loyal creatures that carry the Tusken Raiders around on their backs and this Bantha dog costume is an easy way to transform your pup into one of the critters from the movie. Your dog can look like the assault vehicle used by the Empire in The Empire Strikes Back when he wears this Imperial Walker dog costume. Just make sure to help him fight off the Snowspeeders that will be gunning for him when he wears this cute costume. You can also take him for a walk dressed as Darth Vader for great comedic appeal. Jedi Dog Costume Sometimes your dog is your only hope when a situation goes sideways. Like when your plate tips over and your entire dinner falls onto the floor? Yoda Dog Costume Is your pooch wise beyond his years? Does he like to lurk around in swampy areas like Dagobah? That little green guy liked to get muddy and hang out with all kinds of creepy creatures in the depths of Dagobah. Dewback Dog Costume Maybe your dog is a little bit more of a bad guy! Well, then he probably needs an outfit that more accurately reflects his allegiance. Your dog probably imagines himself as being a great service to the Empire and no creature is of more service to the Empire as the big, lizard-like creatures called Dewbacks! These critters transport Stormtroopers all across the deserts of Tatooine and this Dewback dog costume is a great way to make him feel just like a Dewback. This quick guide will tell you step-by-step how to dress your large or small dog into a Halloween costume. Ears in Head Piece Some costumes come with a headpiece, so you may want to start by putting that on your pup. Fasten Head Piece The next step is simple as long as you have a compliant pooch! If you fasten it too loosely, it may easily fall off. If you do it too tightly, it may be uncomfortable for your pet. Head Piece Attached When the headpiece is completely attached, your dog should look like a wacky character of your choosing! Make your final adjustments to ensure that the piece is secure on his head and not too tight. If your pooch is uncomfortable, or not used to wearing headwear, he may try to take it off, so comfort is key. Check to see if there are any Velcro straps in the front and fasten them. Remember that candy unless specifically made for dogs is not good for dogs, so you might want to bring a few treats of your own if you plan on taking him with you or your kids for a round of trick or treating in the neighborhood. An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article svetikd When it comes to planning your family Halloween costume , don't forget about your dogs! Of course, you'll want to incorporate Halloween costumes for kids , but nothing is more fun than getting your pet involved in the holiday. Whether you choose a punny Halloween costume or one from pop culture , you're sure to win the neighborhood contest when your dog is involved. You can't go wrong with a funny family costume that involves Fido and we've included more than one here. Looking for something a little more classic? We would never dream of leaving off our go-to witches costume of this round up. Even if your pup hates wearing outfits, we've found a few costumes that we're pretty positive you can convince them to wear long enough for a picture, with a few treats as a bargaining chip, of course. Just be sure the costume doesn't interfere with your pet's sight, hearing, breathing, or mouth and you're good to go, per the American Veterinary Medical Association. And, of course, never leave your dog unattended while they are in costume or when there's candy accessible to them. Looking for more Halloween costume inspiration? Check out these awesome ideas! Ghostbuster Skunk There are lots of great options ahead, so if you're feeling torn between a few costume ideas for your Lab, you won't be by the time you're done reading. You won't want to miss it! Halloween is the one day a year to try on a different personality, which is why you thought your Lab might wear a formal tuxedo for the spooky occasion. The two-piece costume includes a tux and a necktie. Both parts of the costume have hook and loop closures so you can easily slip your Lab into the costume and quickly get it off them once they're tired of all the trick or treating. With sizes available up to XXL, your Lab should be able to fit in this formal costume. If you get married and your dog is involved in the wedding or you have a friend who's having a wedding , you can pull out this costume again. Bat If you're a big fan of the classics, you'll love this set of bat wings for your Lab's eerie costume then. The size large wings are .Size down for a puppy. With a hook and loop closure and Velcro fasteners, the costume is simple to put on. We also love how unobstructed it is. If you haven't had good luck getting your Lab to wear full costumes on past Halloweens, this one could be just the costume you've been looking for! Lion Your Lab always acts like they're so big and mighty. Halloween is a good chance to prove it by dressing up as a lion. This is another very simple and comfy costume that your dog won't try to take off two minutes after you put them on their leash. The mane secures around your Labrador's head. The faux ears make your dog look more feline. With its realistic mane-like texture and its status as an Amazon's Choice product, this lion's mane could be the go-to costume your Lab wears every Halloween going forward. Dinosaur Who's king of the jungle? That's right, your Lab is king of the jungle. Your dog will have a chance to show off its grandest roar when wearing this comfy dinosaur costume. Slouchy, fleecy, and oh-so-warm, don't be surprised when your Lab doesn't want to take it off even after Christmas. The front of this prehistoric dinosaur onesie features clasps so no uncomfortable zippers are rubbing up against the front of your Lab's body. You can pull the hood up over your dog's head if Halloween is bone-chillingly cold or leave it down around their neck. The tiny dino tail emerging from the back of the costume is too cute. You can select from sizes 3X through 6X, so even if yours is a rather large Lab, they can still wear this fun and plush dinosaur costume. With the way your Lab runs around sometimes, she sure seems like a superhero, so now she can dress the part. This costume is produced by esteemed costume brand Rubie's, which makes Halloween costumes for people and pets. The costume features a sleeveless red tank top with the classic Wonder Woman logo, a gold belt, and a loose-fitting blue skirt with white stars throughout. A gold tiara finishes the look. A size large fits dogs with a inch chest and an inch neck who weigh up to 29 pounds. Monarch Butterfly Your Lab will be the most beautiful pup on the street when they strut their stuff dressed as a monarch butterfly. The polyester costume features lovely orange wings with details such as stripes and polka dots. The wings are 19 inches long and secure around your Lab's body via stretchy straps. The costume also includes a headpiece with protruding black antennae. The headpiece has an elastic band as well that secures under your dog's chin. Even if your Lab doesn't go for the hat, the wings are cute. The largest available size is a large, but since this isn't a costume so much as an accessory, that size should suffice for your Labrador. Delivery Driver If your pup is like most dogs, then they have a complicated relationship with the mailperson. Now your Lab can become what they fear this Halloween in an adorable delivery driver costume. The two-piece set features the costume itself as well as a postman's hat. The outfit slips over the front half of your Lab's body. The plush arms are holding a small faux package, but that part of the costume is on your dog's chest. Their front paws tuck into the pants of the costume so that when your Lab walks, it creates the illusion of a small, fuzzy mailperson delivering a package. No matter where you walk your Lab on Halloween night, they'll inspire smiles and laughs. The extra-large size is for dogs measuring 24 inches with a chest that's 28 to 32 inches and a neck that's 20 to 24 inches. That size should fit your Lab comfortably. Prisoner Is your Lab always tearing up your slippers or ripping the couch cushions? As a testament to their status as a bad pup, why not dress your canine companion as a prisoner for Halloween? This lighthearted but realistic costume features a shirt that slips over your dog's upper half. The shirt, of course, is white with black horizontal stripes and a series of prison numbers and letters on the back. To complete the look, the costume comes with a hat that reads prisoner, just so there's no confusion. The pullover shirt won't leave your Lab fighting to get it off as soon as you put it on. The shirt has no buttons or clasps so there's nothing uncomfortable on your dog's chest all night, which is great. Even better, you can buy the costume in sizes up to XXL. Batman Maybe your Lab fancies itself more as a superhero. Yes, that's right, your Lab can be the Dark Knight himself in this Rubie's costume. The darling costume features a short-sleeved gray shirt with black trim that looks like a classic Batman suit. On the center of the chest is a yellow and black Batman emblem. The cape is black on the outside and blue on the inside and is detachable from the shirt. To hide your Lab's identity, don't forget to put on their bat-eared headpiece! Rubie's says that an XL is for dogs weighing 30 to 45 pounds with a inch chest and a inch neck. If your Lab is on the bigger side, then put them in an XXL. That costume size is for dogs weighing 45 to 71 pounds with a inch neck and a inch chest. Minion Does your dog always happily watch Despicable Me on the couch with you? Can you not get enough of the hilarious hijinks of the Minions? Then you've found the perfect costume for your Labrador Retriever this Halloween, which is none other than a Minion. This is yet another Rubie's costume, and it's officially licensed for canines. The soft costume features the blue overalls of the Minions as well as their yellow undershirt. The costume is a pullover style for easy wear. Your Lab can also wear the headpiece, which fits over their noggin with openings for the ears and features Minion eyes and goggles. The sizing of the Rubie's Minions costume is not the same as the other costumes we've covered. This time, an XL is for dogs weighing 30 to 45 pounds with a inch chest and a inch neck. Your Lab will likely need an XXL, which is for dogs weighing 45 to 71 pounds with a inch chest and a inch neck. An XXXL size is also available. Now you just need a Gru costume! Pizza Your Lab loves pizza night even more than you do because they're always mooching off your meals. Now they can have a whole pizza to themselves in the form of this realistic yet soft pizza costume. The jumpsuit features a large slice of pizza attached to it with all the fixings, including pepperoni, olives, and mushrooms. With no headpiece, your Lab won't mind lugging a foam piece of pizza around on their back for hours. Cupcake For the Labs that are so sweet they're almost good enough to eat, this cupcake costume takes the cake. It's no wonder it's an Amazon's Choice pick! Made of soft polyester, the costume will make anyone feel festive. A one-piece outfit that's simple for your Lab to wear, the costume boasts pink icing ruffles, a brown cupcake base, and a white collar complete with sprinkles. On your Lab's head, they'd wear a mini plush cupcake hat complete with a cherry on top. The hat features an elastic strap with a plastic cincher so the hat won't topple off your Lab's head and become their next chew toy. Ghostbuster Your Lab isn't scared of ghosts, and now they can show their world in their very own officially licensed Ghostbuster costume from Rubie's. The trademark tan jumpsuit secures in the front so your Lab won't have to deal with uncomfortable straps. On their back is a soft, faux leather backpack because what Ghostbuster leaves home without one? The Ghostbuster emblems on the jumpsuit make this costume even more authentic. This is the perfect outfit for you and your Lab to go twinning on Halloween! Skunk For comedic effect, you might decide that your Lab's Halloween costume this year is a skunk. The outfit choice will certainly ensure that everyone steers clear of the Halloween candy just in case your dog releases an odorous plume! The polyester onesie includes a fuzzy hood with faux ears for lending the costume more realism. The bottom of the costume is open around your Lab's feet so they can walk without tripping themselves. An XL is for dogs measuring 24 inches long, so your Lab should just squeak by. Conclusion Halloween can be a fun occasion for pets just as it is for us people. Whether you're having a costume party at home or going trick-or-treating, now your Lab can dress up, much to the delight of Halloween lovers everywhere!

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Originating from Newfoundland, the Lab is an energetic animal that loves to play and hunt. As one of the most beloved dogs in the world, the Labrador is widely available from qualified breeders. Their puppies are guaranteed against congenital hip dysplasia for 26 months and hereditary eye disease for 12 months. Their champion line dogs have won several competitions, including a first-place medal at the UKC Carolina Classic in .Woods Ferry is a family-owned breeder, and one of the family members is a veterinary technician who ensures the puppies are healthy and happy. They specialize in raising yellow and black labs, and their puppies come with a health guarantee covering hips and elbows. Puppies receive inoculations at 6 weeks old, and they go to their forever homes as early as 7 weeks old. Each puppy includes a detailed medical history and full AKC registration. Visitors are welcome at Greenbriar Plantation, but be sure to make an appointment before your visit. You can check their site for updates on new puppies and adults for sale. They learn to socialize with children and other domesticated pets. Their silver puppies are AKC-registered purebred labs. Silver Labradors ensures their puppies are free from disease, parasites, and defects. Each puppy is dewormed and vaccinated before going home with new owners. If you want to check out the breeding facilities, Silver allows visits with appointments. The dogs are dewormed two to three times and vaccinated before leaving. Home of Labradors has a helpful page on their website that includes several articles to help you care for and train Lab puppies. Their adult Labs are genetically tested and receive all required vaccinations and preventative medications for fleas and ticks. Mason Farms is committed to raising well-rounded puppies, and their young Labs are exposed to several sounds and experiences like riding in a car to prepare them for forever homes. All their puppies go home with a month health guarantee, limited registration, up-to-date vaccinations and deworming, one week supply of puppy food, and a microchip with a prepaid lifetime enrollment. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. We have a 2, 4, 6 and 8 week worming program as well as a 4 week parvo vaccine followed by a 7 week all in one vaccine. If pups stay longer than 8 weeks, they will stay up to date on all vaccinations and worming dates. Pups will have their dew claws still as we do not remove them in case of future show pups and the fact there are 5 major tendons that attach to the dewclaw so its better for them to remain. We post pictures and videos of our babies on our website after they are moving more, and mom is settled in which is around three weeks of age. We also will post a lot of videos and updates on our Facebook page which is under Mason Farms as well. If you do not have a Facebook page, we have no problems sending you the videos via phone or email just let us know. We will start scheduling pick up times and days the week before babies are ready to go home. When you visit to pick up your pup, you will meet them and get to choose at that time. If your puppy is being transported where you cannot visit, we will send you several videos and pictures of them and help you choose any way we can. We no longer will fly our pups out by themselves, you can fly and pick them up and I can meet you at the airport or I have two ground transporters I am more than happy to set you up with to deliver your pup depending on distance. If you are interested in one of our puppies, please fill out a questionnaire first. Stay tuned for more to come as we are always training and bringing up new lineages for our program. We take a lot of pride in the bloodlines that we offer and spend lots of time with both our dogs and their pups to ensure quality companions. All pups are very socialized from birth and we try hard to have them already introduced to many other things like water, wings, dremels, doggie doors, stairs, multiple sights and sounds and riding in vehicles. Our goal is to produce the true "DUAL" purpose labrador with the drive and desire for retrieving or being an active family companion with the classic blocky labrador look. A lot of our bloodlines carry not only the hunting Field Champion and Master Hunter type of pedigrees, but they also carry the English Champion titles as well as Champion Master Hunter lineages. We also have several import lines that we have brought into our program. Our labradors have competed in a variety of things including obedience, rally, trick, conformation showing, scent work, dock and have became certified service animals and emotional support dogs. We occasionally will have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi litter to keep on the bloodlines that we have had for many years. Our corgis compete in trick dog, obedience, scent work as well as conformation show.

Their main goal is to produce GSDs with an impressive temperament that adheres to the standard of the breed. For years, dogs from this German Shepherd breeder have been actively participating in various national and international breed shows. They also have them undergo tests to make sure they are free from degenerative myelopathy. This gives assurance that the puppies which will be born are of high quality and champion lineage. A guarantee is also given to customers upon purchase. The German Shepherds in Van Der Otto are bred to be excellent protectors for kids and families and as working dogs. This is a result of the dog experience of the founders. Since they are ex-law enforcers, they have seen the exceptional traits of a German Shepherd first-hand. During pregnancy, the females are kept in the home of Otto and are given the attention needed. Puppies are also exposed to socialization at an early age as they believe it helps in the growth and development of the dogs. Von Der Otto has two properties where puppies and dogs are brought to run freely and train. German Shepherd pups are trained to attain superb temperament to be family companions or protectors. This breeder is also involved in training shepherds for k9 sports, law enforcement, and therapeutic services. Another great thing about this breeder is that they have dedicated facilities where the dogs could freely play and train. Their acre property is solely structured to provide the dogs the space they need to enjoy and train. Training obstacles are also present in the vicinity. Different training programs were established to address the needs that vary from simple tasks to advanced training. As early as five months old, puppies can already be enrolled and trained in a special program in this breeding facility. If you are interested in purchasing a German Shepherd puppy in Jagermeister, it is highly suggested that you should make a reservation as early as possible. In addition, although their open field is spacious, they only have limited space for boarding and training programs so you should make an appointment earlier. They started with only four young German Shepherd pups which over time have grown into more than 50 litters. One of the edges that Austerlitz has been upholding to is the dedication of each member in studying and improving their breeding process. All of the breeders and trainers in their facility have at least 20 years of breeding experience with some even granted with AKC Breeder of Merit. They see puppy raising as a delicate task that must involve rigorous planning to accomplish. They even have their own puppy raising protocol which they call puppy culture! A vast amount of effort and attention is given to puppy training, health examination, emotional stability exercises, and behavioral training. From an early age, the trainers in the facility are already teaching the German Shepherd puppies basic polite communication and early toilet training. Producing excellent companion dogs with the ability to become outstanding working companions is the specialization of Austerlitz. They only breed shepherds with exclusive German bloodlines to hone their intelligence and obedience further. Some of the GSDs in their facility have proven their value by winning regional and national competitions. For years, they have been dedicated to selectively breeding healthy and fine European German Shepherd puppies. Nutritional completeness and consistency in the diet are also observed in the nutrition of the dogs. This German Shepherd breeder also makes sure to adhere to the standards in breeding German Shepherds as provided by kennel organizations. The application process is quite simple as they have an application form that is accessible on their website. Upon purchase, you will also be entitled to a lifetime return policy. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. There are still many places where you can try to search for your GSD puppy and here they are! This is the place where registered German Shepherd breeders promote themselves. You have the assurance that the puppies sold in AKC Marketplace are pure-breed and high quality. It is the parent kennel club of all German Shepherd clubs in America. A lot of registered German Shepherd breeders promote and sell puppies in the organization. You can try contacting their website or visiting the nearest club near you. Navigating through their website is easy. You can find different breeds of dogs in their listing and German Shepherd is one of them. PuppySpot — PuppySpot is another online platform that enables registered breeders to advertise their puppies. You can find a diverse listing of puppies including German Shepherds. Transporting the puppies is not a problem since PuppySpot works with licensed professional delivery companies to deliver your puppy safely. Euro Puppy — This international puppy finder website has been servicing people around the world for 20 years. Euro Puppy also ensures that all the dogs in their site have met the standard health requirements and are safely transported no matter where. The reason why German Shepherd puppies are expensive compared to other dog breeds is due to the fact that the cost of breeding and raising a German Shepherd is not a joke — especially if the breeder is reputable. Since GSDs are mainly used as working dogs and show dogs, training is imperative in raising them. After purchasing the puppy, what you need to be aware of then are the expenses for the food, health maintenance, supplies, beddings, toys, and other pet essentials. Looking for German Shepherd puppies in your area is easier than you think it is. There are a lot of reputable German Shepherd breeders across the country nowadays. Here are some ways you can do to find a German Shepherd puppy in your area: Ask for referrals from trusted and knowledgeable people. There is no arguing that veterinarians would know who among the German Shepherd breeders in your area are reputable. If you have a local vet, ask for referrals. They will definitely not sell you out. You can also try asking German Shepherd owners. More often than not, they are a member of an organization where breeders advertise. Join groups online or use social media platforms. A lot of breeders nowadays are also using social media platforms to promote their puppies. There are also dedicated groups for German Shepherd breeders and owners in different sites. Visit rescue centers. I know. There is no assurance about the lineage of the puppies in rescues. However, if you are not after the lineage and blood origin of your soon-to-be pet, you might find a treasure in rescue centers. You will not only find a companion, but you will also save a soul. Check local classifieds. If nothing worked, you could try this as your last resort. You can scan through the printed ads or posters in your area which advertise puppies. Nonetheless, always be cautious in dealing with unknown breeders as they might be involved in puppy mill breeding. Final Thoughts Ensuring that the puppy we will bring to our home is raised in a desirable environment and well-trained is essential as it will tell what kind of behavior the puppy will develop. With the top ten German Shepherd breeders on our list, finding the best German Shepherd puppy for you is now easier. If you are really determined to own one, make sure that you are emotionally and financially ready as you are not just buying a plush toy — but a creature that is alive. Just a reminder! Always be careful in dealing with suspicious breeders. Always ask for the certificates and medical history to avoid being scammed. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. If you are someone who wants to pet or buy genuine German Shepherd and looking for top breeders in the United States, you are in the right place. After a deep research, we have handpicked one of the best German Shepherd breeders in the US who sale purebred German Shepherds. In order to make their German Shepherds social, confident, and human-friendly these breeders train and raise them in a family environment instead of mills and crates. In some cases it could exceed this range. It is assumed that she is the most expensive German Shepherd ever sold. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. Tiltonhaus German Shepherds Tiltonhaus German Shepherds is a family — owned, fully licensed business. All their breeding stock have been DNA tested for several genetic diseases and their hips and elbows certified. Older puppies may be priced higher as training progresses. Location: Deer Park, WA. Their German Shepherd are thoroughly selected from the top European pedigrees. You can find world class German Shepherd puppies and professionally trained young protection dogs for family, law and enforcement, search and other businesses. You can order dogs online from VBH. It is offering services since , pioneers in this business. K-9 or K9 means Police Dogs, specifically trained to assist the members of security and law enforcement agencies. The have experience of over 22 years. You can buy German Shepherds online. Wustenberger Land Wustenberger Land K9s is globally recognized as one of the best German Shepherd breeders and trainers. You can find black German Shepherds as well. The young protection German Shepherds pricing vary depending on the level of training and title. The pricing is not revealed. You can contact them via the phone number and email given on the website. Top Shepherd Top Shepherd Kennel like other breeders is also a family-owned German Shepherd breeder having experience of more than 25 years. The prices of young protection dogs have not been displayed. You can contact them to find their prices. To find the ideal dog for you they ask to choose the type of dog while filling the inquiry form like what type of dog you want i. The prices are not given. You can contact them on Contact US Page by submitting an inquiry form to set an appointment. Regis Regal Regis Regal is also one of the leading German Shepherd breeders in the United States operating since , offers lifetime health guarantee for puppies. They have not revealed the prices of puppies and young dogs. You can inquire via email, phone number and contact form. It accepts all Credit Card payments. They train family protection dogs, police and dual purpose dogs. The VA stands for Vorzuglich Auslese, is the highest achievable award by a German show dog which is granted only at the annual Sieger Show. The prices of young dogs are not applicable. They accept payments in cash or through all major Credit Cards such as Mastercard, Visa etc. Their main goal is to breed a GSD that has the capacity to obtain the Schutzhund titles. They breed short-haired black and red German Shepherds for families and homes, occasionally they do have long-haired GSDs as well. They have not reveled the prices of puppies and dogs. For payments you can use Credit Card with PayPal. They are suitable for family protection, personal security, Schutzhund, search, guarding, seeing eye, etc. The pricing for puppies and dogs is not revealed. You can contact them via email address and contact number. Location: Howe Rd. Remember that some breeders provide lifetime health guarantee for their dogs. The pricing for puppies is different for different colors. They have experience of 25 years in raising German Shepherds. The PayPal payment method is also available. All their dogs are microchipped with an advanced pet identification number and retrieval system called HomeAgain. It helps to recover dogs in case they are lost. They ship all over the world. It provides large natural environment and world class facilities for German Shepherds which are rarely found in other breeders. They sell their dogs in four categories i. You can make a call to find the prices. Location: rd Ave. The prices of puppies and trained young dogs have not been revealed. You can contact them via phone number and email. Location: 11 Laurelwoods Dr. All their breeding dogs parents are OFA clear of Dysplasia. They are tall, have big heads, straight backs, thick bones and deep chests. They train their dogs for all purposes such as family companion, personal protection, search, sports, etc. All their dogs are AKC registered. In addition, they provide lifetime health guarantee for their puppies. Their puppies come in solid black, sable, black and tan, black and red, both short hair and long hair. It primarily focuses on producing family companion GSDs. They support PayPal and all major Credit Cards. Hope you would have liked our recommended GSD breeders. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read. Contact W. Our main objective at Mittelwest Kennels is to produce the best German Shepherd litters of puppies for sale in the world. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany. As a German Shepherd breeder of German Shepherd puppies for sale, we strive to be consistent with the quality of our German Shepherd puppies for sale which means breeding with top rated German Shepherd breeding stock of some of the best German Shepherds in the world. Breeding quality German Shepherd puppies is our passion and we are committed to offering our clients excellent German Shepherd puppies for sale with a dedication to increasing the quality of puppies with each selective breeding. Our German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale are excellent for families —good with children, adaptable to any environment. Our German Shepherd puppies have super character, rich black and red color and of course sound temperament. They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German Shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. As a German Shepherd breeder, we strive to breed German Shepherd puppies for sale that will have rich black and red color along with excellent temperament and structure. We also breed our German Shepherd dogs to produce puppies for sale that are good for sport and show and excellent with families. Our German Shepherds puppies for sale are intelligent and eager to please their owners. We specialize in German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale for Family, companionship or working dosg and we can ship our German shepherd litters of puppies for sale and our German Shepherd adult dogs for sale worldwide. Mittelwest is a highly regarded German Shepherd Breeder and has German shepherd litters for sale all throughout the year. We are the best select German Shepherd breeders producing German Shepherd litters for sale for family, show, or companion dogs. Focusing on super character, rich black and red shepherds. Mittelwest is a German Shepherd breeder of pure bred German Shepherd puppies. We are the premier, select German Shepherd breeder in North America, producing strong, sound, healthy German Shepherd Puppies for family, show, or companion dogs. Focusing on super character, rich black and red German Shepherd puppies for sale. We breed, import and ship world-wide. Many of our dogs and puppies are imported directly from Germany from west German Shepherds breeding stock. Pedigrees and Progeny photos are available for viewing for each stud dog and breeding female. All shepherd puppies are home raised and socialized. Temperament of our dogs and puppies are unmatched by any other breeders. We sell only top quality puppies and provide the best written warranty for all sales. Our goal is your satisfaction with your puppy or dog. We have usually have several litters available. For those of you local to our kennel facility in Wonder Lake, IL, complete training is available. We also offer German Shepherd Dog stud services. Our breeding males shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us at our Facebook page to see recent news and many more pictures of our shepherd dogs and shepherd puppies with their happy owners. Please check back often as our web site is updated frequently. Sometimes clicking refresh on your browser will help reveal updates. Please take some time to check our our useful links. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!