labrador puppy walking time

Shampoo color enhancing if the coat is dull or yellowing Creme Rinse or conditioner Several clean, soft bath towels Young puppies and toy Poodles often do best in the kitchen sink. Prepare this as you would the bathtub by having it clean and having all your supplies within reach. Before you begin the bath, use cotton to gently plug your Poodle's ears so that water cannot enter the ear canal. If your Poodle has any type of chronic ear troubles, you can put a bit of Vaseline on the cotton to make double sure that water does not enter. For show dogs - All topknot, ear wrappers and bands must be removed. While it is not mandatory, if you show, you may find it helpful to part the long mane down the center of the back with a pin brush, letting the long hair fall to ether side. Phase 3 - Shampooing Most owners know this, but it is so important that it must be mentioned: Never use human shampoo. It is vital that the shampoo be Ph balanced for canines, it is essential for healthy skin and coat. All shampoos are either acid, alkali or neutral. The degree of acidity or alkalinity is measured on a Ph scale that runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything between 0 and 7 is "acid" and anything between 7 and 14 is "alkaline" You need to use an alkaline based shampoo on a Poodle. Coats can become stained, colors can become uneven.For this reason, some owners may wish to use color enhancing canine shampoo , which does not contain any dyes but rather intensifies the natural color of the Poodle's coat. For white and light colored Poodles, this will help to remove yellow or grayish discolorations. For black or brown Poodles, it will help to remove any red or orange tipping and make the coat more solid. There are 2 methods for shampooing a Poodle, the most common being to stand the dog in the tub and then use warm water with the spray hose or container to wet the coat thoroughly, avoiding wetting the head or ears. It is very important that the coat be extremely wet, to the roots, before you apply the shampoo. If you are using a hand held spray, hold the nozzle as close as possible to the dog's body, this will force the water to the skin and flush out any dirt. For show dogs, the Poodle should be shampooed and rinsed 2 times. If you are keeping your Poodle in oil treatments, 3 cycles may be necessary. Please do refer to the AllPoodleInfo Book for full chapters on bathing both pet and show Poodles correctly. Phase 4 - Rinsing When rinsing, it is very important to be sure all traces of shampoo are removed. The final rinse should begin at the head, with the eyes covered and ear flaps held down by your hand. If any shampoo remains it can cause the coat to look dull, cause irritation that can result in scratching and it will be more difficult to do an scissoring. Phase 5 - Applying Conditioner or Cream Rinse Shampooing does a great job of cleaning, but unfortunately can cause tangles at the same time. Conditioner is an important step in bathing a Poodle. The shampoo does little to protect the hairs. The conditioner or creme rinse will moisturize the hair and skin, smooth the cuticle, restructure the hair shaft, restore elasticity and add depth of color. Excess moisture should be squeezed from the Poodle's coat 1st and then the rinse or conditioner applied by gently working it into the the coat with your fingertips. You may also be interested in: Removing a tangle from a Poodle - You'll want to take time to try and remove any knots from the coat since clipping them off and add up over time and lead to quite a messy, uneven coat. How to remove Poodle tear stains - If your Poodle has stubborn discoloration of hairs under or around the eyes, you will find this information to be helpful. How much food to feed a Poodle - This section covers all feeding questions including when to offer meals, how much to give and the types of feeding options that owners have. Are you a Member yet? When you sign up to become a Member, you will be able to receive a friendly notice when new information is added to the site. Poodle Coat Issues - Common yet troubling issues that can happen to the coat. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Of course, this may lead you to wonder, what exactly is the right way to give a poodle a bath? Check out the current price on Amazon here. Plastic container: Rinsing is much easier when you have a container to scoop up a little bit of water at a time. Instead, you want to use a shampoo with a Ph level of 7 to .I recently wrote this article on the best shampoos for poodles. You should be able to find the conditioner near the shampoo at any pet store. Rubber mat optional : If you want to make your cleanup extra easy, you can use a rubber mat to set your poodle down when they get out of the bath instead of another towel. A basin of water will do just fine and may make it easier to keep your poodle calm. Brushing him over something will help speed up the cleanup process later. You want to do your best to brush out any snags or tangles in his hair so that his coat maintains positive hygiene and so that you can get a more thorough clean. Ready the Bath for Your Poodle Begin filling your basin with warm water lukewarm is recommended because poodles can get cold pretty quickly. Get Your Poodle in the Bath Gently place your poodle into the water and use a sponge to spread water all over its coat while avoiding places around its eyes, ears, and mouth. By getting it wet with the sponge, you can ease it into the water. Properly Shampoo Your Poodle Stand your poodle up in the basin and rub your alkaline dog shampoo over their coat. Make sure that you get the entire body. You really need to make sure that you get all of the shampoo off of them, or you could end up drying out their coat and their skin. If his hair is still excessively wet, you should dry your poodle some more and then carefully apply the conditioner all over his body. Dry Your Poodle Thoroughly Remember that even if your poodle is an adult, he can get cold easily. Then gently dry him off with another towel until his coat is only slightly damp. If you bathe a poodle too often, he can develop problems with dry skin. So how often exactly should you be bathing your poodle? Generally, poodles should be bathed once every three weeks. This gives enough time for a poodle to secrete the correct amount of oils to keep the skin moisturized, Occasionally, skin conditions can develop that require lotions or salves to dry the skin. A poodle puppy should be bathed after 3 months of age or when all vaccines have been administered. Bathing your puppy during the weaning process is unnecessary as poodle mothers clean their puppies up until they are fully weaned. Bathing your poodle puppy before three months of age is not advised because: 1. Mother will clean them: Bathing your poodle puppy before three months of age can be a bad idea because the mother will clean them if your puppy is still being weaned. Giving your dog an extra bath will likely dry out the skin and cause problems later. Bathing can Interfere with vaccinations: Bathing your poodle can affect the way they interact with vaccinations. It is Easier to dry out their skin: Poodle puppies can be fragile little things. Puppies can get too cold: Poodles, in general, get cold relatively easily. When they are really small, they are more vulnerable. When poodles are young, their hair is short and wavy, making them less prone to mats and tangles. Ways to clean a poodle puppy when under three months of age include: 1. Just gently wipe away the grime in the specific areas that have built up. Dry bathing products: Most pet stores carry dry bathing products for puppies and dogs that are averse to water. You can use dry foam to clean your puppy if he gets really messy. Baby Wipes: If your dog just has a little mud on the paws from going out, you can use baby wipes to clean them. Just pick up their paws one at a time and wipe them down. Do Poodles Like Baths? Most poodles love to take baths. Poodles were originally bred to be water retrievers and typically enjoy being in the water. Poodles secrete natural oils that make their coats moisture-resistant and prevents the skin from drying out. Poodles are actually known for being really strong swimmers. Before they became the fashion stars we know and love today, poodles were originally bred to be water retrievers. Meaning people would get them specifically for their skills in the water. While the vast majority of poodles enjoy being in the water, there are always outliers who, for whatever reason, do not. If this sounds like your poodle, just remember to remain consistent and try to give him a bath on the same day, at the same time, every three weeks. Some after bathing hygiene tips for your poodle include: 1. If your dog currently has a lot of tangles and snags in its coat, you should use a bristle brush to comb them out. Using Steel Scissors for Mats If your poodle has particularly bad mats or tangles you can use steel scissors to carefully cut them out. Just remember this is a last resort. You really want to keep their coat as intact as possible. This is why regular bathing, brushing, and grooming is so important. Fortunately, you have a few options depending on what your dog takes to. First, you can try brushing their teeth once a day. Make sure you never use human toothpaste but instead use dog toothpaste from your local pet store. Some dogs hate having their teeth brushed. If this is your dog, you can try using a dental spray or dental treats. Balancing your Poodles hygiene is really important because it can help them avoid issues like tangles and snags in their coats and prevent them from developing dry skin. Too much bathing, and they get dry skin. Too little, and their coat gets tangled. Therefore, when you bathe your poodle is just as important as how. When you actually do give them the bath, make sure you use warm water and rinse all the shampoo out so that there is none leftover to dry out their skin. Then apply some conditioner, and you should be all set! If you keep up a consistent bathing schedule, your poodle should remain happy and healthy! I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world.

Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs? Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. We had our first litter in and French Bulldogs Joined our family in the rest his history we love both breeds. Most of our dogs also carry color s. So when needed we test puppies pior to selling. Our puppies are dewormed at 2, 4 ,6 and 8 weeks they will have their health check up, first set of shots and fecal examination, checking for parasites at 7 weeks old. Len Lucero located in Sumterville Florida. A Furever Friend Our goal is to find loving homes for all our bulldog babies. We have a contract that is to be read over and signed before moving forward with any puppy sale. This way we know our babies will be placed into loving homes. This also expains our health guarantee for any puppy produced here at Childs Bulldogs. We will take back any of our puppies at any point in their lifetime for any reason. We also provide lifetime support if issues should arise and you have questions. Please contact us if you have any questions. We are happy to help you find a new family member. If our puppies aren't for you or we don't have a puppy, we are happy to send you to another reputable breeder who holds health, temperament and structure to the same standard we do. We have an incubator complete with an oxygen concentrator and nebulizer. We also have fresh frozen plasma on hand along with all the necessary whelping supplies, complete with a scale to monitor their daily weight until they are about weeks old. We also work closely with 2 veterinarians that are avaiable 24 hours a day for anything we may need to help with the development of all our puppies. Our passion for this unique and beloved breed is evident in every puppy that we raise. From their sparkling eyes, to their wrinkled faces, and their short, stocky legs, English Bulldogs are truly one of a kind. At Dazzling Bulldogs, we take pride in carefully selecting and breeding only the healthiest and most beautiful bulldogs to ensure that each and every puppy we raise is nothing short of perfect. Let us help you bring a little bit of dazzle into your life with one of our adorable bulldog puppies. Visit our website to learn more and find your new furry family member today. We are a family breeder, All of our bulldogs live inside our home and our loved as family pets. Every litter we have is hand raised inside from birth. Our Website was created to help educate animal lovers about our favorite breed, The English Bulldog. WE specialize in rare colors and Merle English Bulldogs. Dazzling English Bulldog Puppies for Sale We keep a waiting list for our puppies and have an application process to assure they go to a loving stable environment. Our English Bulldogs are all our pets and are our family members. The English Bulldog breeder you decide to go with can be the best or worst decision when looking at an English Bulldog puppy for sale. .We make sure to only feed the best food and breed genetically healthy lines. Pick your breeder carefully and as a result, you will be assured of the healthiest English Bulldog puppy having the least amount of issues. When you purchase a puppy from Dazzling Bulldogs, you will have lifetime advice and guidance any time day or night. Fur Ever Family Dazzling Bulldogs was created solely to unite loving companion puppies with owners who need them as much as they need us. If you have any questions please feel free to call us directly at the number below. We would love to speak with you and guide you in the fun and exciting process of finding your newest family member! Show me the Puppies Get ready to fall in love with Dazzling Bulldogs, the premier English bulldog breeder that is dedicated to providing the ultimate bulldog experience.

Tom Thorpe Blog Have you ever wondered how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers? That said, if you have a female golden retriever and someday you want to let her have some litter, you are prepared and able to calculate some expenses beforehand. In this article, I will attempt to cover the question regarding how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers. Average litter size of golden retrievers Time and again, we always say that golden retrievers are a one of a kind canine breed. The fact that they are the friendliest, affectionate, energetic, and stranger to none, these reasons are what makes the golden retrievers popular and it will become one for many years to come. Interestingly enough, the largest litter size was produced by a Neapolitan Mastiff back in .On the other hand, the largest litter ever produced by a golden retriever is 17 albeit there are no official records, only online sources that only appeared. With that, golden retrievers are capable of producing a litter between 1 to 17 young pups. We can safely assume that golden retriever breeds have an average litter size of 4 to 8 puppies. For most instances, the first litter size is somewhat smaller compared to succeeding litters. Also, this is true among golden retriever breeders. They know the ins and out of very golden retrievers. Another important fact you should keep in mind is the ratios of females and males differ. Other litter will have more females than males, while in some, males are more. In addition, there is a small chance that the puppies are of one gender only. This is because there are numerous factors that make the outcome of the litter different from any other golden retrievers and other canine breeds. Thereby the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever will likely have come from these factors such as: Consider the genetic factor Every canine is different from the other, although they have some commonality if we are going to categorize them according to their breeds. But still, they have different genetic structures and they are all individual creatures. This also includes the litter size. The most common observation in regards to litter size, if the mother of your female golden retriever produces in large litter size, chances are, your female dog also will produce a large litter size. That is, of course, assuming some factors remain constant. In relation to the litter size, keep in mind that the majority of the traits largely came from a dam female dog and the small percentage came from the sire male dog. The sire has likely had an influence on the litter size. Among the sire can influence are health, age, size, breed, and genetic structures. Gene Pool Diversity At some point, the gene pool diversity will somehow affect the litter size. This again will vary from dog to dog. The fact that canine who are drawn from diverse backgrounds tend to have large litters. Diet Another factor to consider is the diet. Compared to dogs fed with substandard kibble food and supplement. Health Again, health plays a crucial role. This is because they can somehow affect and have a chance to have more puppies. That said, if the golden retriever is not healthy enough, it will inevitably affect the litter size. An ideal healthy weight for golden retrievers is usually slim, and those who are overweight are prone to health issues. Thus, giving a routine exercise and a well-balanced diet has a possibility to produce in larger litters. More particularly in the case of a male dog. Male dogs who are 5 years old and above have a smaller sperm count than those who are in ages 5 years and below. This means the litter size will also decrease. This is the reason why dog breeders who have dog show quality are often bred extremely and intensively in order to produce as many quality female dogs as possible. But, it has a more major point in influencing the size of the litter size than the male and this is actually quite true. That means, dogs over the age of 7 years will have a greater chance to produce large litters than those of young age under 5 years of age. Usually, the first litter regardless of age will likely be smaller than the succeeding production of litters to come. Also, a female golden retriever who was never been bred until the age of 5 will have a tendency to produce smaller litters that are permanent. On that note, the ideal age of female golden retrievers where there is a yield in litter size is between the age of 2 to 5 years. Generally, the larger the breed, the larger the litter size. In the case of golden retrievers, the average size of litter rangers from 4 to 8 and other dog breeds like Spaniels. The fact that genetics and other various factors in dogs alone have the possibility to increase the litter size, all these factors lead to a different outcome and are somewhat related. But can humans influence or somehow affect the size of a litter? Is there any correlation regarding this? The short answer is yes, but to a certain extent only. The long answer is, although yes, there are no guarantees as to how much can humans change the course of the litter size. Fortunately, there are things that humans may likely increase the odds. In fact, breeders who are using artificial intelligence are becoming even more rampant. Thanks to the ai, the chances of finding champion dogs both in the US alone and abroad are getting bigger. However, artificial insemination does not produce large litter sizes. Instead, it only produces a small litter size. Moreover, the kind of semen will largely affect the litter size regardless if it is frozen, chilled, or fresh. In addition, canine sperm will likely die because their semen does not freeze well. Post Breeding Management The best possible and simplest way to somewhat affect the litter size of your golden retriever is just to have the best possible care. Nothing more nothing less. Obviously, any dogs who lack proper nutrition and have an imbalanced diet will greatly decrease the chance of having a large litter size. If the golden retriever has improper housing and has nutrient deficiencies, they can absorb puppies due to lack of care. So, see to it that your female golden retriever has everything they need. Make sure to not miss any appointments in their scheduled checkups with your local vet. Give them proper nutritional needs and also groom them regularly. Care Tips for Golden Retrievers Proper Treatments The best way to secure a healthy pregnancy for your female golden retriever is to have her getting proper treatments. That means, getting treatments for fleas and worms should be consistent even while in pregnancy. Vaccinations Treatments and vaccinations are the most important and should be regularly maintained if necessary. This will guarantee that the antibodies are optimal while the female mother has a puppy bump. Consult your vet with the best possible vaccines in order to keep your dog healthy. There is some vaccination that can be administered while your dog is in pregnancy. The fact that pregnant golden retrievers or any dogs will feel become lethargic when the due is near. With having adequate exercise before their pregnancy, your dog will become fit and able to carry on while she has a puppy bump that is about to give birth. This can lead to stress and other health condition that may greatly affect their pregnancy. Final Thoughts All in all, I hope the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever is completely answered. If you are still confused, the average litter size they can produce is about 4 to 8. Also, if you are a first-time pet owner who has a pregnant golden retriever, you should know what to expect and even know some basic tips regarding the proper care of your pregnant golden retriever. Keep in mind that they should stay fit and healthy plus groom them regularly. Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Nov 29, Nov 5, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Busy taking care of puppies! A couple of weeks ago, Raven, our Golden Retriever had her first litter of puppies. Several weeks before she had her puppies we were all curious about how many puppies Raven would have in her first litter. And what did we learn? Bring your Calmeroos Puppy the day you pick up your puppy and rub it all over his litter mates and mama. Ten years later my memory of all those puppies is still vivid. Of course in the end we came home with our first puppy, Linus! Back then the smallest litter we saw was two six-week-old black Labrador Retriever pups. Our friends at Guide Dogs of America have experienced many, many more litters than I have or probably ever will in my lifetime. I would guess they have a litter of pups at the school nearly every week sometimes two litters a week! So what did I hear from my GDA friends? The largest litter I heard about was 16 Golden Retriever puppies! Let me say that again: 16 puppies!!! The smallest litter size was 1 lonely puppy…although only children get all the attention…right, Ali Ali is my wife…an only child :? After personal experience and talking to friends and family the consensus was Raven could have anywhere between 1 and 16 puppies. Our Golden Retriever puppies! Time for a little bit of internet research. Just ask Google the following questions and find the answers in the featured snippet: What is the average first litter size for a Golden Retriever? The average litter size for a golden retriever is eight puppies. Litter sizes vary from four to 12 puppies, and humans are not usually needed for help in the birthing process. Other sites in the top 10 search have similar numbers for average litter size. What is the largest litter size for a Golden Retriever? So we can probably expect less than 24 puppies…lol. The largest litter of Golden Retrievers we found on the internet were 17 Golden pups. The Golden Retriever Forum and other sites mention Golden litters as small as one puppy. After talking to friends, and family, and doing my internet research the consensus was Raven would probably have between puppies with the outside possibilities of only 1 pup or up to 17 remote possibility of 24! We took care of litters of puppies, but the youngest pups we had were already 3 weeks old. We got those little cuties when they were about weeks old and at that age, they were a handful. I specifically remember one of the rescue leaders saying that 5 or fewer puppies are much easier to handle. That number 5 has stuck in my head for over 10 years! My fingers were crossed… Puppies from our our Golden litter! However, the day we planned on bringing her in for an X-Ray her temperature dropped which was an indication she was close to giving birth. Rather than risk her giving birth in my car on the way to the vet we opted out of the X-Ray. Raven went into labor on Wednesday, November 9th, , and at… am — Female. There are a range of factors that contribute to the overall litter size. Often genetics play an important role in the size of the litter. The size of the breed as well as the overall health of parents also effect the total litter size. Golden retrievers are considered a large breed dog, resulting in larger litters. Many sites state various different ranges. Websites, with less authority, like Ask and PetPlanet have a range of puppies per litter. Their overall average is 8. The American Kennel Club used to state that the average litter size was in the range of .However, that information can no longer be found. With smaller litters it could quite possibly be that the bitch was not bred at the proper time. Some of the eggs may not have been fertilized. The stud may have tied too early, or too late. Or it could have been possible that the sire was too old and not producing an adequate sperm count. The overall health of both parents can also be considered. It could also be a problem with the mother, such as injury, or physical defects. With litters on the larger end, sometimes they may have to be delivered cesarean. If the time of delivery is too long, some puppies may be stillborn. Cases have occurred where a puppy may be retained in the uterus causing other problems. Litters this large are generally not in the best interest of the mother. From my experience, most litters are indeed around in number. That could just be coincidental. Further litters often will have less. This is just something I have seen, but is not scientific. It is also important to note that male and female ratios can go in either directions. It is also possible to have a litter with all one gender. Our recent litter from Tina came out all female. She had eight female puppies at once. I was told by another breeder that she had a litter of 10 that were all female. It is very unlikely, but it does happen. We derived that number from hundreds of litters from various breeders. As mentioned above, the range is between 1 to 15 puppies in a litter. A breeder can find out how many puppies a female may have while pregnant via x-ray or ultrasound. An x-ray can be taken after the bones have ossified. That occurs around days of gestation. Ultrasounds can be taken around days to confirm pregnancy, but confirming the litters size is less accurate. It is however less damaging on the mother and puppies.

However, it can be riddled with many questions and obstacles along the way. You can also start here at Doodle Doods in search of breeder reviews. See Also: Click the image One of the most important things to look for is rigorous health testing for genetic conditions. An ethical breeder ensures that all parent pups are tested for various hereditary diseases that Goldendoodles are prone to. Health testing should include OFA for hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, heart, eyes, and thyroid. For hip and elbow dysplasia, breeders can also provide PennHip testing. Equally important is that a breeder provides at least a two-year health guarantee that covers any tested genetic conditions. A good breeder has no problem showing you the health records and walking you through everything you might want to know about. Additionally, a good breeder has a great track-record in terms of past adoptions and litters. Look for online reviews, testimonials, or you can even ask the breeder if a previous customer would be happy to share their experience with you. All of the breeders in this article are highly-rated, follow ethical practices like rigorous health testing, and are recommended by many happy Goldendoodle owners. View all New York Goldendoodle breeders listed in our extensive Doodle breeder directory! This exceptional breeder specializes in Multigenerational Goldendoodles due to their higher non-shed success rate. In fact, all of their lines originate from AKC registered purebred parents. Fox Creek Farm follows the best, most current enrichment protocols. They raise their puppies with the Puppy Culture program , Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , and even introduce the pups to doggie door training, crate training, and basic commands. What Makes This Breeder Unique? At Fox Creek Farm, all of their parent dogs have been extensively tested and cleared for numerous genetic health conditions, including the hips, elbows, patella, eyes, heart, and many others. Waitlist: Yes, but be sure to contact them for current availability — who knows, you might get lucky! Goldendoodle Breeder Contact Details:. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption.

This cancer has a very grave prognosis. Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy Nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy nutritional DCM is a heart disease Labrador Retrievers may acquire by eating a grain-free diet that contains peas, legumes, or lentils among the top five ingredients. DCM causes the heart to become dilated and unable to function properly. Labrador Retrievers with mild to moderate DCM may be asymptomatic. In severe cases, symptoms include rapid heart rate, cough, difficulty breathing, lethargy, lack of appetite, collapse, weight loss, and even death. This heart condition may first be detected by a veterinarian hearing a heart murmur during a routine exam, or by a blood test called an NT-proBNP assay that measures heart function. If nutritional DCM is diagnosed early, it can be reversed by feeding the dog a high-quality diet containing grain, and also by providing cardiac supplements. If the disease is advanced it cannot be reversed, but heart medications may be able to manage it for a period of time. You can prevent this condition by feeding your Labrador a well-balanced diet that includes grain. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a disease of the eye that can occur as a result of various genetic mutations. The retina slowly degenerates over a period of time, leading to permanent dilation of the pupils and eventual blindness. PRA can be diagnosed with an eye exam. It usually develops in Labrador Retrievers at 3 to 9 years of age. Gene therapy may be helpful for dogs with this condition, but more research needs to be done to improve the outcome. Dogs that carry these genetic mutations should not be bred. What to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy formula made for large breeds until they are a year old. Once they reach adulthood, they will need to transition to a high-quality adult formula for large breeds. To avoid complications with nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , talk with your veterinarian about appropriate dog foods that are not grain-free. A grain-free diet with peas, legumes, or lentils among the top five ingredients has been linked to this heart condition. How to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers do best with twice-daily feedings, morning and evening. They love to eat and are known to eat very quickly. If you notice your dog gobbling food down, consider a slow-feeding device. This will regulate the amount of food your dog can eat at one time and prevent regurgitation and stomach upset that can happen if they eat too quickly. Labrador Retrievers are deep-chested, and if they eat too quickly this can lead to bloat , an emergency situation where the stomach twists on itself. How Much to Feed a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever puppies have rapid growth spurts, so feed them a high-quality puppy formula when they are under 12 months of age. Puppy food will provide the extra calories they need to grow to their full potential. Follow the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag of large-breed puppy formula based on age and expected body weight. Once your Labrador Retriever is 1 year old, switch to a high-quality large-breed adult formula—which has fewer calories than the puppy version—to prevent unwanted weight gain. To determine how much to feed your Labrador Retriever , check the feeding guidelines on the bag and chat with your veterinarian to find the appropriate portions to help keep your dog at a healthy weight. Nutritional Tips for Labrador Retrievers Starting a Labrador Retriever on a joint supplement early in life can help slow down or possibly prevent arthritis. Virbac Movoflex , Synovi Chews , Dasuquin , Cosequin , and Flexadin are some examples of joint supplements that have gone through clinical trials and been proven effective. Another supplement to consider for a Labrador Retriever is an omega-3 fatty acid fish oil. This supplement helps to reduce inflammation in the joints, makes the coat shiny, and protects the skin barrier from allergens in the environment. They are very affectionate toward children, other pets, and even strangers. They love to play and are highly energetic throughout most of their lives. They need lots of exercise and attention to make them happy. Labrador Retrievers are considered moderate barkers. They are not known for digging in the yard. It is rare for a Labrador Retriever to show any sign of aggression. They may try to eat socks, shoes, furniture, and other items, or get into the trash. Therefore, keep a watchful eye on puppies and spend the time to train them on what they can and cannot eat. To help deter barking, start redirecting the behavior early and finding healthier outlets. Labrador Retriever Training Labrador Retriever puppies are very energetic and will grow into very strong dogs. It is highly recommended that Labrador Retriever puppies participate in puppy training and obedience training classes. They need to be socialized with different people and pets, so they get used to being around others at a young age. Be sure to quickly correct any bad puppy behaviors that arise—such as biting, growling, chewing on objects, and trying to eat random items—so that these behaviors do not continue and worsen over time. Fun Activities for Labrador Retrievers Scent work. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. These dogs are typically mild-tempered, sociable, easily trained, loyal and playful. Labs also require relatively little care and attention when compared to more high-maintenance breeds. Still, some health conditions are more common among Labradors. Here are some health problems your Lab may experience, along with a few ways to prevent them. Joint Problems Many Labs suffer from joint problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia. These conditions affect the hip or elbow joints, prohibiting normal movement and causing pain and immobility. Bloat and Obesity Obesity is a common problem for many dogs, including Labs. It refers to a distended abdomen due to a swollen or twisted stomach. In addition, your dog should not exercise too soon after eating. Stetson would eat an entire bag of food in no time flat if we let him. Make sure you control how much your feed your dog by feeding him the appropriate amount of food. Ear Infections Labradors are known for their large, floppy ears, which give them a comical look that is rather endearing. However, their large ears also provide a suitable breeding ground for bacteria, making Labs more susceptible to ear infections. If you believe your dog has developed an ear infection, please see a vet immediately for treatment. Heart Disease Heart disease is a common problem in the canine community. Make sure your dog stays up-to-date on all vaccinations, eats high-quality kibble, stays hydrated and gets regular exercise. If your dog is diagnosed with heart disease, your vet may recommend a supplement like Vetmedin Chewable Tablets to protect against congestive heart failure. Give your pet a recommended Vetmedin dosage to protect against heart disease and always strive to help him maintain a healthy weight. Medication helped him for a short period his health declined rapidly. Healthy eating Keep a healthy weight Regular exercise These are just a few things that I think are not only important for you, but for your dog as well. What about you guys? Does your Labrador have any of these common health conditions? Or maybe even some uncommon ones. Tell us your story 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. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Labs and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Bouncy, cheerful, loyal, and enthusiastic Good with kids and other pets Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please Even temper and gentle disposition However, no dog is perfect! Of course! Loyal and lively, these water-loving dogs make exceptional family members and hunting partners. They were valued by fisherman for their trainability, trustworthiness, and work ethic. Fulfilling their retriever name, they would dive into icy cold waters to help pull in fishing nets and occasionally catch stray fish that had escaped. Today the Labrador comes in two varieties: the American tall and lanky or English short and stocky. Whether American or English ancestry, there are three color versions — black, blonde, and brown. When given plenty of vigorous exercise and attention, these sweethearts are gentle and well-behaved in the home. All you need is a ball to throw and your Lab will love you for life! The Labrador Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Labrador. By knowing about health concerns specific to Labrador Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Labrador Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Labrador Retrievers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Lab looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Lab is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Labrador Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Labrador is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Labrador is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a chronic liver disease, called hepatitis, starting when he is middle aged. We usually diagnose it with blood testing and liver biopsy, and we treat it with medication and special diets. Signs of liver disease do not usually occur until most of the liver is already damaged or destroyed. Early detection and intervention with routine blood screening allows us to detect this problem at an earlier, more treatable stage. Bleeding Disorders Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia Labradors are particularly prone to some relatively rare diseases of the blood. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of the normal bright pink color. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Labrador Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Illustration showing a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee joint. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Lab. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. When Labrador puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Labrador Retriever causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Labs have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections. It is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Labrador Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Labrador Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. The adrenal glands are situated along the vena cava the large vein in the abdominal cavity near each kidney. These small glands release many important hormones in the body. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Lab is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite and reduced activity level. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Labrador Retrievers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some breeds like your Labrador can be born with a variety of heart defects. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Exercise Induced Collapse Exercise Induced Collapse, or EIC, is just what it sounds like — a young, apparently healthy Labrador collapses to the ground suddenly while exercising. In a few minutes, the weakness passes and he can get up again. Affected dogs cannot run for too long, especially in hot weather, so a day of hunting or strenuous hiking is probably not a good idea. Heat stroke can occur along with EIC. Limiting exercise is the only treatment and pet parents should be vigilant to avoid overheating. Genetic testing can be done to diagnose the disease and to screen dogs before breeding. Muscle Disease Labrador Retrievers may develop a disease of the muscles, called myopathy, somewhere between three and seven months old. Physical signs include bunny hopping, loss of muscle tone in the limbs, a stiff gait, or carrying the head low. Most dogs with myopathy are stabilized by twelve months of age, have a normal life span, and are suitable as house companions: no hunting or working! Taking Care of Your Labrador Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Lab live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Labrador Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Always walk your Lab on a leash, she has a tendency to run off after interesting smells and people. She has a passion for water and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Labrador Retriever needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Labrador counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island. Outgoing, eager, full of energy, adventurous Common Health Problems: Elbow and hip dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, obesity Labrador Retriever: How Do I Look? Coat Type and Colors Labrador retrievers have a beautifully thick, water-repellent double coat. There are only three official colors you can find: black, chocolate, and yellow. This creates a moist environment that bacteria loves. You should also keep your dog's nail clipped and teeth brushed regularly to prevent infection and disease. This breed is adaptable to almost every environment, happy to be with their pet parents and any visitors they may have in their home. Sport-lovers, hikers, runners, soccer players, and active children will have the perfect companion. Trainability Labrador retrievers are very intelligent dogs who are eager to please their pet parent, making for easy, successful training. Good With Kids? Labrador retrievers are fabulous family dogs who are excited to participate in all household activities. Exercise Needs Labs have an extreme amount of energy and need a significant amount of daily activity. You should expect to spend at least an hour each day exercising your Lab so they are happy and on their best behavior. Whether it be playing fetch or a long walk, there are many ways to get their hour of play time in. Labs make great working dogs because of their exceptional abilities to hunt and track game. Good With Other Pets? Labs are generally friendly and non-aggressive towards all animals. Take the time to socialize your pets with slow, supervised introductions until you are sure the two or three, or more animals will get along without you. Labrador Retriever History Hailing from Newfoundland, Labrador retriever dogs were bred to assist farmers and fishermen bringing in fish. Here are some of the most popular mixes: Labradoodle: a Labrador retriever mixed with a poodle. Labsky: a Labrador retriever mixed with a Siberian husky. Boarador: a Labrador retriever mixed with a border collie. Aussiedor: a Labrador retriever mixed with an Australian shepherd. Beagador: a Labrador retriever mixed with a beagle. Common Labrador Retriever Health Issues Your Lab should be seen by a veterinarian for routine check-ups to keep them healthy. Contributes to joint problems like elbow and hip dysplasia Lower life expectancy For most Labs, a healthy weight ranges between 55 and 75 lbs. Always do your own research when picking the right food for your dog, but if you need a place to start, try BARK Food for Labs! Elbow dysplasia requires surgery to treat, but the prognosis for pups is usually good—especially if you catch it early. In Labradors, hip dysplasia affects males more frequently. If your dog develops osteochondritis dissecans, you may notice signs such as: Limping or lameness limping may be persistent or come and go Sometimes swelling or heat in the affected joint Signs of discomfort like crying or whimpering when the joint is touched or moved Treatment protocols for this condition depend on how severely the cartilage is torn. If the tear is minor, rest and anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient for promoting healing. In more severe cases, Labs may require surgery to repair or remove damaged cartilage. The first sign of EIC is usually a change in gait. You may notice: Stiff, awkward movements, or dragging of the hind legs Post-exercise staggering or incoordination Weakness, especially in the hind legs Excessive panting Collapse Elevated temperature If your dog has EIC, vets usually recommend avoiding excessive exercise altogether. Not only are ear infections painful, but they can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. A good rule of thumb is at least 30 minutes of exercise per day—walking, playing fetch, swimming, etc. Finally, providing a nutritionally balanced, Labrador retriever-specific diet and measuring out portions can help keep yours trim and strong. And, while it can be difficult, do your best to stay strong before those soulful eyes and keep your dinner leftovers on your plate! Furthermore, genetic testing can determine whether or not your Lab is at a higher risk of developing certain health conditions e. Popular breeds like Labradors are frequently found in shelters and rescue societies, waiting for a warm new home. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing on both parents and puppies, so they should be able to provide you with a health profile of your new Labrador puppy. Give them just as much love in return by taking care of their health with routine care, plenty of daily exercise, affection, mental stimulation, and regular vet visits. One of the best things you can do for your Lab is to nourish them with high-quality, nutritional food tailored to their specific breed. Our dog food boasts the right balance of nutrients, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to prevent the most common Labrador retriever health issues before they start. Sources: American Kennel Club. Most popular dog breeds of .Obesity is a common problem in labrador retrievers. Canine elbow dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD in dogs. Dynamin-1 associated exercise-induced collapse. Ear infections in dogs otitis externa.

Will my dog get sick from eating poop? Poop eating can definitely be a concern to a pet owner since it can make your dog sick. If your dog is eating its own poop, itmay be OK, but there is still a chance of illness. Especially if your dog is eating the poop of another dog or animal, there is a large risk of infectious diseases or parasites. Some symptoms of poop eating include gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea, decreased appetite, tiredness and intestinal parasites , according to Muenster Milling. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has eaten poop and is experiencing any behavioral changes or symptoms. How often should I take my dog to the vet? And how to know if your pet needs a checkup How can I keep my dog from eating poop? To curb your pup from eating poop, you may consider vitamin or enzyme supplements. These can help if your dog is eating poop due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B, says the AKC. There are also various deterrents on the market, which make poop less appetizing to your dog. Other methods to stop your dog from eating poop include training, — using commands like "leave it,' — keeping a close eye during walks and cleaning up poop immediately. They may act inappropriately or display unwanted aggression toward something harmless. Other times, canines follow instincts that have no basis with humans. Perhaps one of the most unpleasant aspects of pet ownership is coprophagy or eating stool. German Shepherds are just as likely to show this unwanted behavior as any other breed. Some may theorize that instinctive drives are stronger in these dogs because of their resemblance to their wild counterparts. However, there are also other reasons why it occurs that may have health or behavioral roots. Knowing the cause can help you find a way to stop it. New evidence suggests a different path where the two species share a common ancestor. That means some of the hardwiring that existed in the wild may still reside in your German Shepherd. Their canine ancestors lived a life of feast or famine. Coprophagy may be a remnant of those survival instincts. Image Credit: cvop, Pixabay 2. Other animals will also eat feces, such as rabbits, nonhuman primates, and rodents. Maternal Instinct Is at Work Dogs are born helpless at birth. They are utterly dependent upon their mothers. That even covers the most basic things, such as staying warm or eliminating. A female will lick the puppies to encourage them to urinate and defecate. To protect them and themselves, the pup will clean up after the offspring. Another health condition that occurs frequently is thyroid disease. That can manifest itself in stool-eating behavior. Some disorders cause an abnormal increase in appetite, which a pup tries to meet this way. The bacteria interfere with the absorption of nutrients, which a pup will try to meet with other inappropriate sources. A Parasitic Infection May Encourage This Undesirable Behavior An intestinal parasitic infestation can cause similar symptoms, such as an abnormal appetite. The parasites consume the nutrients that the German Shepherd should get from its diet. Dogs can get infected in various ways. One of the most common is eating the feces of other animals, such as rabbits. This breed is an affectionate and loyal dog that is prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often. Failure to provide a mentally stimulating environment can set up the perfect storm for the pet to pick up undesirable behaviors, such as coprophagy. Image Credit: Vach cameraman, Shutterstock Controlling the Problem The first step toward stopping this problem is getting your dog a thorough examination by a vet. As our list shows, several medical reasons may prompt this behavior. Nutrient deficiencies are another common cause. A supplement is also an appropriate way to treat this condition. Your vet will likely recommend follow-up testing if a medical cause is behind the problem. The next steps may focus on the behavioral side. Factors such as separation anxiety or long stretches in a crate can cause a dog to act in this manner. You should also take an active role in preventing it while on walks or at the doggy park. Some of the canine instincts may not make sense to us. Nevertheless, they are perfectly normal in the canine world. Fortunately, correcting unwanted habits like stool eating is possible. It involves finding out the cause behind it and taking the appropriate actions. Harsh punishment during house training. And one important factor for this stinky act is the influence of other dogs. And who is the most influential to your pooch? His mother, of course. They lick the puppies as a way of encouraging them to pass their bowels. And when the little ones do, mommy dog will clean them up by eating their feces. Because of this, puppies develop the habit of eating poop. But it is not only mommy who is at fault. Having more than one German Shepherd, or several dog breeds, under one roof leads to imitation. It is not surprising if they begin to act alike or share the same habits, like snacking on poop. Your four-legged pal is snacking on poop! Stop him, of course! While veterinarians like Dr. Hart revealed that eating poop is natural for canines, it is still important to end the behavior. Well, for one, you would not want to kiss and cuddle with a pooch that reeks of stinking feces! But that is the least of your concerns. It can cause serious health issues, such as parasitic infections. Why is your German Shepherd buddy feasting on disgusting feces? Is he eating enough? And getting all the nutrients that his body needs? Are you giving him enough attention? Or maybe he is suffering from a medical condition? Prompt identification of what is causing the problem is crucial in solving it. But more than that, it will frighten you. What is wrong with my furbaby? A proper health check will reveal things that will help you understand why your dog is acting that way. More importantly, you will be able to find out whether your canine buddy is suffering from an illness or not. And you can help him before it gets too late. From there, you and the vet can develop a plan of action that can help your dog, like giving the necessary medications and administering proper treatments. If it is, then the solution is easy. All you have to do is provide a complete and balanced meal for your big buddy. Omega 3 fatty acids from vegetables. Healthy fat from sources that contain fish oil. Small amounts of digestible carbohydrates from barley, oats, and rice. High-quality protein from whole meat sources like beef and organ meats. The most common deficiency is that of Vitamin B. If this is the case, consider this: What is in the food you give your German Shepherd? Do you feed him enough? Does he need supplements? Consult your vet to find the answers. Then, you can give your pooch the proper supplements he needs to stay healthy and fit. This does not only refer to the inside of the house. The yard also needs to be kept clean, especially if this is where your dog takes his dump. As soon as your German Shepherd does his business, pick up his poop. This might sound like the simplest and most obvious thing to do. Because when he gets bored, he can start munching on anything he finds, poop included. But, attention alone is not enough to keep your pooch away from poop. Proper supervision is essential in stopping coprophagia. Distract the eager canine when he starts sniffing on something debatable. And keep him away from places where there is bound to be dirt and poop. Note: Put your German Shepherd on a leash when you go on walks. But also give him time to run freely in a safe environment, a dog park, for example. And the best way to avoid this feeling is not to punish them. If a German Shepherd is punished for pooping in the house, he may eat his poop in order to get rid of it. This is his attempt to remove the reason which he gets punished for. So, instead of punishing your dog, you can potty train him more effectively. Because if you are too hard on him, you can ruin your relationship. When you successfully do this, your big buddy will slowly ignore his waste after taking a dump. Reward him with a quick treat when he comes to you afterward. This will make him salivate, allowing him to naturally wash his own mouth. Let your dog chew on a dental stick or treat. Just be careful not to push your fingers too far in or your dog might gag. Conclusion It is uncomfortable, disgusting, and quite disappointing to know that your German Shepherd is eating poop. But remember, dogs are inclined to do it. Once you put the tips above into action, your dog will surely steer away from the unwanted behavior. Just make sure you couple your actions with patience, understanding, and love for your best buddy. German Shepherds may eat their own poop for any number of reasons. Dietary deficiency, diseases, copycat behavior, behavioral problems, and even ancient genetic instincts may be reasons why your GSD eats their own stool, as the American Kennel Club AKC points out. This term applies equally to dogs, cats, and other pets. In the rest of this article, we will talk about the many reasons why you might catch your German Shepherd eating their own stool. While it is unlikely your dog is physically feeling hunger pangs when they go to eat their stool, it is quite possible there is an underlying dietary deficiency driving the behavior. As VCA Animal Hospitals explains, dietary deficiency in dogs can arise from a number of different potential causes. As this iFeeder report indicates, analyzing pet foods is big business in and of itself, and there is a lot of money riding on manufacturer reputation. So often you have to look for other clues — such as poop eating — to detect when there may be a mismatch. When a dog is missing certain vital nutrients, they may go back to their own poop to try to absorb more nutrition from each portion of the food they eat. This is a practice that is so essential for some mammals such as guinea pigs that they die if not permitted to engage in coprophagy. Luckily, dogs do not have a genetic nutritional need to eat their poop. But they may do so if their diet is chronically lacking. Your dog has parasites When your dog has parasites, they are essentially eating for the parasites as well as for their own health and nutrient needs. Unfortunately, eating poop is one of the primary ways that a dog can pick up parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm in the first place, as Vetz Insight explains. But it is not the only potential trigger. Deficiencies in certain key digestive enzymes may also be a culprit. As PetMD explains, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, is the best-known medical problem that can result in coprophagy in dogs. The pancreas is responsible for producing a number of important digestive enzymes along with insulin. The latter is caused by defective cells. The former can be genetic or induced and may also be triggered by canine diabetes. Ongoing issues with diarrhea. Increased stool output. Eating stool. Interestingly, some German Shepherds that only seem to want to eat the stool of a particular dog may actually be responding to disease in the other dog. This can include stool, although it can also extend to other non-food objects like rocks, grass, leaves, stones, sticks, fabrics, and more. While most cases of pica are considered to be linked to behavior rather than medical problems, with coprophagy there can be a clear medical component as well. If your German Shepherd has a tendency to eat poop and other items that are not on the menu of a typical canine or are not on any menu at all , your pet may be suffering from pica. Your German Shepherd Dog Eats Poop for Behavioral Reasons If your dog has been evaluated and tested and your canine veterinarian has ruled out a possible medical cause for coprophagia, the other main area to look at is behavioral. In other words, German Shepherds that are healthy otherwise may still choose to eat their own poop. But why, you are probably wondering? This is what we will look at in the next section. GSD puppies, like all puppies, rely on the mother dog to lick them and remind them to do their business. Learning how to poop on their own is a big part of early puppyhood. It is a big deal! When your GSD puppy came home with you, potty training became a big part of daily life. Your puppy probably got lots of attention and praise when it was potty time and things went well. In the same way, if your puppy pooped in the house, they likely got quite a bit of attention for this as well — you might not have been happy about it, but your puppy was because your attention was focused on them. As Canine Journal explains, a poorly trained and socialized or previously traumatized German Shepherd may resort to poop eating rather than seeking attention in more positive and acceptable ways. This outdated and ineffective form of training is now thought to actually encourage coprophagia in dogs that have been subjected to it. The dog may start to eat their poop to hide it and avoid further discipline. Along the same lines, German Shepherd dogs can be especially prone to developing separation anxiety, which is another behavioral issue that is linked to poop eating. Your German Shepherd is acting out of instinct While this explanation walks a fine line between genetics and behavior, wild canid females have often been observed eating the feces of their young to try to remove the scent and throw potential predators off the trail. But what about when male puppies or adult GSDs do this? In this case, canid behaviorists think it may have to do with puppies watching their mother eat poop and picking up the behavior from her. After all, canid pups in the wild have to learn everything from their mother and would be carefully watching and mimicking everything she does — including eating their own poop. According to a research study reported in Live Science , the majority of dog owners that have tried to discourage stool eating in their dogs have experienced low or no success. However, this is not to say it is impossible to train your dog not to eat their own poop. You will just need a lot of patience and persistence to find what works to discourage your German Shepherd from eating poop. This will require consistent, determined effort on your part. You will need to watch your GSD closely on potty breaks and quickly remove the feces and dispose of it in a secure location. If your dog goes out at night or early in the morning, you will need to bring a flashlight to make sure you see where the poop is and can pick it up right away. Then you will reinforce this with praise, pats, treats, and attention. This way, you always know where to look to pick up the stool and your GSD is not lingering near it long enough to potentially eat it. But to dogs, it is quite possible they just eat poop because they like it! This can have an unexpected benefit if you need to train your GSD not to eat their own poop. As PetCareRX highlights, there are soft chews and additives available that may change the taste of the poop to make it undesirable. Foods like zucchini and pineapple can also change the tastebuds and may make poop and everything else taste different from your dog. Use a head or muzzle restraint This is not an ideal choice for training your German Shepherd dog not to eat poop for two reasons. One, restraints can be difficult to manage and your dog may be very determined to get out of a neck cone or head collar. And two, if your dog decides to mash their muzzle or restraint down on the poop to try to eat it anyway, then you have to clean it and your dog. But if nothing else is working, it is certainly worth a try. For example, if your GSD has developed separation anxiety, this can require special and intense training to overcome. You may need to temporarily put your dog in a daycare program or hire a dog sitter to keep your anxious GSD from eating their own poop. Alternately, if your German Shepherd hates their crate or some other aspect of their living space, you may need to explore an alternate arrangement for when you need to confine your dog. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent working dogs that have been bred for more than a century to work hard at difficult, demanding, and sometimes dangerous jobs. Your dog may be bored and lonely and acts out because eating poop is something to do to fill the time. You may find that adding more canine athletics, taking your dog for more walks, adding some additional playtime, and using more puzzle toys and treat toys work to tire out your dog and keep poop eating behavior at bay. Remember, above all else, your German Shepherd dog wants your attention, time, and love. More of you often equals less eating poop. Coprophagia consumption of feces can be divided into 3 groups. These are: 1. Autocoprophagia: means a dog consuming its own feces 2. Intraspecific coprophagia: the consumption of feces of other dogs 3. Interspecific coprophagia: the consumption of feces of other animals and humans. Studies have shown that, historically, many dogs in developing countries developed a taste for feces while scavenging through trash including feces while trying to scavenge their next meal. While this behavior may seem rather indiscriminate, studies have also shown that the same dogs actually displayed a level of discernment, as they showed a disinclination to consume feces more than 2 days old. Wolves that are old or injured attempt to clean up their den areas that are shared with others by eating their feces. This is because they are intuitievely aware that the feces contains parasites. By consuming the feces within two days of defecating, it is ensured that the feces will be consumed before any parasite eggs hatch and infect any other wolves present. While there are many reasons why GSDs may eat poop, some of the most common reasons are as follows: Underfeeding Hungry dogs, dogs who do not eat regularly, or are starving are more likely to eat the feces of other dogs, animals, and humans. Dogs that eat only once a day and start eating poop may need more daily meals. Malabsorption Sometimes a GSD will eat feces if he is fed poor quality food long-term, especially if the food is high in fat content. Eating poop can also occur in dogs that are nervous, frightened, or under the influence of stress. Stress is a common cause of behavioral problems in dogs. If you feel that this may be the case with your GSD, it may be wise to consult with a dog trainer or behaviorist. A solution may be as simple as alleviating boredom. Other times, a GSD may see another dog eating feces, so he will want to try it too. It is also not uncommon for a young puppy to see his mother eating feces. It is common for a puppy to then simply imitate the behavior. Punishment If a GSD is being verbally scolded for pooping in the house, he may resort to eating his own feces in an attempt to make it disappear — no body, no crime! It is for this reason that it is very important to never scold your dog for pooping in the house. The true solution is proper potty training. For a detailed understanding of how to potty train your GSD puppy, I have written an excellent article for you right here. For example, when intestinal parasites are present, they exhaust the body and draw nutrients from it, causing your dog to feel increased hunger. A very common cause of this issue in German shepherds can be the Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI. This is a condition characterized by a lack of digestive enzymes, which results in the inability to digest food properly, and thus leads to the inability to absorb nutrients. A dog suffering from this disease loses weight despite its good appetite and suffers from frequent and abundant diarrhea. Diabetes One of the causes of increased appetite and coprophagia as well can be diabetes. When cortisol levels are too high or too low, it can cause a host of problems. Attention-Seeking Behavior A German Shepherd may eat poop simply as a way provoke his owner into reacting. This is not too different than the behavior of a child when it wants attention. And, just like when dealing with a child, it is very important that you keep your cool if this is happening with your GSD. Reacting to it will only serve to reinforce the behavior. Forced and Restricting Confinement German Shepherds need space. This is why we highly recommend owning a GSD only if you have a large living space and preferably a yard. This is very common in GSDs that have been rescued after spending time in a crowded shelter. For more information on German Shepherd space requirements, check out this great article that we have for you right here. Living In Isolation German Shepherds are especially social dogs — much more so than other breeds. It is for this reason that they do not do well living in isolation. In fact, GSDs are highly susceptible to separation anxiety. As previously mentioned, anxiety can be a cause for poop eating behavior. For more information on GSD separation anxiety, take a look at this informative article. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for this one. There are, however, a few actions that you can take to curb this behavior if you feel that it is problematic. Make sure that you guide him away from eating poop while the behavior is under your control Properly Socialize Your German Shepherd As a German shepherd owner, you have to be prepared for long walks and running, because your dog needs them, at least twice a day. If possible, allow your dog to socialize with other dogs, which, along with a quality relationship with his owner, will help help him to avoid boredom and anxiety — both common reasons for a dog eating poop. A happy and occupied GSD will be less likely to engage in poop eating behavior. For a through guide on how to socialize your German Shepherd, we have a great article for you right here. It contains all that you need to know in order to successfully socialize your GSD. Instead of one meal, divide the daily amount of food into several meals, so that your dog does not feel hungry during the day. In my experience, dogs that eat balanced raw or cooked foods are less likely to consume feces. Feed Your German Shepherd a Holistic Diet Feeding a holistic diet to your dog works to get to the root of a problem, rather than just addressing the symptoms as they arise. For example, using an anti-itch cream may lessen the desire to itch, but it will not address the underlying problem. A holistic diet works to resolve the issue of your dog itching in the first place. Think of resolving health or behavioral issue as a series of connecting the dots — this can be a complicated process. A holistic approach to feeding your dog can make it so that there are no dots to connect in the first place by erasing the cause of them. The fundamentals of a holistic diet include: Probiotics: great for digestive system support Prebiotics: great for digestive system support High-quality protein: based in fish, beef, pork, or chicken Herbs: great to prevent inflammation Vitamins: essential for overall organ and bone health Minerals: essential for overall organ and bone health Antioxidants: great for immune system support and disease prevention Fiber: great for digestive system support Whole grains: contain high-quality carbohydrates for energy If preparing a holistic diet for your GSD is too time consuming for you, a great alternative is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food. This blend contains ingredients that include precise amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been selected by animal nutritionists and, importantly, holistic veterinarians. In addition, if your GSD is suffering from diarrhea or related issues, beneficial bacterias in probiotics are a great way to boost them back to normal levels. These products usually come in different forms, such as yogurt, kefir, powders, capsules, chews, or dog foods. This probiotic contains a blend of 7 selected species of live beneficial bacteria with added Inulin. Your GSD is likely acting out of instinct, stress, or as an attempt to resolve a digestive or health issue. Just remember to be patient and understanding with your GSD, and have confidence that you will be able to curb this behavior.

You can get recommendations from people you trust or ask people who already own a Poodle Shiba Inu mix. To kick off your quest for this pup, we prepared a list for you. Here are some trusted advertising sites where you can find Poo Shi puppies for sale: Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies is a digital platform that helps connect buyers with reputable breeders, including that of a Poo Shi. They make sure that their breeders only sell healthy puppies with good genetics. Buckeye Puppies — This site provides puppy buyers with a direct and convenient way to connect with local Poo Shi breeders in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Buckeye Puppies regularly scans listings and monitors feedback from users to ensure the safety of the puppy buying process. Infinity Pups — Infinity Pups is an advertising source for reputable breeders, including those that produce Poo Shi. They ensure health guarantees, including deworming and vet exams. On top of this, they also have safe and hassle-free delivery options. Keystone Puppies — This online advertising source of Poo Shis has health guarantees on all their puppies for sale. They also have a verification process for their breeders and offer stress-free delivery services to buyers. You may try to look at reputable Poodle or Shiba Inu breeders , too, and see if they do cross-breeding. If you prefer adopting a Shiba Poo instead, here are a few rescues you can check out: Poodle Rescue of Houston — For over 20 years, Poodle Rescue of Houston has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for homeless Poodles, Poodle mixes like the Shipoo, and Poodles with special medical needs. This rescue has 50 dogs in their program at one time and often collects many dogs in a single day. All their dogs have health guarantees such as vaccinations and heartworm prevention, among others. They also provide post-adoption training and have an all-volunteer staff saving Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixes, including the Shipoo. They have been rescuing and rehoming Poodles and Poodle mixes since .All their dogs have health guarantees and are microchipped when they are ready for their new homes. To extend your search, check out our articles on the best Poodle rescues and Shiba Inu rescues for adoption. You might get lucky finding a Shiba Poo as some of the organizations listed also rescue Shiba Inu and Poodle mix dogs. Pros and Cons of Owning a Poodle Shiba Inu Mix If you are still undecided or unconvinced about owning a Poo Shi, take time to think it over and weigh the pros and cons. The advantages of taking care of a Poo Shi include the following: Good behavior: Shiba Poos are affectionate dogs that are loyal to their owners. They also love spending time with families and children. Their kind nature and fun-loving behavior make them great canine companions. Intelligent and confident: Having two of the best qualities of its parent breeds, Poo Shis are fast learners and self-assured because of their intelligence and confidence. If you have a tiny home or apartment, then a Poo Shi fits right into your life. As long as your heart has enough space to love this pooch! However, if your dog starts to act out or has a stubborn streak, manage it with patience, love, and support. Inclination towards prey drive: As a result of two hunting dog breeds, Poo Shis are also inclined to chase after smaller animals. Training and early socialization can help your pooch be familiar with other pets. Aggressive tendencies: Poo Shis can display food and toy aggression due to their possessive trait. Though not all Poo Shis can have aggressive behavior, it is necessary to engage them with early socialization and proper training. Dependency issues: As attention lovers, Shiba Poos may develop clingy behaviors and be emotionally dependent on their owners. They might act out or cause destruction due to a lack of attention for long periods. But the decision will solely be in your hands if this pooch is suitable for you. Lifespan Sociability Many people are attracted to designer breeds developed with Poodles because they are low-shedding dogs and considered to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this is not something that always carries across to the Poo-Shi. Shiba Poos that take after their Poodle parent in looks are likely to shed far less than those that look more like the Shiba Inu. If you suffer from dog allergies, it is something to consider when choosing a Poo-Shi puppy. In terms of housing requirements, the Poo-Shi can adapt to apartment living. However, they are moderately active dogs that require daily exercise, and as such, they would likely be happier in a house with a fenced-in yard in which they can run around and play. The Poo-Shi breed is lucky to exist. At the time, the breed was reduced to just three surviving bloodlines, from which all modern Shiba Inus and Poo-Shis have descended. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the first Shiba Inu imported to the U. Some Poo-Shis have a bit of a sassy attitude. This is another personality trait that the Poo-Shi sometimes inherits from their Shiba Inu parent. If your Poo-Shi dog is inclined to give you a bit of attitude, they will deliberately ignore you and any instructions you give until they are ready to listen. These intelligent dogs are affectionate and loyal and not at all timid. They tend to bond closely with their family members but are wary of strangers and make great guard dogs that will stand their ground and alert you to any danger. As discussed above, the Poo-Shi can have a bit of a stubborn streak, but this is not always an issue, and with a little patience, they are generally quite easy to train. Friendly and playful, these happy designer dogs tend to have a moderate amount of energy. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are excellent around children and crave attention, preferring to be with people than spend time alone. As with most dogs, it is a good idea to keep an eye on them around toddlers, but Poo-Shi is more likely to walk away from a child who becomes too rough or annoying than to get aggressive or snappy. This trait results in them having a desire to chase small animals, which is something that may become problematic if you introduce a small new pet into your household. You should be aware, though, that a Poo-Shi can be a little possessive and may not like sharing your attention. So, if they are left alone for long periods or feel ignored, they may start to act out with destructive behavior. As with all dogs, they will benefit from early training and socialization, so you will have a loyal friend for life. Ideally, you want to ensure that the food you select provides a range of nutrients, including meat, grain, and vegetable ingredients, and is high in protein and dietary fiber. A product such as could be a perfect choice. This may take the form of a long walk, a visit to your local dog park, or even a good run around in the yard with the kids. If kept inside without the exercise and mental stimulation they need, a Poo-Shi may start to become destructive, so their daily exercise is not something that you should overlook. They tend to respond well to positive reinforcement and encouragement, so it is always best to praise them when they get things right and ignore their failures rather than scold them. Some Poo-Shis can be a little stubborn or sassy. If this is the case, you may find training your dog to be a bit more challenging. As with other dog breeds, the key to successfully training and socializing you Poo-Shi is to start while they are young. A quick brush once or twice a week will usually be all that is required to keep their coat looking its best; however, if your dog has a coat more like a Poodle than a Shiba Inu, you may wish to have it clipped by a professional dog groomer every few months. Your Poo-Shi will also benefit from having their nails clipped and their teeth brushed regularly with canine toothpaste. Provided that they are well cared for and receive their regular vaccinations and worming treatments, they should live a happy and healthy life into their old age. Of course, there are still a few conditions to which the Poo-Shi is susceptible. However, many of these can be largely prevented or avoided with careful breeding and puppy selection. Minor Conditions. White, sable, brown, cream, black, fawn Suitable for: Families of all kinds, first-time dog owners, those seeking a low-shedding dog, apartment-dwellers Temperament: Loyal, friendly, affectionate, alert These pups are a great choice for those who want a dog with spunk but only a moderate amount of energy. They are alert and can be suspicious of strangers, causing them to be quite vocal unless trained and socialized well. If you are looking for a good family dog, this should be at the top of the list. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Poo Shi Puppies A post shared by Yoshi yoshitheshibapoo The parents of these little dogs are both quite popular. Although Shibu Inus are popular throughout Asian countries like China, Shanghai, Japan, and Korea, they have yet to make leaps in popularity and numbers in North America. For that reason, their hybrid puppies are a little bit harder to come by. That alone can increase their price exponentially, depending on where you live. If you decide to adopt from a breeder, it is best to vet them to know that you are supporting a dog-friendly business. Ask your breeder to give you a tour of their facility. They should be willing to show you any part of their facility that they allow their dogs in. Another request to make before finalizing the adoption is for the health records of the parents. Having these will make you aware of potential problems that you need to keep an eye on while your pup ages. Their feisty characters and spunk are what endears them to their families more than anything. Poo Shis tend to be quite loyal and loving toward their families. They will almost always prefer to be around their family. They can also be quite possessive. When you adopt one of these dogs, expect to do habit training to keep them from getting food or toy aggression. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are a small to medium-sized dog that tends to be down-to-earth. This means that they usually behave well around children. Although the Poo Shi can have negative temperament traits regarding sharing and their distrust of strangers, you can curb many of these bad habits through socialization methods. Start to socialize your dog as young as you can, and they will often become pups that can quickly adapt to being around other kinds of pets, both cats and dogs. As long as they get around 2 cups of food each day, they should be satisfied. Adjust the diet accordingly if your dog consistently gets more exercise. Your vet can also help you find the right amount and balance of food to keep them healthy and happy. Space the meals out to at least two each day, although three or four meals a day are better. Having less food spread out between multiple meals allows their digestive system to keep up with their intake and results in fewer stomach upsets and digestive issues. You can even jog with them, although be careful to work up to a longer or faster-paced run because their natural endurance is relatively low. If you prefer to walk with your dog more than any other exercise, try to walk them about 8 miles each week. It is best to be patient and firm but kind because they will not take it well if you start to yell or get frustrated with them. You will likely need to train them out of some of their more natural tendencies, like barking at unknown sounds and people or food aggression. They are hypoallergenic , excellent for those who have allergies to dogs. You should keep them groomed to keep their coat and skin healthy. It also serves as a good bonding time. Poo Shis can inherit various types of fur because the parent dogs have different types of fur. They often have a thick, wavy coat. It is best to use a slicker brush to comb through their coats at least once a week. You should also use a nail clipper to keep their nails trimmed down and comfortable for them when they walk. Often, their hybridization is genetically stronger and less disposed to those diseases. However, there are still things that you should watch out for, especially if their parents have a disease history. Minor Conditions. What are these possible health issues? This occurs after eating a large meal that causes the stomach to expand as a result of gas accumulation. Signs to look for are sudden restlessness and panting. The signs are increased water intake and hair loss. Hip Dysplasia A skeletal condition, hip dysplasia is when there is an abnormal development in the hip socket area. The signs you need to look for are lameness and refusal to go up and down the stairs. It affects the kneecap, thereby, resulting in limping and incessant licking of the knee. Epilepsy The exact cause of epilepsy is unknown but numerous studies blame it on genetics. The signs you need to watch out for are intermittent seizures and drooling. Hypothyroidism A hormonal health issue wherein the thyroid gland fails to produce the right amount of thyroxine. The two 2 signs to look for are ear infections and slow wound healing. Hypoglycemia A condition wherein there is a sudden drop in blood glucose levels. It usually begins with a low energy level. If not treated, the other signs are increased thirst and urination. Mitral Valve Disease Unchecked high blood pressure could lead to mitral valve damage. This damage results in insufficient mitral valve closure and blood leakage. A heart murmur is the initial sign of this heart disease. This happens when there is increased pressure in the eye that causes fluid build-up. Signs are watery and bulging eyes. This is hemolytic anemia that causes severe damage to the red blood cells. Loss of appetite and pale gums and tongue are the initial signs. This is because they avoid overbreeding their dogs for the sake of profit. Shiba Inu Poodle Mix breeders will only release the pups at 8 weeks of age because they know the importance of social interactions with littermates and their parents. Pooshi Puppies While observing Shiba Inu Poodle Mix Puppies, always look at the physical and the behavioral aspects of the puppies such as: Clear eyes and skin. The puppies should be actively engaging with their littermates. Eating and drinking well. Not too shy or afraid of strangers. No signs of limping or difficulty in moving. Poodle Shiba Inu Mix price The great news is that a Poo Shi puppy is not as expensive compared with other mixed dog breeds. We found two breeders who may have the Poo Shi puppy you are eyeing. Are you asking where you can find Poo Shi puppies for sale near me? They have Shiba Inu Mix pups for sale. No matter where you are located, the puppy of your choice can be delivered to you. Another one is Buckeye Puppies. The main purpose of Buckeye Puppies buckeyepuppies. Feel free to send them a message to see if they have upcoming Shiba Inu Poodle Mix puppies for sale. You can try your luck at Lancaster Puppies lancasterpuppies. All the dogs that they sell are covered by the Dog Purchaser Protection Act, meaning, you have the right to return the dog and get a full refund in case you were given a sickly dog. You may also try your luck at Shibainirus shibainurus. Since they are in the business of breeding Shiba Inus for the past 15 years, they may refer you to a breeder who has Shiba Poo for sale. If you feel like you cannot deal with some of the not-so-pleasant traits, it is better to look for another dog breed that may be more compatible with you. They were mainly used to hunt small game in rugged wilderness. The name Shiba Inu originated because of their hunting abilities. Poodle History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. Pooshis are on the smaller size, but not quite as tiny as some small dogs like the Pomeranian Poodle mix or the Pekingese Poodle mix. They range in size from inches in height and pounds in weight. The males tend to be just slightly bigger than females. If the coat takes after the Shiba Inu, it may require more frequent brushing which will help with any shedding. If the dog takes after the Poodle coat, they will need to be taken to a groomer more often to be more thoroughly groomed and to avoid matting. On the plus side, they rarely need to be bathed. These dogs rarely develop an odor and do not drool at all, minimizing any need for frequent bathing. Are Pooshis Hypoallergenic? Do Pooshis Shed? No, Pooshis are not considered hypoallergenic. If you need a guarantee of a hypoallergenic dog, a mix between a hypoallergenic dog and a non hypoallergenic dog will not do. It is impossible to predict how the genetics will play out. However, both have some genetic predisposition to develop certain health issues. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. They would rather be with their human companions than left alone. Not to fear if you have youngsters in your family, as Pooshis often do well with both children and other pets! Other companions are actually encouraged because they have high energy levels and having playmates can be a great way to exert this excess energy. The Shiba Inu Poodle mix can be a little stubborn, but with confident leadership they can learn quickly how to behave properly. Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage them to behave. The Poodle Shiba Inu Mix only requires around 25 minutes of exercise a day. This could easily be achieved in a walk around the neighborhood, a short jog, or a few rounds of fetch. This being said, this may also be a good dog adequate for apartment living. Photo courtesy of littledogeluna on Instagram. Photo courtesy of pepperthepooshi on Instagram. Perhaps you've been looking at Shiba Inu mixes and heard the word "Poo-Shi" thrown around here and there. A Poo-Shi, is a quick slurring of the breeds Poodle and Shiba Inu, generally used by designer dog "breeders" to make their mixed breed pups stand out. This article is meant to give you a quick "crash course" in designer dogs, their plusses and their drawbacks, and look at what exactly a "Poo-Shi" is. Btw, they also go by the name of Shiba Doodles! Bred for hunting small prey, these dogs generally have a high level of prey drive. Shiba Inu are also well known for their sassy attitudes and "primitive" dog behaviors. These spicy little dogs won't take anything lying down and will often ignore owners, even ones that they respect. While some Shiba Inus are biddable to an extent, you won't find them beating out Golden Retrievers for obedience awards. But what about Poodles? With Poodles, it mostly depends on their size. Toy and miniature Poodles have had some of their gundog capabilities bred out of them, but standard Poodles are a completely different story. If your Shiba Doodles mix is of toy or miniature origin, the pup has a chance of lowering it's prey drive. It may still bark at squirrels and rip apart squeaky toys, but it's less likely to make a hunting buddy. Both breeds end up with a hefty dose of aggression, depending on the Poodle being thrown in. Left: Poodle, Right: Shiba Inu If your Shiba Inu Poodle mix shows any sort of aggressive tendencies, you must take proactive steps to remedy this issue sooner than later. With the standard Poodle's background in bird dog retrieval and hunting and the Shiba Inu's background in small game, a Shiba Inu Poodle mix will have a high prey drive. Always ensure that they are securely leashed when out. As a pet, any of the three Poodles and Shiba Inu crosses will make excellent home companions for years to come. They will be fiery and tell you their opinions, but for those with a deep love of primitive dog attitudes, the Poodle addition should just help them get that across all the more. However, coats may get a Poodle's wave or even some curl, giving them an attractive look. Coloration will depend on the genetic background of the parents. Stature will highly depend on which Poodle the Shiba Inu was mixed with and these mixes may run the gamut from 8 to 10 pounds, or up to 30 to 40 pounds. Are Shiba Doodles Hypoallergenic? There's really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, though certain dogs affect allergy sufferers a bit less. Since Shiba Doodles have the coat of a poodle and a Shiba Inu, there's a good chance that Shiba Doodles won't affect allergy sufferers as much as some other breeds. This means that slobbery breeds such as Bulldogs and Basset Hounds are much more likely to cause allergy symptoms compared to to other dogs Health Issues of Shiba Doodles Both Poodles and Shiba Inus enjoy relatively good health. Between the two breeds, eye issues seem to be the most prevalent health concern. Glaucoma and cataracts are already prevalent issues within the Shiba Inu bred. With Poodles also carrying cataract and retinal issues, make sure that your pup's parents have had the full range of eye testing. Other health issues to slow your dog down are joint and ligament issues. Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are both becoming more and more common in all varieties of Poodle and within the Shiba Inu community. Hip dysplasia happens when the hip joint is not well seated within the curve of the pelvis that it should settle in. Patellar luxation is when the kneecap slides within it's groove. Both of these issues will likely require surgery in the long run. The Issues With Designer Dogs There is an enormous debate upon the problems with designer dogs, with many "breeders" noting "hybrid vigor". So, "hybrid vigor" is the attempt to allay this by introducing different gene pools to each other. To give a clearer picture: imagine that you only have a bathtub half full of acid, half full of water to drink from. You drain half of the bathtub in front of you and open the tap to pour in more water. Attempts at "hybrid vigor" are trying to dilute concentrated gene pools precisely like this. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. A lot of designer dogs are poorly created in puppy mill environments. Parents go untested for their breed's various inherited diseases because the "breeders" do not understand that "hybrid vigor" is a crack shot at best. Most designer dog "breeders" have only an elementary level of genetic understanding. Some puppies may luck out and get some of that "hybrid vigor". But plenty more will just end up with a double dose of their parental breeds' poor genetics. It depends on your preferences. A Shiba Doodle will be a bright, playful dog that should be very willing to please, with a stubborn streak. It will have a fantastic attitude and probably not be the greatest dog around cats and other small pets without careful training. If you desire a Shiba Doodle, we do want to state that we do not condone designer dog breeding, nor the purchase of designer dog puppies. We do however, always advocate for rescuing a dog in need. We provide information about Shiba Inu mixes to help current and potential owners of this dog. With each article we write about Shiba Inu "mixes", we hope to inform readers about the downsides of designer dogs and the need for everyone to view all dogs as living beings that need care. They should not be seen as commodities. There are already a plethora of "designer" dogs in shelters and rescues waiting for someone to love and care for them. Yes, we know it's quite cliche, but please adopt and don't shop. We are still determining precisely when this cute hybrid came into existence. After all; mixed-breed dogs like Pooshis have existed since the dawn of time! Are you looking for information about a Poodle-Shiba Inu mix — particularly its physical characteristics, temperament, full-grown size, breeders, puppies for sale, hypoallergenic coat types etc.? Then read on, we have all that for you and more! The resulting puppies vary in size, based on the size of the Poodle parent. Here are some facts about its parent dogs. These will help you gain some insights into this relatively rare hybrid Poo-Shi dog. Shiba Inu If you do a Google search for Shiba Inu , you will probably get more information about the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency than the dog breed. Shiba Inus are a small-to-medium-sized Japanese dog breed. The Shiba Inu is often described as a dog that looks like a fox, acts like a cat, but loves like a dog! The word Inu means dog in Japanese. They were originally used as hunting companions to flush out the small game from burrows and bushes. Today, Shiba are one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan. Many Shiba owners have dedicated YouTube channels or Instagram pages for their Inus and they have become internet sensations. Poodles Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They too are an ancient dog breed having either Roman or Egyptian dogs in their ancestry. This may be due to their water-resistant, curly coats which gave them an advantage in the water. They could easily retrieve waterfowl for their hunters. Poodles were also used as circus dogs in France. This is because they were considered incredibly easy to train and learned tricks quickly. Poodles are considered one of the best breeds to cross with other dog breeds. The PooShi is one such creation that combines the smartness of two ancient dog breeds both having easy trainability and loving and loyal dispositions. Shibapoos are not recognised by the AKC or other major canine clubs across the world. However, some breeders register their Shibadoodles with hybrid clubs such as International Canine Hybrid Club. How Big will a Pooshi Dog Get? Height and Weight of Shibadoodles As with any designer or a hybrid dog breed, you cannot predict the height and weight of a Poo-Shi. The Poo Shi Shiba Inu Poodle mix full-grown size depends greatly on the parent dogs and complex canine genetics. Most importantly, they depend on the Poodle used in the breeding. In general, you can expect your Poo-Shi dog to measure between inches cm and weigh around lb. The coat of Shiba doodle will also not be standard. Most Pooshis have a scraggly, curly coat in colours like apricot, white, beige, cream, black, black-and-cream, red, red-sesame, merle, etc. This brings us to the question — Are Pooshis hypoallergenic? You can always speak to your Poo-shi breeder if you want a hypoallergenic Shiba doodle. Experienced breeders understand canine genetics and can breed specifically for low-shedding, low-dander-producing dogs. Embark and Animal Genetics in the USA, can test for furnishings teddy bear-type doodle coat , shedding genes and coat texture curly, fleece or smooth. The best oodle breeders utilise genetic testing to inform the decisions made in their breeding programs. For example, a Shibadoodle that is bred back with a Poodle will result in an F1b Pooshi which has a greater percentage of Poodle genes. This could yield a relatively low-shedding dog. The personality of a Shiba Inu-Poodle mix can be described as independent and intelligent, stubborn and tough, active with lots of energy, escape artists, and drama queens — both male and female Pooshis. The PooShi is an extremely intelligent and problem-solving dog. It is an observer and will watch and observe its environment and patterns. Then it will try and use this knowledge to get what it wants! These little dogs are known to be quite the Houdini — they are escape artists so always make sure you secure your yard or keep your pet in a crate or on a leash. Raising a Shiba Poo is like raising a child — you can shower your love on your dog but when it comes to discipline, you have to be strict without using negative reinforcement methods or punishment. Instead, use praise and treats, and be patient when training this smart dog. Consistency is especially important while training a Shiba poo. Train your pet a little bit every day and soon you will see results. Also, all family members need to be on board when it comes to household rules. And your dog will never stop begging once it has learned it! This can be very challenging during training, but with consistency and patience, you can overcome these challenges too. Thankfully, Shibapoos learn quickly because they inherit their smartness from both their parent breeds. Pooshis get these traits from both parent dogs. Like the Shiba Inu breed, Pooshis are extremely confident. This trait combined with their smartness helps them quickly assess a situation and figure out how best to use what is at hand to accomplish their goal. For families with kids, Shibapoos make excellent companions. They are playful and loving. And despite their small sizes, they make excellent watchdogs as well. They are alert and attentive and will immediately go and investigate the source of noise in their territory. On the downside, Pooshis are quite the barkers. They might bark while playing and also when they sense an intruder or if they are angry. As can be seen, Pooshis need quite a lot of work, but they are definitely worth the time and effort. This can result in people returning or abandoning their pups. Where to Buy a Poo-Shi from? The price of a Shiba Inu mix Poodle is not standardised. It can vary from city to city and breeder to breeder. The price is higher if the dog is trained or if it comes from top bloodlines. If the parent dogs are show-winners and champion dogs, fully health tested or if the breeder has imported their dogs from Japan, then also the Pooshi puppy price will be a lot higher. As such, Pooshis are relatively rare, so they tend to be expensive. What to Feed a Shibapoo? These dogs are prone to rapid weight gain and obesity can cause a number of health issues for them. Select the right food after consulting your dog breeder or vet nutritionist. The food you choose should be free from additives and fillers. If possible, you can also opt to feed your dog a raw dog food diet. Some Pooshis with the Poodle-like coat will need a ton of grooming to prevent skin issues. On average, the lifespan of this wonderful mixed-breed dog is years. Fiercely loyal and small, the Shiba Poodle mix or Poo-shi is one of the most popular poodle mix breeds. This cutest of dog breeds is also extremely rare in Australia, making puppies available for sale, highly sought after and expensive. Most small, cute and cuddly poodle mix breeds are popular family dogs. Subscribe for more information on the smallest and cutest poodle mix breeds available in Australia. Also, exclusive offers and access to our community of reputable breeders. Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.