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Male vs. Female Golden Retriever Size This is the least subjective difference in this list. As far as where each dog falls in this range, that will depend heavily on the parents at least for height. Weight will not only depend on the dog and their parents, but also how much you feed and exercise them. Since they mature slower, male Goldens will act like puppies for longer than female Goldens. My Golden, Oliver, just turned three years old and he still acts like a wild, goofy puppy. Which leads us to the next point… Male vs. Female Golden Retriever Personalities This is probably the most subjective trait on this list. Females are more independent, dominant over other dogs, stubborn, and protective. Females are also often more caring and in tune with your emotions than males. In addition to genetics affecting their personalities, another thing that can affect their personalities is their past. We fostered a 9-year-old female Golden for a month and she was certainly more dominant and protective than our boy, but she was not independent at all. However, once your male Golden gets neutered , this will slow down a lot more on this later. Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training much easier! They were originally bred to hunt birds back in the s, so if they barked, they would scare the birds off. However, there are a few things you should know when it comes to Goldens and barking. Males have louder, deeper barks than females because of their bigger size. In fact, Charlie, a male Golden Retriever from Australia, owns the world record for loudest bark. But on the other hand, females often bark more than males. This is due to them usually being more protective more on this later. Female Golden Retriever Humping Yes, we all know that males hump. But did you know that female Goldens hump, too? Both males and females hump because of sexual urges, displaying dominance, playing, and other reasons. Neutering or spaying will help decrease it, but expect to deal with humping no matter which gender you get. And this takes us to the next difference… Male vs. Spaying or neutering your dog is a complicated question. Your decision will depend on your dog, your lifestyle, their gender, and even your culture I know that sounds weird, but this article will explain why. Again, talk to your vet to decide when the time is right for your pup. And for reference, Labradors are the seventh smartest dog breed. This could be because they mature faster or are less mischievous, or maybe they actually tend to be smarter. But just like all of the traits in this list, it really depends on the individual dog. Female Golden Retriever Protection Although males are bigger than females and have a louder bark, females are usually more protective of their homes and their families. Let me know in the comments! So how do you get the best dog for you? Talk to the breeder. They know the puppies and the parents best and can tell you what to expect. For example, if you want a dog to do agility, dock diving, or even hunting with, then you probably want an athletic, energetic field Golden Retriever , not a stocky show Golden Retriever. You can read this article for more information about how to find a good Golden Retriever breeder. Goldens are so popular right now and the waitlists are very long, so you might have to just accept what you can get. Oliver picked my wife by crawling into her lap and the decision was made then and there. Have any questions about male vs. Let me know in the comments below! And if you liked this article, then read about English vs. American Golden Retrievers next. Related articles:. Frequently Asked Questions Male vs. As with most breeds, the males tend to be larger than the females. A fully grown male Golden Retriever can weigh anywhere between 65 and 75 pounds, while a fully grown female will top out at around 55 to 65 pounds. As expected, the two differ in height, as well. Adult male Goldens usually stand between 23 and 24 inches tall at the shoulders. In contrast, adult females stand at around 21 and 22 inches tall at the shoulders. Aside from height and weight, there are other visible differences between male and female Golden Retrievers. Both male and female Goldens need regular brushing and grooming , but males may require more, due to their thicker coats. Male Golden Retrievers also tend to have broader heads and snouts, while females have a more narrow head and a skinnier snout. In general, females are more slender, while males tend to have a stockier appearance. Male vs. Female Golden Retriever Key Difference 2: Personality Traits and Demeanor Male and female Golden Retrievers share many of the same personality traits , like friendliness and gentle nature. Some owners report that males and females tend to have different personality traits. However, many of these reports are anecdotal, rather than proven. Some owners believe that their male Goldens tend to be far more attached to members of the family, while female Goldens are more independent. A male Golden might be more likely to stay glued at your hip, eager to please you and earn your affection. While female Goldens do get attached and want to please you, they might not be as clingy as their male counterparts. This is not to say that female Goldens are not affectionate. They just might express their affection differently than male Goldens. Some owners also report that male Goldens also tend to have more stubborn behavior than females. That is true for both male and female Goldens. Whether they are male or female, if your Golden Retrievers has a higher energy level, they may require more regular physical activity and exertion to prevent destructive behaviors or mood issues. That can be throwing a ball in the backyard or going for a daily walk around the neighborhood. In the case of male vs. All Golden Retrievers are prone to certain medical and physical conditions, including elbow dysplasia, retinal cataracts, bloat, epilepsy, aortic stenosis, Von Willebrand disease, and various types of cancer. While all Goldens are susceptible to these conditions, female Goldens come with their unique health concerns in addition to those experienced by the breed. For example, unspayed female Goldens have an increased risk of conditions like hip dysplasia. Improvements in screening and careful breeding have been lowering the rates of this condition in recent years. Females are also more likely to develop ocular myasthenia and adrenocortical insufficiency. Overall, male and female Goldens have the same life expectancy, reaching anywhere between 10 and 12 years. In some cases, both male and female Golden Retrievers can even live between 14 and 15 years. While all Goldens are highly intelligent, some puppy owners report that their female Goldens seem to pick up concepts slightly quicker than males, making them more adept at associating prompts and actions. This may lead to the assumption that females are easier to train. Goldens can often correctly respond to commands starting as young as 12 weeks old, whether they are male or female. Working with an experienced professional who can show you positive training methods can help make things like obedience training much easier, no matter whether you have a male Golden puppy or a female one. Male vs Female Golden Retriever Key Difference 6: Family Compatibility While Golden Retrievers make great family pets, there are a few things about the two genders that may make you choose one over the other for your household. Since female Goldens are sometimes reported to have calmer dispositions, they may be a nice choice for families that include children or seniors. Female Goldens are sometimes believed to be more careful and observant around small children, whereas male Goldens might be more carefree and playful. Due to their larger size, a male Golden Retriever might be able to knock children or senior adults over if they get hyper. Goldens of either gender are remarkably friendly, but this energetic spirit could cause injury to certain family members who cannot handle the size of a medium-to-large breed dog. Goldens are an ideal match for young couples who love a lot of activity. Whether you choose a male or female Golden Retriever, rest assured they will bring years of love, loyalty, and fun to your family! Exercise and Play: Regular exercise is essential to keep these energetic dogs healthy and happy, ensuring daily walks and playtime. Early Training and Socialization: Begin training early and expose your Golden Retriever to various people and situations for a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Grooming Care: Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and occasional baths. Health Maintenance: Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and preventive care are vital for their overall well-being. Living Space: Ensure you have enough room in your home and yard to accommodate their medium to large size and active lifestyle. Family Compatibility: Golden Retrievers are generally good with children and other pets , but supervise interactions to ensure safety and harmony. Financial Preparedness: Owning a dog comes with expenses, so be financially ready for their care and well-being. Safety Precautions: Puppy-proof your living space to eliminate potential hazards and provide a safe environment. Lifelong Commitment: Be prepared for a long-term commitment as Golden Retrievers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years or more. Although golden retrievers are generally not hyperactive, females are sometimes believed to mature faster than males. This may help them to learn commands at a slightly younger age, although these differences tend to disappear as a dog gets a little older. Are male dogs friendlier than females? Male dogs are not necessarily more friendly, than female Golden Retrievers. In most cases, the differences will come from the individual personality of the puppy in question, rather than the gender. What is the difference between male dogs and female dogs? It really comes down to the individual personality of a puppy more than its gender. Can you have 2 male Golden Retrievers? Goldens are actually happier when they have companions, and while two males may fight to figure out who is the alpha between them, you could just as easily experience this same dynamic between two female Golden Retrievers or mixed genders. Do male or female dogs live longer? It has been noted that gender does not typically play a role in determining the life span of a dog, although males tend to live slightly longer on average. Spaying and neutering a dog seems to have a greater impact on the lifespan of a Golden Retriever. Is it better to get a male or female golden retriever? The answer to this question will usually come down to your personal preferences. While some dog owners report that males or females tend to have certain characteristics, in most cases, these differences stem more from the personality of an individual puppy than from their gender. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Updated: June 29th, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. If you are looking at adopting an adorable golden retriever, you may reach a point in the process where you wonder which is a better choice for you, male dog vs female dog? While male golden retrievers are slightly larger, and females can be a little more prone to certain health concerns, their personalities and intelligence are equal. If you adopt a goldie of either sex you will find yourself with an intelligent and loyal dog that is easy to train, eager to please, downright gorgeous, and sheds everywhere. Males will generally reach between 23 and 24 inches in height and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, though they can be as heavy as 95 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, usually measuring between .If the size is important to you, then you might want to choose between a male and a female dog on that basis. Additionally, if you are looking for a dog of a certain size it is worth speaking to the breeder, who may specialize in larger or smaller goldies. Appearance Female and male golden retrievers do have differences in appearance that go beyond size. Males tend to have stockier bodies with broader heads and snouts. Females are leaner in general and have narrower heads and snouts. All goldens tend to be heavy shedders regardless of gender. Obviously if you are planning on breeding, you may want a male or female dog specifically for that purpose. Female dogs enter their heat cycle about twice a year, and during this time they will need to be kept away from other dogs. Male dogs are ready to go most of the time, and they can lose control of themselves when they encounter a female dog in heat. They are much more likely to make escape attempts and put themselves in danger while tracking a female in heat. Potent male dog hormones also mean that male dogs can be more likely to do things such as mark their territory, hump people, other animals, furniture, and the air, and display alpha male behavior. Controlling these behaviors is about training, though, and goldies are highly trainable. If you are planning on having your dog spayed or neutered, gender matters even less. While it does not completely remove hormone-related behaviors from dogs, the procedure does diminish them and make them much more controllable. Behavior Some experienced goldie owners claim they can see differences in the personality and behavior of male and female golden retrievers, but the evidence is circumstantial, and there always seems to be someone out there with an opposite experience. Nevertheless, it is worth considering. Some people believe that female golden retrievers tend to be easier to train. This is often linked with the fact that female goldies reach maturity sooner, so they are just a bit more pliable during those important training months. Whether this makes a difference in the long term is unclear. Others suggest that male goldies tend to be more loyal, or clingier, and are more eager to spend time with their people; however, there is no suggestion that female goldens are aloof. The breed in general is very loving and enjoys spending as much time with their family as possible. While some statistics suggest that male dogs are six times more likely to bite than female ones, research suggests that this is less about nature and more about nurture. Humans have a tendency to anthropomorphize their dogs treat them like humans , and therefore encourage and expect different behaviors. Because of this, pet parents are more likely to accept aggressive behavior in male dogs as normal and less likely to train it out. Health When you research golden retrievers, you will see that they are vulnerable to a range of health issues , as is common for purebred dogs. This includes hip and elbow dysplasia, retinal cataracts, epilepsy, and cancer. This does not mean that there is a high chance that your dog will suffer from any of these ailments, but they are things that your dog should be screened for. Female golden retrievers have a few more possible health issues than males. This includes an increased risk of hip dysplasia for unspayed dogs and an increased likelihood to develop ocular myasthenia and adrenocortical insufficiency, but breeders do their best to control for these factors. Golden retrievers are generally healthy and have a lifespan of years, which is about normal for dogs of their size. Read our guide to the best age to spay or neuter a golden retriever for their health. One area where gender may make a difference is if you plan on introducing a new golden into a home that already has a dog. Generally speaking, dogs tend to get along better with other dogs when they are of the opposite sex. It is probably linked to balancing hormones and natural competitiveness. If you already have a dog at home, then, you might want to consider getting a golden of the opposite gender as a counterbalance. FAQs Are male or female golden retrievers more affectionate? While anecdotal evidence suggests that male golden retrievers might be a little more affectionate than their female counterparts, generally speaking, goldies are a loving, loyal, and affectionate breed, whether male or female. Are male or female golden retrievers calmer? Female golden retrievers may appear calmer than male dogs because they reach maturity sooner and so pass through the excitable puppy phase a bit faster, but as adult dogs, they tend to have very similar energy levels and levels of playfulness. Should I get a male or female dog? Aside from questions of breeding, gender is not a good indicator of how appropriate a dog will be as a pet. More important factors are breed characteristics, which will dictate size, trainability, and how easy they are to care for in general. Also, if you are adopting an adult dog, their previous lifestyle will be a significant factor. Are male golden retrievers protective? Both male and female golden retrievers are highly protective of their families, but they are also smart enough to know the difference between new people and threatening ones. They are much less likely to get unnecessarily aggressive than some other breeds. Are female dogs less aggressive? In terms of nature, female dogs are not less aggressive than male dogs, but in terms of nurture, they might be. People tend to anthropomorphize their dogs, which leads to different behavior expectations. For this reason, male dogs can learn that a bit more aggression is acceptable. The Verdict It is understandable to assume that male and female golden retrievers might be quite different and that you should carefully consider which gender is right for you, but the reality is that there are fewer significant differences between the sexes than you might imagine. Male golden retrievers are larger, stockier, and have a thicker coat, while the females are smaller, lighter, and finer. Female goldens may also be susceptible to a few more health conditions, but they are still healthy dogs with the same lifespan as their male counterparts. Obviously, their reproductive systems are different which will matter if you are breeding, but it does not make a huge difference to their behavior especially if they have been spayed or neutered. Behaviors such as territory marking can usually be controlled through training. Beyond this, there is no difference between the wonderful personalities of male and female golden retrievers, and they both make excellent family pets. Do you have opinions on the difference between male and female golden retrievers? Share them with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like. 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. In fact, Golden Retrievers are consistently voted one of the most popular dog breeds in America! But what sex is right for you? Though largely similar, there are subtle nuances between the sexes. These differences are important to take into consideration when picking out the perfect pooch for your household. Here is everything you need to know about the differences between male and female Golden Retrievers. While Golden Retrievers are categorized as medium-sized dogs, males will be slightly larger than females by two to four inches. While female Golden Retrievers grow to be about 22 inches tall, males will grow to be 24 inches. Moreover, males will weigh more. Male Golden Retrievers can weigh as much as 10 pounds more than their female counterparts. While male Goldens weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, females clock in around 55 to 65 pounds. They have thicker coats, bigger heads, and puffier manes. Females will be leaner, with dainty heads and noses. Athletic and agile, Goldens love to romp, roam, and play. They are the perfect hiking or jogging companion. As energetic dogs, Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of exercise every day. Interactive dog toys, doggy daycare, agility lessons, and training sessions will all keep your Golden Retriever thoroughly engaged. Social and affectionate, male Golden Retrievers love being around humans and other dogs. However, this need for attention can become annoying. They can also develop separation anxiety. Boy Golden Retrievers will also mark their territory a whole lot more than females. Training Male Golden Retrievers need consistent, positive reinforcement training from day one. As sensitive dogs, Golden Retrievers do not respond well to harsh training methods. Give your boy plenty of praise and lots of high-value treats. A smart breed, Golden Retrievers can easily learn basic commands and complicated tricks. This can include a brisk walk, a game of fetch in the backyard, or a visit to the dog park. Being a medium-sized dog, your Golden needs about two to two-and-a-half cups of premium dog food divided into two meals every day. Ensure he always has access to clean, fresh water. Generally healthy, male Golden Retrievers can live to be 13 years of age. Breeding Male Golden Retrievers are ready and willing to mate at anytime! Always have genetic testing done before you breed any dog to ensure the puppies turn out healthy.

Poochon vs Shih Poo Comparison If you love small doodle breeds and want to add a fluffy and cute puppy to your family, we have just the right candidates. Meet the Poochon and Shih Poo designer doodles. They are among our favorite doodle puppies here at Premier Pups. The Poochon and Shih Poo dogs are smart, happy, and ready to love you to the moon and back. They enjoy games, cuddles, and attention, and they are more than happy to keep.Welcome to the exciting world of doodle puppies! If you're considering adding a new fur baby family member, you're in for a treat. Doodle puppies are simply amazing. They are friendly, loving, and playful dogs that are perfect for families with children. With so many different types of doodle breeds available, one more adorable than the next it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help! They are loyal and devoted, have adoring personalities, and are always ready for a cuddle session. Poochon puppies are joyful little fluffs with bouncy paws and wiggly tails. They are lively and happy pups who love to jump around and they are excellent training students. Sturdy and small, Poochons have an average height between 9 to 15 inches and an average weight between 6 and 17 pounds. This breed is a mix between a Toy Poodle and a Bichon Frise. The Bichpoo originated in the s in Australia and was bred specifically for families that were searching for an active dog that was calm enough to be around children and other pets in the household. With an upbeat, lovable, and friendly personality, the Poochon is a joy to be around. They inherited their warm temperaments and easy-going personality from their parents. They are also very intelligent dogs, many thanks to their Poodle parent. This kid-friendly dog makes a great family pet and even does well with other pets in the home. The Poochon can be found in a variety of stunning colors. The most common are solid tan, apricot, black, grey, and cream but can also be found in different blends and variations of these colors. Making sure to take the time to properly groom the Poochon is very important. Daily coat brushing will prevent matting and knots from occurring. Should his coat begin to form knots, consider applying a small amount of dog anti-tangler spray and gently work the mat out. Bi-weekly baths will also help keep his coat looking its best. Pooches, especially when puppies, are very energetic and need a lot of energy. Feeding him high-quality dog food two times a day is a good way to properly fuel his growing and active body. Many Poochon owners tend to serve their dogs meals every twelve hours. This has shown to be a good balance of nutrition. Proper teeth cleaning for your puppy is also very important for his health and should occur three times every week. Poochons have an average height of nine to twelve inches tall. At maturity, they average weight of this breed is seven to fifteen pounds. The average Poochon has a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. Australia breeders bred the Poochon in the s in Australia. Pooches are considered a very intelligent dog capable of easily learning new tricks with ease. Petland is honored to offer the highest quality Poochon puppies who will be an instant in your family. How much exercise do Bichon Poos need? Every dog needs their daily exercise and the Bichon Poo is no exception. You could exercise them for 20 to 40 minutes daily. How often should a Bichon Poo be bathed? You could bathe your dog once or twice a month if you are up for it. They do need enough grooming. How long can Bichon Poos live? The average lifespan of a Bichon Poo is 12 to 15 years. What diseases are Bichon Poos prone to? One of such is the progressive retinal atrophy which is hereditary because the Poodle is susceptible to this. This disease causes progressive blindness in the eyes of the Bichon Poo. Another such disease is the patella luxation which causes dislocation of the dog bones. This could be very painful for the dog. Are Bichon Poos hypoallergenic? Yes, they are. Are Bichon Poos known for barking? The Bichon Poo mostly barks to get the attention of its owner or when there are strangers around. When will the Bichon Poo get to full size? This dog attains its full size when it is about 12 to 18 months old. Are Bichon Poos good dogs? Naturally, these dogs are friendly and affectionate and loyal too. How much food can Bichon Poos eat daily? Well, this naturally depends on the owner. You could choose to feed them 4 to 5 times daily or just twice. Are you interested in purchasing a Bichon Poo? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Texas is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. Your English bulldog will love exploring the garden and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love getting some fresh air and seeing the sights from a different perspective. Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. 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 Texas? 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. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. Our mission is to make your puppy search not only easy, but fun! All you need to do is head over to our pages full of sweet El Paso French Bulldogs for sale. When you see your dream puppy, just connect with the business who posted the advert and find out what you need to do to make your Frenchie dreams a reality! What kind of dogs are Frenchies? Their huge upright ears, wrinkly little noses and top-heavy bodies means a Frenchie can never be mistaken. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than other breeds? The breeding process for French Bulldog breeders in El Paso is a lot more complicated, time-consuming and expensive than for most other dog breeds. Frenchies have a very narrow pelvis, which means not only do females have to be artificially inseminated, their pups have to be born by C-section as well. All this extra care adds up French Bulldog breeders El Paso must charge a higher price. Can I collect my Frenchie pup in person? You sure can. If your dream French Bulldog happens to come from El Paso French Bulldog breeders then you can always request to pick your pup up in person. How do you view transparency of businesses with French Bulldogs for sale in El Paso? We know you want to buy French Bulldogs for sale El Paso from a company you can trust. This includes signing our Breeder Pledge to agree to uphold our ethics when it comes to the puppy breeding business. How can I know that my puppy will arrive healthy? All French Bulldog puppies will get a complete vet exam before traveling to their new home. You can request copies of these exams, and we recommend booking a puppy check with your local veterinarian as soon as your puppy arrives home with you as well. Do you recommend a specific type of food for French Bulldogs? Your veterinarian will be able to help devise a nutritional plan for your puppy, taking into account that French Bulldogs can be prone to obesity. Do you sell cheap puppies? The price of puppies is often a reflection of the amount of time and dedication that goes into their breeding. The companies with El Paso French Bulldog for sale that we partner with are more concerned about breeding the healthiest puppies with the best temperaments. Choosing to buy a pup from a reputable and trustworthy breeder is always a wise decision. How many walks does a French Bulldog need per day? French Bulldog puppies in El Paso are pretty easy-going when it comes to walks. A 20 minute stroll is enough for these little guys! Take extra care not to over-exert your Frenchie in those hot and humid summer days, as their flat-faces mean they can find it difficult to breathe. Hanging out in the cool AC is going to keep them much more comfortable. Are French Bulldogs good for families? Frenchie puppies love nothing more than all the attention, from all the people! From babies to grandparents, these pups crave affection from everyone. That even includes other pets. If you decide to add a French Bulldog for sale El Paso into your family you might soon wonder what you ever did without them!

Share Tweet As a new dog owner, you certainly want to turn your home into a pet-friendly space to make your dog safe and comfy. Are stairs bad for French bulldogs might be one of the most common questions you would like to reveal. Are stairs bad for French bulldogs? If you live in a home full of stairs, your Frenchie might find it difficult to climb them multiple times a day. Frenchie puppies are on a higher tendency to develop injuries, so the best way to prevent them from falling is to restrict them to use stairs. Our suggestion is to install a sort of gate that will make your dog unable to reach them. As your puppy grows and becomes more skillful, you can gradually teach him to safely use the stairs. Unfortunately, some pooches will never be able to climb the stairs without showing certain difficulties. French bulldogs with hip dysplasia and other skeletal deformities will always need mechanical support to perform daily activities. When are stairs bad for French bulldogs? The best safety tips Improve visibility and supervise your dog If you live with a senior French bulldog , then you should light up the stairs with a night lamp to make them safer for usage. Senior pooches often deal with mobility issues due to the loss of cartilage in joints. A dog who deals with pains during using stairs will whine, pace, and show strange signs of body language. Put non-slipping covering By adding a non-slipping surface such as carpets and other types of flooring covers onto the wooden stairs will prevent your dog from falling. Pay special attention during winter Dog owners often forget about keeping their dogs safe in the winter. Even though our pets have claws, they need extra support to improve traction on icy surfaces. Therefore, besides using a pet-friendly ice melt on your outdoor stairs, we recommend you buying high-quality French bulldog boots with a non-slipping surface. Install a dog ramp If your Frenchies shows mobility issues, then you should start considering to install a dog ramp. They are especially suitable for senior dogs who need support. If your pet shows any sign of discomfort and feels frightened, we suggest you leaving snacks on the ramp to encourage him. What type of dog ramp to choose for my Frenchie? A dog ramp should also be high enough to reach stairs properly, otherwise, there may be a possibility of getting an injury. Whatever ramp you choose, just make sure you teach your dog how to use it. You might need to invest some time and energy to make him relaxed and confident which is the most important thing to keep in mind. Post navigation. When choosing to add a dog to your family, you must consider the breed's common traits, common health issues, your lifestyle, and your home. While French Bulldogs are trendy, they also have many special needs and are not right for every family. One consideration should be the number of stairs in your home or leading to your home, that your potential French Bulldog would have to climb. Though this beloved breed is notorious for having serious health issues, they are generally small and not heavy. Could you carry your Frenchie up and the down the stairs multiple times a day? Or were you hoping they would be able to navigate the stairs themselves? So, can French bulldogs climb stairs? Yes, they can. Most of them can easily go upstairs, but struggle to go downstairs. Younger French bulldogs generally have an easier time climbing stairs than senior Frenchies. Unfortunately, French bulldogs are prone to several health issues that stairs may inflict or worsen. What makes stairs difficult for French Bulldogs? According to Dr. Some of the health issues they are predisposed to impact their ability to go up and down the stairs. If their joints are impacted, their physical ability to go up and down the stairs is limited. These conditions can make their joints painful, and navigating the stairs can worsen them: According to VCA Hospitals , Patellar luxation occurs when a dog's knee cap dislocates. If your Frenchie has experienced any knee issues, using the stairs can cause the issue to reoccur, or just be painful to perform. Surgical intervention may be required for this condition. As such, if your Frenchie has knee problems, it is recommended that he be carried up and down the stairs to prevent future injuries. According to French Bulldog Owner , Hip dysplasia occurs when a Frenchie's hip joint and thigh displace. Although this is most often seen in large breed dogs, Frenchies have been known to suffer from it. The ability to use their hips is crucial to being able to navigate the stairs. According to CannaPet , Hemivertebrae causes a Frenchie's spine to be misaligned as a result of fused or abnormally shaped vertebrae. If his back hurts, a Frenchie will struggle with the stairs. This condition usually does not impact the French Bulldog's ability to live their best life; it often goes untreated. However, some dogs require surgical intervention. According to FrenchieWiki , Intervertebral Disc Disease is a painful condition caused by the spinal discs between the spinal vertebrae bulging or herniating into spinal cord space. This condition can be caused by forceful jumping and landing; making the stairs a possible trigger for the condition. Frenchies who are already afflicted should not navigate the stairs. Degenerative Myelopathy is luckily rarely seen in French Bulldogs. However, it is a serious condition and Frenchies have been diagnosed with it. It is a progressive disease that impacts the spinal cord and causes the loss of coordination in the hind legs, difficulty standing, and buckling legs. This disease can act quickly; most patients become paralyzed within six months to one year of diagnosis. These patients should not navigate stairs. If their vision is affected, they will have trouble seeing where to put their paws, and they may fall down the stairs as they try to climb them: Distichiasis occurs when a Frenchie's eyelashes grow in an abnormal direction or location. Distichiasis causes patients to blink and squint; the inability to keep eyes open can lead to falling down the stairs. Left untreated, this condition leads to blindness. Dogs with any vision difficulties should be carried up and down the stairs, as their vision loss can cause them to fall and be injured. This condition is hereditary. Cataracts are clouds on the eye's lens. This is most often seen in senior Frenchies, but dogs of any age may develop them. The main result of cataracts is vision impairment, especially in dim areas. Your Frenchie will most likely ask you for assistance to get up and down the stairs if they are afflicted with this condition. The good news is that cataract surgery has a ninety percent success rate. What factors impact are French Bulldogs being able to climb stairs? There are several factors that impact their ability to climb stairs, such as: 1. Health You may think that the biggest factor would be age; after all, stairs are no friend to senior dogs suffering from arthritis. In fact, age is the second biggest factor. The first is the French Bulldog's health. A French Bulldog of any age will struggle with stairs if they have serious medical conditions that impact their joints, back, and vision. These three physical abilities are needed to successfully navigate the stairs. Joint and vision health problems that French Bulldogs are prone to include: Intervertebral Disc Disease, hip dysplasia, Hemivertebrae, Degenerative Myelopathy, Patellar luxation, Distichiasis, and Cataracts. Age Senior French Bulldogs are most likely to suffer from the joint issues common to the breed, and they are most likely to have arthritis, which makes the mobility needed to navigate stairs difficult. Life Experience A French Bulldog's life experience will color how they view the stairs. A Frenchie who was abused may have been thrown down the stairs; a Frenchie rescued from a puppy mill may never have experienced stairs, or perhaps he may have fallen down the stairs like a puppy. Any negative experience Frenchie associates with the stairs will cause him to be frightened of them. With patience and positive reinforcement training, your rescue Frenchie will be climbing the stairs in no time if their health permits. A rescued adult French Bulldog had a totally different life before they became a part of your family. Keep that in mind and have patience with them as they adjust to their new status of royalty. How can you train your French Bulldog to climb stairs safely? As you follow their instructions to train your French Bulldog, keep the following in mind: These little bat-eared angels are prone to tracheal collapse and heat stroke, so be sure to use caution when using a collar to apply pressure as demonstrated in the video and be sure to train your French Bulldog inside your home when the weather is hot. If your French Bulldog is very frightened of the stairs, you will need patience. Choose a time to begin training when you are calm to avoid becoming frustrated, which may frighten him further. Always choose a small flight of stairs to begin training on; the higher the staircase, the greater the chance of injury. Keep the sessions short and sweet; once your Frenchie has successfully climbed the stairs without your intervention a few times, end the session on a positive note with lots of attention and a few treats. Practice a few times a week until your Frenchie totally understands the drill. How can you make your stairs safe for your French Bulldog? A significant part of your French Bulldog's ability to climb stairs will be their confidence. There are a few things you can do to help the stairs be less threatening, such as: If your stairs are not carpeted, your French Bulldog may not like going up and down them because they do not feel comfortable with the slippery surface they must climb. Purchase stair treads and or treaded socks to give them some traction. Sit on the bottom step of the stair case in your home and invite your French Bulldog to sit with you there to be petted. Encourage any guests visiting your home to do the same. This will help him associate the stairs with something positive that he loves; attention. Leave your Frenchie's favorite toy or snack on the third or fourth step from the bottom. He will be motivated to practice using the stairs to get to this prize. Summary While your puppy may initially have no problems climbing up and down the stairs, as they grow older, they may develop health issues that seriously impede, or totally prevent, their ability to navigate stairs independently. If you live in a house with lots of stairs, or many flights of stairs leading to your home without an elevator and will not be able to carry your French Bulldog up and downstairs, this may not be the best breed for you. If you still want a Frenchie, perhaps consider moving to a one-level home, or relocating to a ground-level apartment. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Overweight Less mobile To know whether your dog could struggle, you need to understand what makes the stairs difficult for some animals, and what common problems affect mobility in French Bulldogs in particular. There are a few reasons why stairs can be an intimidating obstacle for any dog. Going Downstairs Is Harder Than Going Upstairs You might notice a difference between your Frenchie trying to go down the stairs as opposed to climbing up them. Although you might think of climbing as harder, most dogs actually find it much more difficult to go down the stairs. On the way down though, they practically have to fall forwards and catch themselves with every step. For Frenchies, this is even more tricky, because of their tiny little legs! It Can Be Scary Instinctively, dogs sometimes view a staircase as if it were a cliff. If anxiety is the problem, you can help your dog to overcome it by giving them a bit of guidance and taking things slowly one step at a time! Start with a smaller set of steps and show your dog it is safe by going down yourself first. Then, you need to reassure your Frenchie, but let them have a go at their own pace. When they do make it, give them lots of praise and affection for being so brave. They May Have Had Bad Experiences Unfortunately, some dogs will have made mistakes on the stairs or had an unfortunate fall of some kind in the past. This can really add to their anxieties, and will certainly make it more intimidating to try again. It Takes a Lot of Effort One of the biggest reasons why French Bulldogs struggle, in particular, is that they are pretty small dogs, and they are not often very agile. It takes a lot of energy and flexibility to climb a bunch of stairs, which is pretty off-putting. How often do you choose the elevator when you have the chance? Of course, any mobility problems can make the whole ordeal significantly harder, if not impossible for some Frenchies. Health issues are, unfortunately, very common among French Bulldogs and some of them can really affect how easily they might be able to climb up or down a set of stairs. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a pretty common issue for Frenchies, and it can be very painful. This leads to arthritis, pain, and a lack of mobility in their legs. It basically occurs when there are malformations of the structure inside the leg which means that the patella a bone inside the knee joint pops in and out of place. Luxating patellas can wear down the ligaments over time and it often leads to a bow-legged stance, making it difficult for a Frenchie to perform complex movements like climbing the stairs. It causes the discs in the spine to slowly harden and reduces the amount of natural cushioning that they should have. It can cause a lot of pain and reduces flexibility and mobility. It causes pain and lessens mobility, and it is often worsened by strenuous exercise or additional stress like climbing stairs! If your Frenchie seems to be struggling with their mobility, then you should consult with a vet as soon as possible. There may be medications, physical therapies, or surgeries that could help them to get moving more easily again. Of course, you could do the heavy lifting yourself and carry your Frenchie up and down the stairs, but that can be a bit dangerous! So, can French Bulldogs go up and down stairs? Mostly yes, Frenchies are generally able to handle a staircase while they are still young and fit. It does take a lot of effort, though, and they can be hesitant to use them for all kinds of reasons. Smaller Frenchies, senior dogs, or those with mobility issues may not be able to tackle stairs at all. However, despite their popularity, they are prone to a wide range of health issues. Many of these issues can be triggered or made worse by jumping from higher surfaces too. As a result, more and more French Bulldog owners are introducing their pups to dog ramps in order to provide them with an impact-free way of getting on and off furniture. Why is it bad for French Bulldogs to jump on and off furniture? In addition to being a brachycephalic short-nosed breed, French Bulldogs are also a chondrodystrophic breed. These are dogs with short legs in comparison to the size or length of their bodies, which makes them have a higher risk of developing back and limb issues. As well, although French Bulldogs tend to have muscular bodies, they only reach heights of inches at the shoulder - making them shorter than nearly all couches and beds. Therefore, the impact from jumping off furniture can put a great deal of stress on their backs and joints and even aggravate spinal and joint conditions. If your French Bulldog likes spending time on your couch or bed, indoor dog ramps can give your pup an easier and safer way of enjoying his or her favorite hangout spots. This French Bulldog's owners chose to introduce their pup to a ramp in order to protect his joints. They shared: "We knew jumping on and off the couch would be really bad for their back and joints. It probably took a minute for him to start using it and now he has one for our bed as well. Thank you so much for making the ramps. I wish we could have them when we had our dachshunds many years ago. Like humans, dogs have intervertebral discs between each pair of vertebrae on their spine. These discs function as cushions and shock absorbers for the neck and back. IVDD occurs when the outer layers of these discs begin to harden prematurely. This makes it easier for a disc to bulge or burst after experiencing a harder impact or injury from a simple everyday activity, such jumping off furniture or wrestling. Following an emergency surgery to treat a herniated disc, Winston the Frenchie had to remain on crate rest for a minimum of 3 weeks. His paw-rents had to use a sling to support his body so that he could eat his meals. However, dog ramps can provide French Bulldogs with an impact-free means of accessing couches, beds, and other pieces of furniture. Karl the Frenchie thejaxkarlandkevinshow experienced a ruptured disc in his neck in early due to IVDD. After undergoing cervical spine surgery to correct the disc, Karl has made an incredible recovery. However, he now strictly uses his DoggoRamps to access the couch and bed. This helps him reduce the amount of stress he places on his back on a daily basis and can help decrease the chances of another disc flaring up. In , the 4-year-old Frenchie was not only diagnosed with IVDD but underwent two spinal surgeries due to the condition. It all started near the end of April when Winston showed a sudden change in behavior and no longer had interest in his favorite routines. He quickly started displaying signs of discomfort and experienced trouble holding himself up with his front legs. An MRI confirmed that Winston had a herniated disc in his cervical spine. He was immediately admitted for an emergency back surgery and had a very successful recovery. Winston the day after his first surgery. In order to operate on his cervical spine, his veterinary team had to make an incision along the upper part of his chest. Unfortunately, just a handful of months later, he experienced another disc extrusion - this time in his lumbar spine, where he lost function in his back legs. After undergoing yet another spinal surgery, weeks of rest, and physical rehabilitation, Winston is in the process of making another amazing recovery. He has regained control of his hind legs and is back to enjoying his daily walks outdoors. On top of taking a handful of additional precautions to reduce the chances of future episodes, such as prioritizing gentle play and avoiding stairs, Winston uses his DoggoRamps Couch Ramp to easily and safely enjoy his favorite hangout spots. Dogs with patellar luxation can usually be seen limping, skipping, or kicking while walking in order to snap their kneecaps back into place. Patellar luxation has varying levels of severity and even in its mildest form, it can cause dogs some discomfort and pain. The impact experienced from jumping off furniture can further exacerbate the condition as well. Introducing dogs with Patellar Luxation to ramps can help them reduce how much strain they put on their knees and help them enjoy a higher quality of life. While Hip Dysplasia is usually associated with large breeds, such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, Frenchies are prone to the condition as well. Rather than sliding smoothly, the ball and socket that make up the hip joint rub and grind causing the joint to deteriorate over time. The condition can cause dogs to experience discomfort, pain, decreased mobility, and lameness in their hind legs. Non-genetic factors can lead to the development of Hip Dysplasia too, such as excessive growth, certain types of exercise, injury, and improper nutrition. As an impact-free alternative to jumping on and off furniture, using dog ramps can help French Bulldogs decrease the amount of stress they put on their hip joints over time and allow Frenchies to easily and comfortably enjoy their home environments. After Hank got the hang of using his DoggoRamps Couch Ramp , thewindycityfrenchie's paw-rent wrote: "the ramp helps his joints and alleviates so much pain that he was getting from jumping. If you find yourself choosing between a dog ramp or pet stairs for your French Bulldog, a dog ramp will always be the better choice. This is less than ideal for breeds prone to back and joint issues as these impacts still put additional strain on their joints and spine. A dog ramp is the only solution that is entirely impact-free. Rocko's paw-rents introduced him to a ramp after the pup decided he had the potential to become the "Olympic champion of jumping off [their] high standing bed". They initially tried to get Rocko to use plastic steps, but he refused. When providing their feedback about the DoggoRamps Small Bed Ramp , his owners emphasized: "This ramp was a complete God send for keeping my pup healthy and safe. Bred as companion dogs, Frenchies love attention, cuddling, napping, and spending time with their owners. Dog ramps can provide them with the opportunity to easily and safely enjoy some of their favourite activities, such as snuggling up with their human on the couch or bed. As free-spirited dogs with outgoing personalities, many French Bulldogs are also known for getting bursts of energy where they often end up running and goofing around. Even though French Bulldogs are rather short, they have a muscular build and can weigh up to 30lbs. DoggoRamps allow French Bulldogs remain comfortable and safe while use a dog ramp. Low-Incline Design and Extra Wide Platforms All of our full ramps have a low-incline design and provide dogs with a more gradual slope to navigate when walking up and down. Reversible and Removable Safety Rails on Taller Dog Ramps DoggoRamps Bed Ramps feature a wide range of adjustable height settings so that they can work with virtually any bed - including tall beds. As a result, both bed ramps come with reversible and removable safety railings. These railings help block any jumping shortcuts off the ramp and guide dogs up and down the full length of the ramp. This extra feature is particularly important for shorter dogs using bed ramps, such as French Bulldogs, as the impact from jumping a distance times their height can put unnecessary strain on their bodies. They shared: "We've previously bought pet stairs for our French Bulldog puppy, Mochi, but felt that the stairs were not durable and stable. His paws would sink into the foam because of his weight. We decided to switch to a bed ramp instead because it is more secure especially with the safety rails and the soft, rubbery anti-slip surface. Also, it is adjustable to the height of our bed and the low incline design allows him to walk safely up to our bed as opposed to before when he would run up the stairs. To learn more about choosing a DoggoRamp for your French Bulldog, check out:. Reduced appetite and activity level Loss of bladder or bowel control Paralysis Treatment of IVDD in Frenchie dogs When you get to the vet, they will conduct a series of examinations. These will include x-rays, a neurological exam, CT scan or MRI in order to locate the source of the spinal injury. If the diagnosis reveals mild to average injuries, treatment may include the administration of anti-inflammatory medications. This is to reduce swelling and pain; your Frenchie will also have to be in confined rest for 4 to 6 weeks or more. If the diagnosis reveals a more severe case, you Frenchie may have to undergo surgery to open up the space around the spinal cord. Surgery has a higher chance of being successful if it is done within 24 hours of diagnosis and if the dog has not lost the ability to walk. In order to strengthen the muscles after surgery, post-surgical physical rehabilitation is often recommended. If surgery is not successful, a dog wheelchair may be recommended. This can help the dog to have a healthy and active life despite the disease. The fact that they are genetically prone to the disease does not mean they will fall ill. This eliminates extra stress on the neck and back. The ideal body shape for your Frenchie is one where the waist is visible and the ribs can be easily felt. Use a harness instead of a collar: You should only use a harness when walking your French bulldog. The Health Harness is vet approved and made especially for French Bulldogs' emotional and physical needs. Healthy diet: You should feed your Frenchie a high-quality diet that consists of animal protein. Animal protein is the first ingredient to promote lean muscle growth. You can find animal protein in raw meaty bones and raw meat. Kibble supply is artificial calcium supplements and not recommended. Avoid use of stairs and jumping: It is pretty hard to stop a dog from jumping as they like to be active. But you can create a controlled environment where jumping on and off the furniture should be prohibited. You could introduce a ramp or doggie stairs and train your French bulldog to only use that specifically. IVDD is a very serious issue. We Have the Information You Need to provide your Frenchie a long and healthy life When it comes to all round care of your Frenchie, we have all the information you need. Signing up to our Frenchie Blog will grant you a front row seat to all you need to know in order to take the best possible care of your furry friend. Leave a comment. Pin 0 Shares We have a nightly routine with our Frenchie. At around 8pm every night we let him come upstairs with us so he can watch TV on the bed with my wife and me. But, how easy does he find it climbing stairs, both up and down? Can French Bulldogs climb stairs? Yes, French Bulldogs can go up and down stairs, however some smaller Frenchies might find it a struggle, and there is a slight risk that it could lead to hip dysplasia or patellar luxation in older dogs. Going downstairs is trickier for them based on our personal experience. In my guide below you can find out whether stairs are bad for French Bulldogs, watch a video of our Frenchie using the stairs, and get some training tips. Can French bulldogs go up and down stairs by themselves? With Claude, our own Frenchie, he has never had any problems climbing stairs and was doing it himself from the age of around 5 months. In fact, you can see a video of him going up and down the stairs in our house that I shot on my iPhone below in more recent times. You will notice that our Frenchie has no problems climbing stairs at all. He has to climb stairs on a daily basis, because we live in a split-level home on a hill, and the only way to get into our kitchen after a walk is to climb some stairs up to the first floor of our home. Notice how he exhibits some swaying and shifting of weight on his hind legs and bottom a lot of the time I will carry him back down. However, our own personal experiences should not be viewed as a general answer, as not all Frenchies are the same. She was scared about climbing the stairs in our house and she had to be carried up and down. Are stairs bad for French Bulldogs? What could the risks be for a Frenchie climbing stairs? Are they bad for their health? In my personal opinion, as your Frenchie gets older, he might become prone to health problems concerning his spine, hips, and kneecaps. These health issues could become exacerbated by stair climbing. Your Frenchie could also tip and fall when coming down the steps. One of our Frenchie friends tried to start climbing the stairs at just 14 weeks. The French Bulldog breed is notorious for having extensive health problems you can read them all here , and stair climbing could end up making the following issues worse: Hip dysplasia: this is a canine genetic condition which commonly occurs in older Frenchies. It happens when a displacement occurs between the hip joint and thigh and will lead to walking difficulties and pain. Patellar luxation: this is the medical name for a kneecap dislocation and is another common health issues in French Bulldogs. It can occur due to knee trauma, as degenerative arthritis, or due to a genetic malformation. It is an age-related condition in most cases, but can still occur in younger dogs, in particular the French Bulldog breed. My advice to any French Bulldog owner, or someone considering buying a puppy for a home where you have lots of flights of stairs is to think very carefully. For example, if you live in a high-rise block of flats and apartments where your Frenchie will need to climb up and down numerous stairs on a daily basis, this might not be the right dog for you. But we are going to keep an eye on him as he gets older and will be checking for any warning signals of the health issues I highlighted above. Coming down stairs is harder for a French Bulldog As you saw in my video, Claude found it far easier to climb up our stairs than coming back down. With those short legs, muscular shoulders and chests, a Frenchie will be a little unbalanced when coming down stairs at an angle — it could lead to them falling. Handy hint: When Claude is going down stairs without being carried, I will always place my palm over the back half of his body just as precautionary measure in case he topples forward. Having spoken to other Frenchie owners they have said the same; going up is easier than going down. Based on that, I would take it easy, and recommend that you carry your French Bulldogs down the stairs if they are on a steep incline. What can you expect? We actually have to carry her down the staircase in the house. I have no idea why? Compare that to our other Frenchie puppy we had first, and he had no problems going up at down them t 8 weeks old. Our Frenchie was happy to go upstairs with no problem, but we have steep stairs so was very reluctant to go back down again. I would recommend having one person in front, and one person behind your Frenchie if possible. When Claude was 10 weeks old he was too young to start stairs climbing. I would recommend waiting until they are around 5 months. For dogs who are really anxious, it might be small steps with just a few each day until he gets braver. Clear the steps of any obstacles Your Frenchie could fall, so make it as easy as possible for him by making sure there is nothing on the steps that he could trip over. A fall or stumble could create a mental block with the dog, making it even harder to get them to navigate stairs in the future. Use treats as a reward Place some tasty doggy snacks on every other step. That gives your dog a reward for climbing the stairs and makes them work a little bit harder to get the next treat. Use positive reinforcement Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your Frenchie to use the stairs and revolves around using nothing but praise and encouragement. By rewarding your Frenchie with praise when he tries to climb the stairs it can lead to long-lasting results. What other owners say about step training Here are some more comments from other people who successfully trained their Frenchies to use the stairs in their house. We gave him one each time he got closer to the stairs. Then really encouraged him with lots of positive reinforcement when he would get close to doing it, and after that he just went for it. He was initially terrified, but I spoke to him and an encouraging tone of voice and praised him with every step. I tried to make it sound like I was having so much fun doing it myself. Now I have to tell him to slow down because he takes them so fast! It was the coming back down the stairs which presented a problem. He would stay at the top of the stairs whining until I picked him up and carried him down. This lasted for about 6 months, until I got him trained using treats and some positive reinforcement. Conclusion As you can see from my video and comments from Frenchie owners on Facebook, no one dog is the same. You might be lucky and have a French Bulldog who loves to climb stairs with no issues, you might have one who can only go up and not come down, or you might get one who point blank refuses. Each Frenchie will have his or her own character. This has to be due to the weight distribution in their body, and you can see that in the video I placed higher up the page. With the health concerns I outlined, these are things that you should think about as your Frenchie gets older and have regular health checks with the vet. The general consensus seems to be that if you do have a problem encouraging them, most of the time it will be with the coming down the stairs rather than going up.

Currency Dogger Blog Learn tricks of the grooming trade and how to get the most out of grooming and deshedding your doggo pal. Have you tried getting them into the tub or even keeping them still in the garden with the hose pointed at them or a bucket of water by their side? They will most likely want to run away. Before you try to wrangle them for a bath, read these tips first, or you may end up getting wetter than them! German Shepherds have a double coat - the topcoat and the undercoat. The topcoat protects them from sun exposure, dust and other particles. The undercoat protects them from the harsh, cold weather during winter, and the heat from the summer. Their double coat has natural oils, and bathing too frequently will only strip away these oils. And which may cause their skin to get dry and irritated. Nevertheless, during flea season, you can bathe your German Shepherd more often to control any pests. In addition, if your dog has a bit of a pungent scent during the summer, you can bathe him every 2 months. And if your German Shepherd plays out in the open and gets dirty, you may consider bathing more often. Brushing is another factor that would determine how often you bathe your German Shepherd. Brushing also makes their coat shinier and healthier. Start from the neck working your way towards the tail and use enough water to reach the undercoat. Scrub in circular motions with your finger so that the shampoo reaches the undercoat. You can also do long strokes like a massage that your German Shepherd will surely enjoy. Thoroughly wash off your German Shepherd, and you may want to repeat this step to ensure that all the suds are removed from the undercoat and any crevices. If a residue is left and it dries up, this can cause skin irritation. This is the part where you get wet, as they shake off all the excess water. Rub him with a towel to dry off faster. Brush their coat well to make it shiny. And blow dry in the direction of hair growth, otherwise, blowing back and forth can lead to matting. German shepherds don't really need haircuts but if your dogs coat is getting out of hand then a light trim of their coat could help them in the warmer months. As puppies, they can start bathing as young as three weeks. An organic shampoo, or at the very least, a gentle shampoo will do. Harsher shampoos can strip their natural oils, or make their skin dry. Final Note Diet plays a big role too, in their physical appearance and health. Feeding your German Shepherd the proper foods and keeping them away from harmful ones will prevent them from getting any skin problems. Now you are better equipped to bathe your German Shepherd Treat bathing as a bonding moment between you and your dog, and he will love you for it. German Shepherd coat care procedures German Shepherds have a beautiful thick coat, requiring regular and thorough care. In the first place, it involves the correct selection of a full-fledged diet and various hygienic procedures. The owner of such a dog should know exactly what and when to do to ensure that the coat of the pet is properly cared for. Often German Shepherds tolerate water procedures and love to bathe if they were accustomed to it from an early age. Later on, an adult kept in an apartment should be bathed with special products two to four times a year: in autumn, spring and summer. In winter, the coat is sometimes cleaned with snow outside. Water procedures performed in winter can cause the dog to fall ill. If there is an urgent need to bathe the pet during this period, the room allocated for bathing should be well prepared and warmed up. If your dog gets dirty on a walk, wash him under the shower or use a wet towel to wipe his coat. If your pet is clearly attracted to water procedures in summer, you can shower him after walks. When keeping a Shepherd Dog in an apartment, you should wash it during the following periods: after shedding; 7 days before the treatment against parasites ticks, fleas, and others ; before the dog shows. If the pet is kept in an aviary, bathing is performed no more than three times a year. Small puppies should not be bathed several days before vaccination and during the day quarantine after vaccination. The first vaccinations are given quite early, at 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Bathing a puppy at 1 or 2 months is still too early. Try to communicate with the puppy calmly and gently, not frighten him with harsh motions. Allow him to settle in by sniffing and looking around in the bathtub. After that, you can start bathing your German Shepherd puppy. What you need for bathing at home Prepare in advance everything you may need for the procedure: First, provide the bottom of the tub with a non-slip surface — a cloth or rubber mat — to prevent your dog from slipping. Wear clothing suitable for this kind of procedure a waterproof apron. Do not use soap on your Shepherd. Prepare a bathing towel. Remember to take your pet for a proper walk outside before bathing. Otherwise, he will want to go for a walk again afterward and may get dirty or catch a cold. Prepare carefully and anticipate everything beforehand. Make sure the water temperature does not exceed degrees Celsius. Using a special shampoo and sponge, thoroughly soap his entire body, including his paws, belly, and neck. Rinse off the foam with your shower. Repeat if necessary. Wrap your puppy in a towel and get him out of the tub. If the coat is still partially wet, let the puppy shake it off and dry himself by running around the house. If the puppy is not afraid of loud noises, try drying the coat with a hairdryer. After bathing, Shepherd fur dries for about 3 hours. Try to bathe your pet in 10 minutes. Exclude the possibility of draughts in the room to avoid the risk of catching a cold. After washing, walks are allowed only after 3 hours. How to bathe a German Shepherd outdoors In the summer heat, you can bathe your German Shepherd puppy in an open pond every day, starting at the age of 4 months. If you take your pet to a river or lake, pay attention to the state of the body of water and the shore before bathing. Are there any sharp objects, shards of glass, or other trash visible? Such precautions will help avoid unwanted injuries and poisoning of your pet. After examining the area, let your dog off the leash and allow him to get acclimated to his new surroundings. German Shepherds are not timid, but each animal has its own personality traits. Swimming in a body of water is good for strengthening muscles and joints. Start by stepping into the water and calling out to your dog. Due to their high degree of trust in their owner, Shepherds are then eager to follow. Allow him to dry naturally, play and run with him. After sickness, it is better to wait about ten days after the pet has recovered before bathing. If the coat falls out or it is dull and broken, it indicates a disease or lack of vitamins in the animal. German Shepherds are divided into long-haired and short-haired according to the fur coat. Their coats need daily brushing. While brushing, dirt, dust, and dander are removed from the coat and skin. At the same time, skin diseases are effectively prevented, and blood circulation and metabolism in the pet are stimulated. The following tools are necessary for taking care of the coat: A frequent brush for the massage effect for long-haired — with long teeth, for short-haired — with short teeth. Metal comb: used to detangle fleece hair. Scrubbing brush: used during the seasonal shedding of the pet and for detangling the tangles. In brushing, it is necessary to release the brush from the clogged hair and dirt periodically. If your pet is calm, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment. After dry brushing, wet-clean the coat with a special mop, then dry the coat with a dry towel, and do not forget to wipe the eyes and ears with a wet cloth. There are special complex procedures designed to care for the fur and skin of animals, the so-called grooming. A bath should be a good thing, right? After all, baths keep humans away from dirt and bad odor, so you may think the same logic applies to dogs. However, you should not bathe your German Shepherd more often than necessary. German Shepherds have a double coat with natural oils that keep their skin healthy. This could lead to skin issues such as allergic reactions or dryness. Dogs with thick double coats and heavy shedders like the German Shepherd can be bathed every 3 months. This is because when they shed , the coat naturally removes dead skin cells and harmful bacteria. While bathing your German Shepherd is an essential part of their grooming and care, you should only do it to remove dirt and unpleasant odors. You should only bathe your German Shepherd every two to three months or as necessary. They should be bathed when they have accumulated mud or dirt on their skin or coat or the dog smells unpleasant. Regular bathing is unnecessary if your German Shepherd has a clean, shiny, and healthy coat. There are a few other factors that can affect how often you should bathe your GSD: 1. A monthly bath may be necessary if your GSD is extra active and often gets full of dirt. Some dogs are known for rolling around in fox poop; if this is your dog, then more frequent bathing will be on your list of doggy chores. Others like to jump in muddy puddles whenever they see one on a walk, like Willow, my German Shepherd. She likes to cool off in swampy areas or sludgy puddles, as shown in the photo below. My German Shepherd taking a mud bath! Your German Shepherd Has a Skin Condition You may need to bathe your dog regularly if they have a skin condition that requires treatment with a special shampoo. One antibiotic-controlled study found that bath therapy twice weekly with a chlorhexidine shampoo and spray was as effective as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in treating dog pyoderma. Although these pests are a threat to doggos all year round, they are most active during the warmer months. In such cases, he may need even fewer baths than the recommended once every months. Nonetheless, many enjoy a paddle in a river or shallow lake or other water activities. Willow is not keen on swimming — I think her heavy double coat weighs her down. But she loves being in the river and finds it fun sticking her head in the water to find pebbles. My German Shepherd hunting for river pebbles! Your GSD Has a Skin Allergy German Shepherds with skin allergies typically have issues with their skin barrier epidermis , meaning their skin dries up more easily. Regularly bathing a dog with skin allergies using harsh shampoos can worsen the already compromised layer of skin, further aggravating the allergy. If you do need to keep your German Shepherd clean and spiffy, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Brush your GSD twice or thrice every week. Removing loose fur also takes away old skin oils and prevents dog odor. Do you want to know the grooming tools I swear by? Get your German Shepherd tired. If you use the treatment that you rub between the shoulders, you should wait 48 hours before bathing. For example, you can consult your vet on how often you should bathe your dog. After all, your vet is likely knowledgeable about dog skin types and any skin issues your dog may have. The oatmeal and aloe mixture works well with sensitive skin. Additionally, the shampoo is manufactured in U. German Shepherd puppies should not be bathed with shampoo until they are at least 3 months old. Before then, just use warm water and a cloth or wash rag. At 3 months, you should use a good quality shampoo and conditioner made for dogs and pH balanced to avoid skin irritation. Do German Shepherds Like Baths? Most German Shepherds do not enjoy baths. They find being confined and scrubbed in the bathtub an entirely different experience from splashing around in a river which they enjoy. Some dogs are nervous around water, so reassure your pet, use a calm voice and offer high-quality treats. Long-haired German Shepherds should be bathed 3 or 4 times per year. Their bathing frequency is no different from the short coat variety. Too many baths will remove the natural oils that are present in their coat which can result in their skin becoming dry and inflamed. Final Thoughts How often you should bathe your German Shepherd depends on a few factors. In general, you should bathe your GSD whenever they get dirty or smelly. If you must have a regular bathing routine for your dog and they have healthy skin, you can bathe them once every two to three months. If you doubt how often you should bathe your GSD, ask your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend that you bathe your dog more or less than the recommended once every two to three months. Related Posts You May Like:.

Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Advertisement Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. They will help you redecorate your floors Do you have a hardwood floor? Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. Playing around is no game The German Shepherd is a very active breed and needs lots of physical stimulation and playtime. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies who are also busy bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Their calm, confident demeanor paired with their recognizable looks makes them wonderful family pets and undeniably cool sidekicks. One even lives in The White House , so you know they're a big deal. Whether you're celebrating National German Shepherd Day May 10 or just need a pick-me-up with some smiling pups , you've come to the right place! Luna the Longhaired German Shepherd Luna's long mane looks absolutely stunning against the rocks. Plus, with a smile like that, this pup can steal anyone's heart. Who doesn't want to be lounging by the pool with a cup of coffee and getting some online shopping, er, work done? Just look at her stunning black coat and long tongue! Duke Enjoying a Pupsicle This German shepherd knows how to do summer right with a delicious homemade dog popsicle. Save some for us! Krut the Adventure Doggo What's more relaxing than hiking with your dog next to a beautiful waterfall? Krut's Instagram page is full of gorgeous pictures of his mountain adventures that have us itching for a weekend camping trip. Cliff's Boop-able Nose Now this is a snoot we need to boop! Cliff's Instagram always shows the smiling pup on tons of outdoor adventures. No wonder he's one of the happiest German shepherds we've ever seen! Koa's Beach Day This has everything you need in a cute German shepherd picture: a gorgeous background, floppy ears, and an adorably fluffy puppy with her tongue out. What more can you ask for? After only a few short minutes of brushing , it's like you have enough fur for a whole new dog! German shepherds have thick, double layered coats that are prone to shedding , so it's even more important for their owners to keep a regular grooming routine. You may just need to book an afternoon for the task. Sebastian the Birthday Boy Time to light the candles! Sebastian's first birthday bash included a matching bandana , banner, and birthday hat, as well as some adorable custom cookies. All he needs left for his big day is a dog-approved birthday cake. Flash's Floppy Ears German shepherds are known for their signature perked-up ears. But in their first few months, German shepherd puppies sport floppy ears until around the time they finish teething. So German shepherd puppy owners: take all the photos with those adorable floppy ears while you still can! But Odin here is clearly proud to be a German shepherd K.And based on his Instagram posts, this good boy gets the job done right. These good boys are clearly enjoying their day outside at the park and we couldn't be happier for them. Ace the German Shepherd Service Dog German shepherds are incredibly smart, making them wonderful service animals! When your job includes going to Disney, how could you not look as happy as this guy? Apollo Soaking up the Sun Apollo might be the coolest dog we've ever seen. From the effortlessly stylish sunglasses all the way down to his customized shoes, we know this good boy is living his best life. Was this page helpful? These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies Who Are Also Busy Bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. German Shepherd puppy in grass close-up of German Shepherd puppy German Shepherd puppy in profile German Shepherd puppy on rock German Shepherd puppy lying down on lawn German Shepherd puppy looking at camera German Shepherd puppy on snow German Shepherd puppy in yard Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Would you adopt a German Shepherd Puppy? Do you have experience with these adorable pups? Let us know in the comments below!

Usually sociable and friendly, but can be wary of new people DIET: Around 1, calories per day depending on weight Around 1, calories per day depending on weight EXERCISE: High: 12 miles per week and 60 minutes of outdoor time each day High: 12 miles per week and 60 minutes of outdoor time per day. Enjoys swimming. Size And Weight The two breeds are very similar in size and weight. Standard, adult Goldendoodles are usually between 22 and 25 inches long and weigh anywhere from 45 to pounds. Labradoodles are possibly a bit smaller, being between 21 and 24 inches long, and they do not tend to weigh more than 70 pounds. However, size and weight varies greatly on an individual basis. Coat And Color Whether a Doodle will emerge with the coat of a Poodle or not is a game of chance, though most do seem to inherit the curly poodle coat, which leaves them looking a bit like oversized teddy bears. These coats tend to be low-shedding and take the form of a double coat, which means that they have a dense under layer and a thin outer layer. While this differs greatly from litter to litter, as a general rule, Goldendoodles tend to have longer, wavy hair and Labradoodles tend to have short, wiry hair. Both dogs can come in a range of different colors. Common colors for Goldendoodles include black, white, brown, cream, gold, red, silver, and sable. You will often see Labradoodles in chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blue. Health Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have a life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years and tend to suffer from similar health issues. Like most large breeds, they can suffer from Hip Dysplasia, when the cartilage in the hip is incorrectly formed, or Patellar Luxation, when the knee joint is incorrectly formed. Both issues may need to be managed with pain medication or, in serious cases, they require an operation. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles also have a tendency to develop eye issues, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which will eventually lead to blindness. Intelligence Both breeds of dog are highly intelligent, which in turn, makes them highly trainable. This means that they make great service dogs as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, or medical assistance dogs. They are particularly popular among people who need service dogs but suffer from dog hair allergies , as their low-shedding coat means that they give off less of the dander that triggers allergic reactions. Both breeds, but especially the Labradoodle, enjoy retrieving and will happily play fetch with you all day if you let them. This makes them ideal for search and rescue type work, which may require dogs to seek out objects over vast distances and difficult terrain for several hours. Temperament Both dogs have a friendly temperament and are never aggressive. They are very unlikely to bark or snap at people if they have been properly raised and socialized. This makes them great family dogs to have around children, but terrible guard dogs! While they are generally very friendly with children, they can be a bit unconscious of their size and weight, and they may want to flop down on you or your kids. For this reason, kids should still be supervised when playing with either breed. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles also tend to get on well with other pets, as long as they have been properly socialized together. Goldendoodles are a little bit better in this respect, and Labradoodles can sometimes be a bit more stand-off-ish with new pets or new people. This means that if you are looking for a pet to fit in with you family, including children and other pets, Goldendoodles can be a slightly better choice. Bear in mind that neither breed likes to be left alone for long periods of time, and may act out if left in the house alone for several hours. Diet And Exercise These two dog breeds are very similar in terms of their dietary and exercise needs. Their exact calorie intake depends on their size, but the average sizes Goldendoodle or Labradoodle will need about 1, calories per day, which should be split over two or three meals. Lively animals, both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise. At a minimum, they will need 12 miles of exercise per week, including 60 minutes outside every day. Key Differences As can be seen, the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are very similar dogs, but there are some key differences. First, Goldendoodles tend to have longer coats, while Labradoodles have a short wiry coat. But the main difference is in their personalities. While both are friendly, Goldendoodles tend to be more enthusiastic and excitable and more easy going with people and other pets. Labradoodles display very similar behavior but can be more wary when coming across new people and animals for the first time. While both breeds are also very intelligent and highly trainable, Labradoodles tend to be more tenacious when it comes to completing tasks and love the stimulation of working. This tends to make them better working dogs in terms of activities such as search and rescue. Benefits Of A Doodle Breed Whether you decide to go for a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, there are a lot of benefits to getting a Doodle breed: Being part Poodle, Doodles tend to be low-shedding, which means that they leave behind less of the dander that triggers allergies. This makes them as close to a hypoallergenic dog as you are likely to get. Plus, less dog hair to be cleaning up! Labradoodles, and especially Goldendoodles, are family friendly and will enjoy playing with the kids and will get along with other pets in the home. Both breeds love the great outdoors and will love accompanying you on your hiking, trekking, and even boating adventures. Doodles are highly trainable, so they are great if you are looking for a working dog or just want a dog that can do cool tricks. Both breeds need lots of exercise, so you need to make time in your busy schedule to take them out to play. The Verdict Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles make excellent dog choices, especially for anyone who has issues with dog hair as they tend to be low-shedding. Both are intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable. This makes them great pets for families as they will fit in with kids and other pets quickly, and will appreciate always having someone to play with. Their trainability and docile nature also makes them great service dogs, easily able to comprehend the required tasks and able to venture into public spaces without causing a nuisance. Both breeds also need a lot of exercise and attention, so make sure you have enough time in your schedule to care for them properly. While the decision on whether you should get a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle is down to personal preference, by a small margin, Goldendoodles are probably better as family pets, and Labradoodles better as service dogs. Labradoodles tend to be more tenacious when it comes to learning tasks and love always having something to do, but they can also be more wary or strangers. Goldendoodles treat everyone they meet as their best friend and have the right temperament for being in the home. Make sure you do your due diligence when looking for one of these dogs and find a breeder who knows exactly what they are doing with their doodles. Do you have a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle? What are your thoughts on the showdown: Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle? Tell us about your dog in the comment section below. Related Article. How do you decide which is the best Doodle dog for you? When I was trying to decide if a Doodle dog was the right fit for our family, I had many questions about the similarities and the differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. I weighed the Goldendoodle pros and cons and the Labradoodle pros and cons because I wanted to make the best decision for our pack. From my experiences and research, these two lovable Doodle breeds will respond to your positive parenting and make great family dogs. You want to wrap your head around the differences and similarities…so you can some day wrap your arms around a little teddy bear pup of your own. Wondering about Goldendoodles vs Labradoodles? First, the key difference between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle is this… The Labradoodle is a hybrid or crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle left and Labrador Retriever right. The Goldendoodle is a hybrid or a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. In other words, the biggest difference between the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle is the parent breed heritage on one side of the family. A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle left image and Golden Retriever right image This brings us to the biggest similarity between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have a Poodle parent on one side of the family. More on this in a minute. A hybrid or crossbreed is an intentional mixing of two different breeds to produce an offspring that is a blend of both. In other words, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have distinctly different parents. This is unlike purebred dogs who have parents of the same breed. These dog shows are conformation events for purebred dogs only. Also, because neither breed is a purebred dog it means they are not on the AKC breed registry. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are crossbreeds Also, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar in that they may be some combination of the two distinct breed types. This combination is commonly called an F1B Goldendoodle. These numbers and letters are simply a way to distinguish the generations of Doodle dogs. This is the designation for crossing a first generation F1 back to a purebred dog. Basically, Goldendoodles are some combination of Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage. For more information on characteristics between generations, check out my article on F1 vs F1B Goldendoodles. Labradoodles are some combination of Labrador Retriever and Poodle heritage. The breed is classified as a sporting dog by the AKC—a group of dogs who are active and have natural instincts in the outdoors. Labrador Retrievers definitely shed coats, so many parents of Labrador Retrievers embrace the pet hair because there is plenty to spare! Labrador Retrievers are athletes—strong and sturdy. They require daily exercise for both physical and mental health. By understanding the Labrador Retriever characteristics—working, athleticism, affectionate—you can gain insight into the Labradoodle. A happy Golden Retriever The breed, which was originally intended to retrieve water fowl, often has a natural love for swimming and fetch. Among other qualities, sporting dogs tend to be naturally active and have natural instincts for the outdoors. For this reason, Golden Retrievers require daily exercise. Golden Retrievers have high-shedding coats in colors of golden—from light golden to reddish golden. As a reminder, the Golden Retriever is the parent breed of the Goldendoodle. By understanding the Golden Retriever characteristics—retrieving, playful, joyful, active—we have insight into the Goldendoodle. Poodle The Poodle parent breed to both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles is highly regarded for being highly intelligent, having amazing athletic ability, and sporting a distinctive low-allergen, low-shedding curly coat. In his urgent quest to find a guide dog for pet allergy sufferers, he crossed the low-shedding, allergy-friendly Poodle and the highly trainable, friendly Labrador Retriever. This is the widely accepted origin story of the Labradoodle. According to my research, there are a couple of different stories on the origin of the Goldendoodle. The other origin story credits Monika Dickens yes, related to the famous author, Charles Dickens with introducing the Goldendoodle in the s. However, the Goldendoodle did not grow in popularity until the s. Of course, as with all things related to hybrid dogs, everything can be taken with a grain of salt. This is because, there is more variety when crossing two very different breeds. In fact, if you have your heart set on a very specific size, color, coat type, weight, and personality of dog, you may find that a purebred is more your style. Labradoodle Health comparison: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar in that they both may be susceptible to inherited or genetic conditions from their parent breeds. What conditions? According to Embrace Pet Insurance claims analysis on Goldendoodles and Labradoodles… Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles share hip dysplasia as a common health issue. Elbow dysplasia is a common health issue in Labradoodles. As a slight caveat, this information is not the result of a substantial scientific study, but rather based on claims. So, I rounded up three helpful tips for you: Choose a reputable breeder who is committed to the future of the breed. Reputable breeders use the latest health testing and genetic research methods to make sure their puppies have the best chances for living a happy, health life. Help your Doodle dog maintain a healthy weight. Establish a great relationship with your veterinarian. As part of your new puppy checklist , plan to take your pupper to the veterinarian within a few days of bringing him or her home. This way, you can start your puppy off on the right paw with the vaccinations and care they need. Then, plan to take your dog for yearly physical exams and well checks. Now that we have an overview of the similarities and differences in Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle health, what about personality? Temperament and personality: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle A well-bred Labradoodle sometimes referred to as a Cobberdog is typically a smart, loyal, family dog. Due to their loyalty to their owner from the Labrador Retriever lineage , they tend to make better service dogs i. Labradoodles enjoy daily romps The Goldendoodle or Groodle is generally known as a smart, eager-to-please, and rather comical family dog. The Golden Retriever heritage typically makes Goldendoodles natural retrievers. They may like nothing more than to play a game of fetch in the backyard. They are ideally suited for a fenced in yard or place where they can enjoy energy burns. Due to the social nature of their Golden Retriever heritage, they tend to make better therapy dogs—dogs who provide comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. Many Goldendoodles enjoy fetch Neither Goldendoodles nor Labradoodles make good guard dogs. Also, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles do well in homes that have fenced in yards, or a place where they can get daily exercise. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are smart , which means they are quick to learn and enjoy mental stimulation and dog enrichment activities, toys, and games. If you give these dogs a job such as agility training, nose work training, or simply teaching them tricks, they will flourish. On the flip side, intelligence also means they are smart enough to come up with their own interests if they are bored. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can vary greatly in size. The Poodle side of the family gets most of the credit for bringing such a wide variety of sizes to the mix. Purebred Poodles range in size from miniature to standard. This is why both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can range greatly in size. This is logical when you consider that the parent breeds the Golden Retriever for the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever for the Labradoodle are good-sized dogs. In very general terms, the smaller the dog, the longer the life. The good news is that there are things that you can do to help your pupper have the best chance to live the best life now and for many years to come. This makes sense if you think about the parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a long coat while the Labrador Retriever has a short coat. Also, be on the look out for the Doodle puppy coat transition —a time when the coat changes over from fine puppy hair to the adult coat. BTW…you may want to check out my hack for using cornstarch for matted dog hair. That said, at adulthood the Labradoodle may have a slight edge over the Goldendoodle when it comes to a shorter, slightly easier-to-maintain coat. No dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles tend to be more allergy friendly than high-shedding dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. However, the purebred Poodle is the most allergy-friendly breed of all. For more, check out my article: Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles sport a variety of coat colors due to the Poodle heritage. The Poodle parent brings 11 official standard colors and 16 other color combinations to the mix. This is according to the AKC breed outline. Popular Poodle colors More specifically, here is a list of popular Poodle coat colors that Poodles bring to the family: Red. What Is A Goldendoodle? What Is A Labradoodle? The Labradoodle is an affectionate, energetic, loyal and smart cross breed. Where Do Goldendoodle Come From? While these designer dogs became more common and more popular in the s, some dog breeders were crossing these two breeds as early as the s. The idea was to create a dog that was capable of helping people with disabilities or in need of a service animal but struggled with allergies to dogs. Goldendoodles tend to have a hypoallergenic coat that make them a good option for people with allergies to dogs. Where Do Labradoodle Come From? Labradoodle Photo: Adobe Stock Goldendoodles have an average size range of 22 to 29 inches and can weigh between 60 and 90 pounds depending on the sex of the dog. So, Goldendoodles on average are slightly bigger than Labradoodles. They can have a curly coat or a smoother coat. Goldendoodles have a number of possible coat colors and coat combinations, including cream, brown, black, red, sable, blue and silver. The most Goldendoodle coat color is cream, brown or sable, resulting in these hybrid dogs often being likened to teddy bears. They can either have what is described as a wool-like coat similar to their Poodle parent or a softer, fleece coat that is more akin to their Labrador parent. Labradoodles can have a variety of coat colors, including black, red, cream, sable, brindle, blue and silver. So each member of these designer dog breeds can differ in appearance. Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Temperament Goldendoodles are affectionate, eager to please, energetic, loving, loyal and trainable dogs. As we touched upon, Goldendoodles are often used to help people who have service needs. Labradoodles have a lot of traits in common with the Goldendoodle. Labradoodles can do well in a family setting but supervision around children is always a good idea. These social dogs will benefit from early socialization and training just like Goldendoodle puppies. At a minimum, you could walk your hybrid dog for 60 minutes but these two cross breeds are eager to please, highly intelligent and like to put their IQ to good use. Are Labradoodles Or Goldendoodles Calmer? Their tight curls will catch any dander they produce. Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Shedding Brown and white Labradoodle Photo: Adobe Stock Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are low-shedding dogs as we highlighted in the point above. So they should be minimal shedders if they shed at all. These two cross breeds will require regular baths to maintain the appearance, health and texture of their coats. First generation Goldendoodles and Labradoodles will have similar shedding levels. However, a second or third generation Goldendoodle or Labradoodle will likely shed even less than a first generation Goldendoodle or Labradoodle. Just like Goldendoodles, the price of a Labradoodle will vary depending on some key factors such as coat color and lineage. Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Life Expectancy Goldendoodle playing with a tennis ball Photo: Adobe Stock Goldendoodles will usually have a life expectancy ranging from 10 to 15 years. For instance, Golden Retrievers live between 10 and 12 years and Poodles have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Labradoodles have a slightly longer life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. For instance, Goldendoodles tend to be slightly bigger than Labradoodles. However, Labradoodles can live to a slightly older age than Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles do have a slightly higher average price than the Labradoodle. These two dogs can make excellent guide and service dogs thanks to their affectionate, gentle, loyal, eager-to-please, highly-trainable personalities. They need lots of daily exercise to satisfy their mental and physical stimulation needs. Overall, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have lots of similarities both in terms of appearance, temperament, coat texture, shedding and exercise requirements. Goldendoodles are also a healthy breed in general. Common health problems include Eye problems, Predisposition to some cancers Hip and elbow dysplasia Both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle have a similar life span of between 10 to 15 years. The smaller the Poodle mix the longer the lifespan. Miniature Goldendoodles and Miniature Labradoodles can live for even longer than the year average. Food Consumption Comparison for Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle The decision of which diet to feed your puppy is for you to make. The advice of your vet or fellow breed owners may help guide you. There are no strict rules about which diet is best for your dog. Breeders I interviewed believe that both dog breeds will do well with good quality dry food. It will meet all their nutritional needs. It will also help keep their teeth in good condition. Both dogs will have different requirements for total food volume based on their weight. Typically a Goldendoodle consumes cups of dry food per day. Labradoodles have the same guideline. If a Goldendoodle coat is curly, you can look for a few early signs to help tell the coat type of your Goldendoodle. Owners suggest that Labradoodles on average consume slightly more food than Goldendoodles of the same weight. Every dog is different however so I would not put too much emphasis on this factor when choosing a dog breed. Both breeds tend to eat a lot if given the opportunity. If you have a miniature dog then pick up the dog and step on your bathroom scales. Then weigh yourself again without the dog and figure out the difference. For large dogs visit a large pet store or your local Vet. They usually have a pet scale you can use for free. Some owners report that their Goldendoodles are prone to food allergies. For these dogs creating a diet that is free from wheat, corn, soy, and dairy products is important. The best option for them is often dry grain-free foods. A key to consider is that the first ingredient on the list should be meat. Food allergies often present with skin irritation for Goldendoodles. A commonplace for irritation and itchiness from allergies is the soft skin in-between the paws. If your Goldendoodle is licking its paws or biting its paws this can be a sign that a food sensitivity is occurring. Which is better for families? There is a reason why the two breeds are very popular, that is because they are intelligent, adorable, and family-friendly. We all want to get a perfect dog for our family, and it is natural to be concerned about making the wrong choice. The age of any children that the puppy will be in contact with can be considered when comparing Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle dogs. Although both breeds are similar — some owners of both breeds report the following Goldendoodles may be better with younger children, particularly visiting toddlers and strange younger kids Their enthusiasm and love for life suits active young children Labradoodles can be an excellent energetic match for young teenagers and older teens Goldendoodles are sometimes too energetic for shy children and this must be considered. Goldendoodles also sometimes share their excitement by barking — which can either startle children or disrupt sleep. These traits are true of all dogs of any breed and should be taken with a grain of salt as anecdotal experiences though a quick browse of the Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle subreddits show the same trends repeating. Are Goldendoodles or Labradoodles better with Separation anxiety? Separation from owners is an issue in the busy modern world. Picking either a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle requires a time investment. You need to be there for your dog or arrange some company. Separation anxiety is common for both breeds. It is a dead-tie between the two. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are prone to barking, panicking, crying or whining if left alone for long periods of time. There are strategies to limit excessive barking from separation anxiety. The only real solution is keeping your dog company. Labradoodles are social animals and should not be left outside for extended periods of time. So Which Pet Is best? Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle? It is obvious that both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are great pets for individuals and families. They are loyal, loving, intelligent, and friendly. They are willing to please, which helps enormously with training. Each Poodle Mix will present different kinds of personality traits separate to the physical traits. These guides can help you make a decision between two very similar breeds. Based on your experience — which dog is your preference? Who wins the Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle showdown? Do you have thoughts on which would suit your family best? Goldendoodle What's the difference between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are both designer dogs brought into the world with the perfect mixture of qualities from their parents. The main difference between the Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle Labradoodle vs. Well the parentage of these fluffy cuties can vary quite a bit, what with Goldendoodles being the result of a Golden Retriever and either a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle. Goldendoodle looks, size differences, coat and colouring. Labradoodle vs. The slightly trickier part of the Goldendoodle parentage is that they can have a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle parent alongside the Golden Retriever side. Standard Goldendoodles i. Those mixed with Miniature Poodles can weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, and those mixed with Toy Poodles can be as iddy as 20 pounds - cute! To make things simpler, we can refer to each of these Goldendoodle types as Standard, Miniature or Toy Goldendoodles. Any Labradoodle weighing under 13 pounds and growing up to 11 inches tall is often classed as a Teacup Labradoodle. The second smallest is the Toy Labradoodle, growing to between 14 and 16 inches tall, weighing in at a very cute 15 to 20 pounds. Then we have the medium Labradoodle, who can weigh up to 40 pounds and grow up to 20 inches tall. The largest Labradoodle, i. Goldendoodle Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle coat differences Like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are born with different coat types with varying consistencies. Curly-coated Goldendoodles Goldendoodles with a curly coat are more likely to be hypoallergenic, like many Doodle dogs which also means less hoovering. Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle As with many Poodle mixes, the Labradoodle coat varies a fair bit as well, and when it comes to full grown Labradoodles vs. Labradoodles can be found with a hair coat which is straight , and like their Australian Labradoodle cousins, they can also be found with wool and fleece coats. What do these all mean, though? Hair-coated Labradoodles Hair-coated Labradoodles are less common and tend to resemble their Labrador Retriever parents more than their Poodle parents. Labrador Retriever and Labradoodle Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle coat colours. Two of the most popular doodle crossbreeds are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, both of which make excellent additions to the family. The Labradoodle combines the traits of a Poodle with the playful temperament of the Labrador Retriever, while the Goldendoodle blends the qualities of a Poodle with the affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever. Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, which Doodle breed is best for you? Temperament Looking for a lovable companion? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are two poodle mixes that fit the bill as they inherit desirable characteristics from both parent breeds. Since the Labrador is often calm and affectionate, the Labradoodle has the same traits. As a pet, the Labradoodle is bound to make you smile with its extroverted personality and strong desire to spend time with human family members. Both breeds are highly intelligent making them great family dogs, but this also gives them the potential to be trained as service dogs or therapy dogs. Labradoodles also have a sixth sense about what is happening, making them well-suited for busy homes or homes that get a lot of visitors. The standard Poodle and Golden Retriever are among the most intelligent dog breeds, so the Goldendoodle is a smart pooch capable of figuring things out quickly. Due to its intelligence and extroversion, it is important to set boundaries for this breed early on; otherwise, the Goldendoodle may have difficulty reigning in its energy level and enthusiasm. Coat When comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, the most distinctive difference is the coat. Purebred poodles have tightly curled hair, which gives them their distinctive appearance. In contrast, the Labrador Retriever has a coarser, thicker hair follicle. Golden Retrievers have a thinner hair follicle, but more hair overall, so they tend to have a fluffier, wavy look. Golden Retrievers naturally have cream, caramel, gold, or red colored puppies, but Poodles come in all colors, so Goldendoodle puppies can be those colors plus black, chocolate, parti, brindle, merle, etc. Popularity Due to their attractive appearance and desirable personality traits, both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are extremely popular. They are especially popular among people with allergies, as with proper breeding, they should shed much less than other breeds. The lack of shedding means these dogs are far less likely to trigger allergic reactions or symptoms. Grooming Labradoodle Grooming Due to differences in their coats, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have different grooming requirements. Labradoodle puppies need to be brushed regularly, as their adult coats often do not grow in until they are approximately a year old. Labradoodles should be groomed in a specific way, especially if you want your dog to maintain its trademark Labradoodle appearance. For example, the groomer should use a long blade to trim the bulk of the coat. The Labradoodle is meant to have full-looking legs, so the groomer must be careful not to trim off too much hair. Goldendoodle Grooming Goldendoodles also need regular grooming. When trimming the coat, you have a few options when it comes to length. A short cut is also more comfortable during the dog days of summer. You could even give your Goldendoodle a layered look by cutting the hair so that it tapers down to the legs. Training Labradoodle Training Their high level of intelligence makes Labradoodles fairly easy to train, as a Labradoodle puppy is quick to learn new commands and has a strong desire to please its human companions. Initially, Labradoodle training should focus on building a positive relationship between you and your dog. Your Labradoodle needs to know that it can trust you, so avoid yelling or making gestures that could be interpreted by the dog as threatening. During the first training session, establish yourself as the leader of the pack. One way to establish yourself as the leader of the pack is to be careful not to give your dog too many treats. A treat should only be given when your Labradoodle follows a command. Otherwise, your dog will not understand its place in your family, and you may have trouble getting it to follow your rules. If you have children, make sure they know how to handle a puppy. Otherwise, your pup is likely to display undesirable behaviors as a response to stress. Setting expectations helps ease anxiety and ensures that your canine companion knows what to expect while living with you. When you start training your Labradoodle, one of the most important things you can teach it is to wait patiently. If you teach your dog to wait, you can avoid jumping and other undesirable behaviors in the future. The best way to accomplish this is to show the Labradoodle you have a treat and then ask it to sit and wait. If the dog runs toward you, paws at the treat or jumps on you, take the treat away. Only give your Labradoodle the treat if it sits and waits for you to take action. Otherwise, your dog will think it can get what it wants by displaying undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodle Training Due to the similarities in their personalities, the training methods for Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are fairly similar. To socialize your Goldendoodle, take it to a local dog park or look for a puppy playgroup in your area. In a pinch, you can also invite friends and family members to come to your house and meet the dog. Just make sure everyone you invite knows how to interact with a puppy without scaring it or coming off as overly aggressive. Once your dog is comfortable, start introducing it to new people and new circumstances. A hiker with a backpack, a person on a bicycle and someone wearing a hat are all people your dog should meet, as your puppy needs to get used to people who look and smell different from you. Like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles are usually quick to catch on when it comes to learning new commands and following the rules. Just be sure to establish that you are the pack leader or your Goldendoodle may decide that it would rather have fun than listen to you when you tell it to get off the couch or stop jumping on people. Goldendoodles need consistency and structure, so try to do a training session at the same time each day. Once your Goldendoodle has been socialized and learned basic training commands, try walking or hiking together to help the dog use up some of its energy. The size of a doodle depends on whether you have the standard, miniature or medium version. Standards typically range from 21 to 23 inches high for females and 22 to 24 inches high for males. Miniatures are tiny, as they are typically 14 to 16 inches high. Mediums are slightly smaller than the standard version, with females ranging from 17 to 19 inches high and males ranging from 18 to 20 inches high. The miniature version can weigh as little as 15 pounds or as much as 30 pounds, while the medium Labradoodle typically weighs anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. Follow the link to read our guide to learn how big do Goldendoodles get? Lifespan As a mix of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, a Labradoodle can have health problems that are common in either breed. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles often develop hip dysplasia. With proper care, the typical life span of a Labradoodle is 15 years, making this breed an excellent choice for a long-term companion. Our guide on the lifespan of a Goldendoodle will be really helpful to understand that breed. Since Goldendoodles are part Poodle, they may also develop hip dysplasia as they get older. Eye conditions and a narrowing of the aortic valve are also possible, as these conditions are associated with Golden Retrievers. Again, working with a reputable breeder can help you reduce the risk of these problems, as quality breeders are vigilant about using only the best dogs for breeding purposes. Goldendoodles have an expected life span of 10 to 15 years. Quality is important, as good breeding practices can help you avoid common health problems and ensure you get to enjoy many years with your new companion. This is why you should always work with a reputable breeder. Feel free to contact us today to learn more!

Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Standard colors for Labs are yellow, black and chocolate. Shedding Labs are moderate to heavy shedders. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Many Labs will overeat if given the opportunity, so watch their food intake closely. A complete and balanced diet and daily exercise can help prevent weight gain. Other health conditions that may affect Labs include hip and elbow dysplasia, myopathy and heart disorders. Labs may also have a higher risk for certain eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy. As with other large breed dogs , Labrador Retrievers are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition. Labrador Retriever puppies will thrive on a puppy food specially formulated to meet their unique needs during their first year of life. For information on how much or when to feed your Labrador dog or puppy, explore our feeding articles here. History The Labrador Retriever gets his name from Labrador, Canada, though the breed was developed in 19th-century Newfoundland as a water dog. Originally called St. Early Labs may have been bred with Newfoundlands and other water dogs before a breed standard was formed. Around , Labs were imported to England, where they served as hunting retrievers. The breed disappeared from Newfoundland entirely after government restrictions and various tax laws took effect. The breed was nearly extinct by the late 19th century. The Malmesburys and other English fans who imported the dogs saved the breed from extinction. Explore breeds like the Labrador Retriever. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Stock coat blue and tan carries liver and black as well as long coat Our Whelping Process We breed our Colored German Shepherd females by marking on the calendar first sight of blood to give us an idea of when we should be breeding. Progesterone testing can be done if needed to ensure pregnancy. By marking down the dates of mating we can give ourselves an idea of what date to expect puppies to be born. Ultrasounds can be done at around 28 days from mating if there is concern for the female or the puppies. Ultrasound will give us an approximate puppy count although not as accurate as an x-ray. X-rays are done 7 to 10 days prior to the birthing process, x-rays give a pretty accurate number of pups to be expected which is important for us to know to make sure we have enough medication for Mom and babies. They also let us know if there is any need for medical intervention like a C-section. We can tell by monitoring the expectant females temperature of how close she is to whelping. A normal adult dog temperature is .Expectant moms will generally stop eating and some moms will start throwing up; this gives us the final opportunity to make sure we have all things ready. The whelping box will be warmed and ready, scissors to cut umbilicals if needed, dental floss to tie the umbilicals if there is a problem, a bulb syringe to clear the nose and mouth of fluid, towels to dry the puppies, we use dopram for any puppies that have a hard time starting to breathe and an iodine tincture to sterilize umbilical. The first stage of labor can last up to 12 hours this is the time that the cervix is effacing and dilating. We give Mom calsorb in between puppies to keep her labor moving along, calsorb is a calcium supplement easily and quickly depleted during labor and contractions. Some fatalities can be due to lack of calcium. We also keep lactated ringers, puppy formula we use a couple of different brands, Miracle nipples, tube feeding supplies and only use as needed. We order plasma which is a colostrum supplement and only use as needed. When Mom has finished the whelping process we give her what is called a clean out shot this is oxytocin. We place a colored collar on each puppy as it is born which will remain until the day it goes to its new home. By recording the color of the collar, the time of the birth, the weight and the sex of the puppy it helps us identify each individual pup easily and quickly. Making sure puppies are thriving, gaining weight, staying warm and being fed adequately is important to the survival the first couple of weeks. Puppies cannot maintain their own temperature until they are two weeks old. At German Shepherd Haus of the Pacific Northwest we take weekly photos of every puppy from time of birth till the day they go home. This helps buyers see their babies grow. Video chatting is always fun and encourage people to come visit if they are close enough to do so. All puppies are fully wormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, they are vetted by a licensed veterinarian provided with their own personal health certificate, with a microchip and given their first shots. Showing 1 - 22 of 22 resultsPage 1 - 22 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Dewormed, first vaccinations and clear health check. These babies are desensitized to.Urgent Husky puppies Edmonton 2 beautiful puppy left male if fluffy one two brown eyes and female is all white with one blue eye one blue hazel they have probably one of the best temperament I've ever seen very playful very happy.Both parents are blue and tan German shepherds, 60 and 95 pounds, lower energy levels both very nice.They are socialized, vet checked, health certificate, vaccinated, and ready for their new homes! Straight backs. We are a small family-owned dog.Well socialized, affectionate and brave. German Shepherd Blue heeler mix. Located in Hepworth. One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Ready to go to their homes now! Purebred farm raised German Shepherd Puppies available. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.She is a registered longcoat german shepherd, she is a blue and fawn sable. She is a sweet girl and loves just being a couch potato. German shepherd blue Heeler pups!!! Roseisle Two gorgeous females left. Both are very friendly and good with kids. Dad is German shepherd. Both parents are fantastic with people. Puppies are dewormed. She has her first round of needles and is ready to go to her.He is very playful and is 7 weeks old. Vaccinated and de-wormed fully. Pee pad trained. He is peepad trained and goes outside to potty. Browse other categories in Pets in Canada.