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Check to see if they are members of the ALAA or any other recognized body, as these organizations have high standards for breeding. The health and well-being of the parents are paramount in producing healthy, happy Labradoodle puppies! You can also go on Meetup to discover local dog owners who have Labradoodles in your area so that you can meet them in person! They are also very friendly and outgoing, making great family dogs! If you want a dog that will help you stay active, look no further than the Labradoodle! As you can see, there are a lot of great alternatives in Missouri when it comes to Labradoodle breeders. They go above and above to ensure the puppy comes first and is properly cared for and nurtured. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. All of our Labradoodle puppies are meticulously cared for from the moment they are born and treated like a member of our family. Australian Labradoodles are loyal, beautiful and rewarding family companions. With a docile disposition, magnificent appearance and extraordinary health, Australian Labradoodles from Heartland Labradoodles are a perfect addition to any family, from new couples to singles to young families or retired couples. Our exceptional Labradoodle girls and boys give their puppies the best health traits and the best physical characteristics of the breed, as well as a winning personality. This helps our Labradoodle puppies grow up happy, healthy and handsome. Choose from chocolate, jet black, cream, apricot and shades in between to breed your own champion Labradoodles or find the perfect color. See our available puppies and find the new addition to your family or call Heartland Labradoodles for more information. For the safety of our puppies, we deliver to neighboring communities within a maximum of a four-hour drive, including areas in Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and our home state of Iowa. Puppy Spotlight. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Esther Missouri and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. The Labradoodles and Goldendoodles in our breeding program live with us in our home, not a kennel. Our puppies are whelped in our home and exposed to daily family life. At Blessed Day Doodles one of our top priorities is that our doodles are part of our family and receive daily love and attention. Our breeding dogs live with amazing and carefully chosen guardian families. Guardian homes allow our breeding dogs to be part of a forever family and receive the love and attention every dog deserves. Why Blessed Day Doodles? Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Health The Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid between the poodle, labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Miniature goldendoodles are a hybrid between the poodle and golden retriever. Our breeding dogs must pass extensive health testing to become part of our program. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Temperaments Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles are incredibly social, intelligent, and equally loving. Doodles love people and animals alike, coupled with their low to non-shed qualities, it makes them the perfect family pet. Because of their social nature it would be a punishment to leave a doodle alone for long periods of time without human contact. Furthermore, we encourage you to consider that dogs, like humans, are happiest with a mate, so in their case…another dog. With this in mind, you may want to consider having two dogs so they can keep one another company. We humans are great company but dogs are happiest with another canine companion.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. They truly love their golden's and have passion for what they do.Beautiful dogs.We researched breeders in and found BBG to adopt a puppy our 4th golden for our family of five and none of us looked back! We found a breeder with knowledge, support, advice, respect, kindness, compassion, care and incredible love for the dogs! Best decision ever!!! After doing her research, Kerry flew all the way from Washington to PA to add new blood to her line to insure healthy puppies for her offspring and their owners. I selected BBG as a breeder due to Kerry's passion for breeding healthy and happy dogs. With health checks for multiple generations of both the Dame and Sire lines, it was very important to me that I was not supporting a puppy mill or irresponsible breeding industry. I couldn't be happier with my two boys, other than I can hear one of them in my closet as I write this.You will become a member of the BBG family, and it is fantastic. If you want a gorgeous, correct golden with just the right blend of show and field lines that has been given the absolute best start in life, you want a BBG golden. I live on the other side of the country, and I did an absolute TON of research on the lines carried by Golden Retriever breeders from across the country, and I kept circling back to BBG. BBG is truly unique, not just their look and lines, but also the fact that they keep it small, so your puppy will be given daily love, attention, and neurological stimulation with everything from baby slides and toys, to moshing in a fun ball pit! You won't just get daily photos and videos of your special puppy from birth on, but your puppy will also leave their care having been extensively socialized and exposed to just about everything a family dog will experience, because he or she will be born and raised INSIDE their home. My BBG golden is incredibly intelligent, and is everything a Golden should be! Thank you, Kerry and Vicki! Always on hand to answer any questions! BigBendGoldens does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website BigBendGoldens , is strictly at your own risk. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. Consent By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms. Update Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here. Proudly created with Wix. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers are a great breed of dog for anyone who is looking for a very trainable dog with a fairly active lifestyle. These dogs have also been known to fit in well with many families as well thanks to their easy-going temperament. This makes them well suited to be around children and other pets. When looking to get a Golden Retriever puppy you may want to take into account whether or not you will want a male or a female. This is because many people claim that male and female dogs can sometimes have different kinds of personalities and drive. Additionally, you may want to look into if a Standard or Miniature Golden Retriever is the right dog for you. It is important to note that miniature Golden Retrievers are always the result of a crossbreed, and they are not officially recognized as a part of the Golden Retriever breed. Looking for a reputable Golden Retriever breeder to get your puppy from can seem to be challenging at times. This is especially true when you take things like health testing, health guarantees, and proper socialization methods into account. Well, here are 14 Golden Retriever breeders in Washington state to help you out on your breeder search. This means that they follow all of their recommended health and socialization protocols. As a result, every one of their dogs have gotten health tested for hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. Additionally, this breeder also does genetic testing for some conditions that can affect the Golden Retriever breed. Every one of their puppies will be kept up to date on their deworming and vaccinations prior to going to their new homes. They will all be seen by a vet before going to their new families as well. This Golden Retriever breeder utilizes early neurological stimulation to start all of their puppies off right. From there puppies continue their socialization with age-appropriate exposure to a variety of environments and stimuli. This breeder views every one of their dogs as a part of the family, and they are all born and raised in their home with the family. This breeder sells their puppies with a month health guarantee, and they are also members of both the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Rainier Hunting Retriever Club. Name of Owner. I have owned Goldens since .At first it was only one who was acquired as a family pet although she came from a show background. I had dreams of showing and breeding her yet her hips did not clear. At that time I began to research the background of local dogs and asked more questions of exhibitors and breeders and educate myself as far as clearances and pedigrees. Please browse this site and find out more about the Goldens that live with me and the ones that live in my memory. This website is a labor of love designed and updated by myself periodically. I hope my love of Golden Retrievers and their lives are portrayed on this site. All of the dogs I breed exhibit that wonderful temperament and that loving happy personality that typifies the Golden Retriever. All they really want to do is be close to their human! Occasionally I have puppies so please check under litters for a upcoming planned litter. If you are searching for a puppy it may take several months to find a well bred future family member. Do not accept ANY excuses from a breeder who does not have all the genetic clearances. They also should welcome you into their home to meet the dam prior to pups being born. You should ask questions of the breeder and they will be asking lots of questions of you if they are a reputable breeder. Its a lot of commitment, time and energy raising a litter. I take pride in raising my puppies and making sure they are well socialized and acclimated to household noises. The Golden Retriever Club of America www. The more information you can learn about Goldens the better owner you will be! I have been a member of GRCA for 25 years and a member of Evergreen Golden Retriever Club for many years serving on the Board of Directors for 4 years and participating and chairing local club events. I have enjoyed and been proud to show my dogs in the conformation ring for many years. As I got older I just could not get around the ring anymore which does your dog no good and handed the leads over to more capable people. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be………………. .We take Venmo for the deposit or Paypal. Venmo Handle Megan-hammon-2 last four of phone number Pay Deposit connect Join our Facebook Tsillan Goldens Friends and Family group and dont forget to follow and like us on Facebook and Instagram Join Group message us Message us when all steps are completed so we can get you on our list for a puppy. This is where you can request to join. Please make sure to answer all three questions. This groups was designed by Tsillan Goldens and Tsillan Goldens holds all rights to the group. This group is a wonderful resource to let siblings of Tsillan Goldens Connect and stay in touch! Hopefully lots of funny stories, encourgement and even advice from one puppy family to another can be shared! This page was designed to create friendships and support for our Golden families! RYAN H. We have 2 from her, and her dogs and absolutely stunning. They come from the top genetics, and are the best friends a person could ask for! Health and temperament are priority here and it shows. Their dogs are healthy, loving and drop dead gorgeous. He is such a sweet boy and super healthy! The owners of LCG really know goldens and care for them so well! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Washington Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Washington? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Washington? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Articles The German Shepherd Doberman mix is an alpha dog for an alpha master. This intelligent, confident, and athletic designer breed makes a loyal companion suited to an active lifestyle. So, what exactly is the German Shepherd Doberman mix? This hybrid combines the best traits of its parent breeds resulting in an intelligent, loyal and confident pup. The guarding instincts of the German Shepherd combine with the intelligence of the Doberman Pinscher to make the German Shepherd Doberman mix the ultimate watchdog. Like most hybrids, the German Shepherd Doberman mix can be a real handful in terms of physical traits and temperament. However, if you fancy a larger dog breed, the German Shepherd Doberman mix is a great option. If you are adopting a puppy, here are some of the physical traits you can expect from this crossbreed. Size You can expect your German Shepherd Doberman pup to grow into a large dog. Since both the parent breeds of this hybrid are large the resulting crossbreed is equally large. A German Shepherd Doberman pup will get to an average weight between 90 to pounds. Typically, these pups will grow to a height of between 22 to 24 inches. Due to its gigantic size, this crossbreed is not suited for apartment living. The German shepherd Doberman mix will be ideal if you have a yard with lots of room for your big pooch to roam about. Appearance The German Shepherd Doberman mix is a graceful dog that has a beautiful silky coat. The coat colors vary from brown to black and, in some cases, combinations of both. The half-Doberman half-German Shepherd mixed breed resembles its parents. This pooch will have a domed forehead and large pointy ears. This crossbreed has an athletic and muscular build that suits its energetic nature. These pups need plenty of space and lots of physical activity to expend their boundless energy. This means they make great companions for people with active lifestyles. Image from Instagram: peppadost The Doberman Shepherd is a healthy robust breed that has an average life expectancy between 10 to 12 years. With proper care and nutrition, your pooch should live a long and healthy life. However, your Doberman Shepherd may be susceptible to some health conditions. Joint Problems Large dogs can be especially prone to joint issues, and the Doberman Shepherd is no exception. These dogs can be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia. This can minimize the risk of joint problems by boosting overall bone health. Heart Disease Cardiac disease is one of the diseases that Doberman Shepherds are at risk for. Regular checkups are recommended to ensure that any heart problems are detected early. Obesity The German Shepherd Doberman mix is a voracious eater. As a result, this breed is particularly prone to obesity. It is important to keep your pooch healthy by ensuring they eat just enough. This breed also needs plenty of daily exercise, so a minimum of 90 minutes of exercise per day is essential. This means that Doberman Shepherds inherit this susceptibility. Wobbler disease is characterized by instability of the vertebrae, which gives the affected dog a crouching gait. This disease is typically treated with medication or surgery in advanced cases. Image from Instagram: pnweli Adopting a dog comes with its fair share of costs. So how much does a German Shepherd Doberman cost? This cost will depend on the breeder, age of the dog, and gender. Female dogs often cost more because they have a higher demand. Similarly, a Doberman Shepherd puppy will be more costly since most pet parents prefer adopting puppies to adult dogs. Here are other costs that you need to keep in mind. Feeding Costs Doberman Shepherds have voracious appetites. You will need to keep your pooch well-fed on high-quality dog food to ensure their health. This expenditure will vary depending on the particular food brand you choose. Medical Costs Vet visits and wellness checkups are part of the pet parent experience. This excludes medical emergencies that may arise. However, this cost will be much lower if your Doberman Shepherd is healthy and well-cared for. However, due to its stubborn nature, training can be challenging, especially if you are a new pet parent. This cost will vary from trainer to trainer. Are Doberman Shepherds Good Dogs? So what can you expect from your German Shepherd Doberman mix? Loyal The Doberman Shepherd is a loyal and devoted companion. These dogs are very loyal and form very strong bonds with their families. This makes them excellent companions. However, the strong attachment tendency means separation anxiety can be a problem with this breed. These dogs pick up tricks easily. You will need to provide plenty of mental stimulation for your pup. A bored pooch can get up to lots of mischief, so it is very important to keep your Doberman Shepherd engaged. Strong Guarding Tendencies Doberman Shepherds have strong guarding tendencies. This means they can be very wary of strangers. Without proper socialization , these guarding tendencies can turn to aggression. It is therefore important to socialize your pup from an early age. Vocal Doberman Shepherds can be loud especially when they want to get your attention. This breed tends to vocalize a lot. This trait is great in a watchdog. However, excessive barking can become a nuisance so training may be needed to curb this tendency. Stubborn Doberman Shepherds can be a handful, especially if they are not handled firmly. These dogs have an alpha personality, meaning they require a strong leader or they will become the leader. The stubbornness of this breed can be overcome with proper training. However, you will need to do it from an early age so that your pooch understands who is in charge. Do Doberman Shepherds Shed? This means you will not have to spend lots of time or money on grooming your pooch. However regular grooming is part of keeping your dog healthy. Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind. Brushing The short silky coat of the Doberman Shepherd sheds little. This means that your dog can get by without daily brushing. Brush your pup every other day to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. This tool removes loose undercoat hair efficiently without hurting your pooch, making brushing a hassle-free experience. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Check Price on Amazon Pet hair is probably one of the pet peeves many pet parents have. However, you can keep your home relatively free of dog hair using the iRobot Vacuum. The iRobot vacuum also comes with a host of features, including Wi-Fi and voice connectivity for ease of use. Check Price on Amazon Bathing The Doberman Shepherd is a pretty active breed and it is bound to pick up dirt and grime. However, its short silky coat does not trap a lot of dirt, so a bath every 4 to 6 weeks should suffice. You can also bathe your pup as needed depending on their activity levels. The Miniature Pinscher Shepherd breed that results from crossing the Miniature Pinscher breed and German Shepherd is not related to the Doberman breed. Yes, Dobermans are good with German Shepherds. Dobermans and German Shepherds have many common traits that make them compatible. Both these breeds are protective, loyal, intelligent, and energetic dogs. Dobermans also have similar demands in terms of nutrition and exercise needs, so they do well together. No, German Shepherds are not stronger than Dobermans. On average Dobermans tend to be slightly taller than German Shepherds but the German Shepherd tends to weigh more. In terms of average strength, both German Shepherd and Doberman dogs are considered to be near equals. However, Dobermans tend to be more aggressive than German Shepherds. Dogs German Shepherd Pete Decker. History of the German Shepherd Doberman mix Like most other designer or hybrid dog breeds, the German Shepherd Doberman mix breed probably evolved sometime during the s. But despite not knowing a lot about their origin, the best way to determine how this crossbred will turn out is to look into the history, characteristics, and skills of both its purebred parents. In , a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who the breed now takes its name from, looked to create a breed that could accompany him on his work, being a loyal guard dog and a good companion. He mixed several breeds, including the Rottweiler , Weimaraner , and German Pinscher, to create the first Doberman. Their use in war is evidenced at the war dogs cemetery on the island of Guam, where many Doberman Pinscher graves can be found. These slim and sleek dogs stand 24 to 28 inches 61 to 71 cm tall and weigh 60 to 80 pounds 27 to 36 kg. Their defining characteristics include their black, red, or blue coat, and their upright, triangular-shaped ears are often docked. However, this practice is outdated and illegal in some places. During the end of the late s, Stephanitz bred a variety of local shepherd dogs to develop a dog that could be used effectively in military and police work. His first German Shepherd was officially registered under the term German Sheepdog. The goal of the organization was to develop a good herding and all-purpose working dog. When World War I broke out, these dogs were used as war sentries. This name was only changed to the German Shepherd in .The German Shepherd is a large dog that stands between 22 and 26 inches 56 to 71 cm tall and weighs 75 to 95 pounds 34 to 43 kg. This breed of dog features a double coat of medium length which is typically straight and features black and cream, tan, or red patterns. This powerful and energetic dog features a muscular body and thick and sturdy thighs. Their body structure is rectangular, and their hips are slightly sloped. They are said by some to have a wolf-like appearance due to their upright ears and long muzzle. A Doberman German Shepherd mix dog sneaking on a park German Shepherd Doberman mixes have a commanding, unmistakable appearance. This breed is characterized by their muscular and agile bodies combined with their large ears that stand on their own. Their faces feature a long muzzle, black nose, and brown or black eyes. How big does a Doberman Shepherd get? Given the size of its parents, the Doberman Shepherd mix will be a large dog with an average weight of 90 to pounds 41 to 50 kg and a height of 22 to26 inches 56 to 66 cm. Typically, females are slightly smaller and slimmer than males, standing roughly 2 inches shorter and weighing about 10 pounds 5 kg lighter. Even Doberman Shepherd puppies are quite large, weighing between 25 and 30 pounds 12 to 16 kg at three months old. Puppies start to reach maturity at around 8 to 10 months old and are considered fully grown at 24 to 30 months, with the females reaching full size quicker than the males. Their size can make them difficult to handle, and this should be kept in mind when purchasing a puppy from this hybrid. Does the Doberman-German Shepherd mix shed? Combining the GSD with the Doberman Pinscher created this intelligent and independent hybrid born to be an alpha. They have an affectionate side and would show how loving and loyal they are to their human family. Early socialization and training should be consistent and continuous to ensure that your fido is a well-behaved canine. With that said, this designer dog is not recommended for families with very young children, while first-time dog owners may struggle to provide for the needs of the German Shepherd Doberman mix. All that time spent together makes this mixed breed prone to separation anxiety. That alone can lead to behavioral issues such as barking and digging. The rest is covered in exercising, feeding, and grooming. Give your Doberman-Shepherd cross enough exercise With a lot of energy, at least 90 minutes of exercise a day will be sufficient for this doggo. Canines who are bred to work need to be raised with a job or feel like they have a mission to do. Besides that, weekly cleaning of the ears with a damp cloth is necessary to prevent ear infections from developing. If you feel like this is a lot of work, bring your fur baby to a professional groomer. What to feed your Doberman Shepherd? As a large breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix will require 4 to 5 cups of dog food divided into two meals daily. Having trouble choosing between dry kibbles, canned food, and raw? Each type of diet or dog food offers different benefits like dental health, more palatable, and fresh ingredients. Then, you have to consider if he has any food sensitivities, so you know if you should get him a recipe with grains or without grains. Is the German Shepherd Doberman healthy? Bred as working dogs, Doberman and German Shepherd mixes are tough and resilient with few health issues. Major concerns include elbow and hip dysplasia , which are common in German Shepherds, and cardiomyopathy and CVI or Wobblers Syndrome. Other minor health problems that can affect the Doberman Shepherd include gastric torsion, which often occurs in large dogs, as well as osteosarcoma, cataracts, and dermatitis. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, German Shepherd Dobermans have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Where to buy a German Shepherd Doberman mix? Visit their site if you want to avoid problems, like health issues, with your puppy later on. Currently, no specific kennels are breeding this hybrid, but you can check out these rescues for each purebred parent and see if they have an available GSD-Doberman mix. If not, check out the other German Shepherd mixes or Doberman mixes they have. Similar German Shepherd mixes include:. What Is A Doberman Shepherd? As such, we can expect this hybrid to be an energetic, intelligent, and devoted dog that does best with experienced dog owners who are willing and able to commit time and attention to this beautiful mix. Though the Doberman German Shepherd mix is rising in popularity, he is a relatively new crossbreed in the canine kingdom. For this reason, there are many factors to this dog that are considered unpredictable and quite a bit that we are still learning about him. Keep reading to learn more! Though popular, crossbreed dogs are somewhat controversial. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is stunning to look at. He also has the potential to have a phenomenal temperament and disposition when raised by the right owner. However, Doberman German Shepherd mix dogs are also work-oriented breeds that come from two different purebred parents. As with all crossbreed dogs, this means that the Doberman German Shepherd mix could be unpredictable when it comes to traits like health, appearance, and even temperament. And this is where the crossbreed controversy comes into play. What Is A Crossbreed? Sometimes referred to as a hybrid, designer dog, or mixed breed, a crossbreed dog is the offspring of two different purebred parent breeds. Mutts, on the other hand, are often born without the help of human manipulation and tend to have a variety of different canine DNA in their genetics. Originally, crossbreeding was done by breeders working to create dogs with combined breed traits for the purpose of work. In fact, it is believed that the majority of purebred dogs we are familiar with today are the result of careful crossbreeding over centuries. And though crossbreeding has been an ongoing practice since nearly the beginning of the human and dog relationship, the practice of selling newer generation crossbreed dogs to the general public has only become popular over the last two decades. Designer dogs are incredibly trendy these days, with many selling for as much if not more than their purebred counterparts. However, crossbreed dogs may have the upper hand when it comes to health. Crossbreed dogs could have the benefit of hybrid vigor , a term used that means hybrid dogs may be less susceptible to inheriting the genetic health issues of their parent breeds thanks to their widened gene pool. The breed developed somewhat of a bad rep due to their use by Nazis during World War ll. However, when properly raised, Doberman Pinscher dogs are known to be incredibly intelligent, affectionate, devoted, and trainable. They can do well in families when well trained and socialized, and they make wonderful guardians and protectors of people and other pets. However, some Doberman Pinschers have been known to bond more closely with one person in the family, and they are high-energy dogs that are not ideal for the more laid-back dog owner. For this reason, we recommend anyone investing in a Doberman Pinscher or a Doberman Pinscher mix to consider their lifestyle and ability to commit to this type of dog. But what about the German Shepherd? German Shepherds are highly intelligent, work-oriented, and trainable. They become very bonded with their owners and are best suited for experienced dog owners with an understanding of working breeds. When properly raised, trained, and socialized, German Shepherds make great family companions. They do well in active households and with owners who have flexible schedules. Like all dogs, without the proper care, exercise, socialization, and training, the German Shepherd can develop serious behavioral issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and fear-based aggression. The Doberman German Shepherd Pinscher mix is an intelligent and work-oriented hybrid. Coming from two work-oriented parent breeds, you might think that the Doberman German Shepherd mix is a serious-minded dog with no time for play. While this hybrid does enjoy having a job to do, he is also more goofy and fun-loving than you might think! The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a playful, energetic companion that can get along well with children and he is a dog that will enjoy having other canine playmates in the home. However, he will need to be socialized at an early age to help reduce any potential behavioral issues. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also highly energetic. He will enjoy having owners who are able to get active with him, and he will especially enjoy having a backyard where he can run and play freely. In fact, if left alone for too long the Doberman German Shepherd mix could be prone to developing anxiety and depression. This is a very family-oriented dog, and there is a chance he will bond more closely with a specific family member. Also, because he is so clever, it will be important to keep your Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd Mix properly mentally stimulated as well as physically stimulated. But we will talk more about this further down. This mixed breed requires training and socialization from an early age. Training a Doberman German Shepherd mix may seem like it should be a breeze, but these dogs can be stubborn from time to time. Training should begin as early as possible, ideally during puppyhood, and it should be done using positive reinforcement training that utilizes treats, praise, and patience. Avoid aversive training tactics like punishments, scolding, or fear. Repetitive five-minute increments of training should suffice, mixed with playtime and breaks in between. Blue Buffalo Bits Buy on Amazon If you are looking for quality training treats to use when it comes to holding your Doberman German Shepherd Mix dogs attention, we recommend the above training treats by Blue Buffalo. Not only is Blue Buffalo a brand we trust, but these treats have all the qualities that make them ideal for training. They are small, round, smelly, and chewy, which makes them quite irresistible to your dog. We also like that they are made with quality ingredients that you can feel good about offering your dog during training sessions. Socializing your dog is the act of introducing your Doberman German Shepherd mix to as many new experiences as possible. This should include new people, places, sights, sounds, and environments. Avoid forcing your Doberman German Shepherd mix into a new situation that is clearly frightening or stressful for him. Instead, allow your dog to explore the world at his own pace. You can use high-quality training treats and gentle praise to help encourage him. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, the Doberman Shepherd could become anxious, depressed, and destructive. The quick answer to the above question is YES, the Doberman German Shepherd mix is going to require plenty of routine exercise and mental stimulation. Remember, this is a crossbreed that is the offspring of two working breeds, and as such he can be prone to developing serious behavioral issues if not kept physically and mentally fit. These issues could include barking, marking, chewing, scratching, and even depression, anxiety, and aggression. When it comes to exercising your Doberman German Shepherd mix, this is a high-energy dog that is going to need at least an hour or more of dedicated exercise each and every day. When you are exercising your Doberman German Shepherd Mix, be sure to walk him on a proper leash and harness. Like many high-energy dog breeds, your German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher mix may be inclined to pull on leash. Instead, use proper walking equipment that not only helps to reduce and redirect pulling but also teaches your dog proper walking manners without harming him. The harness works by clipping in the front, which means that when your dog does pull he will be redirected back to you. Mental stimulation can help curb unwanted behaviors, reduce potential destructive behaviors, and ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-rounded. Many people find that their Doberman German Shepherd Mix dog is a great help around the house! In fact, if you work diligently enough with your Doberman Shepherd mix, you could be able to teach him how to help sort the laundry, bring in the mail, or take out the trash. The Doberman German Shepherd mix will also enjoy routine training sessions and learning new queues, and he will appreciate puzzle toys to help keep him busy and engaged when you are away. KONGS are great because they provide your dog with long-lasting chew time, especially when they are filled with treats, KONG filler, peanut butter, or even other, smaller chews. The Doberman German Shepherd Mix has a short, smooth coat that sheds year-round. You can help combat allergies, dander, debris, and shed hair by ensuring you keep up with routine grooming practices. The Doberman German Shepherd Mix should be brushed at least once a week using a grooming comb to help remove loose hair and debris. Why you should get a Doberman German Shepherd Mix 1. What does a German Shepherd and Doberman mix look like? Half Doberman and half German Shepherd, Doberman Shepherds are muscular, compact dogs , with long muzzles and dark eyes that hint at their smart nature. The ears of the German Shepherd Doberman mix are typically upright, like those on the Doberman Pinscher. These puppies have a soft but short coat that may come in black, tan, or black and tan colors. How big will a German Shepherd and Doberman mix get? Doberman-German Shepherd puppies grow up to be large dogs , reaching up to 22 to 26 inches 55 to 66 cm in height and weighing 90 to pounds 40 to 45 kilograms in adulthood. What are the characteristics of a German Shepherd and Doberman Mix? Doberman Shepherd dogs come from pure breeds that are similar in temperament. This crossbreed is also known for its affectionate nature and its loyalty to its owners. This dog needs plenty of space, and it thrives in homes with huge backyards where it can run around. The German Shepherd Doberman mix will also be more comfortable in warmer climates. This crossbreed may have inherited this trait from the Doberman Pinscher, which has a low tolerance for cold weather because of its low body fat and short coat. What makes the Doberman Shepherd an excellent guard dog? The Doberman German Shepherd mix is the cross of two of the most well-known guard dogs in the world. Its sheer size and strong muscles give the German Shepherd-Doberman dog a considerable advantage when it comes to subduing attackers or intruders, whether people or other smaller animals. Another thing that makes the German Shepherd Doberman mix a reliable guard dog is its bone-breaking bite. This Doberman Shepherd has a high bite force due to its size , plus its parent breeds have some of the highest-rated bite forces among dogs today. Doberman Shepherds are also highly observant and alert. These dogs use a loud, attention-grabbing bark to let you know of potentially dangerous situations and unusual activity on your property. Properly training your Doberman Shepherd ensures that you can keep its aggression under control while making the most of its guarding skills. The best way to train a Doberman German Shepherd Mix is to use positive reinforcement. These hybrids are generally easy to train because of their intelligence and willingness to learn. Make sure to train and socialize your German Shepherd Doberman mix at an early age. This way, your dog can safely interact with other people and animals as it grows. Leave your German Shepherd Doberman mix in this area for increasing periods and pet it when you come back. How do I keep my Doberman Shepherd as healthy as possible? A healthy German Shepherd Doberman mix has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Follow these tips to ensure that your dog has a long, happy life: Give your Doberman German Shepherd Mix at least 90 minutes of exercise and activity per day. Take your dog on long walks around your neighborhood or visit the dog park at least thrice a week. Your Doberman Shepherd will also love playing mentally challenging games. A daily diet of 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food, divided into at least two meals, ensures that your Doberman Shepherd maintains a healthy weight. With a proper diet, your Doberman and German Shepherd crossbreed can avoid obesity, which is a common problem in large dogs. This way, your German Shepherd Doberman mix can get the energy it needs for its daily activities and keep its muscles and bones strong. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a low to moderate-shedding dog, but you still need to brush its coat every couple of days. Are there any health issues to watch out for in the Doberman German Shepherd Mix? Doberman Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they can still inherit various health problems from their parent breeds. Doberman Pinschers, for instance, are prone to cardiomyopathy and Wobbler syndrome due to cervical vertebral instability. On the other hand, its German Shepherd parentage gives the German Shepherd Doberman mix a predisposition to conditions such hip dysplasia , megaesophagus, and degenerative myelopathy. Breed clubs and rescue organizations for the parent breeds may also help with your search for German Shepherd and Doberman mix puppies. Here are some breeders and rescues you can get in touch with:. It is a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Ella the Doberman Shepherd mix at about 2 years old—"Ella is a very calm dog. She likes to eat and play with her owner. When our old dog passed away, we wanted a friend for our Vizmaraner. She has been great with learning and listening to orders, though has been a bit of a challenge at times. She always wants to have a job and something to do. She loves playing with her 'brother' Blitzen, and she adores our daughter. She also puts up with the cats , but doesn't seem to care much one way or the other. She is spayed , but otherwise unaltered. She has her full tail and her ears have been left alone. Cairo was DNA tested to validate his breed s. So from the results it is safe to say both of his parents were purebreds. NO other breeds were detected. He was a rescue dog, but based on his appearance he does not appear to be an accident. When I got him from the rescue he was 76 lbs. He has many traits and features that point to the Doberman breed coloring, coat and feet and others that lend themselves to the German Shepherd tail, ears and intelligence. He weighs a little north of lbs.!!! He is a very gentle but protective dog with an amazingly loving personality. He loves his big old chin scratched!!!! This guy is so tall he can lick the counters without having to get up on his hind legs and can look over a 6-foot fence easily. Other Canine Clubs Adoptapet. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a Doberman German Shepherd mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Doberman parent dog, its short hair does not result in excessive shedding. The Doberman German Shepherd does not like bathing in water, so the dog should be trained to tolerate bath time during puppyhood. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and made of a coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It is made of aloe and oatmeal and helps in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat for the dog. The dog shampoo also has a pine scent and is a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the Doberman German Shepherd mix also needs its nails trimmed using specialized nail clippers for dogs. The occasional cleaning of the ears and brushing of the teeth should be done as well. Regular exercises and occasional visits to the vet is recommended to prevent the following health problems: Cardiomyopathy. This umbrella term covers both Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or Enlarged Heart, is a disease that affects internal organs and results in lung and heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or Heart Disease, is a rare case of blood distribution problems by the heart in dogs. The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include abnormal breathing patterns, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, blueish skin discoloration, and loss of awareness. Wobbler Syndrome. Scientifically named as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, wobble syndrome is a predisposed condition in large dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher. It is described by a bone malformation in the cervical spine which is located on the neck of the dog, resulting in wobbly walking and neck pain. Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Megaesophagus is generally characterized by the enlargement of the esophagus in dogs. It is a congenital or inborn, disease that causes problems in traveling food from the mouth to the stomach. Some signs and symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bad breath. Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is described as the slow degeneration of the spinal cord in the dog. It may eventually result in paralysis as well. Warning signs include a steady weakness of hind limbs, stumbling, inability to stand, muscle atrophy, poor hygiene, stress, and depression. Separation Anxiety. Part of viewing a health issue should not only remain within the physical aspect. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also prone to mental disorders like separation anxiety. This occurs when its owner spends less time with the dog despite its deep attachment and loyalty with the person. The Doberman German Shepherd mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were explicitly pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Doberman Shepherds Food Requirements As a big and energetic breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix may eat plenty of food and become obese if the dog is not supplemented with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. It needs to consume substantial amounts of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats and is fed twice a day depending on the activities that the dog did during the day. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. Your hairy companion deserves the best, so choose the highest-quality dry dog food in the market you can find. Whelps need the energy to be active, and lots of vitamins and minerals too. Food that rounds off everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different necessities, so take a look at the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay strong and show off proudly. You can also find useful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will adore. German Dobermans Exercise Requirements This is an active and energetic dog with parent dogs that were bred for working. The Doberman German Shepherd mix requires a substantial amount of exercise to channel and release its stored energy. Intellectual activities are also sufficient sources of mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Racing. A team of four dogs is set on the course that fetches a tennis ball through an obstacle course and returns the ball to its handler. The first team to complete the task with all their dogs wins. Like the Doberman and the German Shepherd, the Doberman German Shepherd mix can significantly benefit from this activity. Since most dogs live in urban settings, herding allows the dog an opportunity to utilize its herding instincts that were long unused. Military Training. Sending the dog to the military is an advantage for the dog to act on command and the owner to gain leadership points. On the softer side, the dog may be used as a service dog for war veterans or soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are renowned guarding dogs and, and its offspring are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards suspicions and threats. The dog should learn how to safely interact with different people and animals, especially with children. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Socialization. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a dog with a bold disposition. The dog needs to be exposed with children and other animals and dogs as a puppy to help expand its sense of protectiveness and guarding instincts towards others. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and become more mature to regulate its aggressive tendency. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Knowing how to address this reaction of the dog on its guarding instincts is vital before it grows older. But the Doberman German Shepherd mix is also a loyal and affectionate dog once it grows up. It may even feel emotional when its owner deprives the dog of reciprocation or companionship. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house. The dog needs a backyard space to deplete its energy levels throughout the day. It is not an ideal dog for people living in an apartment since the dog may always feel insecure and wary of strangers that walk the hallways every day. It may even act more aggressively to different people who you interact with and affect your social life as well. If your family lives in colder states and have fewer opportunities to bring out the dog, then it is not a suitable dog for you. Altogether, the Doberman German Shepherd mix makes a fearsome but loving family dog. The important thing to remember is that it is a dog that will protect the family with its life no matter how dangerous the situation could escalate References:.

Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. Jacobs Mixed large breed puppies for sale. Call or text us to get a quick reply. They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.The mom is the bigger beige one in the photos. The dad is also completely beige. Great and knownfor being a nanie dog, a.Three girls Five boys Some are all Black others with some white markings a few with multiple markings. These puppies will have a vet check and vaccines at .Born right on our front step, these sweet-hearts have been handled from day one. Friendly and playful, each.Pyrenees Lab mix - last two puppies are girls. Born July .Mom and Dad have excellent temperament and are.Visit Website Below to Order Now! Only 3 left! Ottawa Available puppies are in photos with gender! Puppies born on August 5th! All puppies come vet checked, Ohsweken 3 males tan and brown solid. Not dewormed, no needles. They will end up around lbs. Free dog cage for the 1st.Both are on site. Have shots and have been dewormed. They are eating puppy food and.Puppies have their first vaccinations dewormed and microchipped. Ready to go as of August .Litter of .Not vet checked. Very playful.

Location: Jacksonville, Florida 5. Leah, the owner and operator of Lucky Pup Ranch, has decades of experience. Golden Retriever puppy with a red collar lying on a comfortable pillow. This breeder was established in .Located in Spring Hill, Lucky Pup Ranch ensures that its dogs get plenty of exercise and stay happy and healthy. Of course, they thoroughly socialize their puppies, and the dogs get used to people of all ages. Call or email this breeder for more information. Ask them how to get on a waiting list and about the process of purchasing a puppy. Contact Details: Email: [email protected] Location: Spring Hill, Florida This highly recommended breeder may not be producing puppies at the moment, reach out to them and let us know if you have any luck! Paradise Golden Retrievers Paradise Golden Retrievers recognizes how much love and attention each and every puppy litter needs. The AKC has inspected this facility, and they found that it lives up to every standard and expectation. This breeder prides itself on providing healthy and happy puppies. Golden Retriever puppies sit close together. Paradise Golden Retrievers has successfully bred Golden Retrievers for more than 15 years. As a reputable and top-notch operation, Paradise only raises between two and four litters each year. That is important, as it ensures that every puppy gets outstanding care and attention. Sadly, this breed is particularly prone to cancer. As many as half of all Golden Retrievers will get cancer. The Goldens from Paradise, however, have a much lower rate. The breeder explained that they have only ever heard about one dog from their facility having this disease. That is an outstanding achievement. Contact Details:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Florida Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Florida? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Florida? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have been breeding and showing Golden Retrievers for over 20 years. Many of our Goldens have gone on to win numerous awards at competitions throughout the U. Some of our pups even starred in Disney movies! Eagleridge has been recognized multiple times for our outstanding achievements and dedication to breeding outstanding Golden Retrievers. We are proudly registered as a Breeder of Merit by the AKC, as recognition for our dedication and passion of breeding beautiful, healthy Golden Retriever puppies. The AKC has also rewarded us with their Silver Medallion as recognition of our success over the years. Baby Francis 3 arriving January ! Testimonials Gus "Good morning! I wanted to reach out and send some photos of Gus who is now a little over a year old. He has gotten into Dock Diving in the last few months and has earned his Dock Senior title. Thank you for a great dog! When I tell you that he did it with no effort, I'm not exaggerating. He did it all on his own! I think he would have passed the test when I received him in July. I think you and your staff should be very proud of the training you provide your puppies! Please thank everyone who worked with Dwayne. In two weeks, he will become a therapy dog with Easter Seals of Alabama. Jen was so helpful, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the whole adoption process. She communicated regularly with us, providing so many updates and videos along the way. We are so fortunate for her and her staff! Thank you Jen and Eagleridge Golden Retrievers!! Jen was always super responsive, knowledgeable and able to answer our many questions. We have had Kevin for about a month and a half now we got him in September and he is settling in perfectly. The training program was a great addition, he is able to follow commands and is very well tempered and so smart. From the adoption process to the training program, we would absolutely recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great experience! This FL boy is definitely enjoying the Northeastern Autumn! Furthermore, being a client since , I could honestly compare the experience from four 4 years ago to this present time. It was as stress free working with Jen Francis as it could possibly be! Her knowledge about this variety of a K9 is remarkable. The quality health , temperament and of course breed beauty and more are on full display at EagleRidge!

Check them out on Amazon here. To learn more about what to feed your golden retriever puppy, check out this article here. Brush Golden retrievers are obviously very fluffy and need to be brushed often. Check this brush out on Amazon here. Check it out on Amazon here. Chew Toy Check it out on Chewy here he had the size small. Plush Toy This is a plush, squeaky toy that will keep your puppy busy for hours. Interactive Toy Interactive toys allow you to play and bond with your puppy, and are great for teaching or reinforcing commands like drop it, sit and stay. Bonus Items The above list is for the bare necessities of what your puppy will need to get started. Below are some extra things that, although are not necessary, have come in pretty handy. Food Storage Container This is great for keeping food fresh and in a convenient place. Since we get the pound bag of food, we get this container that holds 42 pounds of food. Note that this container does not come with a scooper, so we recommend one like this that has measurements on it. Check out the storage container on Amazon here. Exercise Pen Exercise pens are great for confining your puppy to a smaller area while giving them more space to run around in than a crate. Using a combination of baby gates, exercise pens, and the crate will help you keep them safe while also keeping them from chewing up the house. Get this baby gate from Amazon here. Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook Getting everything you need will help you physically prepare for your puppy, but you also need to mentally prepare for your puppy. This book will help you know exactly what to do before you bring your puppy home, how to handle the first month which is the toughest month! Get the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook here. That means get their crate set up, have their food and water bowls in their designated places, and have a few welcome home toys set out to help your new pup have a great experience in your home right away. Find a veterinarian. Locate the nearest emergency animal hospital. Find both the nearest hospital, and the nearest 24 hour hospital. Find a puppy kindergarten class. If you ask any trainer, breeder, or veterinarian how to have a well-behaved pup, nearly all of them will recommend joining a puppy kindergarten class. The socialization aspect alone is worth it. Puppy-proof your house and yard. Get down on your hands and knees to see what your puppy will be seeing remember this: whatever can be chewed will be chewed , and make sure there are no puppy-sized holes that they could escape through in your backyard. For more tips on how to raise your new golden retriever puppy, check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Life With Your Golden Retriever Puppy Although this might seem like a pretty big list, if you have it all when you bring your puppy home with you, it will make the transition time that much easier. Take lots of pictures and videos! Have a question about any of these items? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is getting a puppy and needs to see this list, please share this with them! Related articles:. Food bowl There are endless options of food and water bowls. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption. If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert. Water bowl Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bow l to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food. YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift! They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment — the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat. Gates Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time. We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house. Toys and Chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most. However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking. I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food. By Susan B. Barnes Susan B. Barnes is a lifestyle, food and travel journalist who is as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and sampling fermented shark in Iceland as she is taking her dog on miles-long walks and hanging out at the dog park. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on January 28, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Though she's happy to snuggle and cuddle up with you, she's also an active dog who enjoys being outside, be that going on walks or hikes , to the dog park , or playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard. As a good dog parent, you want to be prepared for whatever adventures await the two of you, but taking a look at all of the products out there for dogs can be overwhelming. From the right collar, leash and harness setup to grooming needs, food bowls, road trip necessities, toys to burn off all that energy, plus a few goodies for the humans, this list has everything you need to take care of the most golden part of your life. Featuring a collar, leash, and waste bag dispenser, you'll be prepared for your walks and your golden will love all the compliments on how handsome she looks. This harness, with its padded chest and belly, is fully adjustable for a perfect fit with leash clips in the front and back. It comes in a variety of colors to coordinate with your dog's leash and collar, too. The adjustable height means the serving tray can grow with your golden, and the pads on the bottom prevent slipping while she eats and drinks. Place a mat under the bowls to catch any water droplets. The stainless steel bowls can be removed and popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Not only will she have to slow down to find the food, but she'll essentially work out a puzzle which keeps her mentally stimulated, too. Choose to purchase just the cover and fill it yourself with old pillows, towels, sheets, or clothes, or you can opt to purchase their eco-friendly fill made from plastic bottles or their memory foam insert. The extra-large size is recommended for full-grown goldens. Not only does the shampoo leave your pup fresh and clean, but it moisturizes and conditions so that after-bath brushings are tangle-free. It's terrific for dogs with sensitive skin, too. With a dense outer coat and thick undercoat, it can take some time to brush out all the layers, but this undercoat rake makes quick work of their luscious locks. One Chewy reviewer wrote that the medium-tooth rake was "so wonderful to get my two golden retrievers' undercoat combed out. Also, the gel grip is quite easy to hold on to. The non-slip handle works for both right- and left-handed users, and ensures you maintain control to avoid any mishaps. One reviewer says: "I stumbled across these supplements while trying to find some joint relief for my golden, Sandy. After only a week I already saw some improvement in her movement and she had an easier time getting up into and out of the car, which was becoming a struggle. Her coat is also looking healthier and she seems to be less itchy. Not only does this fleece-lined coat fit snugly for maximum warmth, but it's waterproof and has reflective strips to stay safe during nighttime walks and winter hikes. They can also help older dogs find traction on slippery floors. Tip: use the printable sizing guide to measure your dog's feet before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. And send us videos of your dog trying them for the first time! This seat cover is not only comfortable for your pup, but waterproof, too. When it's time to go, simply lay the cover over the seat, loop straps around the head rests, push the anchors in, and voila—you're ready to hit the road! One way to do that is to use a harness that doubles as a seat belt: simply attach the harness to the seatbelt using a carabiner, and you'll both be on your way safely and comfortably. Fill the bottle, twist on the top that doubles as a bowl, and when your golden's ready for a drink, squeeze the bottle and water will fill the bowl. Release, and the water disappears back into the bottle. Pop some treats in the holes, cover them up, and watch your pup work her magic to figure out the puzzle and find those tasty rewards. Just like a ball you use to play fetch , this one flies through the air but when she retrieves it, she'll spend some time figuring out how to get to her favorite treats inside. When your pup drops the ball into the top of the launcher, it'll throw it 10, 25, or 40 feet; choose the "random" setting to keep her guessing. Buy Now Change up your game of fetch with this fun Frisbee alternative. This flying squirrel is made of a double canvas material that is durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still agile to spin and tumble in the air, keeping your golden guessing and enticed in play. Shop now: Chuckit! The sturdy sole ensures you'll stay on your feet, and the bone-printed liner is a fun and unexpected treat. Embroidered on percent cotton canvas, and if it gets a little dirty, simply pop it into the washing machine, air dry, and it'll be back on your furniture in no time. The rubber backing prevents slipping when your guests wipe their paws before stepping inside. It's hilarious enough to be a favorite gift for any golden lover on your list, too! Perfect for the dog park, running errands, around the house, or really anywhere you please! The design can also be used on totes, hats, and more. However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!

Contact Us Welcome to Miller Labradors website! Our Labrador Retrievers are English style Labs that are known for their great temperament. This Labrador breed has a block-head and a solid build and a distinctive otter tail. Our Champion bloodline is strong in all our dogs. Our dedication allows us to provide our customers with quality as well as that wonderful Labrador personality. The health of our dogs is very important to us, so we raise healthy Labs to supply to our customers. Mack a California resident Mack lives in California now. He was 1 year old in the above photo. Mack is one of the pups from Hope and Tank Macks owner sent us this note: " Mack is doing wonderful. He's still such a big puppy and absolutely loves everyone. He knows when to be gentle around kids and when to play rough. I don't think there's a mean bone in his body. And he definitely looks after his 'sister' Kaiya! You guys have some amazing dogs! No part of this site or content may be copied or reproduced without Written Permission! All logos and trademarks on this site are property of the respective owner! Email: isobel bellaroyallabradors. My first foray into dog ownership saw me getting involved in both obedience and agility with some success in both. I was soon involved in Working Tests and Field Trials and have had success with several of my dogs including being placed on many occasions as well as winning both Field Trials and working tests. My interest extends beyond just participating in the trials and I have been the Membership Secretary for the Wiltshire Working Gundogs Society for over twelve years as well as having been the Working Test Secretary for the United Retriever Hants and South West for a couple of seasons. I also judge at Field Trials and Working Tests and have done so over the last few years. I established Bellaroyal Labradors in Salisbury, Wiltshire a few years ago with the aim of breeding dogs who are healthy, happy and always a pleasure to work with. All my dogs are active working dogs, picking up at local shoots and, if good enough, competing in Working Tests and Field Trials. I will always seek out a stud dog with an excellent temperament and health scores and they must have proven themselves in the working environment. My aim is to always produce Labradors that are biddable and are equally at home excelling in the field, on a shoot, mixing with the family or simply chilling on the sofa!

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. We, more than anyone, understand that while anatomy, hair, smooth body proportions, good teeth and health are all important, it is also important that the dog has a well-rounded poodle puppies personality. For this reason we can confidently say that when you buy a Poodle puppy from us you will be receiving a suitable and well-socialized fury partner who will spend most of his or her adorable fury life with you for years to come. All our Poodle puppies interact with children, cats, and other dogs of all sizes, so they develop an extremely stable personality and they are incredibly friendly. Quality Poodle Puppies Home Quality poodle puppies stands out as the best breeder for poodle puppies around the united states. Our team are made up of the best professional puppy lovers. Our poodle are well socialize and can survive all over the united states. We have the best shipping policy when it comes to your puppy. Shipping we ship with the best companies across the united states. Why buy from us? Poodle Puppies Home is not only the best and reliable source for you puppy but also the best place you can get advice on your puppy and how to take care of them. What a wonderful dog! We enjoy absolutely every second with him. He is still a ball of pure energy, very playful, affectionate and everything you want out of a dog. Very smart too — he learnt to sit, stay, come, drop and turn all in an afternoon of mucking around at home. Loves our cat Snoek who we got a few months after we brought him home. Also loves big dogs — the bigger the better in his eyes and runs circles around them. His colouring has also turned out beautiful with just the right amount of Poodle in him. We decided to call our new puppy Ruben. We are very happy that we have him. He just gorgeous. And the family loves him. Im just sending a few pictures , the 1st is of Ruben and the other two are George : Thanks so much. Alisa Hester Sleepy time with soft cuddle beds Playtime with a large variety of toys to challenge the mind Exceptional veterinary care Carefully selected foods, vitamins, and treats Intensive routine grooming schedule including tooth brushing Loving home environment.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.