labrador retriever puppies for sale uk

labrador retriever puppies for sale uk

Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy. These sprays are safe for your dog, and the bitter taste discourages chewing. In many cases, chewing can be kept under control with training, positive reinforcement, and mental and physical stimulation. However, some puppies and dogs will try to chew no matter what, making these products quite useful. Conclusion The list of products that could be useful to your life with a Labrador could go on all day, but these products are some of the most important. Keep in mind that any new pet needs a checkup with your veterinarian to verify they are healthy and up to date on things like vaccines, heartworm testing, and dewormers. One pet supply that you may not have thought of is pet insurance. With a balanced, personalized plan like Spot Pet Insurance offers, you may be able to manage your pet's vet costs and avoid surprises. 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. This is the guide I wish I had when choosing the best puppy supplies for our Labrador Retriever, Kona. The dog you grew up with was much different from this one because your parents did most of the raising. It sure would have been nice to have had more honest and relevant guidance when determining what supplies I should get for my new puppy. It seems like everyone I know has recently become a dog parent and is raising a new puppy. I realized I know a thing or two about this topic after going through it all myself with our Labrador Retriever, Kona. I love sharing my experience with other dog parents and decided I may as well start sharing it here. Hopefully, others find my advice useful, regardless of whether you are the new owner of a Labrador Retriever or some other breed! I am all about being cost-effective when it comes to purchasing dog and puppy supplies. So, most of the products I recommend below are within that category, all are great quality and very reasonably priced. There are countless options when it comes to purchasing puppy supplies, so Kona and I rounded up a list of our favorite Labrador Retriever puppy products and explain them each below! Kona is a Labrador Retriever, and as a result, many of these recommendations are based on the experience with that dog breed. Yet much of this advice is relevant to any large breed puppies. So, getting him on the right food for a Labrador was a task I did not anticipate. We did 2-month dog food subscriptions on both of these products in lb bags and it made our lives so much easier compared to going out and purchasing the food at a physical location. The heavy bags of dog food were always delivered right to our door! They are not grazers like some dogs. I kept hearing about these special dog bowls that help Labradors eat slower and digest better, so decided to try one out. THIS feeder bowl is amazing! I bought the teal style and size small. We also never had to upgrade to the bigger size because the small still works for him as an adult. Food Mat While the bowl has some sticky rubber on the bottom that prevents the bowl from moving around while Kona eats, the floor around the bowl still gets dirty. It can get especially messy around the water bowl, so I used to put a kitchen towel underneath both bowls to limit the grime. I wish I had purchased it sooner because it would have saved me a bunch of time cleaning! Dog Crate Getting a dog crate was the smartest decision we made. They are actually a positive safe space for your puppy and it also does wonders for potty training. Kona took to his crate right away, and now almost 2 years old, he still loves it! We find that he tends to get the best rest if he sleeps in his crate at night. I did a lot of research on what crate to buy. Crates come in so many different shapes, sizes, and styles and finding the right one for your dog and your home is key. With a large breed dog, you should be looking at a big crate. But while it may seem oversized and ugly right now, this crate will be their home, so you want it to be comfortable for them. Getting a large crate now, that will grow with your puppy will make your life so much easier in the long run, and much easier for a puppy to adapt to. We got the inch double door with divider. We did this to help make it more private and cozy for him, and he absolutely loved it. It was also a great way to prevent him from waking us up super early or if we wanted to sleep in because the crate stayed dark for him. However, Kona would also goof around with the blanket cover in and out of his crate. He also loved climbing on top of it from the couch… This was all a bit frustrating, yet all a part of the silly puppy age. But let me tell you, this crate cover is a thousand times better than a blanket! I really wish I had purchased one earlier because this thing is totally worth it. The cover fits the crate perfectly and the best part is that it has flap openings for all areas include both door openings, a mesh window, and the top. It has zippers and velcro and is super durable. Dog Crate Pad When Kona was a young puppy we had no idea what we should put on the bottom of his crate to make it comfortable. We also knew that it was possible he could have accidents, so it was necessary to have something easy to wash. Initially, we tried a large soft folded blanket, but it ended up being too big and awkward. We decided to hold out from buying any bed or pad for a while. Instead, we folded a towel or blanket and placed it in the crate for him. Usually, Kona would nest it up on his own to make it comfy. This worked just fine for him, especially with the divider panel in the crate, which would have made fitting a full-size bed in there difficult. Kona voluntarily sleeping in his large dog crate as a young puppy. He loves this plush material and now cozies up with anything similar to it. The pad is totally washable and maintains shape well. It has an anti-slip bottom so it stays in place better than most dog beds. I hardly ever have to get down and adjust the mat myself. Looking back, I wish I had gotten one of these sooner because I think Kona would have loved it as a little guy and been even more comfortable! I will note, however, that Kona used to enjoy taking his bed out of the crate, prancing around with it, and laying on it outside the crate. Dog Bed When Kona was a young puppy, I purchased a separate dog bed that he could lay on in our living room. This was a bad idea because Kona saw the bed as something to play with and he actually relieved himself on it more than once. We go for a value pack so we never worry about running out. But rather than them chewing the wrong things and destroying your home, you can get them to chew the right things! Also, he preferred peanut butter and bacon flavors. We got the Medium size version when he was a puppy so it would last as he grew into it. Often, dog chew toys will have tiny flecks or pieces that come off but then pass through just fine if ingested. We tried our best to avoid those, and never experienced that with these particular bones. Better to play it safe in my opinion. These dog chew toys kept Kona entertained for some time, and he still enjoys them as an adult! Getting a hollow bone gave me the flexibility to fill it on my own or leave it empty. Tip: the pumpkin can spill out, so I recommend giving it to your puppy outside or on a towel or something. I think the bone holds onto some flavors. Initially, I boiled this bone with some chicken broth and let it cool. I think this gave it some extra long-lasting flavor. Believe it or not, they are also very inexpensive. Often, I give him healthy bits and treats that he loves like banana, greek yogurt, kale, and other vegetable pieces. But on occasion, I will give Kona one of these goodies called Bully Sticks. THESE are the best ones by far! I waited until he was about 3 or 4 months old to give him these. I honestly only give them to him maybe a couple of times a month now. However, being new dog parents, we got Kona one before realizing this. As a puppy, there was a plush toy that Kona especially liked, and it held up for a good while. THIS moose toy was his absolute favorite! He loved sneaking up, pouncing on, and shaking it as a little pup. Moose had soft insides and a squeaker. Kona loved Moose while he lasted. We originally got the toy in size Medium. Kona and his Kong Cozie, Marvin the Moose, a plush dog toy. I read early on that one way to help break bad habits with accidents was to use a good cleaner as a training aid. Using a safe and effective cleaner is the key to avoid this issue, as well as any other organic stains and odors. Not to mention, it will help keep your house smelling nice. It smells nice gets rid of that funk smell completely rather than just covering the scent. I think it even works as a good normal house cleaner. The spray bottle is the easiest to use, but when we run out we just order THIS pour version and fill up the original spray bottle. Kona enjoyed ripping apart and trying to eat the puppy pee pads. He liked laying on them, but I was also shocked to learn that he also associated those with a good place to have an accident. I would much rather he had an accident on one of those towels than anywhere else in the house because it made it much easier to clean up and launder. He totally destroyed that thing, all just from normal daily use. Kona loved chewing his leash on walks and it was a really tough habit to break. But always buying a new leash that would soon be chewed seemed like such a waste. We love the honu sea turtle print on it, especially being in Hawaii. They also have many other prints and designs to choose from! Dog Name Tag While Kona was microchipped, we also wanted him to have a name tag on his collar. If he got lost, the tag would have his name and our contact info. I got him THIS simple tag in the bone shape. This tag has had all kinds of action, it gets wet with saltwater and sandy at the beach all the time, yet it still looks great! There you have it, those are our best product recommendations for raising a Labrador Retriever puppy!

Those who are familiar with them will know them to be intelligent, powerful dogs, similar in appearance to the Dutch Shepherd and German Shepherd , although they are not related. These were originally seen as one breed until late in the 19th century when interbreeding between them was banned and the four separate breeds were established. The Malinois takes its name from the Maline region of Belgium, where shepherds preferred their coat type. They are medium-sized to large dogs, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds, with males being heavier than females. In height, they measure between 22 and 26 inches, again with females being smaller. As they are rarely used as herding dogs these days, their skills are often put to good use as guard dogs, K-9 unit police dogs, security service dogs, sniffer dogs for explosives, drugs, or gas detection , therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and a whole range of other amazing roles. The Mal lives to please its owner. You are the center of his world. The worst punishment you could inflict upon him is to exclude him from your daily life and put him in a yard or kennel. This is a dog that needs to be kept busy. He also needs a firm hand. Any aggression will vary with each dog, but most will naturally be protective and territorial of their home and family. Obedience training is your ticket out of this scenario, and it is especially important if you have young children at home. The Belgian Malinois has a short, straight coat , with a thick undercoat that sheds twice a year. Finally, they have a lifespan of between 10 and 14 years, which is about right for their size. As always, the answer to this is, yes, for the right family! These dogs love to be active, so they would suit a sporty family who loves the outdoor life. They are very intelligent and obedient dogs, so training is your best friend here. This dog really wants to please you, which goes in your favor. You should rarely, if ever, leave them home alone for more than four hours as they quickly become bored and will suffer from separation anxiety. Some people may say so. Is the Belgian Malinois any more or less aggressive than other breeds? Actually, no. First, many of these lists are published on clickbait-funded websites without a shred of credibility or scientific knowledge. Second, there are problems with the statistics used in some of these lists. For example, would you believe that the Labrador appears on this list, too? Do we know whether the dog was in pain, threatened, sick, or anxious? Many of these incidents involve children. Were they being supervised? Had they upset or hurt the dog in some way, even if accidentally? Would you say that the Labrador is a naturally aggressive dog? There are just too many variables at play to arbitrarily label many dogs as aggressive or dangerous. The Mal is protective, just like many other dog breeds. It can display aggressive behavior depending on the circumstances. It is known to be mouthy, an instinct left over from its herding days. But, with proper socialization and training, this can be mostly resolved. The Labrador Retriever Now, we come to the other parent breed, the trusty Lab. They were originally bred as working dogs, retrieving ducks and fish from the water for hunters and fishermen. These early examples were taken to the United Kingdom where they were developed as gundogs for shooting estates. This could be due to their playfulness as much as anything else. Labs weigh somewhere between 55 and 80 pounds, with females at the lower end of the scale. They measure between .When you take a peek at the American Kennel Club AKC listing for the Labrador Retriever , you can see why dog lovers have taken this particular pooch to heart. They are classed as lovey-dovey in terms of affection towards family. They have the highest rating when it comes to being good with kids and other dogs. They are enthusiastically playful, and they consider everyone their best friend. And, to finish off, they are highly trainable and very adaptable. Who could want more from their furry friend? They have infectious energy and will happily run, swim, or play for hours. This is as important for their mental wellbeing as it is for their physical fitness, so be sure to take them for long walks in interesting places. Visit the dog park to let them make new friends. The Labrador Retriever has a short, double coat that requires regular brushing unless you want your house covered in loose hair. The coat comes in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate, with or without white markings. Obesity can be a serious issue with Labs, especially in old age, as the dog is less inclined to exercise and becomes less active. Officially, the Labrador has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years, but with the right care, many beat this by several years. So, what does all this mean for the main focus of our study, the Belgian Malinois Lab mix? The Belgian Malinois Lab Mix Most new designer dogs have several quirky names, usually a combination of the two breeds that created it. This has resulted in such wonders as the Goldendoodle , the Belusky, the Pomsky , the Frug, the Corgle — you get the picture! Perhaps you could think of one? Something along the lines of Labinois, or Belgidor? Anyway… on to more important things! What is the Belgian Malinois Lab mix like? What we can say is that purebred dogs are or were often produced for a specific reason, such as hunting or herding. When you cross two breeds, these instincts are usually reduced. This is helpful in many cases, especially in highly driven working dogs, such as the Border Collie or the Mal. A good, reliable breeder can produce beautiful-looking, healthy mixed-breed puppies that have the best qualities of the parents without being too much of a challenge for dog owners. The Belgian Malinois Lab mix is likely to fall into this category — if you can find a reputable breeder who is selling them! Each breed has something to contribute in terms of size, shape, color, and personality. In general, the Belgian Malinois Lab mix will be a happy, playful dog, displaying puppy-like behavior well into her 5th year. Obedience training using positive reinforcement is essential, and must begin as early as possible. She will also enjoy agility classes and anything to keep her active. Without question, she will be loyal and devoted to you, and will be a protective watchdog and a wonderful family pet. Male dogs will be at the larger end of the scale. Not only will your dog be big, but it will also be strong. There are two implications here: the bigger the dog, the more it needs to eat. And, the stronger it is, the harder it will be for you to handle. This means that you will be spending more on dog food than if you owned, say, a Spaniel or a Shih Tzu. Your Belgian Malinois Lab mix will need all that food to stay healthy and feed those energy levels. Do some research and find the most nutritious dog food at a reasonable price. The other issue is controlling your dog. This is yet another reason why obedience training is so vital to the success of your relationship. A firm command should be enough to snap their attention back to you and stop unwanted behavior. Their pups will most likely be sickly and weak. In addition, these untrustworthy sources may not use purebred dogs in the first place. Your pup could inherit undesirable traits that make them unpredictable and even dangerous. A Belgian Malinois Lab mix puppy from a good breeder will be adorable, clean, healthy, and bright-eyed. By the time it reaches your home, it will be between 8 and 12 weeks old. It will be a little furry bundle of fun, joy, and playful mischief. And, you need to be prepared for it. There are many potential hazards in the home: cleaning materials containing toxic chemicals, electrical cables, choking hazards, staircases, pools, and ponds — all of these and more need to be assessed and made safe. Your pup will need a lot of care and attention in the first few months , especially as they go through teething. They will probably need to be close by you all the time. You might find that they cry at night , so you may need to move their bed into your bedroom. Be warned; there is a chance that you might have to pay a lot more as some breeders will use the fact that they are pretty rare as a reason to inflate their price. Of course, you could adopt from a shelter or a rescue facility, but you will have to wait until one of these dogs turns up. Some will ensure that the pup has its shots and is dewormed, while others will even have them spayed or neutered. The main thing to remember is that the price of your dog is just the beginning. Budget wisely, and keep in mind that you now have the responsibility to care for your furry pal for the next decade or so. Just like all other dogs, this mixed breed will have a few health problems that might surface at times. To see which ones are more likely, we need to look at the parent breeds. The Labrador Retriever mirrors this, but it also includes a potentially life-threatening condition called bloat as well as something known as exercise-induced collapse. The ones that should cause alarm bells to ring are hip dysplasia and eye problems because they are inherited. If both parents have these, then it is likely that their pups will suffer from them, too. This is why it is essential to buy your pup from a reputable breeder who will run health screening tests for these conditions. And, while there may be question marks about the subject of designer dogs, it has to be said that, on balance, they can be healthier than many purebred dogs. There is really just one rule when it comes to buying a designer dog: use a reputable breeder. If we want dogs to become healthier, then we need to stop encouraging unethical breeders by keeping them in business. So, have you decided that the Belgian Malinois Lab mix is the dog for you? The Mal is definitely a challenging dog that is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. It has a reputation for biting and for being extremely driven. Not many people can handle its independent streak coupled with its intensity. This is a dog that lives to work and to please its owner. The Labrador, on the other hand, is a big softy that loves everyone and everything well, nearly everything. It also has a lot of energy and thinks that life is all fun and adventure. It wants to please you just as much as the Mal does, and it is happy to work as long as it can settle down for a snuggle later. The mix of these two is a winning combination as the intensity of the Mal is tempered by the laid-back nature of the Lab. It will be an active and intelligent dog; friendly, but watchful. It will protect you when necessary, but it will be happy to accept strangers and other animals. If you follow the advice here, you can be sure that your journey together will be a long, happy, and rewarding one. Read Next:. Pros and cons of getting a Belgian Malinois mixed with Lab A Labrador Malinois mix dog weighs 40 — 80lbs, and is likely to be capable of remarkable physical and mental endurance. They need a lot of physical and mental activity before they are ready to settle down at the end of the day. Potential owners need to think carefully about whether this dog is a good fit for them. Purpose: Companionship, some competitive and working roles. Weight: Females 40 — 70lbs, males 60 — 80lbs. Temperament: Smart, tough, hardworking. What to expect from a Labrador Malinois mix Labs and Belgian Malinois are both dogs with impeccable working credentials, but in very different roles. Labradors are, of course, retrievers. In the past they helped duck hunters by collecting the birds which had been shot. The Belgian Malinois meanwhile started out as a shepherding breed. More recently, the same intelligence, stamina, and guarding instincts which made them good at shepherding have also made them popular with police and military dog trainers. A Labrador Belgian Malinois mix is sometimes known as a Belgiador. This mix is not as popular or widely available as some of the Labrador crosses more suitable to being a family pet. Such as the world-famous Labradoodle. This is partly because the different historical purpose of Labs vs Malinois mean they have very different temperaments. Labrador Malinois mix appearance Physically, it is easy to tell a Lab and a Malinois apart. But, they also have enough in common that a Malinois Lab mix is fairly unsurprising to look at compared to, say, a Shih Tzu Lab mix! Both breeds are medium to large. So a female Malinois Lab mix is likely to weigh 40 to 70lbs, and a male is likely to weigh 60 to 80lbs. Their exact size, build and proportions can vary from one individual to the next, depending on: The exact size of their parents. Whether their Labrador parent came from working or show lines. And whether they take after their Lab parent or their Malinois parent more. Both breeds have short smooth coats, which protect them from the cold whilst working in winter. But the Malinois can be registered in four times as many colors as the Lab. Including dilute colors, brindle, and sable patterns. Malinois and black Lab mix puppies could surprise you with a range of coat colors, including sables. Dilute and brindle coats will only be expressed in first generation Malinois Lab mix puppies if the Labrador parent was also carrying the gene for one of these traits. But the temperament they will grow up to have is a different matter! Malinois are a herding breed. They have a strong guarding instinct, which is what makes them well suited to protecting a flock of sheep. Part of the guarding instinct is an innate wariness of new and unfamiliar people. Another part is unhesitating bravery in defending the thing they guard. They are also very clever, and they can pick up complex commands quickly. Labradors meanwhile have a strong urge to fetch things and carry items around in their mouths — the retrieving instinct. They are also very clever, and capable of mastering complex tasks. But, they have little guarding instinct. They often bond happily with lots of people, including people they met for the first time 5 seconds ago. Belgian Malinois Labrador mix puppies are likely to be easy to train, and pick up new commands quickly. They will crave having a job to do, alongside a human handler. This may manifest as unwanted behaviors including digging, chewing, scratching or barking. This mix will not be suited to spending most of the day alone at home. Surprises in Malinois Lab mix personality However, not all aspects of their personality are so predictable. Belgian Malinois tend to be disinterested in interacting with people beyond their immediate human family. When faced with persistent unwanted attention, they might bark or snap to send a clear signal to back off. This is very different to most Labradors, who tend to befriend just about anyone, and are tolerant of being petted by strangers. How sociable and people-friendly a litter of Belgian Malinois Labrador mix puppies will grow up to be can vary a lot, even between siblings. So, if being sociable and comfortable receiving attention from people beyond your immediate family is important to you, this mix is not a reliably good choice. Training and exercising your Labrador Malinois mix Next, back to something you can be sure of — your Labrador Belgian Malinois mix will need training and physical activity in spades. Ongoing training is vital to meet their need for mental stimulation. Besides basic obedience training as a puppy, you can challenge their brains by taking part in Advanced obedience training. They enjoy socializing with other humans and dogs and bonding with their entire family. Their high levels of energy and need for exercise also make them highly energetic. Good-natured and hard-working, labs have a reputation for being loyal and honest. In addition to being hunters, assistance dogs, show dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of dog work, they are often used as assistance dogs. Although they love to work and are highly trainable, these dogs also enjoy some fun! Exercising must be intense. Playing fetch, jogging, and other activities can be included in this. Aside from competing in dog sports, they also perform well in agility competitions. Their mental fitness is also maintained through training sessions. A Lab is a sweet-natured dog, making it a perfect companion dog or therapy dog. It is possible to train them to assist people with disabilities since they are intelligent and can be trained. The labrador retriever is a very protective breed, especially when it comes to his family and home. Intense exercise is also needed. Jogging, fetching, and other exercises can be included. Several other dog sports, such as agility, they do well in as well. A lab can be a great companion or therapy dog because of its sweet nature. It is possible to train them to assist disabled people because they are intelligent. Besides being great watchdogs, they also make great companions. There is a strong sense of loyalty and protection in labs when it comes to their family and their homes. Appearance Labradors and Malinois can be distinguished physically from one another. But, they both sit somewhere between medium and large, so a mix of Malinois and Labs would appear more unsurprising than, say, a mix with a smaller breed. A female lab weighs around 55 and 70 pounds, while a male lab weighs between 65 and 80 pounds. An average Malinois Lab mix female weighs 40 to 70 pounds, while an average male weighs 60 to 80 pounds. The coats of both breeds are short and smooth, which keeps them warm during winter. Although the Malinois has four times more colors to choose from than the Labrador. The patterns include dilute colors, brindles, and sables. There is a wide color variety available in black Lab mix and Malinois puppies, including sables. It is only when the parent dog was a Labrador that diluted and brindled coats were expressed in the pups of the first generation of a Labrador Malinois-Labrador mix. Due to the rarity of that situation, they usually emerge only in crosses that are of 2nd and higher generations. Temperament The temperament of a mixed-breed dog cannot be predicted in advance since it can inherit personality traits from either parent. There are a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and personalities in every breed. Generally speaking, a Boxer and Labrador Retriever mix will display puppy-like behaviors well into her 5th year of life. They are likely to be very energetic and prefer being active over sitting on the couch! Herding is the primary function of Malinois dogs. Additionally, guarding sheep is something they do well because of their strong guarding instinct. The inherent wariness of unfamiliar people is part of the guarding instinct. Additionally, they must not hesitate to defend what they protect without flinching. Their intelligence makes them very capable of learning complicated commands very quickly. The retrieving instinct is extremely strong in Lab Retrievers while retrieving is common in other breeds. Their intelligence and ability to master complex tasks make them very desirable. They do not have much of a guarding instinct, however. There is often a happy bond between the two of them, even if they met each other only just a few seconds ago. Puppies born from mixed Belgian Malinois and Labrador parents usually learn commands quickly, and improve their training over time. With someone by their side, they are more likely to enjoy working. In addition, if you do not give them anything to do, they are likely to lose interest very quickly. There are numerous undesirable behaviors that can manifest during this time, for instance, pawing, biting, scratching, barking, etc. If the dog has to spend all of its time at home by itself, you may want to consider a different breed or hybrid. The personality of these individuals is not predictable in all aspects. The Belgian Malinois is generally uninterested in socializing with other people outside of their immediate family. Their snapping or barking signals clearly that they want to be left alone when they are being bothered by a constant stream of unwanted attention. Unlike Labradors in general, which accept strangers petting them, these dogs tend to befriend everyone. It is possible to find vast differences in social skills and people-friendliness between siblings of Belgian Malinois Labrador mixes. At 8 weeks of age, their behavior is not a good indicator of their future temperament. Consequently, if your social skills and comfort with receiving attention are crucial, then this combination is not for you. The hip dysplasia of both breeds of dogs is a common health problem. The socket of the hip becomes malformed in this painful condition. A number of problems can be caused by it, including gait problems and arthritis. Both breeds may suffer from this genetic problem. Due to the strong hereditary component of dysplasia of the hips and elbows, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals suggests that dogs who do not test positive be kept as breeding stock. A breeding dog should also undergo testing for eye problems, as well as exercise-induced collapse. Performing hip and elbow dysplasia tests, as well as checking for eye problems, should be required before breeding Malinois dogs. When the stomach turns inside out and is sealed, it is considered a medical emergency. The symptoms of this disease can be found here, and affected dogs can only be saved by surgery When buying a Malinois and Labrador mix dog, make sure the breeder uses healthy parents in their breeding so that you avoid a lifetime of heartache and costly veterinary bills. It will make a difference who they take after when it comes to their health risks. You should be aware of symptoms of ear infections if your dog has floppy ears like a Lab. In addition, you will need to keep them from getting bloated if they have a deep chest like a Malinois. A survey conducted among dog owners found that Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers live, on average, 12 to 13 years, and some even live well into their teens. As a comparison, this is a good size for a dog of this size. Fall and spring are also times when both shed a lot. It is definitely a good idea to brush your mixed fur baby at least once a week, but more frequently during seasons of high shedding. The frequency of his dirty and stinky behavior will determine how often your Malinois Lab requires bathing. The frequency of baths may vary from dog to dog, with some dogs requiring a bath once a week to once a month. As Labradors and Malinois have weather-resistant coats, routine bathing should not be necessary for the Labrador Malinois Mix. When you have a Labrador Malinois Mix puppy, keep in mind that the Malinois has a thicker coat and sheds more than the Labrador. Therefore, you will need to brush and groom your puppy more frequently. Training You should expect your Lab Malinois mix to be extremely energetic since you have crossed two highly energetic breeds. Please remember that each of these breeds was designed to work outdoors all day long. It is possible that some Labrador Belgian Malinois mix dogs are more prone to lazing around than others. It is important that the Labrador parent of the puppies should come from breeding lines, especially if the Labrador was a show dog. Generally, these mixes are suitable only for individuals with at least a few hours per day that they can devote to working with their dogs and making sure it has proper training and the right amount of exercise. To keep your mixed Lab Malinois happy and healthy, they will definitely need training and socialization. Keep in mind that you should always supervise your mixed breed dog around young children and other animals. The Malinois, as well as some Labs, have strong prey instincts. The training and socialization of this mix should be done positively. Your Lab Malinois and you will have a great time doing this! You will be able to tire your dog out every day by doing complex training exercises. However, you will still need to exercise your dog regularly. Outdoor activity is likely to be needed by this mix at least twice a day. In the past three decades, the retriever has become the most popular dog breed in America. Due to their adaptability to different situations and friendly and patient nature, they are well suited to families with adults, children, and dogs who are unfamiliar with them. Unlike Labrador Retrievers, a Belgian Malinois is a breed that specializes in working dogs. They are unmatched in terms of their performance, endurance, and fearlessness when serving in the police and military. Most pet owners cannot provide the engagement, training, and exercise that a companion dog needs most people. Barking or nipping may also be issued to children if they lose patience with them. Those who are new to owning a dog, those with many other responsibilities, and families with children may not be appropriate for this mix. It is recommended that they be owned by very active people, with plenty of time to dedicate to their care, and with experience with similar breeds. A Belgian Malinois Lab mix is an incredibly beautiful and fascinating dog, regardless of how you feel about mixed breeds and whether you consider them mutts or ethical. It must be said that, on balance, designer dogs can be healthier than many purebred dogs, even though there may be some question marks about the topic. It is recommended that prospective owners prepare for adequate socialization and training before getting a Labrador Malinois Mix as a family pet. His best home would be in a family with older children, and he would benefit from the patience and training of an owner. Be prepared to spend a lot of time with your dog making sure it fits into the family well and adjusts properly. The more time you spend with it and the more training and socialization you provide your mix, the more likely it will become a great family pet. In order to reduce the chances of obesity-related health problems, he will need plenty of space and access to the outdoors. Prior to bringing a pet into your home and making it part of your family, you should research that breed and determine its needs and challenges. This will ensure your dog is happy, stays healthy, and fits into your family well. You will also like:. The combination is a crossbreed, which combines certain aspects of both breeds in one puppy. Talk about adorable—a Lab Malinois mix is just that—all cuteness! However, there are some things you need to know about these really cute cross-bred puppies. In fact, they believe there are many good reasons to do so. However, other people disagree. But there are others who say no, mutts are usually the result of many dog breeds coming together, while the designer dog comes two purebred parents. In addition, some believe that crossing two breeds is a great way to solve genetic health issues; however, there is a problem with this theory. The issue arises if both dog breeds have a tendency to the same genetic issues. Most people think of Labs and how they sweet they are. So, does this sweetness help balance out the Malinois all-work temperament? When it comes to their size, expect the Labrador Malinois mixed-breed dog to be on the larger side. Each dog is unique. Some of these dogs may tend to be more on the sweet side, while others are more sensitive, or outgoing. What is a Belgian Malinois? These are highly intelligent working dogs that first originated in Belgium during the s, but then found their way to the U. The breed was developed to be a working dog, specifically a shepherd of cattle, sheep, etc. In addition, the Malinois requires regular strenuous exercise every day, because they are bred to work. They enjoy jogging, hiking, playing fetch and more, and are best for families that are highly active. They do well with dog sports and agility competitions, and enjoy regular obedience training classes. In fact, Malinois are highly trainable. The dogs need be mentally and physically stimulated in order to be happy. These dogs have a strong prey instinct, making them not usually recommended for families with young children or other animals especially cats. Because of their strong prey instinct, they have a tendency to nip or bite; they do bite very hard. These awesome dogs are recommended for experienced pet parents who understand exactly what this dog needs. Otherwise, a Malinois can become bored or depressed, which an lead to destructive or even aggressive behavior. What is a Labrador Retriever? The Labrador Retriever is one of the most common family dogs around! These very friendly dogs bond th their entire family, and they enjoy socializing with other humans and dogs. Labs are known for being hard-working and good-natured. These dogs are highly trainable and love to work, but they also enjoy having some fun! Just like the Malinois, Labs needs a lot of exercise to get rid of their excess energy. And the exercise needs to be intense. This can include jogging, playing fetch, and more. They also do well in dog competitions, including agility and other dog sports. They also enjoy training sessions to help them stay mentally fit. Labs are sweet natured, which makes them great companions or therapy dogs. Did we mention they also make great watchdogs? Labs are very protective of their family and their home. One health issue both dog breeds share is hip dysplasia. This is a painful condition of the hip, where the socket becomes malformed. It can cause gait problems, arthritis and more. Each dog is a beautiful, unique individual. However, both the Lab and the Malinois are work dogs, who need to have a job in order to happy. Having said that, it could also be the crossbreed puppy could have an extreme of either the Malinois or the Lab temperaments. Or the puppy could develop a balanced personality with characteristics of both mellowed out. We do know that if you need a dog for a specific job, then a mixed breed puppy is probably not the best option. Both breeds need training and socialization, so your mixed Lab Malinois will definitely need this to make sure they stay happy and healthy. And remember that your mixed dog will need to always be supervised around young children and other pets. This is due to the strong prey instinct in the Malinois, and some Labs. Also keep it fun! This is a great way to bond with your Lab Malinois dog! Labs generally come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. However, sometimes they may even appear white or silver. Malinois come in four colors that can include black-tipped fawn, black-masked fawn, mahogany or tan. As a result, you could end up with a Belgian Malinois black lab mix, or some other color combination. This will depend on the parents and how the genetics play out in the puppies. Grooming When it comes to grooming a Malinois Lab, both the purebred dogs have coats that help them deal with all types of weather. Both also tend to shed, especially in the fall and spring. Your mixed fur baby will definitely need to be brushed at least once a week, but more often during the high shedding seasons. As bathing, your Malinois Lab will require occasional bathing, depending on how often he gets dirty and stinky. Some dogs may benefit from a weekly bath, while others may only need to be bathed once a month or so. A Malinois Lab mix will also need his toenails regularly trimmed, about once every three months, or when they become too long. It is possible to breed the Belgian Malinois with other dogs, such as a Golden Retriever, which would result in a Belgian Malinois Golden Retriever mix. Here, again, the characteristics of the dog will depend on the purebred parents. The Malinois Lab mix can result in a wonderful dog. Just remember that these dogs are highly energetic and need positive reinforcement training.

La Vergne, TN About We are a family oriented pet kennel, our objective is to produce the very best family dogs possible. We take pride in our puppies. Our kennels are cleaned everyday rain or shine. Our Waiting List: Our waiting list will guarantee your place in line for up to 2 years. You can request to be placed on our waiting list to reserve a puppy from any of our upcoming litters. Those on our waiting list will have first choice of puppies before they are advertised to the public. Once a deposit is placed your name will be added to the list. We will contact everyone on our waiting list once a litter is born in the order that the deposit is received. When we arrive at your name, you may pick a puppy or pass if there is not a puppy you are interested in. Please be advised that the deposit is good for 2 years, if not used in that 2 years then your deposit will be forfeited. We do not hold any puppy without a deposit. The deposit does come off the total purchase price of the puppy with the remaining balance due 1 week prior to pick up if paying with credit card or at pick up if paying with cash. We accept most credit cards. We do have financing for our puppies. We use Square Reader as a form of payments with credit cards and financing. A puppy pack that will include a starter pack of NuVet Supplements www. Lifetime breeder support, 1 month free insurance through AKC , access to our webpage that has massive amounts of educational material www. This page is where we keep in contact with all our fur families and would like you to join our group. We start all of our babies on Nu-Vet supplements.You can read all about it on our webpage under Nu-Vet Supplements at www. What is not included: All shipping charges to your location. All associated cost of preparing your puppy for shipping such as a health certificate and crate if shipping by air. Shipping can be handled through the airlines or ground. We prefer ground shipping over air. The shipper we use comes directly to your door. Airlines are not available in extremely hot or cold weather and you are charged a crate fee to fly them. You may also pick up your puppy at our kennel. All of our puppies are seen by a Licensed Veterinarian on or around the age of 6 weeks. We reserve the right to decline selling any of our puppies that we don't feel will fit in with your family. For the safety of our puppies and adults dogs, we will not be allowing anyone to come around the puppies until they are at least 7 weeks of age. This will help us to insure healthy puppies and mothers. Even though we have not experienced this at our Kennel, we are taking precautions. We hope that everyone understands our concerns. Parvo Virus: people can bring that virus in on their shoes, clothing and skin. Just about everywhere. This virus can wipe out a litter within hours. Puppies are very vulnerable to these kinds of diseases; their immune systems are developing and are unable to fight off this disease. Coccidia: Another disease that can wipe out a litter of puppies. It also can be carried in with shoes. But most of the time, puppies will ingest it by eating stool or breathing in the spores that are left on the ground. Stress on the mother: This could lead to inadequate milk supply for the puppies. Loose bowels and lack of appetite. We want the mother to care for her babies as long as she can, as she gives them the immunity that they need to fight off diseases, grow and get strong. We will be taking videos and pictures. We will try to post weekly, so that everyone whom is adopting one of our puppies can see them grow. I don't think this will cause an issue since most of your puppies are adopted out of state. Thank you for your understanding. Newsletter Meet our Highlighted Dogs Would you like to give a forever home to one of these sweet dogs? Give us a call now to schedule a meet and great! You won't regret it. Dax My name is Dax! I'm a young, playful dog with lots of energy! I wear my foster brothers out! I am crate trained, know sit and am potty trained. I am loud when no one is paying attention to me. I love my people and fur brothers and would be a lap dog if allowed! Adopt Dax Paintball Paintball was found on the streets shot by paintballs all over his body and beat up pretty bad. He is fully recovered and looking for his forever home. He is a lover and loves to play with toys and is kid and dog friendly. She is 1. She loves everyone and would do well in a home with both children and adults. She was saved from a small town shelter minutes before being euthanized. Adopt Emmie "Thank you Gracies for making our family whole again! We changed his name to Apollo and he has been the biggest blessing and filled a massive hole we had! He sleeps with her every night and watches over her like a hawk! Thank you Gracies for giving this little girl her forever best friend and making our family whole again! Keep up the good work! FabuFit "The adoption process was very quick and the staff has always been so sweet every time I visit! I constantly visited all the adorable cats and one day we finally were ready to adopt. We went in and immediately knew which cat we wanted, so sweet and beautiful. The adoption process was very quick and the staff has always been so sweet every time I visit! Would highly recommend Gracies project to anyone, great animals and people. Find your puppy for sale in Amarillo, TX Puppies. Asia Pacific. Will come with paperwork from the vet. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. He was found at Thompson Park in early December and never claimed. Boxer puppies for sale in Amarillo TX. Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX vary by breeder and individual puppy. On Good Dog today, Pug puppies. Transportation to Amarillo, TX available. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. Boxer puppies for sale Amarillo, Texas Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Find a Dachshund puppy from reputable breeders near you in Amarillo, TX. Standard Poodles are typically around 40 to 70 pounds. Camarillo Dogs for Sale and Adoption. The typical price for Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy. Sweetest personality mom chocolate and tan, father black and tan both parents dapples. Partnered with the nation's most trusted and reputable breeders, we aim to deliver the cutest, happiest, and finest Yorkies to our Premier family members. Text or call if interested -- Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. The typical price for Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX may vary based on the breeder. Poodle puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. A strong dog with energy for days, the lab is a perfect park companion, as they're playful, loyal, and very trainable, though they need space to play. Coloring is light brown and white. Chihuahuas for Sale in Amarillo, TX. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Amarillo, Texas. Miniature Poodles are typically around 10 to .At Premier Pups, we are a family of four-legged dog lovers that raises happy and healthy Maltese puppies. Corgis for Sale in Amarillo, TX. Dachshunds for Sale in Amarillo, TX. Dogs for Sale in Amarillo, TX. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted …. Find Poodle puppies for sale Near Amarillo, TX Versatile and impressive, the Poodle excels on the show floor, in parks, and in the home. Poodle puppies in Amarillo, TX may span multiple sizes, which range from: Toy Poodles are typically around 6 to 9 pounds. Sweet, fluffy, and completely adorable, Pomeranian puppies are here to reward your love with joy and blissful companionship. I am an energetic 2 year old male Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Puppies Breeds All Puppies. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy Labrador Retriever puppies from the best breeders. The calm, confident Boerboel does best with proper socialization and thrives off of having a job to do. Needs instruction in h more 2 weeks ago on Adopt-a-Pet. How much do Pug puppies cost in Amarillo, TX? Please read ALL the information about him before inquiring. Dachshund puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders …. If you are unable to find your Maltese puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Amarillo who need a home. Adorable Maltese Puppy Ready to go Home. Mini Schnauzer Puppy for sale in Amarillo, Texas. Yorkshire Terrier For Sale in Amarillo .Find Puppies in Amarillo. Dachshund puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. Originally raised in Germany to help with hunting, the iconic Dachshund has short little legs and a long body, along with a strong personality. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Both full blooded mini schnauzers. She loves to be on your lap and following you around. They may be best known for fancy haircuts and a regal manner, but they're also great athletes and very, very smart. Puppies for Sale in Amarillo Texas. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Amarillo. Adopt yours from our reputable breeders at Premier Pups. Puppies For Sale in Amarillo .Owner surrendered, due to owner not having a back yard for Nala to run and play. Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale near Amarillo, Texas. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find. Find the Pomeranian puppy of your dreams through one of Good Dog's trusted Pomeranian breeders in Amarillo, TX and start the application process today. They come from both sides of th. Miniature Poodles are typically around 10 to 15 pounds. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Selling My last litter produced this spring. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Premier Pups has got you covered. Puppies for Sale near Amarillo, Texas Your search returned the following puppies for sale. Moyen Poodles are typically around 25 to 35 pounds. They were born January 7, .Please reload the page after you have enabled it. These beautiful, foxlike pups thrive in a setting where love and cuddles are plentiful. F2 Pomsky Female, 14 weeks Amarillo, Texas. Pomeranians for Sale in Amarillo, TX. Tails docked, Excellent bloodline, 1st set of s. Look at pictures of puppies in Amarillo who need a. Find Boerboel puppies for sale Near Amarillo, TX A true guardian, this breed is eager to please, protective, and devoted. Full registration is available for additional cost. Boston Terrier puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted. She has had her tail clipped and have tags. No matter which kind of dog you decide to bring into your home, your new pup will find many of its peers throughout the city. Amarillo is home to a diverse mix of dog breeds. She gets along with small and big dogs. Find your puppy for sale in Amarillo, TX. Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted …. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. As a medium sized dog, he is in our large dog building which can get chaotic and loud when prospective families come to visit! Little Man is more of a reserved, couch potato fellow and will mostly stay in the back of his kennel- so you have to search to see him. But don't miss out! He is a sweet, quiet, well-mannered guy that is looking for a quiet, laidback home where he can enjoy naps and snuggles. As a mature fellow we really want to find him a comfortable forever home!! If this sounds like the pup for you—read on! Black coat, white chest and distinguished gray in all the right places. Likes: Naps, rubs, exploring, smiling, other dogs. Needs: Someone to show him the love and security of a forever retirement home! Training: to know the house rules- such as where to go to the bathroom, etc. Exercise: a walking buddy would be a great bonding activity- and he likes to sniff everything! Special notes: has a manageable tick disease that requires no treatment unless he has an occasional flare up which is easily handled with an antibiotic from your vet. Alpha was owner surrendered to our shelter, due to the owners having too many dogs. Coat coloring is white with reddish brown areas. Alpha has brown eyes. He is good with other dogs and is crate trained. Alpha has been around children and adults. A great looking boy who seems very sweet. Angel Angel is a 2 year old female, Labrador mix. She was surrendered, due to digging out of the yard. She has a beautiful white coat and is very friendly. Angel is the sweetest girl, with a great temperament. Sometimes these special dogs get overlooked. We hope you will come meet Angel. Angel may be a bit food aggressive, so if you have another dog, you may need to separate their bowls or feeding areas. We don't know about house training and Angel may need some instruction; especially in a new home environment. Archie Archie was surrendered to our shelter, due to his owner having to go into a nursing home. Archie is a sweet little guy who now needs a new home and family. Ashley Ashley is a 2 year old pretty German Shepherd mix. Her coat coloring is black, brown and white tri color. Ashley has apparently had puppies within the last couple months. We don't have her puppies, just Ashley. She is dog friendly, but unknown about cats. Ashley is crate trained and very active and playful. She will need playtime at her new home. She will also need instruction in house training. Training includes 'sit', 'come' and 'shake'. Ashley is food and treat motivated. She likes adults and children. You will need a tall, fenced yard for when outdoors, as she can easily jump a foot fence. Barbie has been patiently waiting for a 'forever' home. Barbie is a good-looking girl, with her brindle-colored coat. She loves car rides and does well on a leash. Once Barbie gets to know you, she enjoys hugs and loves to give kisses. She also likes for you to keep her company when she's eating the last half of her meal. He likes 'people' companionship. Barbie may need to be an 'only' dog she certainly prefers it that way. She was once a bit aggressive toward other dogs, but has become more sociable in the time she has been at our shelter. This girl is medium sized and has tremendous strength, as do most Pit Bull Terriers. Barbie may need instruction in house training, especially in a new environment. Barbie needs a home with no young children. We would suggest crating at night and if left alone during the day. B is a 3 year old Chihuahua mix. She was a rescue after her owner passed away. She is a bit scared and nippy right now. However, she is friendly in a calm and quiet environment; just shy until she gets to know you. His coat coloring is a dark chocolate. This is quite the handsome guy! Bear came to us from the Canyon Animal Control, as he was probably dumped somewhere in Canyon. Bear weighs approximately 65 pounds. He is a sweet boy, and a very strong dog. Bear is active and playful and likes men and women. We don't know if he's been around children. Caution: If you raise your hand too fast around Bear, he backs up. We think he might have been hit at some point. We hope you will come meet Bear! They were surrendered to the shelter because their original owner passed away. Sansa is a 5 year old female Shihtzu mix. He was born around January of and sports a medium length brown and black coat. They are indoor pets who need a home. They may need instruction in house training, especially in a new home environment. Come meet these sweet little dogs. Bella Bella is a 11 year old Chihuahua mix. Surrendered along with other dogs, due to financial hardships. Bella's coat coloring is white and tan. She is a sweetheart; friendly and playful, even though a bit frightened right now. Bella is crate trained. She will need instruction in house training. Bella was raised around adults and children. She came from a home with at least two other small dogs. Bella was an owner surrender, as her owner brought another dog into the household, and Bella doesn't really do well with other dogs. Bella is pretty girl who appears friendly and very busy in character. Bella is a medium sized girl, not a large Shepherd. Bella seems okay around children and adults. She is a very sweet dog who needs lots of love, comfort and security. If adopting, you need to have time for Bella. Bella does not like being crated and does have a bit of separation anxiety. He was a rescue. Benji 's coat coloring is brown and black. He is an active, playful guy that likes other dogs and likes to snuggle into your lap. Benji is a cute little guy who needs a 'forever' home. He appears to be Chihuahua mix. Coat coloring is tan. Blitzen is crate trained, quiet, and likes men and women. We think he would be great with kids too. Blitzen isn't housebroken, so will need instruction. He is good with other dogs, but introduce slowly to any other animals. Bones came to our shelter from the Borger Animal Control. This guy is active and playful and he is crate trained. Good with other dogs and has lived primary with adults. We don't know how Bones would be around kids, but probably older kids would be best. Boomer is a bit shy, but not aggressive at all. Boomer is good with people, but may need older children, rather than toddlers or youngsters. She isn't leash broke and will need a home where she can have some patience, love and training. Brittney Brittney is a 2 year old, Chihuahua mix. She was owner surrendered, due to not having enough room for all their dogs. Brittney's coat coloring is tan. She is good with other dogs, but a bit frightened of people right now. Our volunteers will work with her. Brittney needs instruction in house training. We are told Brittney likes children and adults. She doesn't like loud noises. She came in with her friend Milo. He is a Labrador mix. This pup was found abandoned, along with 5 others, in a metal crate, by the fence at SPCA. Brock's coat is Tri-color: black , white chest and brown inside back legs. This pup will be a larger dog when grown; perhaps 50 pounds or more. Brock is very energetic, and since he's a puppy will need toys. This dog loves to play in the water. Brooks Brooks is about 1 year old and may be a Carolina Dog mix. Coloring is light brown and white. He was found at Thompson Park in early December and never claimed. Brooks has lots of energy and probably needs a home with a family; maybe some children. Bubba was rescued and brought to the shelter after being attacked by another dog. His injuries have healed nicely and now Bubba needs a new loving home. Bubba has somewhat of a baby face and is a very sweet boy! He loves to play and particularly likes rope and rubber toys. Bubba is quite strong and would need a capable owner. Considering Bubba's history, he may be unhappy being around certain dogs, and he seems a bit dog aggressive at times. If you have another dog, you may want to bring it along for a visit with Bubba. Bubba will need some supervision in house training. We recommend possibly crating at night and if left alone during the day. Bubba will also need a secure fence in his new home. He is 6. Buddy was an owner surrender. Buddy is good with other dogs; however usually prefers being around female dogs. As far as people are concerned, he seems to prefer women, once he warms up to them. Buddy is a big, shy boy who probably needs a calm environment, with no small children, and no stressful situations or surroundings. Once comfortable with you, he likes to cuddle up. The people who surrendered Buddy mentioned bad habits of pulling things off the table: He is a large dog who needs space. Buddy 2 Meet Buddy 2 we have another Buddy at our shelter. This Buddy is a Pit Bull Terrier, and is 2 years of age. Buddy was a rescue from Fritch. He is white with blue eyes. Buddy is good with other dogs. Buddy is crate trained and a quite dog. He was abandoned, out in the country, along with his brother Kibbles. A sweet little guy who hasn't missed a meal! Coat coloring is light brown and white, and has blue eyes. Butterscotch can be adopted, but won't be able to go for awhile, as needs shots and sterilization. Capone Capone is a 6-year-old Shepherd mix. Capone is active and playful, and good with kids and adults. Capone seems very protective of his 'people'. His short coat coloring is tan with white, and a black muzzle. A good-looking boy with those pretty eyes. Capone is an escape artist! He requires a sturdy, tall fence that he can't go over or dig under, and perhaps an enclosed run or outside play area. Capone would benefit from socialization; exercise and obedience training recommended. Do come meet him. He came to us from the Borger Animal Shelter. He is crate trained and active and playful. This is a sweet, friendly guy. He is good with other dogs but doesn't like to play too rough. Chance is handsome in his brindle and white coat. Won't you come meet him at our shelter? She was an owner surrender, due to some separation anxiety. Chani is an indoor pet, crate trained, active and playful and energy plus. She would be best as an 'only' dog as she needs lots of undivided attention. Chani has been trained to sit, stay and come. She loves any type of ball, loves to play outside and really enjoys walks. Chani has been around men and women, but we don't know how she is with children. Connor Connor is a 5 year old, male Cane Corso Shepherd mix. This breed is usually even tempered and very intelligent. Being a breed mix, Connor is a medium to large dog only pounds. He would be best with experienced pet parents, and certainly unafraid around large breed dogs. Connor is good with men, but we don't know if he's been around women and children. Connor is sweet, strong and energetic. He does like to play with large, well made toys. Dogs always need the human reaction, but toys can help reduce boredom as well. Connor needs space for exercise when out of doors, and a securely fenced yard. This dog is probably not an apartment dog, nor one for novice owners. He also may not like being left alone. She is a 2 year old approx. DOB: Spring .Cookie is a Pit Bull Terrier mix. She was found outside SPCA, tied to a crate. She was pregnant, and almost immediatly delivered her puppies here at our shelter. Cookie was certainly a good momma to those pups. Now Cookie needs a home of her own, a 'forever' home. Cookie is a sweet girl, active and playful and good with other dogs. Her coat coloring is tan with some brown. Full grown and sort of small to medium in size. Coop Coop is a 1. Owner surrendered. This is a good looking dog. Coop likes children and adults. Hurry and come meet him! He was surrendered to our shelter along with 2 other dogs, due to owner's financial hardships. Cupid is active and playful, with extra spurts of energy. This is a friendly little dog who likes children and adults. Cupid is crate trained. He gets along well with other small dogs. Coat coloring is white with black; just finished his bath in this photo. Cupid needs a new home. Dakota Meet Dakota! Just a handsome little pup, who is about months of age. A mixed breed of possibly Collie, Whippet or even Carolina Dog. Coloring is brown, tan and white. He is small right now but will probably be medium size when grown. Dakota is an indoor pet who is dog friendly, big or small. He is active and playful and good with children and adults. A very friendly, sweet puppy who is full of energy. Dakota likes to be around people. He has had a bit of training, and can 'sit' on command. Daisy Daisy is a mix breed, possibly some Chihuahua in the mix. Daisy was an owner surrender, due to jealousy with their other pet, and they preferred to keep their smaller pet. This little gal is an indoor dog, housebroken and crate trained. Daisy's coat coloring is light reddish brown. She has had some training. A male Pit Bull Terrier; possibly mix. He was left at the front of our shelter with his crate, food, treats, blankets, toys, harness, leash, etc. We wish we knew his previous name, but we have named him Dante. This is a handsome dog who has been well taken care of. A bit hard to tell from these pictures, but his coat coloring is black and white. The white is on chest and all 4 paws front and back of paws. Dante seems to really like other dogs and wants to play with them all. He was frightened when first coming out of the crate, but so friendly now. This is a sweet boy that you will want to meet. She wanted Delilah to have a new home where she could exercise and play. She is a sweet girl, who loves to cuddle and get attention. She loves to go for walks, play in pools and her favorite treat just might be peanut butter! It's difficult to break them up, if they happen to get into a scuffle. She may be ok with older male dogs, or as an only dog in your household. Probably best to go to a home with older children as well. Delilah is apparently housetrained but we do recommend supervision in a new home, possibly crating her at night and when she is home alone in the day until she can be taught the house rules. Dusty Dusty is about 1 year old and is a Boxer mix. He was abandoned in front of SPCA shelter today. He's a handsome boy, and one who is very friendly and sweet with people; kids and all. He also seems okay with other dogs. His coat coloring is reddish tan, brown and white. We know Dusty needs a good home. We don't know about house training, so he may need instruction. We hope you will come meet this one. DOB: February .Eddie is a cream or blonde and white colored Chiweenie, and he was a rescue. Eddie is very, very friendly and active, but a quiet guy. He appears to be crate trained, and has been around adults. Harlan Meet Harlan! We believe she is Black Mouth Cur with possibly some Heeler in the mix. She is about 1 year of age, and may actually be full grown. Harlan is a sweet, friendly girl. She is crate trained, and active and playful. She seems okay with other dogs. Some bad habits to watch for: may like to dig and even run off, if left without supervision. Harlan is an escape artist for sure! She has been adopted a couple times, but is now back at our shelter. We will be working on getting her a 'forever home'. She is well-mannered, and Jade deserves the best of homes. Please make sure that you have a secure fence to keep Jade home and safe. This type breed is known to be escape artists if they are left alone in the back yard for long periods without attention. We don't know Jade's background in house training so she may need supervision in a new home environment. We recommend possibly crating Jade at night and when home alone in the day to help with the process. He is good with other dogs and is housebroken. Jax is small to medium in size. He is very sweet and cuddly around people. He does have some food aggression, so would need to be fed separately from other dogs. He should not live with cats. Come meet Jax. She is a good looking, white with black spotted dog, who is medium in size. She seems a bit kennel aggressive with other dogs, so should probably be an 'only dog'. Khloe is also picky as to the people she likes. We don't know if she is housebroken. Will certainly need instruction in a new home environment, as she has been at the shelter awhile. This is not a dog for a home with young children. He was abandoned, out in the country, along with his brother Butterscotch. Coat coloring is brindle. Kibbles can be adopted, but won't be able to go for awhile, as needs shots and sterilization. Lacey Lacey is a young, female Pitt Bull Terrier mix. She was found and brought to our shelter; no owner or family found since that time. She is now an SPCA dog, available for adoption. Her pretty coat coloring is chocolate and white. Lacey is super sweet and cuddly. She gets along with other dogs. Lacey loves toys, but really likes tearing them up, so will need heavy duty toys, and no stuffing for sure. We don't know about house training, and she may need instruction in a new home. We also have her sister Sassy. They have been together their entire life and hope to be adopted together. Lexi is shy and you may need to visit her a few times before taking her home. She prefers a woman owner and no small children. She will need someone with lots of patience and love. She was abandoned while at a groomer location, and has now been brought to our shelter. Lila weighs 25 pounds, so a good sized girl for a Terrier mix. This is a lively one, who needs a family and someone to play with. Lila seems good with other dogs. Coat coloring is black with white. He was an owner surrender. This is a handsome senior guy who is quite the sweetheart. Little Man spent a day-vacation at Canine Country Club and they said he was a well mannered, mellow guy. He enjoyed the bath, massage and naptime. In the play yard he first strolled through all the sprinklers and sniffed everything! He was not interested in play at the time considering there were so many new things! He met some other pups and was calm and polite. By the end of his visit he shared smiles and tail wags. He has a manageable tick disease which requires no treatment unless he has an occasional flare up which is easily handled with an antibiotic from your vet. She is active and playful and is crate trained. She's small to medium in size, and quite the cutie; likes to stand at and for attention! Lola likes children and adults. However, she should be an 'only' dog in the household. Brown and tan are his coat colorings. Magnum is crate trained and good with other dogs. He has been around adults in his previous home. He has had limited training, but 'sits' well. His bad habit is chewing on things- so he will need appropriate chew toys and instruction. Milo Milo is a 2 year old, Chihuahua mix. He was owner surrendered, due to not having enough room for all their dogs. Milo's coat coloring is tan. He is good with other dogs and is active and playful. Needs instruction in house training. We are told Milo likes children and adults. He doesn't like loud noises. He came in with his friend Brittney. She was an owner surrender, due to moving and no room for her. If interested, just know that Rottweilers need considerable exercise; long walks and romps daily. The breed needs an experienced and authoritive owner. Rottweilers are very protective dogs. Miss Bella is a beautiful girl and appears to be people friendly. However, it does take Miss Bella a little time to warm up to people, so may need to meet her, and even have a few visits before she can go home with someone. She was always with her previous owner, and not too sure now about others. Miss Bella is crate trained and is good with other dogs. Mitzi Mitzi is 2. She is a little sweetheart, but shy. She is sweet and friendly, just somewhat nervous around people, and you must gain her trust. Mitzi needs someone to give her a home with lots of love and attention. She isn't leash trained. She doesn't care for other dogs, so needs to be an 'only' dog. Also a home with no children, or much older children. Mitzi loves hotdogs. Montana Montana Is a 1. Owner surrendered due to owner traveling for work and no time for the dog. Montana is an indoor pet, who is good with other dogs. He is housebroken and crate trained. He is active, playful and hardly ever barks. Montana is a very fast little guy, smart and friendly. He loves to run and to fetch balls. He is very sweet and loves treats. Montana is good with babies, toddlers, older children and adults Nala Nala is 1. Owner surrendered, due to owner not having a back yard for Nala to run and play. Nala is good with other dogs. Loves to play with toys, loves to cuddle and is great with other animals cats included and with children Niah Meet NIAH! Age is about 1. She is white with gray and brown spots or speckles on her face and body. Niah has pretty, golden eyes. Niah was a rescue several months ago, and just recently brought to our shelter. She is good with other dogs and with cats. Mostly housebroken and is crate trained. Niah has been around babies, toddler, older children and adults. If interested in Niah, be sure you have a tall, secure fence, for those times she is out of doors. Nova was found in someone's back yard, brought to our shelter and never claimed. Nova is housebroken and crate trained. She is very active, playful and well behaved. She can jump a fence, so you will need a tall, very secure fence, for when Nova is out of doors. Nova needs a forever home. She is a Labrador mix. Pansy's coat color is dark chocolate black , with 3 white paws. Pansy is very energetic, and since she's a puppy will need toys. Peaches Meet Peaches! She was a rescue from the town of Borger and now at our shelter. Peaches is about 2 years of age and is a Pit Bull Terrier mix. Peaches is friendly and sweet, but can be a bit skittish around people at first. She seems to like other dogs. She is playful and is crate trained. She is white and tan and has blue eyes. Her tiny tail is tan and black. This little pup has loads of energy. Anyone interested in Pearl truly needs to be active and have lots of time to devote to her. Pearl can be ornery and overly playful. Pearl will need lots of chew toys to keep her somewhat occupied. She likes adults and children, but older children would probably be the best match. Pearl may be best as an 'only dog' in the household. Poppy's coat is color is black , with white blaze on face and chest. Poppy is very energetic, and since she's a puppy will need toys. Ranger Ranger is a 3 year old male Labrador mix. He was an owner surrender; too much to handle. He is good with other dogs. Housebroken but will need some instruction in a new home environment. Ranger is very active and strong, but a timid dog. He is best with adults; questionable about children, until Ranger gets more training. He does do 'sit', 'come' and 'stay', but doesn't listen well. Ranger just needs the right person to train him a bit more. Ranger loves to play Frisbee. He will need a secure fenced yard when going out of doors. Although we thought she was some type of Terrier, the Dog Scanner indicates possibly a Lancashire Heeler mix. This breed is a small breed of dog. The coloring and size certainly make that possible. Riley is a pretty girl; friendly and timid. Her tail wags like crazy; non stop. We hope you will come meet Riley at our shelter. Her coat is reddish brown and white. She is good with most other dogs. Rima likes both children and adults. She does have a bad habit of jumping up on people; just needs a bit of training. We don't know if Rima is housebroken, so will perhaps needs some instruction. He appears to be a very sweet, friendly dog, who is medium in size. Rocky is not being nice to other dogs, therefore he needs to be an 'only' dog. He was in foster care until he was months old, then brought to our shelter. He gets along well with other dogs. Coloring is dark brown with white. Rufus was surrendered to our shelter and is ready and available for adoption. This is a lovable, handsome boy, who is housebroken and has had some training. He has been around adults and children, and he truly loves lots of attention. Rufus presently weighs 95 pounds and still not full grown. If interested, be sure you are ready, and can handle a very large boy. He is about 4 years old. Samson is a sweetheart, but doesn't do well with children. He will snap and growl at them, showing his teeth. He is great with adults; sweet, loyal and a little protective. He forms an attachment quickly and wants to be wherever you are. If you place his bed next to your bed, he will spend the night, without accident and be ready to go out first thing in the morning. Samson knows a few commands; come, stay, no, etc. He warms to praise, but is also a little stubborn at times. He would be a great companion to someone, or to a couple who have time for him. He doesn't really like being left alone, so best to crate if you will be away for any length of time. He does need a secure, fenced yard when out of doors. He would love it if you would play and spend time with him in the yard. Sassy This is Sassy, an 11 year old Chihuahua mix. She is a sister to Lexi. They have been together their entire life and would be great if adopted together, but not a must. Sassy has a pretty tan and white coat. She prefers being around women and will need someone with lots of patience and love to adopt her. Probably not so good in a home with children. Coloring is white with black speckles. He is a handsome boy! Scout is very sweet, friendly, playful and energetic. A wonderful dog who is a lover, hugger and kisser. He's a happy boy see that smile , who loves to be by your side or even in your lap. He only wants to be a house dog and be near his people. Scout is great with other dogs, as long as he gets the majority of the attention. He may be a bit food aggressive, so if other dogs, you would want to feed separately. Scout may even be okay with cats. Scout has only part of a tail; a bobtail. Australian Cattle Dogs Heelers are a healthy breed, and need lots of exercise. He's a large black and tan dog, who is certainly a good boy around people. Scooter is pretty laid back, and ready to go home with someone. Scooter is good with other dogs, especially calmer dogs, Not really the overly active, hyper or extremely energetic ones. Shep has a thick, medium length coat you can sink your hands into and will benefit from regular grooming. They are bonded and we are looking for a forever home they can go to together. Not sure what a DNA test would show. She is doing fair at our shelter, but somewhat terrified of everyone. Also frightened of loud noises. If you are interested in Skye, she will need multiple visits before she could go home with anyone. She will need lots of time, patience, love and socialization. But this good-looking dog does need a loving, 'forever' home. She was an owner surrender, as Stella seems to have separation anxiety and shouldn't be left alone. Shella can be a bit destructive when all alone as she finds things to do that she shouldn't. She is housebroken and good with other dogs. Stella likes children and adults. She can jump some fences, so will need a good, tall, secure fence when spending any time out of doors. Stella is a black beauty and loves attention. For treats, Stella loves cheese and hot dogs. She also likes going for walks on a leash, and car rides. Stryker is a Bull Terrier cross, who is about 5 - 5. You can't help but smile when you look at this cute face! Those floppy ears, that big black nose and gorgeous blue eyes. His short-haired coat is a mix of white, brown and black with a white tipped tail. He likes to run and play and would make a great jogging or walking buddy. He adores being brushed and snuggles in close to you so you can reach every bit of him and also offer some welcome tummy rubs. He rests calmly and gently by your side but is happy to get in close, even on your lap, if you allow it. Since Taz and Shep are bonded buddies, we will adopt these special guys out together to a forever home. Toni was an owner surrender, due to moving. Toni's coat coloring is gray blue. Toni is friendly, playful, energetic and likes to give kisses. This is a very strong dog so children could probably not handle her well at all. We do know she likes adults and children. Her previous owners said Toni is sweet and lovable. Toni knows commands 'sit' and 'stay'. She may need instruction in house training. Violet's coat is color is black , white blaze on face and white paws. .Violet is very energetic, and since she's a puppy will need toys. He is Labrador mix. Weston is very energetic, and since he's a puppy will need toys. Created with Wix.

Life Span Did You Know? A mixed dog breed can take on the characteristics of either parent breed or be any combination of both of them. If a Siberian Husky Mix takes after their Siberian Husky parent, they will likely be a high-energy dog that loves its family, has an urge to wander, and needs plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Siberian Husky Mixes are usually loving and affectionate towards their family. With proper training and socialization, they get along well with other dogs and children. With a Siberian Husky as a parent, the Siberian Husky Mix will likely have a high prey drive and an urge to wander. Puppies will often take cues on how to behave from their mother, so meeting the mother dog in-person can give you an idea about the temperament of your Siberian Husky Mix. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix and meeting the mother dog can help you determine what to expect in your Siberian Husky Mix. A Siberian Husky Mix is moderately adaptable. Because Siberian Huskies are so high energy, they are not a good fit for apartment living. Their endurance, paired with their wanderlust, makes them better-suited for homes with room to run and a securely fenced backyard. They also are better-suited to moderate or colder climates due to their heavy insulating coats. Huskies also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and are easily bored, so they need plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise. A mixed breed can sometimes end up with more robust genetics and not be prone to any of the health conditions common to the parent breeds. There is also the potential that they could be prone to conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Some potential health conditions to be aware of from the Siberian Husky side include eye disorders like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Corneal Dystrophy, and Cataracts. To get a full picture of what to be aware of in your Siberian Husky Mix, be sure to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix, the genetic history of the parents, and any relevant health clearances. Knowing this information can give you an idea of what to expect and can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. A Siberian Husky is highly trainable, but can be stubborn. Usually, obedience training is recommended with Huskies, especially for novice dog owners. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea about what range of trainability to expect in your Siberian Husky Mix. Attending training classes with your puppy is always a good idea as there are always new things to learn and will help you be prepared to train your Siberian Husky Mix successfully. If the Siberian Husky Mix takes after their Siberian Husky parent, their coat will be thick and dense. The other parent breed in the mix may result in a lower-shedding coat or other coat variation, which could affect the grooming level of the coat. Regardless of coat type, there are other grooming tasks that every dog needs including nail care, dental care, and ear care. Nails that are too long can make movement uncomfortable or painful for your dog. By trimming them monthly, or more often if needed, helps keep nails shorter and movement more comfortable for your dog. Dental care for dogs is so important, but is also often overlooked. Dental disease is one of the most common, and preventable, health issues in dogs. Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections simply because they are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming your dog much easier as they continue to grow. A Siberian Husky Mix is likely to be a high-energy dog that requires a lot of daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Trips to the dog park , hiking, swimming, games of fetch, running, dog sports, and more are all activities that can help your Siberian Husky Mix expend some extra energy. The other parent breed in the cross can have a big effect on the size of your Siberian Husky Mix. A Siberian Husky usually stands 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 60 pounds. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed and meeting the mother dog in-person can give you an idea of what size to expect in a Siberian Husky Mix. A Siberian Husky typically lives 12 — 14 years. The other parent breed in the cross may affect the life expectancy of a Siberian Husky Mix. Talking with the breeder about both parent breeds can give you a better idea of what could be typical for your puppy. They served in this capacity again for the Byrd Antarctic expeditions. Featured Siberian Husky Mix Article. Serious applicants only. Potential homes will be vetted for proper placement. Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential Wolfdog breed info to find out everything about the Wolfdog. How to find Wolfdog puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their Wolfdog pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the Wolfdog kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.

All of our dogs meet the European Standard for health, confirmation, and working ability. On this website we expose the AKC, and American Veterinary System for the pain, suffering and destruction they are causing to this breed. We also expose German Shepherds. This is why that from the over 50, German Shepherd Breeders in the U. You will learn that modern Schutzhund dogs are NOT working dogs, only trained in obedience, to bite a bite sleeve, to track an article across a field, but can hardly function off leash, and certainly could NOT function in the Real working dog World!! You will learn how and why this is happening. In Europe, German Shepherd puppy and dog prices are uniform. However in the U. We break all of that down for you so you specifically what all of this means. This is an incredible and sad statement. Sad that you would know more than ANY breeder, trainer or Veterinarian in America just by reading one website…. .Our puppy facility is located on 12 acres in Tennessee. Unless required to do serious protection, tracking, or Narcotics detection, Authentic German Shepherds dogs do NOT need serious training, only good Parenting from their Owners. This is why you only want to acquire an Authentic German Shepherd Dog. VZH is non-profit, the price of our puppies and dogs is dictated by our overhead. Our dogs thrive on acres of woods and water. We cover everything A-Z here to make you the best dog Parent possible. While he is yet to publish anything in book or journal form, he has amassed hundreds of pages of notes, statistics, spreadsheets, and interviewed hundreds of experts associated with the German Shepherd Dog Worldwide. Edward conducts hours of research each day as time permits, this has been ongoing for over 30 years. German Shepherd Owners give their dogs time they can spare, room they can spare, and love that they can spare. Our German Shepherds have excellent bloodlines that come from European breeders that focus on excellent temperaments for pet, show, Schutzhund, protection, police work, PTSD and many other varieties. Billy is very passionate animal lover. Billy's love for the Shepherd breed came at a very young age where he learned to raise and training German Shepherds from several experience Schutzund trainers. Billy fell in love with how loyal and willing these dogs wanted to please you. We started importing German shepherds from Europe from some great breeders that want to work with us getting the best dogs. Give us a call if you would like a puppy imported from Europe. When you are looking for a quality German Shepherd breeder who will care as much as you do for your precious pets these two are educated and experienced individuals who give their time to raising outstanding German Shepherd puppies. Billy spends a great deal of time helping in the development of each puppy and maintains the kennel with very healthy dogs. Our Kennels are very dog-friendly and include several large.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides. Feeding your German Shepherd with low-quality dog food will cause malnutrition and lead to overeating and health issues like poor skin, gastrointestinal issues, and osteoarthritis. That said, not all protein and fats are created equal. And so, do also consider the sources of such nutrients. Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age. That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. For evening meals, it would be best if you feed your German Shepherd a few hours before bedtime. Mealtime Length Finally, as much as possible, set about a maximum mealtime length of 15 minutes. That amount of time would be sufficient enough for your German Shepherd to eat its fill and will help prevent your dog from becoming a picky eater. However, to get your puppy used to eating dry food, you would want to introduce dry food starting at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. To do so, soften up dry food by mixing it with milk replacer, and offer it to your puppy 3 to 4 times a day. As your puppy gets used to eating the food, gradually decrease the amount of milk replacer until the puppy eventually adapts to eating solid food. Your puppy should get used to eating dry and solid food by around 8 weeks of age. For a large breed like the German Shepherd, you should start transitioning into adult food starting at around 12 to 24 months old. Make sure to do this switch slowly over a one to two week period by mixing and gradually increasing the adult food with the puppy food to avoid or minimize gastric upset. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion. Therefore, to keep your senior German Shepherd in shape, you must consider a low-calorie, high-fiber, and moderate protein and fat diet. Usually, you can keep on feeding your senior dog with a decreased amount of its adult food or with specially formulated food for older dogs. But, considering older dogs may already have medical conditions that need to be addressed, your best bet would be to consult with a veterinarian to come up with the ideal diet for your senior German Shepherd. As a general guideline, do not provide your dog with supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. Water Aside from providing your German Shepherd with food, also always remember to give it enough water to hydrate. If possible, provide your German Shepherd free access to clean and fresh drinking water to prevent dehydration. And as always, if you find yourself needing help, you can always consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

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Adopt a Labradoodle Puppy from the Wisconsin Breeder You Can Trust Based in the Midwest , our Labradoodle puppies are home raised right here on the ranch with plenty of love, care and exercise. We have 16 acres in southeastern Wisconsin with woods, fields and horses. Beginning at a young age we socialize our puppies with children and other pets to ensure they have a well-rounded temperament and are family-ready when they come home. They get car rides, are held every day, receive beginning training to stay close, come when they are called and are litter and crate trained for you. They will be able to walk up and down steps, have received sound training thunder, horns, vacuum, hair dryer, fireworks, door bells, etc. We listen carefully to your family's story and match you with an adopted puppy best suited for your unique lifestyle and personality. At the Labradoodle Corral we take breeding very seriously and strive for the betterment of the Australian Labradoodle breed. All of our breeding dogs are meticulously selected to ensure the highest quality of puppies for their forever home. Live further? Give us a call. Quick story: We gave 2 of our 6 month old pups a chew treat. When pup 1 was finished with hers, she tried to get the treat away from pup 2. After 10 minutes of relentless trying, pup 1 was still not successful. So she went over by the door and rang the bell to go outside. When I got up and opened the door, pup 2 got up and went outside. Pup 1 walked over and successfully picked up the sought after chew toy. True story. Active and quite comical, they are a treat to be around. It is very important that you are this dog's firm but calm, consistent pack leader and provide them with daily mental and physical exercise. Friendly and very loyal to its family, these dogs are very social and non-aggressive. They are pure joy to have as a companion and you will wonder how you ever got along without one. Contact the premier Wisconsin Labradoodle breeder today to find out about our available Australian Labradoodle puppies. Read More About Our Australian Labradoodles and their origin This classic example of logical and planned crossbreeding was created in the country of Australia in the s. The goal of the Australian clubs is to create a new "breed" with the best attributes of the original breeds. The original objective was to produce assistance dogs that do not shed hair for people with allergies. Australians, on the other hand, have taken the Labradoodle a few steps further. In mid it was announced that the Australian Labradoodle was not just a Labrador x Poodle cross , but was a breed in its own right developed over many years with particular goals in mind. To accomplish these goals, further development was done with parent breed infusions added to the already blooming Labrador x Poodle cross lines. The developers of the breed sought out the best way in which to compliment the Australian Labradoodle breed, and to develop the authentic qualities that they find and love in these dogs. In the very first Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard was written which reflected these goals. The Australian Labradoodle currently consists of 6 different breeds in its origin. We truly believe our Australian Labradoodles are the best dog available and will make a great addition to your family. Conveniently located between Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago , we are here to help puppies find their forever home with your family. For more information on Australian Labradoodles contact the Midwest based Labradoodle experts at the Labradoodle Corral. All Rights Reserved. With over 20 years of experience, we have shared our Labradoodle Puppies with families across this Country, and around the world. As an Authentic Australian Labradoodle Breeder, we offer our Riverbend Australian Labradoodle puppies in Miniature sizes lbs , Medium sizes 45lbs , and Standard sizes lbs. Because of our years of experience and success with our English Style Labrador Retriever Breeding Program , our Riverbend Labradoodles are stocky, heavy-boned, and have a beautiful, blocky style of head that gives them a soft, intuitive expression. We are so blessed to be involved with a fantastic Worldwide Labradoodle Breed organization, bringing together nearly Breeders from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are dedicated to protecting the breed we love so much. We are honored at the opportunity to help protect and promote the breed we love so much with our participation in these organizations. Our commitment to quality and accountability to these organizations offers peace of mind in purchasing one of our Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we are dedicated to helping people with allergies add to their family. Our Labradoodles are known to have a laid- back, easy-going temperament, and are great family companions. They are intelligent and easy to train, and typically finish at the top of their obedience classes. Here at Riverbend, we have made it our focus to protect the health and future, while maintaining the integrity, of the Labradoodle breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to Quality, not quantity. We believe it is of utmost importance to have OFA hip, OFA elbow, ACVO eye clearances, and also breed specific health clearances, as well as Champion Quality pedigrees within all of our dogs' bloodlines, to ensure we have the healthiest Labradoodle Puppies possible. Take a look at Our Dogs. All of our Riverbend puppies are raised in our home for proper socialization and handling from birth. Our home is designed for our puppies to live with us, so we can provide a healthy environment, to build the foundation that will help them grow to their full potential. Paying attention to how a puppy grows, from the day he is born, is important for the very health and vitality of each puppy. And, we believe that the first eight weeks of a puppy's life, is of vital importance in determining his later behavior as an adult. We share our Australian Labradoodle Puppies with loving caring families, and you can be confident that our puppies are handled continuously, are exposed to our everyday life, and everyday noises, to create a positive social experience that will enable them to become lifelong companions. We hope that you enjoy our website and find it easy to navigate, helpful, informative, and fun. If you have any questions or would like more information about this fantastic breed, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We love sharing our Riverbend Labradoodles with others, and welcome all inquiries concerning them. Support an American Company and Small Business! We are confident these products are the best for your furry family member and we refuse to use anything else! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our home-based, family-owned Australian Labradoodle breeding program is located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. We are committed to breeding authentic, multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with bloodlines originating from the two breeding research centers in Australia, Rutland Manor and Teagan Park. Multigen Australian Labradoodles are consistently non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly, loving, calm, intuitive and at times quite comical. All of these qualities make them wonderful family companions as well as excellent therapy and service dogs. Raising puppies is a lot of fun but it is also a lot of work!! As a breeder, it is our responsibility to make the most of our puppy's critical growth periods and introduce them to as many new sights, sounds, smells and situations as possible. At birth, days 3 to 16 with Bio Sensor Stimulation, and right through to the day you take your new fur baby home we are handling and socializing our puppies. Ultimately, it is our goal is to provide you with a healthy, well socialized, intelligent, lovable, easily trained doodle that will be a joyful addition to your family for many years to come. What is an "original" Australian Labradoodle? The Australian Labradoodle is different from all other labradoodles. Dogs from this cross typically were bred to each other over future generations, whereby the Australian dogs are also know as "Multi-generational" Labradoodles. The resulting labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other, continuing the multi-generational tradition. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred on for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle, as the attributes of the infused breeds were not included in their ancestry. The Australian Labradoodle Club of America was founded exclusively to foster and protect the original Australian Labradoodles that have come directly from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor breeding stock, or their offspring. Our mission is to maintain and improve the quality and soundness of the Australian Labradoodles, and to carefully monitor the further development of the breed. All member breeders are carefully screened to help ensure the future of the Australian Labradoodle. Our member breeders must breed to the highest standards. We have Breeder Mentors to assist member breeders and to help new breeders get off to a good start. If someone in your family has allergies, a multi-generation Australian Labradoodle from Red Desert Doodles should be your first choice. Each of our breeding dogs is fully health tested before they are eligible for breeding. Our puppies all come with a two year health guarantee. Where in the world are our Red Desert Doodles Families? Follow Us On Instagram.

Should a Boxer Mix take after their Boxer parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and friendly dog that loves their family and loves being active with them. Boxers are known for their energetic and exuberant personalities. They bond closely with their families, tend to have a cheerful disposition, and also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are friendly dogs, they do have the instinct to protect their families. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you should be able to expect a similar temperament in a Boxer Mix. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix is a good start. You can also meet the mother dog to get a feel for her temperament and to see what behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should be socializing puppies while they have them, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Boxers are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartments as long as they get exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Although all dogs are sensitive to heat, the Boxer is even more so because of their short snout. And, because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed could introduce some traits that could affect the adaptability of a Boxer Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Knowing more about the other parent breed will help you get a better idea of what range of potential characteristics to expect. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A Boxer Mix can inherit any combination of the potential health issues common to one or both of their parent breeds. Or, they could inherit none of them. From the Boxer side, potential health conditions include degenerative myelopathy, thyroid deficiency, hip dysplasia, and heart conditions. Boxers also tend to have sensitive digestive systems, which often makes them gassy. As a brachycephalic dog, they will also snort and snore. Because they are a barrel-chested breed, they are also at a higher risk for bloat in dogs. This can become dangerous, especially if the stomach flips, so you want to make sure you reduce the risk when you can and know the symptoms so you can get help as soon as possible. Since reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies, they should be able to answer your questions. Despite their high energy, Boxers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are intelligent, they pick up on things quickly and can get bored easily. But, they are eager to please their owners and tend to respond well to training. The other parent breed could make a Boxer Mix even easier to train or more difficult to train. You want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what range of trainability to expect. A Boxer Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris or pests. Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook dental care, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed. Daily walks plus playtime and other activities should be enough for this dog. However, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Boxer Mix to also be a high-energy dog. However, this is a potential range, so you will still need to be prepared to deal with a Boxer Mix that is high-energy. A Boxer usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, especially if they are the mother, so you do want to ask about them. A Boxer generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you can likely expect a similar life span in a Boxer Mix. Featured Boxer Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. TSBR is to provide for the welfare, shelter, and adoption of lost, abandoned, neglected, or homeless dogs and puppies, specifically; The American Kennel Club AKC 30 defined sporting group breeds - Retrievers, Setters, Pointers, Spaniels, Vizslas, Weimaraners, and Spinone Italianos; to promote the responsible care of companion animals, to actively promote spaying and neutering as the most humane means of animal control; to support heartworm education and treatment; and to provide training and education to the public related to topics such as animal welfare, responsible dog ownership, and breed information. It was a scary few weeks but we are both safe now and hoping to find someone to love us as much as our dad did. I'm a young Labrador and my favorite place in the whole world is my foster mom's lap. She said I'm too big to be a lap dog, but I think she's mistaken. I like to play with my canine foster brothers, chew on my toys, and have shown no prey drive. At just a year and a half old, this exuberant young fellow is bursting with energy and enthusiasm. With the playful heart of a Labrador and keen intelligence, Kristof is the perfect blend of fun and loy.With his glossy black coat and heart-melting eyes, this young pup is more than just good looks. He's an adventurer at heart, always eager to expl.Oakley was there first and had been raised from puppyhood and thought that her family had just brought her birds to play with as most sporting breeds have an affinit.I just need a home of my own to show off my skills! Round here they call me an Aussie Doodle x. Oh cookies would be awesome too! Just come meet me.We rescue abandoned, homeless and neglected Labradors from all over central California and beyond. We wish to end suffering and promote the welfare of labs and lab mixes through direct action and education. We provide each dog with a stable environment, love, companionship, food and veterinary care until a qualified, loving forever home is found. Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno believes that all companion animals should be treated with dignity, compassion and kindness. LRRF is supported entirely by our dog loving community. We fix broken bones and provide all needed medical care for the dogs who come into our rescue. We take in senior and special needs Labs. As a direct result of the number of dogs coming into rescue, our resources are severely strained. Through the generous hearts and hands of people like you, we can ensure that the animals who come into our care will never again be alone, hungry, sick, afraid or in pain. Please consider a one time or monthly donation to help us with caring for these dogs. Your donation is tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via our Paypal button below. Box , Clovis, CA

labrador retriever puppies for sale uk - Though, you get what you paid for. Best Features What makes the Haige heavy duty crate so much better than any other dog crate is the frame. Young Golden Retriever puppies, in the midst of teething, will certainly try to chew up the crate. So, this feature provides a great dog-safe enclosure for your pup. However, the only negative for some people is the one-door option. It makes it slightly more difficult to access whatever you put into the crate bowls, pads, etc. Because the second door is on top, it provides a clever way of getting things in dog crate without the chance of your dog escaping. The degree rotated locking caster are 4 wheels that can lock in place for better mobility. All quality dog crate should have removable plastic trays, including the Haige heavy duty. Unlike other dog crates, this brand comes with a 3-year warranty. Check out the current price and more reviews on the Haige Heavy Duty here. I must have forgot that this crate included a bowl, water, and mat for the cage. I was so happy and for the price. Such a deal! My dog has separation anxiety and destroyed a standard wire crate and a plastic crate, injuring himself while doing so. But so far no damage or injuries. Plenty of room, our dog is 65 lbs and he can turn and move easily. It provides freedom for him with an added security to me that I still have control. He is a larger dog pounds but this is strong and durable. The sling pack makes it an easy addition to our walks. I highly recommend this product! This also does not come with a divider sold separately , which I think is such an awesome feature for dog crates. Security is always important with crates, which is why the New World crate comes with slide-bolt latches to ensure your dog is safe in the cage. In fact, Golden Retrievers much prefer to chew on socks! Like the first two options, this dog crate is foldable and can collapse in a few seconds. Easily slide out the tray and hose it down or wipe it clean with ease. As mentioned, there is no divider. So, I would only recommend this for adult-sized Golden Retrievers. If you were to purchase a divider separately, it would probably cost you more. To check out the current price of the New World dog crate, click here. Extremely secure, plenty of room for our golden retriever pup plus plenty of room for her to grow into , and the thick plastic floor is very easy to clean. This crate, however, is great value. I had one downstairs but it was too troublesome to move every time I went upstairs. Now, Max can sleep upstairs too. This is super awesome, and super neat! Advantages of using a dog crate Eases the Transportation of Your Dog A fully trained golden retriever knows how to behave well. The well-spent time in dog crate training can also be applied in this situation wherein you will need to transport your dog using a crate through a long ride journey. Your dog is happy while remaining calm on the road. Because some dogs, especially puppies who are full energy will play with another dog or children endlessly. Instead, the best way to calm them down is to put them in a dog crate for just a few minutes. If they are relaxed and have calmed down, release them immediately and give them some positive reinforcement like his favorite dog treats. This is to remove the idea of punishing him through solitary confinement and feel not bad about what happened. Not to be confused with cruel punishment by confining him because you are in big trouble if you do that. And you know that having two alpha dogs living together can be a bit tough job. Although if properly trained, dominance among the two alpha male dog can be avoided it will actually take time and your best possible option, for now, is to dog crate one of them. Also, a dog crate is an excellent substitute for a kennel. By the time your dog gets used to the place of the dog crate and becomes comfortable with it, it might be useful for them to take the crate as their place of comfort. Add some bedding or blanket to ensure that your dog will feel that he is in a safe dwelling place. A Useful Place For House Training Crate training your dog is so useful that it can also help you house train your golden retriever be it a puppy or an adult dog. That said, by the time you are ready to introduce your pet to a new home, it will be easier for them to transition and get accustomed to their new home and mark it as their territory. Actually, you can use a dog crate or a playpen and either of the two will absolutely work just fine. Furthermore, crate training your dog really helps you in a lot of ways and one of them includes discipline and responsible dogs. Different types of Crates Wire Crates Wire crates are very suitable for breeds like golden retrievers to larger breeds. They are breathable and allowing the cool breeze to come into the crate, which is excellent to have especially if you live in a hotter climate. Most of the wire crates are easier to clean and it has removable trays. Actually, there are no negatives sides when using these wire crates. Perfect if you have a furry friend that is destructive chewer because the frames are steel. Plastic crates Plastic crates have are less sturdy and they are great for small to medium breeds. Also, they are very susceptible to destructive chewers and they often break compared to the metal crates. But if you are considering a long-term investment with a medium to a large-sized dog breed, better to choose the wire crates instead. Some pet owners use this as an end table. They are actually not the best when it comes to practicality and crate training. The fact that this is only for aesthetics. Surely these types of products are only for visual appeal over the quality it offers. This is perfect for medium to large-sized dog breeds who are aggressive chewers. And if your primary concern is your dog keeps on breaking free, then this is the best possible dog crate I can suggest to you. But keep in mind this is the most expensive because of the materials and added security features. Either way, the important thing is to measure first your furry friend. That way, you are able to know the specific measurement so that you can have the accurate size for your ideal dog crate. Also, dog crates are great for training your golden retriever to be responsible and become more disciplined by the time he reaches adulthood. The only issue dog crates have is if you will going to use them as a cruel punishment for your dog. And that is a big no-no and you can even send to jail. Consider the age of your Golden Retriever when selecting a crate. Different types of crates offer different advantages and disadvantages. Using the wrong crate size can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and anxiety. Make sure you understand the role of a crate, not just for training but also transportation. Crate training for Golden Retrievers requires proper timing and practice. Where to place the crate and what to put in it will help make the most of your crate. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. Types of Crates For Golden Retrievers Crates come not only in different sizes, but also with different structural elements. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each type of crate. Wire Crates Wire crates are popular due to their durability and visibility, They provide excellent ventilation and are easy to clean. However, bear in mind that some Golden Retrievers tend to find them less cozy than other options. Plastic Crates Plastic crates are a popular choice for travel. They offer more privacy and create a den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. Being lightweight, they are easy to transport and provide a sense of security. However, they may not offer as much airflow as wire crates. They are perfectly suitable for strong and aggressive chewers , which is a frequent issue among puppies! Bear in mind that steel crates can be heavy and less budget-friendly than other crate types. Soft Crates Lightweight and collapsible, soft crates are convenient for temporary use, such as short transportation needs. They are not suitable for dogs that like to chew or scratch as they are easily damaged. These crates come in various materials, including wood or wicker, and provide a stylish alternative to traditional crates. Yet, they may be less durable, and some favor design over ventilation. Recommendations for Best Golden Retriever Crates We suggest discussing crate recommendations with your veterinarian and your Golden Retriever breeder for tips and favorite brands. It has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning and folds down for storage. Having double doors on the crate is a practical feature as it offers convenient access and flexibility in terms of crate placement. The secure locking mechanism adds an extra layer of safety. Cons: While the crate is generally considered of decent quality, there could be durability concerns for dogs with a history of trying to escape crates. This means it might not be the most suitable option for such dogs. This plastic crate is airline-approved in the USA and provides a secure and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever during air travel. It features ventilation on all sides and a durable, heavy-duty construction. Withstood mile flight. Arrived on time. Easy to set up. Met all airline guidelines for flying pets. The dog had ample room for a mat. Adding that this is also rust resistant! Spacious and roomy: The crate offered plenty of space for dogs to stand up and move around comfortably. Cons: Durability concerns: Considering the price paid for these crates, it was mentioned by previous buyers that they were not as sturdy as expected. This raised doubts about their long-term durability. Potential safety issues: The crate had plastic edges and lips that protruded, which proved problematic for dogs with severe separation anxiety. If you have a strong and powerful Golden Retriever, this steel crate is an excellent choice. It has reinforced steel tubing and multiple locks for maximum security. I used to worry while I was out, and would come home to a 45 min cleanup, not anymore! Thanks for the great product that is, as advertised. It effectively prevents the dog from escaping and causing damage to the surroundings, giving peace of mind when leaving my dog alone. Durability and strength: The crate is built to be indestructible, and it lives up to its claim. The sturdy construction and quality materials used make it resistant to escape attempts and capable of withstanding the efforts of even the most determined dogs. Cons: Inconvenient assembly and weight: The crate can be challenging to assemble due to the use of hex screws, which may not be the most user-friendly option. Additionally, it is quite heavy, making it less portable and difficult to move around. Grated bottom design: The grated floor of the crate, although intended for easy cleaning in case of accidents, may not be comfortable for dogs to lie on or move around. Some dogs may find it less appealing, and additional padding or a flat surface may be necessary to ensure their comfort. This soft crate is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for temporary use. It features three mesh doors for easy access and ventilation. I used it for a weekend dog show and plan on using it often. I may need to purchase another for my other pup! It provides ample room for your golden retriever puppy to stand up and stretch out, allowing for comfort and mobility. Lots of ventilation: The 4-door model offers excellent cross-ventilation options, making it suitable for hot weather conditions. Sturdiness and portability: The crate feels sturdy and durable, giving you confidence in its ability to contain my dog. Lightweight: Despite its strength, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle. The included storage bag with various handle options adds to its portability. Cons: Limited instructions and assembly complexity: The provided instructions were not comprehensive, and there was a lack of guidance on disassembling the crate. Assembly can be straightforward, but taking it down and folding it back may require some trial and error. It may not be suitable for dogs with such behaviors, and additional caution is necessary. Additionally, the larger windows and netting material can pose risks for puppies, as they may get caught or try to escape through them. This aesthetic crate combines the functionality of a wire crate with a stylish cover. It blends well with home decor and provides a cozy den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. No more stuck paws. After my puppy got her paw stuck twice in the kennel bars and woke me up screaming, I knew I needed to find a way to make her kennel safer. This is a great solution. Not only does it keep her from accidently getting caught in the bars, it looks great and is high quality and well made. My huge kennel looks so much nicer in my room now and the crate pad is pretty nice. I love the option for side or front entry too as my kennel has both. The fabric is described as plush and the bumper and pad offer protection from the wires of the crate, making it more den-like and cozy. The set created a more appealing and inviting space for the dog. Cons: Inadequate size and ties: There were issues with the sizing and ties of the bumper set. The side panels were reported to be slightly short for the cage, which could affect the overall fit and coverage. Additionally, the ties on the bumper set were not sturdy enough and ripped easily, particularly during playful interactions inside the crate. Misleading washing instructions: While the packaging stated that the set was completely machine washable, the bumper was later found to be spot clean only, resulting in twisting and seams starting to rip after washing. One user felt that the packaging and description were misleading, and that clearer instructions should have been provided. Advantages of Choosing the Right Crate Size Comfort A properly sized crate ensures your Golden Retriever has enough space to lie down, stand, turn around, and stretch comfortably. Safety The right crate size prevents your Golden Retriever from getting stuck or injured while inside. It reduces the risk of accidents or escape attempts. Effective House Training A correctly sized crate aids in house training by discouraging your Golden Retriever from soiling their sleeping area. It helps establish a routine and promotes bladder control. If the crate you choose is too small, your dog will be uncomfortable. And if the crate you choose is too big, they may feel comfortable pottying inside of it. Downsides of Choosing the Wrong Crate Size Beware of some of the most common issues when picking the wrong crate size. A crate that is too small can cause discomfort, stiffness, and limited mobility for your dog. Insufficient space in the crate may prevent your dog from stretching, changing positions, or engaging in natural behaviors. Finally, a cramped or confining crate can lead to anxiety and stress for your Golden Retriever , resulting in behavioral issues or reluctance to enter the crate. A crate offers several benefits for both you and your Golden Retriever. Crates provide a secure and private space where your Golden Retriever can retreat when they need rest or alone time. The crate helps build a routine and provides a designated area for your dog. Crating your Golden Retriever when unsupervised can prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or household items. Finally, a crate will give your dog safety and prevent distractions while traveling in a car or an airplane. Benefits Of Crate Training Crate training can present many benefits, such as accelerating house training. The crate helps establish a routine and teach your Golden Retriever to hold their bladder and bowels until they are outside. For anxious dogs, crate training can provide the safety and secure space they need to rest and feel protected. Finally, crate training also reduces separation anxiety through a cozy environment. Of course, it is important to ensure the crate is well-ventilated and meets the necessary travel requirements and airline approvals. Ideally, you want to start crate training when your Golden Retriever is still a puppy. Puppies are more adaptable and open to learning. However, that being said, crate training can be successful at any age. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Remember, crate training requires patience , consistency, and positive reinforcement. Make it comfortable! Add a soft and washable bedding for your Golden Retriever to rest on inside the crate. Never rush the introduction phase. Always introduce the crate slowly, allowing your dog to explore and associate it with positive experience. They should always see the crate as a positive place to be. Clean the crate regularly. Opting for washable beddings makes it easy to maintain the crate. You should also wipe down any surface after use, especially for temporary or transportation crates. Remember to use safe and gentle cleaning products. Provide toys and chewable treats for your dog when they get in the crate. This will engage their mind and keep them entertained. Make sure you put the crate in a quiet, sheltered and well-ventilated spot inside your home. Poor placement of your crate may cause stress for your dog. Conclusion Choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever is crucial for their comfort, safety, and effective training. Measure your dog accurately and consider their age when selecting a crate. Bear in mind that crates can come in a variety of materials, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each crate type. It may be worth having more than one crate if you suspect they will need to cover different purposes. Finally, crate training your Golden Retriever provides numerous benefits, both for your dog and for you. Generally, it is recommended not to exceed hours for adult dogs. Should I crate my Golden Retriever at night? Crate training your Golden Retriever at night can help with house training and provide a safe space for them. However, ensure the crate is appropriately sized, comfortable, and placed in a quiet area. Is it better for dogs to sleep in crate or bed? Some dogs feel more secure and comfortable in a crate, while others may prefer sleeping in a bed. What age can dogs stop sleeping in crate? The age at which dogs can stop sleeping in a crate varies. Some dogs may be ready to sleep outside the crate as early as months as they are fully house trained too. Others may benefit from longer crate usage as their house training progresses. Most pet carriers are designed with safety features that protect your dog from injury during travel, such as secure latches and ventilation. Additionally, many airlines require pets to be transported in an approved carrier that meets certain size and weight restrictions. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal transportation specialist for advice on safe and comfortable ways to transport your dog. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. At 7 weeks, your pup may weigh a whopping 3 pounds. Many training crates feature a divider system. And then remove the divider when your Golden reaches her full adult size. You are aiming for a snug, comforting fit that mimics the den a wolf might find for himself in the wild. He will need a few spare inches of head and side room, but no more than that. The entranceway itself is about 18 inches across. These dimensions are mirrored in the recommended crate size for an adult Golden Retriever dog. Best Dog Crate For Golden Retriever Puppy Each of these awesome crates features that key essential you need during puppyhood: the divider. Each also offers a slide-out under-tray for easy cleaning, and all will fold down for storage or travel. This affordable, versatile, and functional metal dog crate features a side door and a front door. Along with a removable divider for use during puppyhood. The slide-out under-tray is easy to clean and replace. It comes with a removable divider for use during puppyhood and a slide-out dog tray for easy cleaning. There is a top handle for carrying, and the crate folds down flat for travel or storage. The doors have two bolts per door for safety. One neat feature about this crate is the rolling feet to help protect your flooring. It comes in single- and double-door models. Each features a double latch system with two latches per door. The slide-out, leak-proof under-tray makes cleaning easy and fast. It comes with a removable divider and slide-out tray for easy cleaning. The crate has rounded, smooth corners for safety, and the whole crate is coated with a rust-resistant finish. The entire unit collapses to a width of two inches, making it easy to store or use for travel. This heavy duty, high-end dog crate comes in silver or black models and will also take spray paint, if you desire. It is rust resistant and comes on heavy-duty locking casters to rotate it degrees or move it outside or from room to room as you desire. The door is actually a door-within-a-door to give you more interaction flexibility. The plastic under-tray is easy to slide out, clean, and replace. The locks have an extra feature: safety buckles to prevent escape. The tray slides out and back in for easy cleaning. The cage is coated with a durable anti-rust black epoxy. It folds down easily for storage or travel. It also offers a handy top carry handle. You want the same close, cozy fit, where your dog has just enough room to stand up to full height and turn around fully. This is for safety as well as comfort. But you may want a different crate for car travel, specifically one that is soft-sided or plastic and lighter weight. For air travel, you will need a crate that is approved for use on the carrier you are flying with. This can differ from one carrier to the next, so be sure to call the carrier ahead of time for guidance! The sides roll up with Velcro hinges to offer ventilation. This 3-door, soft-sided travel crate features a strong steel crate frame covered in durable, washable fabric. The sides can be rolled up and secured with Velcro for ventilation. The frame is spring-loaded and collapsible for storage or travel, and it comes with a handy, adjustable handle. A sheepskin bed is included. This affordable, functional travel crate features soft sides with a collapsible steel frame. The fabric is durable polyester. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Too large or too small and it will not be fit for purpose. You have to get this just right. This article will discuss all these factors so that by the end you will be highly informed and confident in making the correct buying decision. A crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, to turn around comfortably, and provide room to lay on their side with their paws stretched out before them. This is an unnecessary waste of money. Many brands of dog crates have dividers available that can be used to reduce the available space of a larger crate to suit a puppy. The divider is a removable panel you can place inside the crate to reduce the space to suit the size of your dog. So my advice is to buy a crate large enough to suit an adult Golden retriever, then use a divider to scale it down to a size that suits a puppy. This will save you money in the long run. However, the best way to know what size crate your Golden Retriever needs is to measure their size and buy the crate that best fits. Add 4 inches and this is the height of the crate you want to purchase so your Golden can comfortably sit or stand inside without hitting their head on the ceiling. Secondly, have your dog stand on all fours and referring to the picture, take measurement B, from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose. Again, add 4 inches and this is the perfect length of the crate for your Golden to be able to lay down comfortably without being cramped. So to summarise, your Golden needs a crate of height A plus 4 inches, and of length B plus 4 inches. So now you will be able to get exactly the right size crate for your adult Golden Retriever. But how about buying a crate for a puppy? As previously discussed, I recommend you purchase a crate for an adult Golden and use a divider to make it suit your puppy, thereby doing away with the need to upgrade to increasingly bigger crates 3 or 4 times during their first 18 months. But if you do wish to have crates just right for your puppy without the use of a divider, please take measurements as detailed in the previous section to guide you in your buying decision. And be prepared to upgrade and replace every 4 or so months as they grow. The sheer number of different styles of dog crates on the market is quite startling. There are crates made of wire, plastic, wood, cloth, and many more besides. As explained on www. There is still some variety of styles available within this one type: Some have a single door, some have two or three. Most have a removable plastic tray at the base…but not all. But with these choices aside, what are the pros and cons of a wire crate: The Advantages Of A Wire Dog Crate Very strong, durable and long-lasting Very easy to keep clean Most have a slide out tray as a base that makes cleaning after accidents very easy make sure to look for this feature when buying! Folding ones are available for easy storage or moving the crate They allow the maximum flow of air compared to other styles, making them most suitable to hotter climates. They allow maximum visibility of the surroundings to the dog inside. This can be important for some dogs. Dividers are readily available for most models so you can buy a large one and re-size it for a puppy instead of replacing it as they grow. Though you can of course cover them if necessary. They are one of the easiest types to escape from if your dog is a budding Houdini! They are noisy if placed on solid surfaces and you have a fidgety dog.


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labrador retriever puppies for sale uk - Short-Haired vs. The breed can be bifurcated into a Long-haired English Labrador Retriever as well as a short-haired Lab. A typical Labrador can be characterized as a 55 to 80 pound, short-haired dog with a life span of years. However, for those who love dogs with long locks, though not very common, long-haired Labs are also bred and can prove to be great pets. This breed was developed from imported Canadian fishing dogs. The Labrador is one of the most popular dog species in various regions all across the globe. They come in three colors, i. Genetic Differences The distinct feature of the long-haired Lab has to be its length and much finer double coat than typical Labrador Retrievers. The long-haired Lab owes this to the difference in the genetic makeup of both types. Long-haired Labrador Retriever has a combination of two recessive alleles genes , which result in lengthier coats. This gene is called the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene. Geneticists have termed it the FGF5 gene. However, it is known by the name of the L gene by the Labrador breeder community. The L gene has two alleles forms. L, which is the gene for short hair, and l, which is the one that produces long hair. L is the dominant one amongst the two. So, whenever a combination of both alleles is formed for the new offspring, the L form masks the effect of the I allele, and an individual with short hair is produced. All offspring get one allele from each of their parents. If both mates from the combination 'Ll' or 'LL,' the offspring will have a coat that grows up to be short-haired. In contrast, if both parents pass only recessive genes, it will result in an 'll' combination, and the puppies will grow up to be long-haired. One thing that needs to be noticed is that whenever two different alleles Ll combine, it results in an offspring that does not show the effect of the recessive allele but becomes a carrier of the gene and may pass it on to the next generation where the gene may show its effect. In this case, if a puppy gets a combination 'Ll,' it will be short-haired but may result in a long-haired offspring by mating with a long-haired ll or a heterogenous Ll individual. Which is the Pure Breed? When a Labrador Retriever is talked about, a typical image of it that automatically comes to mind is athletic, steady, and with a thick, glossy, short coat. The standard says: "It should be short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand… A slight wave down the back is permissible. However, this restriction does not exclude this breed from the list of purebred dogs. Long-haired English Labrador Retrievers are, in fact, purebred dogs that can be recognized in breed registries. The long coats only disqualify them from the show bench but keep them as pure of a breed as the typical ones are. Although, some breeders believe that exclusion from the literal definition should deliberately lead to no long-coated type breeding. But the continuous demand and adoration by the families as pets will never let this happen. Who is a Better Pet? The most relevant question that arises is: Can long-haired pets be good pets or not? Fortunately, the l gene has not been seen to have any other effect on the offspring except for the change in the length of their coats. No health issues, no other special characteristics. Just the long locks and nothing else. Long-haired English Labrador Retrievers have all the great traits that can be found in the typical ones, be it friendly disposition or special affection towards children. So the answer is a big fat yes! You can definitely pet these cute, faithful creatures. Labrador's thick, oily, double coat has always been the species' intrinsic characteristic which protects them from wind, rain, and harsh weather conditions. This helps them tolerate the worst environments without any significant effect on their health. A long fine coat makes the body more vulnerable to environmental conditions. Also, long hair is a bit more difficult to clean. So, the selection is based on your personal liking of you as a buyer. If you find long hair cuter on your pet and can handle all the extra fuss that comes along with the long hair, then why not go for what your heart desires? Which Breed is More Common? If the long-haired breed is ignored by the main breed registries to this extent, it surely means that the vast majority of Labradors that are bred in the present day are the typical short-haired ones. This in no way means that it is hard to find a Long-haired English Labrador Retriever. This breed is produced by several breeders in the country. You will not have to search much to find one for you. Bathing your long-haired lab might require more effort and time but once done, it makes it look and smell its best. To avoid the long locks from matting during the bathe and make the bath as smooth and enjoyable as the both of you want, brush your dog's hair beforehand. It is recommended to use some conditioner in a reasonable quantity after shampooing the hair. Don't forget to use it with diluting products so that it reaches and cleans every part of your dog's long coat. The residue from the products can be harmful to the dog's skin, so make sure to rinse thoroughly with water. It is a long and hectic process but the results will be worth it. It is advisable to use a slicker or bristle brush to bathe your short-haired Lab, as a pin brush may injure the vulnerable skin. Remember not to use any bathing products for use by humans. The ingredients which are beneficial for human hair may prove to be irritating to a dog's skin. Be careful with the shampoo as it can easily slip into the dog's eyes, nostrils, ears, or mouth, which in this case are not covered by hair. Verdict: Which One to Buy? The major difference between both breeds lies with the genetic makeup of the two of them. The different genetic combinations lead to two different coats, i. Long-haired Labs do not come under the typical Labradors definition, which leads to it being the less common breed among the two. Short hair breeds are easy to take care of. All other characteristics make both breeds quite the same. Therefore, the buying decision should more or less be based upon the mere appearance of the two. Go for the one that appeals to you the most. Bring your very own English Labrador home now! Contact us to learn more. Long Coats Ashland Labradors Let me be clear.Below is our experience. We now have the ability to screen our dogs to prevent producing any more long coats in our litters. We hope other breeders do the same. Long Coated Labradors? After 29 years in the Labrador Breed, it finally happened. I got Long Coats! Three in ONE litter. No, they are not rare and we surely did not breed to purposely produce long-coated offspring. Matter of fact, this was a repeat breeding which a litter of nine pups born to the same parents 2 years earlier produced NOT ONE long-coat puppy. Go figure! Long coat puppies are born looking just like their normal litter-mates. Wow, coat, bone, head, tail. WTH happened? Someone stole my pup and replaced it with a Flat Coat. .Ooh my!! The long-haired coat is inherited as a autosomal-recessive trait. Because I want to share this information freely, so people can learn more and be "assured" that if YOU happen to produce a long-coat, it is NOT the end of the world. I feel breeders should be much more open instead of secretive. Why some breeders feel they need to "hide" the fact that there stud dog or bitch is a long-coat carrier is ridiculous. It would only appear to help other breeders make better breeding decisions and avoid intentionally breeding carrier. For anyone wanting to do more research into bloodlines of which our long-coats were produced, please click here to see the pedigree. There are many theories on how the long-coat gene originated in the Labrador Breed. This was the only British retriever to be selected for the dominant smooth coat. Modern Labrador retrievers are almost universally smooth-coated dogs. However, although seldom, a long-coated puppy is born. The exact origin of these modern long-haired Labradors isn't exactly clear. They could have always been hidden within the smooth-coated St. I think a much more likely source for this coat is cross-breeding. Labrador, golden, and flat-coated retrievers were considered varieties of a single breed, and interbreeding the varieties was very common. When the Labrador retriever needed fresh blood, it was occasionally bred to wavy or flat-coated retrievers, which may have included dogs we would call golden retrievers. The Dukes of Buccleuch and the Earls of Malmesbury tried to keep their dogs from being bred to long-haired retrievers, which is one reason why they were so eager to import more smooths from Newfoundland. However, other breeders certainly did outcross. There are long-haired Labradors that typically have a longer coat than other types. This is caused by a recessive gene and is less common than short coats. The fluffy coat type is present in all three colors of purebreds, yellow, chocolate, and black. Labradors were used as gun dogs in the past, and their thick, short coat was ideal for working on a hunt in inclement weather. The long, wavy, glossy coat of the long-haired Lab is less suited for this kind of work. To explain where long-haired Labradors come from, we have to talk about heredity, dominant traits, and recessive traits. Some Labradors have long hair due to a recessive trait of a gene called fibroblast growth factor 5, abbreviated to FGF5. Two copies of the genes, one from each parent, are required to express the long coat. Carrier puppies that inherit one copy of the gene will have normal short coats. To elucidate further, a Labrador pup receives one version of the hair length gene from each parent. Each version of the gene is called an allele. In the FGF5 gene , short hair is a dominant trait, and long hair is a recessive trait. If the pup has one short hair allele and one long hair allele, the dominant short hair trait cancels out the recessive long hair. This pup will also pass the recessive trait on to their offspring. If they mate with another dog that has at least one copy of the recessive trait, there is a good chance the offspring will also be a long-haired Lab. Long-haired Labs shed a shocking amount of fur, just like their short-haired counterparts, due to having a double coat. They shed year-round and shed more than usual twice a year, typically in spring and winter, when they will change their coat ready for the season ahead. The Labradors topcoat is longer and slower-growing. This is the coat that you typically see. The undercoat is softer, grows quickly, and keeps the dog warm. Investing in a Roomba is my advice! Are Long-Haired Labradors Purebreds? Long-haired Labradors are purebreds. Except for the length of their hair, they have exactly the same pedigree as short-haired Labs. Although the American Kennel Club recognizes them, they are severely penalized for conformation, but a slight wave down the back is acceptable. For dog shows, dogs have to adhere to very specific standards appearance-wise. Breeders even go as far as to deliberately breed Labs to eliminate this genetic trait. This is one of the reasons why most Labradors have short coats. If you go the breeder route, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. This tip mainly applies to dog owners who buy from breeders. The stakes are a lot higher in the purebred dog game. Unfortunately, some breeders have been accused of selling mixed-breed puppies as Labradors simply because they have the long-coat trait. Anyone unsure of the parentage of a puppy with such a coat should have it DNA tested. This is because most people who adopt from a rescue do so to give a dog a home rather than own a dog with a valuable pedigree. When adopting a Lab puppy, you should budget not only for the initial purchase but also for the costs of taking care of your dog. This includes food, puppy training, and vet bills for vaccinations and checkups. Veterinary care will be the most expensive part of dog ownership. Long-Haired Labs as Good Family Dogs Besides the different hair lengths, long-haired Labs are the same as other Labs in physical size, shape, and temperament. They are friendly, enthusiastic dogs who are extremely gentle toward children. For this reason, the Labrador is a favorite breed among families. Labradors are also good for seniors as long as the owner is quite healthy and active. Seniors will also usually have more time to spend with their dogs, especially if retired. If breeders have worked so hard to bury the recessive long-hair gene, why does it continue to show up? The answer is pretty simple. They just want a fluffy addition to their family. Final Thoughts If you are contemplating this breed — whether the popular short-haired or the rarer long-haired variety, all Labradors make good first dogs. Overall, Labradors are viewed positively by pet owners. They are friendly, non-aggressive, affectionate, and easy-going. The length or texture of their coat does not affect this. Related Posts You May Like:. Tweet on Twitter A long haired Lab is a Labrador Retriever with two copies of a recessive gene which causes them to grow a longer, finer, wavier coat than typical Labradors. Long coated Labs are still purebred dogs which can be entered onto breed registries. But their coats disqualify them from the show bench. Some breeders believe that since long coats are not part of the Labrador breed standard, long haired Labs should never deliberately be bred. But many long haired Labs are adored family pets. So who is right? Are There Long Haired Labs? The classic image of a Labrador Retriever is easily called to mind: athletic, steady, and with a thick, glossy, short coat. All gazing patiently at the camera and sporting silky, wavy coats. How is that? Long haired Labs owe their coat length to a very specific gene, called the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene. The fibroblast growth factor 5 gene is also known as the FGF5 gene by geneticists. And as the L gene by Labrador breeders. The L gene comes in two forms. L, which produces short hair, and l, which produces long hair. The L form is dominant, which means whenever it is present it overrides the effect of the l form. Puppies who inherit the combination LL grow up to have short hair. Puppies who inherit the combination Ll also have short hair. And finally puppies who inherit the combination ll will grow a long coat. The difference starts to appear at around six weeks old, when it becomes clear their coat is just going to keep on growing. Fibroblast growth factor 5 is a chemical signal, which acts on hair follicles and tells them to stop hair growth while the coat is still short. Long haired Labs are still Labrador Retrievers through and through. And as long as they have a proven pedigree, they are still purebred , and can be registered as such. Where does it come from? Since the gene is recessive, it can easily be passed down silently through the generations, and only be expressed very occasionally. Do Long Haired Labs Matter? But why is that? And is it justified? As we all know, Labradors are first and foremost a gun dog. They have a long and illustrious past working on hunts in all weathers and all seasons. Their thick, oily, double coat has always been an intrinsic part of their ability to do that. It protects them from wind and rain so that they can go on working in all conditions. But a long fine coat is less protective against the elements, and also less practical to clean after a mucky day of field work. But how do they get on in the far more modern role of family pet? So can long haired Labs be good pets? The answer is certainly yes! Long haired Labs have all the same wonderful traits as their short coated brethren, including a friendly disposition and gentleness towards children. But for many generations, the recessive gene has appeared unbidden and unexpectedly in Labrador puppies after years of being hidden. And the result of this test might well be included in the paperwork they offer you when you register your interest in a litter. Most Labrador breeders will avoid mating known two carriers together, since their litter is statistically likely to be one quarter long haired. The Importance Of Carriers When a Lab with the genotype Ll and a Lab with the genotype LL have puppies, approximately half of the litter will carry the l gene, but none will express it. Using all the genetic information available and making measured decisions like this are an important way that Labrador breeders can maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding, whilst still producing puppies that meet the breed standard. If you are thinking of mating your own Labrador, these tests and decisions are also something for you to think about. Long Haired Labs — Summary Long haired Labs are the result of a genetic combination which is very unusual in the Labrador Retriever breed. Nonetheless, it is possible for purebred Labs to inherit a long coat. Where long haired Labrador puppies have appeared in litters by surprise, they a disqualified from the show bench. But they usually go on to be much loved family pets instead, with owners who love them even more for how distinctive they are. Did their coat come as a surprise? Do you think further breeding of long haired Labs as pets should be discouraged? References and Resources. We present the following information about the fluffy long-haired coat for reference only, as it is a coat type that has been proven to be present in purebred Labradors. It is unfortunate that some breeders have been accused of selling mix-breed puppies as Labradors simply because the puppies exhibited the long-hair trait, so it is our hope that this article will be of help to those breeders, and encourage anyone who is unsure of the parentage of a puppy with such a coat to have it DNA tested, now that such a test is available. At about three weeks of age we started to notice something different about the two yellow boys. They started to develop curly hair on their ears—then on their legs. By the time the litter was five weeks old it was clear that these puppies were very different from any I had whelped before. By now I was concerned that perhaps some other dog had entered the picture as well, and yet I was confident Light had not been with any other dog. It came back quite clear—Buddy and Light were certainly the only parents of this litter. At the time no such test existed for Labrador Retrievers, although a protocol had been developed for other breeds. Randy Smith at the laboratory agreed to develop a protocol for the long-hair gene in Labradors. The wait was brief, and very quickly Dr. Obviously, the parents both carried the gene and it appears to be a simple recessive much like gene for the color yellow. The question now remained—where did it come from? Some more research has uncovered that long-haired Labradors are fairly common in Europe, where indeed the long-haired Weimaraner is generally accepted by breeders. There have been several reports of the gene showing up in European-imported Labradors. The problem for us as breeders is that these puppies really do not look the way we expect Labradors to look. In addition, there are other characteristics that appear to be consistent with the longer coat, such as larger size and denser bone. The extrapolation is that perhaps this gene is a throwback to the ancestral St. There are at least two theories on how the recessive gene of long fur has appeared within the bloodlines of the Labrador Retriever. The first is that it is an original dog legacy St. However, there is no evidence of this, and also the dogs St. The other theory speaks instead of using flat coated retrievers at the beginning of the century. According to some, this was done to strengthen the bloodlines in England were weakening, in the early , and again after World War II. Obviously, there are no certain traces of this in the pedigrees of the current dogs. The separation of this was based on the coat length because all the puppies were yellow. Apparently the third generation showed some parts of the original breed. Based on his research, I analyzed all of fluffy labrador pedigree in my possession, starting from that of Brida, our first fluffy, through the pedigree of Disel that being born in Russia should be very far from that of Brida , and then other engines in my possession. For all the pedigree we analyzed both parents. It is understood that this research does not want to give the final answer as regards the presence of a recessive gene long hair in Labrador Retrievers. Here are the results so far encountered. In all analyzed pedigree, there is a common ancestor, which is also identified in the original design of the Chocolate. It is Sandylands Mark. Based on the pedigree of Sandylands Mark, we can go back in time to find more of a flat coated retriever: Filleigh Jet passing Bee of Whitmore, and his many heirs in the pedigree of Sandylands mark, such as Tatler of Whitmore and Tag of Whitmore and downdrafts. In database Labradornet. It would now to check if between the long-haired Labrador specimens, or recessive nevertheless be established, there are that they are not in some way attributable Sandylands Mark, and in the case trace their blood lines up to verify if even in those cases they are of the flat. The presence of a common ancestor to all fluffy Labrador, in which there are multiple lines primigene Flat Coated Retrievers, however, would seem to be a confirmation of the facts, and that the recessive gene introduced with the flat is so historical legacy of the Labrador Retriever breed.