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Does my golden retriever need a sweater? To find out why they need a sweater or a coat, how they handle the temperature, and everything else you should know about your dog and the cold weather, keep on reading… Does My golden retriever need a sweater? Goldens are pretty good in handling cold weather, but they also have their own limitations. When it drops below that they may need help staying warm with the help of a sweater, coat, or blanket. But the temperature alone will not tell the whole story, and you need to keep an eye on your dog and watch for any signs that they are not cold such as shivering or looking for cover. As for at night, you can learn when do golden retrievers need blankets here, and you will find 7 very useful tips on keeping your golden warm at night in general, so make sure to check it out when possible. Does My Goldendoodle Need a Sweater? The case for Goldendoodles is very much the same as it is with Golden Retrievers, and you can apply the same guidelines discussed above. They also should not be exposed to that weather without anything to protect for more than 30 minutes. A golden retriever that has recently had a haircut will not be as well insulated from the cold as a golden with its coat at full length. This is just one of the reasons you should never shave your golden, but you can discover all the reasons for shaving a golden is a terrible idea here. Should dogs sleep inside or outside? It is best to keep them inside in cold weather, and do not leave them unattended outside for extended periods if they are puppies. Do not leave them outside for more than 30 minutes in the cold, and do not let them sleep outside. Just like puppies, short-haired dogs, and small dogs should not sleep outside. If your dog is cold at night they will do some of these signs Lifts paws off the ground Shaking or shivering. By Tom Massey Jul 07, Have your socks ever mysteriously disappeared? However, these brilliant minds failed to consider our fluffy canine pals — notorious stealers of socks. Sure, losing socks in the wash is common, but what if your sock never made it to the wash in the first place? All it takes is a mischievous Golden Retriever with access to dirty laundry. Shirts and pants are too large to fit comfortably in their mouth, but socks are small, soft, and stinky, making them perfect for hiding and retrieving when dogs need comfort and a familiar scent. These dogs were highly intelligent and eager to please their owners. On the hunt, the Wavy-Coated Retriever could seek out the wounded game and softly carry it in its mouth. One day, a man named Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks found a rare yellow Flat-Coated Retriever and set out to create a hunting companion that would rival the renowned black Wavy-Coated Retriever. The product of his dog breeding was the Golden Retriever. But why socks? As hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers love to carry things in their mouths. When you look back into the history of the Golden Retriever, it makes sense that socks would be attractive to this dog breed. But why do they behave this way? Well, it all goes back to your personal scent. It must be important because it smells just like you! However, if your dog ruins your clothes, it might be time to change your routine and reinforce a different behavior. How to Avoid Losing Socks to Your Golden Retriever If you find yourself in a losing battle with your dog over socks, it may be time to change your routine. Our canine friends have an acute sense of smell, up to 10, to , times better than people. Not only that, but dogs can intensely miss their owners while away and will even ignore food to greet their humans. Your dog can munch on this toy while channeling its natural instinct. Also be sure to supervise your golden retriever as they can chew off pieces that could cause blockage. Indestructible chew toys: If you discover socks with mysterious holes, your dog may be chewing on them. When you purchase indestructible chew toys, your dog can keep calm and chew without destroying a toy or clothing. Squeaky toys: Golden Retrievers were bred as hunting companions, and squeaky toys channel this instinct. When owners can keep dogs amused with toys that respond to their bite, the chance of stealing socks will decrease. Try to play fetch with a squeaky toy and see how crazy your Golden Retriever goes! Puzzle toys: These toys will keep your Golden entertained for long periods of time. Puzzle toys dispense treats periodically during play, so your dog spends time trying to obtain treats rather than scouring your bedroom for socks. Providing a Golden Retriever with ample toys can help prevent sock stealing since your dog will be too busy with their belongings to retrieve yours. Step 3: Praise Good Behaviors Dogs thrive off attention — especially our loveable, fluffy Golden pals. If dogs learn that bad behavior yields more attention from their owner, they will begin acting out more frequently. There is a whole field of science dedicated to behavioral training for pet owners. So if your Golden gets attention from chewing on socks, they will continue to do so until they find a better way to grab your awareness. If this becomes a serious problem, consider employing a trained behavior specialist to work with your dog. When you get a Golden Retriever from a reputable breeder, your pup will likely receive some level of behavioral training before entering your household. At Snowy Pines, every English Cream Retriever puppy learns simple commands such as sit, stay, yes, and no , socializes with other pups and humans, and gets basic crate training before going home with you. When you invest in a Golden Retriever puppy with behavioral training, they enter your home eager to please and receive praise. Crates can be a great place for dogs to relax, sleep, and hang out until their owner gets home. White Cream Retriever puppies from Snowy Pines will enter your home with basic crate training, so pups are already accustomed to the space. All you have to do is incorporate your human scent into their crate. Conclusion These hunting dogs are extremely loyal animals, bred specifically for their high intelligence and soft mouth. You may need to invest in some new chew toys and incorporate your personal scent into blankets or bedding. When you adopt a White Cream Retriever puppy from Snowy Pines, your new buddy will enter your household with prior behavioral training. Contact us today to learn more! Share on.

Your bulldog needs a good cleaning. You may look at your bulldog and wonder where to start. There are so many nooks and crannies that are important to clean on your bulldog. From their ears to their tail pocket, you have to be sure they all get clean and dry. All those folds are a breeding ground for bacteria. If bacteria starts to grow in those folds, it can lead to huge problems from infections to skin loss. All of which will be devastating and hard to deal with later. How to wash a bulldog: Wash a bulldog using a gentle shampoo medicated for bulldogs and luke warm water. Step 1: Place a towel or anti-slip mat in the bottom of a bathtub and lift the bulldog into the bathtub. Gently place cotton balls in their ears to avoid splashing water from getting in their ears. Step 4: Thoroughly rinse all the shampoo off your bulldogs body with luke warm water. Step 5: Remove cotton balls and towel dry your bulldog. Be sure any wrinkles on their body are completely dry. Step 6: Clean and dry head, face, face folds, and tail pocket. We have a YouTube Video where I go through the entire process of our daily grooming with daisy. Be sure to check out it out after you have finished our article. Best Shampoo for a Bulldog Picking a shampoo for your bulldog is a little more complicated than you think. Here are some things to consider when picking a shampoo for your bulldog. Their skin is far too sensitive to tolerate it. Always use a shampoo that has been designed for animals. Germicidal properties. Bulldogs carry a lot of germs in those folds that we want to minimize as much as possible. Germicidal shampoo will help with that. Fragrance free. I know we want our bulldogs to smell fresh and clean, especially since bulldogs tend to be on the smelly side, but fragrances should be avoided. Find a shampoo that is pH neutral. If you are looking for a good bulldog shampoo, we recommend this medicated shampoo from PetMD. It kills bacteria and yeast, plus helps heal any skin conditions your pooch my have. Follow with aloe or coconut oil in any dry spots after the bath. First, brush your dog to loosen up any dirt and dry skin. This is also a great time to check your dog for any infections or developing skin problems or fleas and ticks. Tip: Lay down a towel or a non slip mat on the bottom of the bath tub to keep your bulldog from slipping in the bathtub. Use a large bowl or plastic water picture. Fill it up with luke-warm water and pour the water over your dog. Begin by rinsing your bulldog from the front legs and work your way back to get the bulldog wet. The face will take some extra attention to wash, and dogs will start to shake the water off once their head gets wet. Add the shampoo to your hands and lather it up. After you reach the back, work your way forward again. But this time rub the shampoo all around their neck and around the back of their head, right up to the back of their ears. Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes, if your bulldog is patient enough. Rinse the bulldog off again, and be sure all the soap is rinsed off. And your done washing your bulldog! At least your done with the body. Dry off your bulldog with a towel, again being sure to dry all the skin folds they many have in their legs, and dry the tail fold as well. You can also use a blow dryer set on a cool setting to dry their skin as well. Give your dog one last brush to make their coat extra shiny. Plus 9 Tips on What to Look For! After you dry and brush your bulldog, you will want to clean their face. You should clean their face more often than you you bathe a bulldog. The face folds are especially important to clean often. Dirt, food, and grime get in these folds really easily since they have to push the whole face into their food bowl, water, and pretty much anything they want to smell. Baby wipes are great for this task. Just remember to be gentle. Start by wiping down their forehead and fur around the sides of their face. Gently clean around the eyes, and follow the tear fold down their cheeks. Gently lift the fold over their nose. Again this part gets particularly dirty. Pay special attention to the corners of the nose fold. Keep cleaning until the baby wipe comes out clean. Clean in the wrinkles under the chin as well. When everything is cleaned, come back with a soft cloth and dry out all the folds. Tip: A cotton ball is a great tool to dry the nose fold. Simply 1 or 2 cotton balls out and place them in the nose fold. Leave them for about a minute and most of the moisture should be sucked up. Watch for any raw skin and treat it with Vaseline or a mild ointment. Coconut oil is also great for this. Its edible and safe if your dog happens to lick it. Just far enough that they stay in place, but not too far so that you can easily take them back out. This will prevent water from getting in their ears and clogging them up. Using the same wipes, gently clean the inside of their ears. Wipe all around the tail, especially the underside of the tail. Then wipe the skin and fur underneath the tail. It is especially important to clean a bulldogs tail and behind area thoroughly. The skin in the tail pocket rubs a lot when the bulldog is excited and can easily become irritated. Keep in mind that this is not their actual anus, its just a pocket underneath their short pudgy tails. Its really not as gross as it sounds. After you have wiped all around and underneath the tail, follow with a dry cloth and dry the tail pocket thoroughly. Just remember to be gentle, but confident. You are helping them. Thorough washing and cleaning is essential to keep your bulldog healthy. Bulldogs are susceptible to skin issues, more than most breeds because of that squishy face and allergy problems. If you are committed to washing and cleaning your bulldog, you will save yourself from a lot of work and heartache for you and your bulldog later on. This will depend on your bulldog. Every bulldog has different quirks. Maybe your bulldog is especially stinky, or enjoys getting in the dirt. Or perhaps your bulldog has a skin issue and needs special shampoo to help them heal. This is all subjective. Use your best judgement. Their folds however, should be cleaned at least twice a week. Can Bulldogs Clean Themselves? Bulldogs can only clean parts of their body on their own. Because of their anatomy, they are unable to clean their behind. Some bulldog owners even wipe their bulldog every time their bulldog goes to the bathroom. Perhaps selective breeding can change that for future generations. Post Views: 1, A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! The Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald. Breed Profile Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest. Source: American Kennel Club - www. This kind yet courageous dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every six weeks depending on his lifestyle. With this smooth coated breed, regular bathing is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat. Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding. Once you have selected the best products for your Bulldog, it is bath time! One area to pay particular attention to detail is the facial area. A facial cleanser allows you to focus on the entire facial surface as well as any facial wrinkles. Any wrinkles, however minor they may be, can hold bacteria. It is imperative to pay particular attention to those areas. The facial scrub can be used in between baths in order maintain freshness and good hygiene while helping to lift fresh stains. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming This kind, courageous, yet dignified dog should be bathed and groomed on a regular basis. In order to keep the short, smooth coat in prime condition, it is always beneficial to use a hydrating spray following the bath and drying process. This allows the skin and coat to lock in moisture in order to maintain perfect hydration. As a finishing touch, before using a hydrating spray, use a grooming mitt and massage in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils in addition to the removal of any excess loose hairs. Then finish with a hydrating spray. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing a Bulldog. This smooth, short haired bundle of joy requires minimal grooming. However, weekly brushing is recommended. It is important to wash their face and pay particular attention to the wrinkles at least weekly if not twice a week. What is a common problem in bulldogs? The Bulldog is a member of the brachycephalic breed class, meaning that is has a short head and snout. This physical characteristic can lead to a number of possible health challenges, including those of the nose, eyes, teeth, and respiratory system. The nostrils are narrower, and the soft palate longer in the Bulldog, creating the potential for severe breathing problems, especially when the dog is overheated or over excited. Heat is a special concern with this breed, since it is not able to cool itself efficiently through panting, as other breeds do. Some of the major health problems the Bulldog is susceptible to are keratoconjunctivitis sicca KCS , ventricular septal defect, canine hip dysplasia CHD , shoulder luxation, internalized tail, stenotic nares, and elongated soft palate. The Bulldog has also been known to suffer from urethral prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia occasionally. Some minor problems affecting Bulldogs include entropion, cherry eye, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, distichiasis, ectropion, and demodicosis. Do Bulldogs shed or cause allergies? Bulldogs do shed, but not as much as other breeds. There are breeds that produce less dander than other breeds. However, Bulldogs are not one of those breeds that produce less dander. Are Bulldogs good with children? Bulldogs are dependable and predictable. Because of this, the make a wonderful family pet and actively solicit human attention. Like any breed, you should never leave your Bulldog unattended with small children. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Bulldog of America, www. May we suggest

Show more How much grooming does an English Bulldog need? English Bulldogs have short fur that generally only needs an occasional brush. They often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. What size crate do you need for an English Bulldog? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully s.English Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. This ter.Are English Bulldogs easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every English Bulldog temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They de.Show more Are English Bulldogs good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. We love the cooler weather! You will still LOVE us! Will You Adopt Us? LSBCR is dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. Our volunteers support our cause in a multitude of ways, from big jobs to little projects, yet we always are in need of more helping hands. Learn More Donate Not everyone has the luxury of time to donate to our cause; however, you can still play a integral role in supporting the Bullies. You can make a tax-deductible donation via this Web site right now or you can donate food, dog medications, equipment and supplies. Check out all the latest shirts and items in our store. We have all sizes and many styles for men and women. Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. Are you interested in preparing a dog for a forever home? For more information, email us. We want to provide our fosters and adopters with as much basic information as possible. We are a core group of 15 experienced volunteers with one mission — to help bulldogs in need. We provide the care, time and love the dogs need until we find their appropriate forever home. Our bulldogs come to us through many venues. Some come to us from shelters where they have been abandoned, or turned in as strays or surrendered where they would otherwise be possibly euthanized. Most of the bulldogs that come into our program are owner surrenders from people who can no longer care for their bulldog. Some people who surrender their bulldogs have had circumstances in their life change due to no fault of their own. No matter the circumstances, we do not judge anyone for needing to rehome a bulldog, but help support their decision to give their bulldog over to rescue. To thoroughly screen families prior to placing our bulldogs to ensure that the needs of both the individual or family and the bulldog are met. Our volunteers work diligently to locate responsible and loving people who wish to make a rescue bulldog a new member of their family. To help educate the public about the bulldog breed and to help reduce the overpopulation of unwanted pets, and the abuse or neglect of bulldogs in our area. To assist people to keep their bulldogs. At times not all owners truly want to surrender their bulldog, but are at a loss as to how to correct a behavioral or health issue, thus improving the lives of the bulldog as well as their owners. To provide follow-up care to the families that have adopted our bulldogs to be sure the bulldog is experiencing a smooth transition to his or her new family, and to answer any and all questions to the best of our ability regarding their new bulldog. Follow Us on Social Media.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Can't take your eyes off me can you? All the ladies love me already.Come on whatcha waiting for? But you can call and take me home today! My name is Koko.What was that.I saw you.We are hands on with our English Bulldogs and our puppies. We hand raise each and everyone of our puppies feeding them on mom every two hours around the clock for the first two weeks of their life. We start weaning them at four weeks while still feeding them on their mom throughout the day. We also start puppy pad training them at three weeks and by six weeks they are just about fully weaned and puppy pad trained. That's right by 6 weeks just about everyone of our puppies go to the puppy pad without fail this takes a lot of patience.Therefore, you should not have any problem with house breaking your new puppy or continuing to use puppy pads as we do. English Bulldogs require much care and love. They must be kept in a temperature controlled environment! We love our adult English Bulldogs and love on each and every puppy while they are in our care. Each and every puppy is raised in an environment with continued love and interaction so that when they get to their new home they are sociable and interact with their new owner these little guys need to feel safe and secure and they will love you back unconditionally. We only have one to two litters per year because we also operate a full time business. Our Bulldogs and puppies are raised in our home with our 11 year old son so they are kid friendly. Each afternoon we let them out into the backyard for some extra play time where they lounge and watch TV under our covered patio connected to their kennel. Each of our English bulldogs has his or her own indoor and outdoor area. Their indoor area is fully air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. If you purchase one of these bulldog puppies from us or someone else.The heat can kill them if they get to hot! Our bulldog kennel is kept at 70 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter. Please make sure you can care for one of these precious English Bulldog puppies before you think about adopting one from us or anyone else. Call or text my cell any time Ken Characteristics The wrinkles on the English bulldog's face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. 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When you choose to get a dog that is bred, you can feel confident in the physical traits they will have, including size, coat, color, shape of the head, whether the ears prick up or hang down, and more. The temperament and attitude can also be more predictable. Check out some of these popular breeds below. A foundation of working dogs were bred in this area largely for border patrol work. The Czech bloodlines are dominated by dogs with a foundation of popular border patrol dogs and Czech military dogs. This particular bloodline contains phenomenal working drives and they also tend to be intense, agile working dogs. Now, Belgian Shepherds Malinois also work as police dogs, protection dogs, and family companions. When properly bred and trained, these pups are intense, intelligent, and athletic companions. They are tolerant of cold weather, easy to groom, and generally maintain good health. The decision you make will boil down to breed preference, specific needs, and budget. If you've chosen to go through a breeder, it's important to choose a reputable one. There are many compelling reasons to choose an experienced, knowledgeable, and responsible breeder; the breeder you choose will affect your puppy's health and temperament, as well as your overall experience. Predictability: If you want to be able to predict your puppy's eventual size, coat type, and general behavior, it's best to choose a responsible breeder. We carefully check every dog for health concerns before breeding them, improving your puppy's chances of having good health throughout their life. Preparedness: As a reputable dog breeder and training center in the Suffolk County area, we can help guide you throughout your dog's lifespan, whether you have questions about training or need a dog boarding location. If you ever become unable to care for your dog for any reason, we can take it back; this saves you from the stress of rehoming your dog with someone you don't know. Knowledge: Our experience and familiarity with the breeds in question have made us a reliable resource for any questions you might have about your new family member. From food recommendations to training tips or assistance, behavior concerns, or common health conditions, we are always available to help. We socialize our puppies with people and pets of all ages and expose them to multiple different settings to encourage curiosity and self-confidence, lessening your chances of dealing with the challenges of an anxious puppy. If you are interested in adopting one of our puppies and wondering what's next, consider taking advantage of our dog boarding , training classes , grooming services , and agility classes. We have years of experience working with German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois breeds, making us the best resource in the greater Suffolk County area to teach you how to best integrate your new puppy into your household. Reach out to us with any questions! Ready for a New Addition to Your Family? Call Now! Are you ready to bring home a new addition to the family? If you are finally ready to bring a puppy into your life, then please call our dog breeders today. Although it can be fun to bring a puppy home from a local, amateur breeder, there is nothing worse than knowing your pup was brought up in less than favorable conditions. When you the K-9 Center , you can rest assured that we keep our animals clean, safe, and comfortable. Our practices are proven to produce well-tempered, beautiful, and joyful dogs, and you can be certain that their living conditions are great as well. Call now to discuss breeds and set forth on your journey to bringing home a new furry friend! We proudly serve the greater Suffolk County, NY area. Call Our Dog Breeders Today. We have answers. Looking for your dream German Shepherd, Long Island? Don't worry if you can't find your dream dog locally! We work with breeders and businesses throughout the United States that are capable of shipping their puppies to your doorstep. Most families who choose Uptown Puppies will have their pup flown to a local, major airport for pickup. German Shepherd puppies for sale? Long Island has the best! We believe that ethical, humane breeding practices are important. When we screen breeders who wish to join our network, we take into account a breeder's track record of exemplary puppy care and customer service. Are German Shepherds trainable for novice owners? What about the best German Shepherd puppies Long Island has to offer? Whether German Shepherds are easy to train is a topic of much debate. Some say that they require a lot of patience and effort while others claim that they are one of the easiest breeds to train. The truth is, the breed is extremely intelligent and obedient. They love to serve and make great family pets. We wanted to create a safe and reliable way for families like yours to find their dream dog without being overwhelmed by the bad breeders out there. So we came up with a puppy finder network that is made up of highly qualified and experienced breeders. What is a puppy mill? Do they have cheap Long Island German Shepherds for sale? Puppy mills are not terrible places where dogs are treated like machines — in fact, many work dog breeds come from puppy mills. Dogs in these mills are bred and raised with the sole purpose of producing puppies, and they often have undetected genetic issues because of poor breeding standards. These puppies can often be expensive to take care of later in life as they tend to have numerous health problems. The truth is that German Shepherds need to be exercised regularly and given room to roam. If they don't get enough physical activity, they can become destructive and antisocial, so make sure your dog is getting the exercise it needs! Are there any German Shepherd puppies for sale near Long Island? There are a ton of German Shepherds out there that are perfect for someone like you. While the puppies listed on Uptown Puppies tend to get reserved quickly, both new and upcoming litters can be scooped up within hours. If you see the German Shepherd of your dreams, don't hesitate to act fast before someone else does! Are German Shepherd puppies near Long Island right for me? Well, that all depends on what you want! Do you want a loyal and intelligent dog who will stand by your side through thick and thin? If so, the German Shepherd is a great choice. They are protective of their family but also very friendly. Are German Shepherds good family dogs? German Shepherds can be quite intimidating, but they are actually very loving towards people they know and care for. They are also quite protective, but will remain friendly with people who are known to them. Proper socialization from a young age is key in order to have a healthy German Shepherd. Where do German Shepherds come from? Are they only available from German Shepherd breeders near Long Island? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world. Originating in Germany over a century ago, this breed is known for its intelligence, obedience, and protectiveness. The most intelligent and responsive local shepherd dogs were bred together to create what we know today as the German Shepherd. They are responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. Are German Shepherds smart? German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds and they're considered to be the third-smarter breed, according to a recent study. They're very intelligent dogs that need a lot of training if you want them to behave well. Without proper training, German Shepherds may become disobedient instead of obedient. How fast can German Shepherds run? German Shepherds are some of the fastest dogs out there. They can run as fast as 30 miles per hour, but they usually only run that fast for a short period of time. They're also really good at running long distances, up to 15 miles per hour. That means if you see one of these dogs out on a walk, it's best to keep an eye on them and try not to let them get away.

I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. Unlike most herding breeds, the German Shepherd was bred to move the herd and patrol and protect both the herd and the shepherd from outside dangers and predators. The test consisted of basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and retrieve and also included a section where the dog had to attack on command. If the dog failed the test, he could not be bred. The results of the Schutzhund trial can be seen in the intelligent and versatile modern-day German Shepherd. Today, the German Shepherd has proven to be a very adaptable breed. They can do nearly anything, including protecting sheep, guarding homes, assisting the disabled, aiding the police in search and rescue missions, and, most importantly, loving and loyally serving their family. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat mesaticephalic to slightly dolichocephalic skull-type, moderate in size, somewhat long, yet wedge-shaped when viewed from above or in profile. It is in proportion to the rest of the body. The length of the head, from the tip of the nose to the occiput, is approximately equal to the length from the occiput to the withers. The topskull is broad, measured in front of the ears; it is as wide as it is long from occiput to stop. In profile, the forehead is just slightly arched never domed from the front or in profile. In profile, it may also appear as a straight-sloped plane. A furrow extending from the stop and up the center of the topskull may be absent or barely perceptible. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to open almond in shape, and may be set slightly oblique. They are medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes should never be large and round or with exposed whites. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Ears: Medium in size, firmly erect, thick-leathered, and set high on the skull. When alert, they face forward, in repose, or in motion; they may be held back, neutral, or in a relaxed position. The ears are never long, overly large, tipped, drooped, rounded, or broken. Muzzle: The muzzle is long, full, broad, and deep, never snipy, weak, or boxy from pendulous flews. The upper and lower jaws are equal in length, have good bone substance, appear strong and well-developed, and are never snipey or weak. The nasal bridge is fairly straight. The muzzle is equal in length to the topskull. The jaws are powerfully developed and strong. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black or self-colored according to the coat in non-standard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened and broad. Neck: Moderate length allows for a proud head carriage. Strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The forechest is well-developed yet not overly protrusive. Body: Strong, deep, of good substance, and powerfully muscled. The body should allow for strength, agility, stamina, and endurance. The body is never light, weedy, racy, rangy, heavy, or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints or lower when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or curved toward the tip. Movement: The original function of the German Shepherd required that the dog be capable of trotting tirelessly and effortlessly for long distances, as well as allowing for power and agility. Therefore, the German Shepherd must exhibit healthy trotting action. Therefore, a standard trot will be favored over the over-extended flying trot. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The German Shepherd breed is strong-nerved, fearless, self-assured, self-composed, confident, watchful, poised, and alert when necessary. They should never be timid, shy, nervous, anxious, or overly fearful including fear-aggressive. The breed is physically capable of speed, power, agility, and endurance and is self-aware enough to know their capabilities and limits. This offers them a great deal of confidence. The German Shepherd is an extremely intelligent breed, capable of learning and discerning many tasks and activities. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal body-height-to-length ratio is approximately , with the body exceeding the height by percent. The body is deep, of good substance, and solid in bone. The German Shepherd is always presented in a hard-working condition. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height. The intermediate-sized German Shepherd excels at physically demanding tasks. Head General Appearance: Somewhat mesaticephalic to slightly dolichocephalic skull-type, moderate in size, somewhat long, yet wedge-shaped when viewed from above or in profile. Expression: Confident, keen, noble, watchful, and anticipating. Stop: The stop is sloping yet definite and never overly pronounced or sharp. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is , with the topskull being equal in length to the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel or may be just slightly convergent. Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws, revealing the wedged shape of the strongly defined muzzle. The lips are never loose or pendulous. The lips and flews are well-pigmented. Cheeks: Powerfully muscled, giving substance to the face, but never excessively protrusive. The cheeks should not appear chiseled or coarse. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized. Body and Tail General Description: Strong, deep, of good substance, and powerfully muscled. Topline: Straight and level from slightly prominent withers to loin. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat and level preferred or just slightly sloped yet supportive. Croup: Broad and long. It may be somewhat flat and level with the back or just slightly and gently sloped, no more than 23 degrees to the horizontal. Underline: There may be a slight tucked-up present or level to the horizon. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, and never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the withers to the brisket may be equal to or greater than the distance from the elbows to the ground. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of solid bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. An unexaggerated German Shepherd dog should be capable of standing in a traditional stack used for any other working breed, with both rear pasterns set naturally under the dog, parallel to one another. Preference is given to dogs capable of stacking naturally in a traditional stack as opposed to the GSD stack. Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump, or within one paw-length behind the point of the rump, with both rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The German Shepherd comes in two coat varieties: the standard smooth coat and the long coat. Smooth-coat variety: Very dense, harsh, close-fitting outer coat. Soft, dense undercoat. Short on the head, face, ears, and front of the legs, paws, and toes. The hair is slightly longer on the backside of the legs, forming moderate "trousers," and on the neck, forming a slight ruff. Long-coat variety: Dense, soft, long guard hairs, forming fringe on ears, tail, and legs, forming bushy trousers on the backside of haunches. Short on head, face, the front side of legs, paws, and toes. Longer on the coat, nearly forming a mane. Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes three color varieties of the German Shepherd breed: the standard, the nonstandard, and the white. Standard coat color variety: Solid black, black saddle with tan, black with tan points, black with running or creeping tan, all shades of agouti, wolf-sable, all shades of sable, fawn, all with or without reserved black mask. Non-standard coat color variety: Liver, blue, brindle, brindled tan, brindled tan points, fawn with liver, or blue mask. Any of the standard or non-standard varieties with or without white markings Panda. White: Solid white with black points. Movement The original function of the German Shepherd required that the dog be capable of trotting tirelessly and effortlessly for long distances, as well as allowing for power and agility. Temperament The German Shepherd breed is strong-nerved, fearless, self-assured, self-composed, confident, watchful, poised, and alert when necessary. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. German Shepherd Dog Herding Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work. The tendencies toward exaggeration and steep angles are unacceptable. German Shepherd Dogs with unstable temperaments, sharply angulated croups, overly long front and rear pasterns, and hocks that are weak and wobbly are poor representations of this working breed. UKC is unwilling to condone the validity of using exaggerated specimens of this breed in a breeding program and, to preserve its health and vibrancy, cautions judges about awarding wins to these representatives. History The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-Tin-Tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. General Appearance The German Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized, well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog should be evaluated as an all-around working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dogs ability to work. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Characteristics The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness. Head The head is proportional to the size of the dog, and cleanly chiseled. Males should appear masculine without coarseness; and females feminine without being overly fine. The skull and muzzle are of equal length, parallel to one another, and joined at a very slight stop. There is little or no median furrow. In males, the skull is slightly wider than it is long; in females, the skull is slightly narrower. Viewed from the front, the skull tapers evenly from the ears toward the muzzle. The cheeks are just slightly rounded but do not protrude. In profile, the bridge of the muzzle is straight and parallel to the topline of the skull. Lips are tight and darkly pigmented. Faults: Muzzle too short, blunt, weak, pointed, or overlong. Faults: Overshot or level mouth; missing first premolars. Serious Fault: Missing teeth other than first premolars. Disqualifications: Undershot; wry mouth. The nose must be black. Disqualification: Nose that is not predominantly black. EYES The eyes are as dark as possible, of medium size, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. Expression is alert, calm, and intelligent. Eye rims are dark. Fault: Protruding eyes. EARS Ears are erect, moderately pointed, of medium size, broad at the base, and set high. Ear leather is firm. When the dog is alert, the centerlines of the ears, viewed from the front, are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Disqualifications: Cropped ears; drop or tipped ears. Neck The neck is relatively long but strong and muscular. The skin is tight. The German Shepherd Dog normally carries the head just a little higher than the shoulders, particularly when moving. Forequarters The shoulder blades are long, well muscled, well laid back, and laid flat to the body. The upper arms, also long and well muscled, join the shoulder blade at nearly a right angle. A straight line drawn from the withers to the ground should pass just behind the back of the foreleg. The pasterns are strong and supple, sloping no more than 25 degrees. The elbows are neither close to the body nor out, but are set on a plane parallel to the body. The length of the forelegs should be just slightly more than half the height of the dog, measured at the withers. Serious Faults: Pasterns slanted more than 25 degrees. Pasterns so long and weak that proper movement is compromised. Body A properly proportioned German Shepherd Dog is longer measured from prosternum to point of buttocks than tall measured from the withers to the ground in a ratio of 10 to 9. The length is derived from proper construction of forequarters and hindquarters and not from length of back. The line of the back slopes downward from the withers into a straight, strongly developed, and relatively short back. Ribs are long and extend well back, resulting in a short, broad loin. The croup is long and slightly sloping. Viewed from the front, the chest is deep and well filled. From the side, the forechest extends in front of the forelegs and the brisket down to the elbows. Tuck-up is moderate. Faults: Barrel ribs; ribs too flat; long loin. Serious Faults: Any measure of a roached back. Shelly appearance. Hindquarters Viewed from the side, the hindquarters are broad and muscular. The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. The rear pastern is short and strong, and should remain upright and functional. Powerful hindquarters are necessary to enable the effortless movement that is an essential feature of this breed. Rear pasterns should remain upright and functional. Serious Faults: Over-angulated rear, with anything exaggerated beyond a mild slope. Rear pasterns so long and weak that proper movement is compromised. Feet Feet are round and tight, with toes well arched. Pads are thick and hard. Nails are strong and dark. Front dewclaws may be removed but are normally left intact. Removal of rear dewclaws is preferred but not mandatory. The feet should recoil cleanly from each stride. Serious Fault: Feet that drag along the ground on recoil. Tail The tail is set on low in a natural extension of the unexaggerated, slightly sloping croup. The tail extends at least to the hock joint. When the dog is relaxed, the tail hangs in a slight curve, like a saber. When the dog is excited or moving, the tail may be raised and the curve accentuated but the tail is never carried above a vertical line extending from its base. The coat on the tail stands outward, giving the tail a bushy appearance. Dogs with docked or altered tails resulting from working injuries are not to be penalized. Faults: A slight hook in the tail to the extent it mars the dogs general appearance. Serious Faults: Tail too short; ankylosis. Coat The German Shepherd Dog is double coated. The outer coat lies close to the body and is dense and straight with harsh texture. A slight wave is acceptable in a particularly harsh coat. The undercoat is short, dense, and fine-textured. The coat on the body is of medium length but not so long as to detract from the dogs ability to withstand bad weather conditions. The coat is shorter on the head including the inside of the ear , the legs, and the feet. The coat on the neck is longer and thicker, forming a slight ruff, particularly on some males. The hair on the back of the legs is longer and thicker, forming trousers on the hindquarters, and extending to the pasterns in front and the hock joint behind. Serious Faults: Short, mole type coat; long coat that stands away from the body; soft coat; absence of undercoat. Strong, rich colors are preferred. Small white marks in colored dogs on the chest or tips of the toes are permissible. Nose, lips, and eye rims must have dark pigment, regardless of coat color. Disqualification: Panda characterized by white markings on the muzzle, chest, legs, neck and tip of the tail , pale, washed-out colors, piebald, brindle, blue, or liver. Height Desirable height at maturity for males is 24 to 26 inches; for females, 22 to 24 inches. Gait Absolute soundness of movement is paramount. Correct gait is an essential feature of the German Shepherd Dog. When trotting, it moves with a long, effortless, efficient stride that is driven by a powerful forward thrust from the hindquarters. The rear leg, moving forward, swings under the foreleg and touches down in front of the point where the forefoot left an imprint. The result is that one rear leg passes outside its corresponding front leg and the other passes inside its corresponding front leg. This is a breed characteristic and should not be penalized as long as the body is straight in relationship to the direction of movement. As the rear leg moves backward, the body is propelled forward. The front and rear feet remain close to the ground throughout. When trotting, the back remains firm and level with no superfluous vertical movement. Hocks should be strong and straight, turning neither in nor out as the dog moves. There should be no visible wobble to the hock. Neither front nor rear pasterns should strike the ground; this is an unacceptable exaggeration and an indication of incorrect movement. As the speed of the trot increases, there is a tendency to single track. Correct movement and soundness must be evaluated from front and rear as well as the side. Serious Faults: Any fault that affects correct movement. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.

Traits This beautiful breed is known for their intelligence and adaptability. Labradoodles are easy to train but should be exposed to formal training to reap lasting benefits. They are a loving companion, wonderful with children and thrive on family interaction. Their non-shedding coats in multi-generational dogs is a huge attraction to those who enjoy having their pets living alongside the family inside the home. Colours The range of colours is astounding and diverse, giving individuality to each dog. Their coats require grooming clipping every 8 — 12 weeks, and they should be fully brushed every few days to avoid matts, which can become very painful. Coats Coats may be fleece, wool or hair. Hair coats are shedding coats, and mainly seen in the early generations. Fleece coats have a soft wavy appearance and wool coats have a curly appearance. Both fleece and wool coats are hypoallergenic. Sizes There are three size ranges — miniature, medium and standard. The miniature height ranges from 35cm to 42cms with the weight range between 7kg to 13kg. The mediums range from 43 to 52 cm in height and 14 — 20 kg. The standard labradoodle will range from 53 - 63 cm with a weight range of 23 — 30kg. Health testing All the parents of Aamberdell puppies have been health tested for the following:. We focus on breeding miniature to medium sized labradoodle puppies. Health and temperament are the main priorities in our breeding programme, with all lines having been DNA tested for inherited disorders and screened for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia followed closely by the easy care and low maintenance fleece or loose wool coat types. We mostly have puppy's in chocolate, cafe and lavender though don't despair if these are not your preferred colours, as we sometimes have parti, phantom, tricolour, caramel, creme caramel, parchment, cream, black and gold. More information on coat types and colours is available on the important stuff page. Breeding and Puppy Environment We are not a kennel. Only one dog resides with us - Neo Tallai Trilogy who has taken over the reins from our long cherished Mickey the chocolate dog in the photo on the set of "The Shak" at 9's studio in Brisbane, QLD. Our current and potential breeding dogs are all family pets living with selected guardian families located in South East Qld or Northern NSW they are placed with their family from 8 weeks of age and remain with them after retirement. All puppies are raised by us with the assistance of our two teenage children. We strongly believe it is important that puppies are raised in an environment where they are exposed from day one to the sights, smells and sounds of busy family life, as this is the life that they will enter when they leave our care for yours. All of our dogs need to prove themselves first and foremost as valued and loveable members of our guardian families, then secondly pass the Australian Labradoodle Association of Australia's mandatory health testing before we will consider breeding from them. We typically have 2 litters from our girls preferably with different sire lines. Occasionally a very special girl might have three litters. We welcome feedback and are only to happy to promote the Australian Labradoodle. Regards - Carla.

Location: Mount Airy, Maryland 4. They prioritize personality and breed health and strive to create well-adjusted hypoallergenic Labradoodles. Brown Australian Labradoodle puppy with blue eyes looks to his side. Their puppies are raised in-home and receive a thorough socialization experience from a young age. The breeders have over 20 years of breeding experience, and one has worked as a registered veterinary nurse. Dogs not raised on the property enjoy a guardianship program. The intention is always to give these dogs as much space as possible to live a well-rounded and happy dog life. Additionally, all the Autumn Lane dogs undergo rigorous testing before breeding. They take special care to eliminate breed-specific problems like hip dysplasia from their bloodlines. The adoption process is transparent, and all their paperwork is viewable through the website. At six weeks, Autumn Lane desexes, microchips, and deworms their puppies. They also administer the first round of vaccines. The puppies can then be rehomed at eight weeks old. To make your life easier, Autumn Lane begins potty training and crate training their puppies before they leave the breeder. However, they recognize that puppies can be challenging, especially for new dog owners. Consequently, their website offers extensive resources to help you through the early days. Contact Details:. The Labradoodle has these qualities too. This makes them the perfect family pet. Unfortunately, not all breeders care about producing healthy canines or matching their dogs with suitable owners. Here are five signs to look for when searching for a breeder. Look for a breeder that breeds only one specific kind of mix—like the Labradoodle. Choose a breeder who is unwilling to meet or speak with you about their dogs. They should be eager to answer your questions over the phone and via email. Check out each dog yourself before leaving with a pup. Avoid breeders who keep their dogs in cages or kennels. Dogs kept in these conditions can become neurotic and destructive. Beware of breeders who offer puppies at a very low price. This could signify that the breeder is not breeding for quality but profit. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Bel Air Maryland and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We only breed Australian Labradoodles. We are intentionally small, exclusive, and family-owned. It is our focus to protect the health and future of this breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to quality, not quantity. We have a limited number of litters a year and take great pride in breeding these outstanding family companions, for a therapy dog temperament and a teddy bear personality. They are intelligent, intuitive, allergy and asthma friendly, with non-shedding coats. They are affectionate, lovable and make devoted family members. Our puppies are born in our home, in a warm and loving environment with many hands to help. Puppies have started potty-training and crate training before they go to their new families to help with a smooth transition. Puppies are well socialized with children and other dogs, playing, romping and exposed to many different stimuli, so they are emotionally well adjusted. All puppies are vet checked, dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies are placed with temperament testing to ensure the best match with each family. Our dogs live in our home or with our trusted guardian families, living their best lives. In addition, they also have their DNA profiles run for positive identification. All our dogs live in our home or with our trusted guardian families. They all achieve the Canine Good Citizen award by 18 months of age. They are our constant companions, well loved and living their best life as we think they should. These admirable qualities among many others make them perfect family pets. They are active, smart and desire to be engaged with the humans they love and live with. They are very eager to please, making them well suited as spoilt family members, therapy dogs and assistance dogs. They are very loving, smart and the make best friends ever. Their eagerness to please and soulful nature makes them ideal as a family pet or for therapy work. They are full of cuddles, fun and faithful. They display a keen intuition about the emotional state of family members. They are non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Coats can be wavy, straight or curly. Our Guardian Program Our breeding dogs are the heart and soul of what we do, and to ensure we are doing the best for them, we want all our dogs to live in wonderful happy homes as treasured members of the family. Our guardian program is a partnership between us and chosen families which allows our dogs to live freely in loving homes with their forever people. Sonali took the time to get to know our situation and make suggestions that ultimately turned out to be right on target. Our family received very personal attention so that our dream puppy could become a reality. We love that big fur ball so much! He has been really easy to train, listens well, and has adapted to our family very nicely. Our experience with Cornerstone was flawless. Olive is such an incredible puppy and we are so blessed to have her. The puppy preparation info and class were very helpful.

Controls Population Experts believe that a Labrador should be spayed between the age of 9 and 15 months. You should never rush the process and spay your pooch too early because it can lead to many health problems. Similarly, leaving your dog intact for too long can give way to several complications. Once a female Lab has gone through her first heat, she becomes highly vulnerable to these tumors. Spaying your Labrador puppy is a major surgery and will require substantial aftercare. The vet will give you detailed instructions, and you must follow them strictly to ensure a smooth recovery. A Labrador puppy that has undergone spaying might be completely inactive for the first days. After that, they might start to move around but the wound will need a rest of several weeks to heal completely. During this period, the owners should be extremely vigilant and make sure that their pooch stays safe. Labs are known for being curious and can get themselves into trouble if you are not super alert. Different breeds require different amounts of sleep, but how much sleep do Labradors need? Click here to learn more. Yes, it does. The behavioral issues of the dog are one of the primary reasons why owners decide to spay their Labradors. If your pup is showing aggression and indulging in inappropriate urination, spaying can be quite helpful in solving the problem. Although male Labs are more likely to exhibit this behavior, some female Labs can also create these issues. Other Benefits of Spaying Labradors Managing behavioral issues is not the only objective of spaying Labradors. It can also solve some other issues that can be quite troublesome for the dog and owner. The following are a couple of other reasons that can urge you to spay your Labrador. Reduces Health Risks Many experts regard spaying as an effective remedy to maintain the good health of your pup. Not only will it keep your dog healthy, but it can also increase the lifespan of your Labrador. According to an estimate , spaying can increase the lifespan of male Labs by .Spaying reduces the risk of several types of cancers, like testicular, mammary, and uterine cancers. Similarly, it reduces the probability of many dangerous medical conditions, like Pyometra. This life-threatening uterine infection is specific to Labs and can be quite uncomfortable for your canine friend. A female Labrador can have up to 70 puppies during their lifetime. A female Lab can have up to 12 pups in a litter. This means that taking care of newborn puppies and their mother can be an extremely challenging task. Even if you are planning to have some puppies, you should make a proper plan with your vet and stick to it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. I have a 4. My veterinarian is pressing me to spay the dog. I am going to spay her, but I've read conflicting things about age. Some say to let the dog go thru the first heat, vet says going thru heat ups her chance of mammary cancer. Vet is saying to do the spaying at 6 months old. The dog's breeder says that is much too young I am inclined to listen to her. She said her dogs dont go thru heat until months. So should I wait and do it around 11 months so that she doesnt go thru heat, but that its much later not at 6 months! Or are most people just letting the dog go thru a heat first? Here's my problem. My husband didnt really want the dog. He's head over heels for her now, of course. I've never had a female dog before. He has had a few as a child and he had a female dog when we first met and she died a few years ago. So he considers himself an "expert" in the area of girl dogs and reminds me of that constantly. If the mess from going thru heat is awful I will have to listen to him talk about how he was right and I was wrong for a month. Of course I want to do whats best for my dog too. I HAVE to get the dog spayed. I dont have a fenced in yard. I've never taken care of a dog in heat before. My last lab was a male and I had him neutered at 6 months old. That was back in .I know that advice has changed since then and now I am reading that spaying too early can lead to joint problems and all that bad stuff. Is it pretty true that you can look at your dogs lineage and take the ages of first heat off her relatives and come up with a timeframe for your dog? If all this breeders dogs didnt go into heat until 12 months, what are the chances that mine will go thru heat at 6 months? I obviously have time to think about this. I am going to cancel the appointment I made to have it done at 6 months and wait longer, I'm just not sure how much longer to wait. By Tom Massey Dec 09, When you become the owner of a puppy, there are several things you should do to encourage its overall wellness, like making sure it gets plenty of exercise, feeding it high-quality food, attending frequent vet checkups, and scheduling a spay or neuter appointment at the appropriate age. Spaying or neutering your lab—or having a gonadectomy performed—is one of the best ways that you can ensure a happy and healthy life with your puppy. This procedure has proven to help reduce major health risks like cancer, eliminate unwanted pregnancy, and even assist with undesired behaviors in males. Spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is a procedure specific to females that refers to removing her reproductive organs, including her ovaries and uterus. Neutering, or orchiectomy, is the procedure specific to males that refers to removing both testicles so that he is unable to reproduce anymore. Neutering helps control reproductive urges and suppress unwanted behaviors like aggression. Some veterinarians believe that six months old is a good time to spay or neuter, but one study found that doing so this early could increase the likeliness of joint disorders and certain cancers in adulthood. This is typically when he or she is more than 45 pounds and between 9 to 15 months old. Before you set the appointment, be sure to speak with your vet about the right time for your puppy based on its health, gender, and size. Benefits to Spaying or Neutering There are several health benefits to spaying or neutering your Labrador puppy. But even if you plan on keeping a litter or two, females can have up to 12 puppies per litter—so it can get hectic and expensive keeping up with all of their behaviors, attention needs, and health requirements. This is to help prevent overpopulation, unsafe breeding practices, and unwanted puppies in the future. Benefit 2: Reduces Health Risks Did you know that getting your Labrador spayed or neutered increases its longevity? Pyometra is one of the most prevalent, potentially life-threatening uterine infections that are specific to labs. The good news is that spaying or neutering ultimately reduces the risk of contracting this infection! Males will also have a decreased risk for testicular cancer, and females are less likely to get mammary, uterine, ovarian, or cervical tumors. Benefit 3: Assists with Behavior Issues When a male lab enters adulthood, he might begin exhibiting some unwanted behaviors that come with puberty, such as: Mounting Urine marking Aggression towards other dogs and human family members Neutering is the most effective way to reduce these habits. Additionally, females will stop going into heat throughout the year, which will eliminate howling and bleeding during her reproductive seasons. Conclusion Spaying or neutering is one of the most common pet surgeries in the world. Not only does it help reduce unwanted pregnancies, but it also has been proven to aid with behavioral issues and lesson significant health risks well into adulthood. The best time to spay or neuter your lab would be once it hits puberty, which is usually between 9 and 15 months old. At Snowy Pines, all puppies are treated like family—so that they are ready to join yours the day you take them home. Contact Snowy Pines today! Share on. When should I neuter my dog? This traditionally involved an operation to remove the testicles in a male dog or the uterus and ovaries in a female dog. Spaying in the traditional manner is a major surgical procedure. Nowadays there are more options available to us than in years gone by. Female dogs can be spayed using a laproscopic procedure which enables the uterus to be left intact and which is a less invasive method than the traditional. Attitudes towards neutering are changing in the light of recent research and opinions vary widely from one country to another. Neutering in different countries In some countries most dogs are neutered at a very early age and you are considered totally irresponsible if you fail to neuter your dog. Neutering is routinely practised in some parts of the world, Australia for example, and the USA where a widespread spay and neuter campaign has been in operation for some decades In some regions, neutering your pets is obligatory. In Los Angeles County for example, most dogs and cats are required to be sterilised before they are four months old! At the other end of the scale in some countries, neutering is considered offensive. In Norway for example, it is considered unacceptable to neuter a dog without valid medical reasons, and birth control is not one of them. Over in the UK neutering is not universally practised. And though many Labradors are neutered, many are also left entire. In our modern digital world where it is easy to talk to people from all over the world, these differences can cause confusion and even argument. Neutering vs leaving entire There are now groups on Facebook set up to oppose the routine neutering of dogs, and strong feelings about neutering from both sides of the argument. In fact there is no need for argument. This should really be a fact based issue. And facts are what you will find on this page and in the resources I link to. Why Neuter Your Dog? There are lots of reasons why people neuter their dogs, and those reasons are based on beliefs that people hold about the outcome of neutering and how it will affect their dog. In general, apart from birth control, people tend to neuter male dogs for behavioral reasons, and to neuter female dogs for reasons of convenience Birth control Some people think that it is their duty to neuter their dog in order to prevent more puppies being brought into the world. In practical terms, there are other simple ways to ensure that dogs do not reproduce during their lifetimes for those that choose not to neuter. But there is no doubt that neutering is a complete and permanent way to avoid your dog producing any offspring. Does Neutering Change Behavior? Many people for example think that neutering will calm their male Labrador down. Some think it will stop him humping things. This is not necessarily the case. Others think that male dogs will become aggressive if not neutered. Many top pet websites still promote this idea. But along with some other assumptions about neutering, it is now known to be incorrect. In fact recent studies found more behavioral problems in neutered dogs than in entire ones. The truth is, that behavioural effects vary and are not what we once believed. But in short, the evidence now point to behavioral problems being more common in neutered dogs, not the other way around. For these reasons, many people will choose to neuter a female dog so that she never comes into season again Neutering for health Neutering female dogs confers a couple of important health benefits. Including protection from mammary cancer if carried out early, and protection from pyometra. Unfortunately, we now know that neutering also comes packaged with some serious health risks. In male dogs, these health risks to neutering almost certainly outweigh any health benefits. In females, balancing these up is not easy. Getting at the facts — an objective view The truth is, that there are both benefits and disadvantages to neutering, and we look at each of these in more detail in our articles on male and female dogs. Recent research has highlighted some serious long term health risks to neutering including increased risks of cancer, dementia, and some common joint problems. And you need to know about these. Some of the reasons people neuter their dogs, are based on beliefs that are not supported by evidence. And some of the reasons that people neuter their dogs, could be better achieved by other means. Most information about neutering seems to be presented from one angle or the other. What we have tried to do here, is to present the information about neutering in a factual and objective way, so that you can decide for yourself what is best for your family and your dog. Different methods of neutering In the past, neutering was always a surgical procedure. Nowadays there are a few more options available to us than there used to be Castrating male dogs Traditionally, male dogs were neutered by a small and simple surgical procedure during which the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. This is still a common procedure. Recovery time is quite rapid and the dog becomes infertile within a couple of months as no more sperm are produced. Apart from infertility, the effects of surgical castration can be variable depending on the dog, that too is covered in the link above Chemical castration Chemical castration is an option now available to pet owners in some regions. Chemical castration does not have exactly the same effects as surgical castration, there is some testosterone remaining for example, but it gives you some idea of how permanent castration might affect your dog. Some people might find it helpful to have a trial run of castrating their dog using the chemical option before going for a permanent solution Like surgical castration the affects can be variable. There are also some possible side effects to chemical castration which you will need to discuss with your vet. These may vary from dog to dog and are most likely to occur during the first few days after the injection. Spaying a female dog Traditional methods of spaying female dogs involve major abdominal surgery. Recovery time is at least two week. There is however, now an alternative Laparoscopic spay With a laparoscopic spay, two tiny incisions are made and only the ovaries are removed. The laparoscopic spay is a much simpler procedure. The effects of neutering in dogs Apart from rendering your dog infertile, neutering or de-sexing, has other effects. Differences in physical appearance between neutered and un-neutered dogs will depend on the age at which the dog was neutered Neutered dogs look different A neutered male will have no testicles, which can be very apparent in shortcoated dogs. These are known as neuticles! A male dog neutered before he reaches sexual maturity will look less masculine than an entire adult dog. Dogs of both sexes will usually grow a little taller than they would have done if they had not been neutered. And female dogs neutered later in life may develop a rather coarse, scruffy coat. However, most of the changes that result from neutering are less obvious. They involve the behavior and long term health of your dog. Behavioral changes after neutering Changes in behavior after neutering are not always predictable. What people think will happen to their dog, is not always what happens at all. Especially where dogs are neutered later in life. The behavioral changes of neutering neutering a male dog are limited. Although roaming behavior can be. The Risks Some people are surprised to discover that there are risks to neutering a dog. Risks that go beyond the basic risk of surgery and anesthesia. In several breeds of dog these risks have been shown to include an increased rate of certain cancers. And an increased susceptibility to some serious joint problems. Life is more complicated than that. This leaves owners in something of a dilemma. Especially if their veterinary professional is not up to date with the latest research or has formed different conclusions as to its implications. Therefore you will need to weigh up the pros and cons carefully and consider the evidence available. Deciding whether or not to neuter your dog For many people, there is no doubt that a neutered pet is simply more convenient. If you need to go out to work and your dog needs a place in doggy day care, he may need to be neutered. Many day care centres simply will not accept an entire dog. Caring for some females in season can be a somewhat messy business. And not being able to take your dog out for several weeks can be annoying. And these exist for both male and female dogs. There are also some health benefits to neutering a female dog. These are clearly explained in the articles linked to in this article. The important thing is to make an active choice based on information. My personal view is that neutering a dog for convenience is the right decision for some families. But I do think it is important that you are aware that this is what you are doing. I increasingly meet dog owners that have had their pets neutered purely for health reasons. Or to prevent their male dog becoming aggressive. Only to find out that this was not only unnecessary, but may actually have disadvantaged their dog. This is very upsetting to discover after irreversible surgery has taken place When to Neuter a Labrador If you decide to have your pet neutered, you will also need to decide what is the right age to have the procedure carried out. In the USA there is a tendency to carry out pediatric neutering neutering before sexual maturity. In the UK, vets normally recommend that female dogs are allowed to have one season before being spayed to allow her to mature physically. The advantages of pediatric neutering are from a birth control standpoint. There are no advantages to the individual dog to be neutered at less than six months old. And there is some evidence that the health risks of neutering will be exacerbated by neutering your Labrador at a very early age. Remember, unless you are required by law to neuter your pet by the time he is a few months old, it is your decision to make. If you decide to delay neutering, or even put it off altogether, you will need to take responsibility. Ensuring that no unwanted puppies are brought into the world. Do talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. A good vet will not simply state that all dogs should be neutered but should be aware of the latest research. They will also prepared to discuss this with you and help you come to best decision for your family. Just drop your address into the box below. The risks of spaying your dog. How common is mammary cancer in dogs On the face of it, the incidence of mammary tumors in unspayed female dogs appears to be worryingly high. And about half of these tumors will be malignant. What does spaying achieve? In other words, if you wait until after the second season, it is too late to reduce the risk of mammary tumors. These two sets of figures have been widely quoted for several years When looking at statistics they are of course often not as straightforward as they seem. A review was published in looked thirteen separate reports on the association between neutering and mammary tumors. Nine of these reports were considered to have a high risk of bias. The remaining four studies had a moderate risk of bias. One of the studies found an association between neutering and reduced risk of tumors. Two of the studies found no association. A further study presented no numbers. Due to the high risk of bias and the weak evidence, the systematic review concluded that the evidence for the efficacy of spaying as a protection against mammary tumors is weak. What does this mean? It is probably fair to say however, that most vets still support neutering and see it as a helpful way to reduce the risk of mammary tumors. Other factors involved in mammary tumors Differences in susceptibility to cancer may vary from breed to breed, between large dogs and small, between purebred and crossbred dogs and depending on environmental influences. One study showed that unspayed female dogs who were thin as puppies had half the risk of developing mammary tumors as those that were not thin as puppies. Some studies are carried out on a very small number of subjects, and some come to different conclusions than others. Just as in humans, there appears to be a genetic element in the risk factors for canine mammary tumors. If siblings of your dog or her mother, have developed mammary tumors, then your female dog is at greater risk. This genetic component is presumably why pedigree dogs are also at increased risk. Spaying Your Dog vs Pyometra Pyometra is a very nasty infection of the uterus or womb. It tends to occur in older female dogs a few weeks after the end of their season. When a female dog contracts pyometra, pus builds up inside the uterus which is stretchy, and becomes more and more swollen. The female dog may even start to look pregnant. If the cervix, or entrance to the uterus, remains closed, the disease may go undetected until the infection is so advanced that the dog cannot be saved. If you are lucky, your dog will have a discharge and the infection will be detected before it kills her. Pyometra is undoubtedly painful, but dogs, like many other animals, tend to hide pain a survival mechanism until it becomes unbearable. It is a fact that Pyometra kills dogs. Pyometra is an often silent and deadly killer, but most importantly its prevalence is widely understated. People worry a great deal about mammary cancer, but unless she is a cancer prone breed, your female dog is probably far more at risk from pyometra. With every season she goes through and for every year that goes by, the risk to your female dog increases. The standard treatment for pyometra is an emergency spay. This is a far more risky, and much more expensive, operation than a standard routine spay for your dog The Benefits of Spaying your Dog? The evidence to suggest that spaying your female dog early in life before her second season will protect her from mammary tumors is weak. More research is needed to confirm this. Spaying later in life may be less likely to confer protection, than spaying at a very early age. Spaying at any age offers your dog almost complete protection against pyometra afterwards. Detecting this horrid disease is often very difficult and the evidence suggests that as your female dog becomes elderly she is more likely to get it than not. But what is clear from recent studies, is that there are risks as well as benefits, to spaying your female dog. The Disadvantages of Spaying your Dog? Before you whisk your female dog down to the vet, we need to look now at the other side of the coin. Some research has shown that spaying may in some respects, be disadvantageous to your dogs health. Studies have shown increased risk in joint problems, urinary incontinence and in several other types of cancer in female dogs that have been spayed, compared with female dogs that have been left intact. This is obviously something we need to consider before booking our female dogs in for a spay. Spaying your Dog risks Urinary Incontinence. A recent systematic review has looked at the increased risk of incontinence in the female dog after spaying. Seven studies were identified of which four were at high risk of bias. The review concluded that there was some weak evidence to suggest that spaying may be associated with increased risk of urinary incontinence. Especially if carried out before three months old. Urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs may be treatable with hormone replacement. Much more worrying is the recent research into the association between neutering and the risk of certain cancers. Cancer Risks of Spaying your Dog. Some studies have shown that spayed female dogs, whilst less at risk from mammary cancer, are more at risk from some other cancers. A study on golden retrievers in showed an increase in risk of two different types of tumor in female dogs that were spayed later in life, compared with those that were left intact. It also showed a significant increase in CCL cruciate ligament tears in female dogs spayed early in life. A study on Hungarian Vizslas over two thousand of them showed a significant increased risk of several types on cancer in female dogs that had been spayed, compared with those that had not. These risks from other types of cancer, may balance out the advantages of a reduction in mammary cancer through spaying. If indeed there is one. Joint problems in Spayed Dogs Sex hormones are involved in growth, and in slowing the growth of an animal as it reaches puberty. Dogs that are neutered before sexual maturity grow longer leg bones. This alters the angle of the joint and may be the reason that studies have shown an increase in serious joint problems in female dogs that have been spayed. This is important, not only for working dogs, but for pet dogs too. CCL tears involve expensive surgery and long periods of inactivity and crate rest. Spayed Dogs Coat Condition and Temperament Last but not least, your spayed female dog is also likely to experience permanent changes in coat condition. This is unacceptable to those who are showing their dogs. There is also a perception that the female dog who is spayed very young may develop mentally in a different way from the entire female dog Perhaps altering her drive and potential in competitive fieldwork, though I could not find any concrete evidence for this. Nor is such evidence is likely to be forthcoming as gundogs do not complete their training before their second heat. Should I Spay My Dog? Because the competitive dog does not reach or show her full potential until after the optimum time for spaying. Selecting which female dogs to spay and which female dogs to breed from is problematical for owners of working or competition Labradors. Especially with the increased risk in joint problems being a factor. For pet dog owners, the situation is also still far from clear. The possibility of reduced risk of mammary cancers in intact female dogs may be outweighed by the risks of other cancers in spayed female dogs. The situation with regard to pyometra is an important consideration. If you leave your female dog unspayed throughout her life, she may well develop pyometra. For that reason alone, some owners will chose to spay their female dog at some point. The evidence for the benefits of spaying for the pet dog is incomplete. We have made several changes to this article since it was originally published. Do please let us know if you think this article needs updating again with new research. Further reading. When the best time to spay or neuter your puppy can be a tricky decision, complicated by new research, old veterinary traditions and recommendations, and your own personal situation. For these reasons, we at Eromit do not require you to spay or neuter your puppy at any particular age but do make strong recommendations based on our experience and study of the subject. There are also incentives offered for following these recommendations although as long as the puppy is not allowed to breed, we do offer the new owners leeway in making the decision. Here are some of the factors you want to consider: Preventing Accidental Litters— This does need to be a major consideration. We know that none of our puppy owners want to have their dog bred indiscriminately and contribute to the scores of mixed breed or unplanned puppies that are born each year. The main deterrent for most people however, is that no one wants to be responsible for many unplanned puppies for their entire life if it can be avoided. Owners of female puppies should consider that Labs can come into season as early as 6 months of age although months is more common in our line and that strict containment is required for 30 days from the start of the heat cycle. This means- no boarding kennels, no visits to the dog park, no unsupervised time in your own backyard since stray males are extremely motivated and able to break in! Owners of male dogs should consider the lure of intact females in the neighborhood and how that will affect their ability to be contained or controlled. Plan ahead so that you know what you will do when your puppy comes into season. Containing your dog and preventing a breeding can be done rather easily if you are prepared we do it here all the time, ask for tips if you need them! Health Considerations — When you talk to your vet, most will cite two main advantages to having your dog spayed or neutered at a young age. These are: 1 the prevention of mammary cancer in female dogs and 2 the prevention of prostate cancer and testicular cancer in male dogs. Both of these are true although to a much lower degree than you might realize. A dog who is spayed after her first heat cycle has double the risk of mammary cancer from a dog who is spayed before her heat cycle. What is often not mentioned is that the risk goes from 0. New studies coming out show many benefits to waiting until your dog is completely done growing in order to spay or neuter them. On a logical level, this makes sense because we all know that sex hormones are removed during spay or neuter surgeries, and that sex hormones are involved in the normal maturation process of any animal. For example, what makes a young human boy look and act like an adult man? Puberty- which requires testosterone! Newer studies are showing that dogs who are spayed or neutered before maturity are more at risk of bone and heart cancer, ruptured cruciate ligaments a serious debilitating knee injury that is very expensive to fix , hip dysplasia, allergies, and much more. At the bottom of this page are links so that you can see these studies for yourself — PLEASE read them and print them off to discuss further with your vet. From a performance perspective, you definitely do not want to spay or neuter your pet before they are done growing. Dogs who are altered too soon will grow longer and more disproportionately than if they were left intact. This altered growth pattern is precisely what contributes to the increase bone and joint problems and makes for a less physically stable dog and often noticeably taller, especially in the rear end than he was genetically programmed to be. Behavior and Training— Many sources will indicate that in order to remove the possibility of behavior problems like marking, humping, or aggressive behaviors, you should have your puppy neutered or spayed at a young age. Again, new research is proving this old wives tail to be false. You can teach an intact male to be polite and clean in the house as easily as any other type of dog. You can socialize your intact male or female to play politely or ignore other dogs of the same or opposite sex. Humping is as much a play behavior as a sexual behavior and you can teach your dog other ways to interact with people, toys, and other animals. If you want to see real life examples of this, you need only to meet our dogs, intact males and females interacting which each other and our older retired spayed females. Practical Reasons— If you travel a lot, such that your dog must board in the care of others; or if you utilize services like dog walkers, doggy daycare, etc, if there are other intact opposite gender dogs in your household or an abundance of stray dogs in your area- those are major reasons why you should consider spaying or neutering your dog. However, we still urge you to wait until AFTER your dog is physically mature to do this, which may mean that you need to consider alternate boarding or care arrangements until sterilization is complete. Links for further reading. These varying opinions are a result of the many different reasons you should fix a male dog and a female dog. Some reasons can be to best care for the health of your dog while other reasons for fixing could be to eliminate risk of having an accidental mating resulting in unwanted puppies who may end up in shelters or homes where they are not cared for properly. There are different reasons to spay and neuter a Labrador if you are considering health first. However, fixing your dog at the wrong time could increase the risk of many health issues for your Labrador that could otherwise be avoided. First off you will want to keep your Lab away from other dogs who you do not know if they are fixed or not. Female dogs emit a strong scent that males can smell from miles away. So if your female is not yet fixed be sure to keep her inside or on a leash and supervised while outside. All it takes is thirty seconds of her not being watched and suddenly you could have an intact male jump your fence or dig under resulting in a lock between the two. So having your dog neutered early and spayed early is important to do your part to keep the unwanted pet population down. However, it is important that the females are spayed earlier than the males for health reasons. It is generally accepted practice to spay the female Lab early, and by early I mean before their first heat. It is also accepted that male Labs be neutered a little bit later once they are fully grown. The recommendation is to spay before their first heat which helps eliminates unwanted dogs in shelters AND eliminates some big cancer and other medical risks for her. However, spaying your female this early could contribute to joint issues such as hip dysplasia because their hormones are being altered before they are fully grown. One problem that arises if she is not spayed prior to her first heat is the risk of Pyometra. In intact females the effect of sex hormones can result in over stimulation of cells in the uterus which eventually may result in a severe E coli infection and a pus infection in the uterus. Signs of Pyometra can include lethargy, increased thirst, increased urination, not eating, a foul odor coming from their behind, draining of Pus from the vulva, excess licking of the vulva, collapse or fever related to signs of shock. If you observe any of these symptoms in your Lab after her heat cycle take her to the Vet right away as Pyometra could result in death for her if her uterus ruptures and causes a severe infection bacterial infection in the blood stream and abdomen. Other issues that present themselves if you leave your female Labrador to have a heat while in tact are cancer related. On average a female Lab will have her first heat around six months of age so spaying her in advance of this will help avoid most issues related to cancer such as mammary tumors. The statistic available at the time of writing this is that Labradors who are spayed prior to their first heat only have a 0. Risks for other cancers such as uterine also decrease when they are spayed prior to their first heat. It is important to point out that not all mammary tumors are cancerous and actually most of them are not cancerous, but there is no reason to encourage these tumors simply because they are not cancerous. The down side to spaying before your girl is fully grown is that her hormonal balance will be altered. In order for her to grow naturally she needs the hormones available to her naturally. Altering this natural balance could result in development problems with her joints and result in hip dysplasia or other joint issues or tendon ruptures. The same study goes on to identify that hemangiosarcoma cases in late-spayed females was 4 times more than females spayed early. One final point to mention is that spayed females may also develop a weakened bladder known as spay incontinence or urinary incontinence. So, to sum this all up for female Labradors, at present it appears that fixing them early can greatly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while increasing the risk of joint-related problems. So how do you decide? We recommend becoming as informed as possible, consulting with your Veterinarian, and then prioritizing your reasons for spaying. On the male Labrador side, if you neuter your pet you can still have a happy pet and often more healthy! Generally you neuter a male after they are fully grown because they require their hormones to thicken up and develop as a male dog would normally. Fully grown is at different times for different breeds of dogs. Generally the larger your dog is the longer it takes them to mature. Large breeds could take up to two years to fully grow and medium breeds are closer to one year. Neutering your Lab will also pretty much eliminate the risk of prostate disease including cysts, abscesses and prostate enlargement. Perineal hernias can also be mostly avoided as they are primarily seen in intact males. A Perineal hernia is when organs from the belly slip through the weakened muscles of the pelvis resulting in a bulge on one or both sides of the anus. As well, neutering your Labrador removes the risk of testicular cancer which is mostly seen in intact male dogs. There are some behavioral issues related to neutering that are worth mentioning. There are however some behavioral issues that are related to male hormones. These can be things such as roaming, mounting other dogs, attraction to female dogs, urine marking and even aggression. Good Labrador Retriever breeders would do this in their breeding programs, however, I have never seen an aggressive Labrador who has been trained and cared for properly. Normally an aggressive dog will be neglected or abused which ends up training them to act that way. Neutering may help to dampen or eliminate any behaviors that are related to the hormones. So there are many points that require your consideration, advice from your breeder and advice from your Veterinarian. In the world we live in today we are all trying to do the absolute best we can for our pets. We cannot, however play God. So once you have enough information sit with your family and have a brief discussion. Weigh the pros and cons of spaying and neutering and then make your decision. Then, forget about it. Once your decision has been made return to enjoying your Lab puppy for the time you have with them.