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The cost of a Labrador Retriever puppy can vary significantly, depending on where you get your dog. If you decide to adopt a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, you may get your dog for free or only be looking at a couple of hundred dollars, which will offset the rescue costs. These dogs are extremely popular, being the most registered dog in America and England since , and thus finding a Labrador Retriever to call your own is not a challenging task. A beautiful black Labrador Retriever dog Should you buy a Lab puppy or an older dog? There are pros and cons to buying both puppies and older Lab dogs. Labrador puppies are more expensive and require more vaccinations initially; however, older Labradors may have health issues or require intensive training to iron out negative habits. They are some of the cutest in the doggie kingdom. A Labrador Retriever is a large dog and this is going to cost more in the long run, than say, buying a Chihuahua. Large breed dogs like Labradors eat a lot, and this expense can be pretty significant, depending on the brand of dog food you buy. For instance, a Labrador Puppy will consume around pounds of dry puppy food a year, whereas an adult Lab will eat about pounds of food each year. That said, be sure not to overfeed your Labrador Retriever, as these food-obsessed dogs are prone to developing obesity. Dogs that are bred to be show or field-quality dogs can be significantly more expensive. How to find a reputable Labrador breeder and avoid puppy mills Be very wary of Lab puppy mills and backyard breeders when looking for your new dog. These parent dogs are often not health screened and sometimes live in very poor environments where their sole purpose is to have more and more puppies. To this end, a Labrador dog that is too cheap should be seen as a red flag. A breeder who generally cares for their pet will undoubtedly charge more, but then you have peace of mind knowing that the parent dogs are happy and healthy and well looked after. These fees often already include spaying or neutering costs, vaccinations, and microchipping. These include the following: Two adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppies staying warm 1. Age Generally, the older the dog, the cheaper the initial purchase price. Young eight-week-old Lab puppies are going to be the most expensive choice. The double coat of the Labrador Retrievers comes in three main colors, namely chocolate brown , black, and yellow Labrador which is a creamy color. Black Labradors are generally the most expensive of the three. Silver Labradors are also a possibility but are pretty rare and also costly. Read our article here to learn more about Labrador Retriever colors. Purebred or mixed Labrador Retrievers are commonly mixed with other breeds to create interesting crosses like the Borador , Bassador , and Boxador. Mix breed dogs are generally less expensive than purebred Lab puppies and have fewer health issues, so they can also be cheaper in the long run. Parents that are champion or show quality dogs are going to produce more expensive puppies. Labrador dogs that have been specifically trained for specific roles like service dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs will also be more expensive than those destined for a life of leisure as the family pet. Labrador type Did you know there are two types of purebred Labradors? The most common pet Labrador is the American version, whereas English Labs are more common amongst show dogs. American Labradors are generally more athletic compared to the fluffy, broad-chested English Labs. Labrador puppies registered with the AKC are more expensive. Gender Female Labrador dogs will typically cost more than male Labs because they have breeding potential. That said, dogs that have already been spayed or neutered and are not bred for subsequent litters should cost around the same. These should include screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as progressive retinal atrophy PRA. A DNA test for exercise-induced collapse is also sometimes performed. In addition, most reputable breeders will bear the costs of the first worming and vaccinations as well as tick and flea treatments and microchipping your pet. As mentioned, Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds, and being so in demand can push the price of puppies up, especially if you only have limited breeders where you live. Training and socialization Some breeders take the time to train and socialize their Lab puppies. There are grooming, exercise, food, training, and health care costs to consider. Vet expenses are one of the most significant cost considerations. These include regular vet checkups, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and attending to any health issues that may arise. Some common health concerns with this dog breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems. It is a good idea to add pet health insurance into your budget as this will help pay for any emergency medical treatment or health problems should the need arise. Seven yellow Labrador Retriever puppies indulging on their meal A quick search on Amazon will yield thousands of Labrador dog food options to choose from with various price tags. Be sure to check out our article on the best dog foods for Labs to help make your selection. Professional groomers will usually bathe and shampoo your Lab dog and also clean the teeth and the ears. Introductory obedience group sessions can be a good idea to socialize your puppy and learn a few basic skills. Another cost is a dog license. Two newborn Lab puppies getting as much sleep as they can There are some essential things you need to take into consideration before getting a Labrador puppy. Do you have the right space for your Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers are big dogs that need space. They will need a house with a yard where they can expel their excess energy. Do you have time for your Lab dog? Labs are not couch potatoes, especially when they are puppies. These dogs require active owners who can dedicate time to exercise and play with them. They need to be walked at least once a day and may also enjoy a good swim. Can you afford a Labrador dog? As mentioned, the cost of buying a Labrador dog is just the first step. There are many other factors to consider to keep your pet healthy and well-looked after. You need to keep these in mind when asking yourself if you can afford a pet. Will a Labrador suit your lifestyle? Also, if you like a clean house, then a Labrador Retriever is not the best dog for you. These messy pups like to swim, and they shed a lot. A new Lab puppy is also likely to make a mess in the house a few times while being potty trained. Will a Labrador Retriever dog fit in with your family? Labrador Retrievers are known to be excellent family dogs. Just be careful with bringing a tiny puppy into a home with young kids. Labs, however, are very gentle dogs and so make excellent family pets when your kids get a bit older. What are great names for a Labrador Retriever? There are so many great dog names that you can choose for your Labrador Retriever. A good name should be easy to call and preferably just one or two syllables as it will be easier for your dog to learn. These names could include options like Max, Rover, Ace, or Buddy. Other popular Labrador Retriever names are inspired by coat colors such as night, shadow, onyx, or raven for a black Lab and sunny, blondie, goldie, or summer for a yellow lab. Conversely, chocolate Labs could go by the name Hershey, brownie, brandy, cookie, or muffin. Labrador Retrievers are some of the most loving, intelligent, and fun dogs out there. There is a reason why they are one of the most popular breeds in the world. That said, getting one of these puppies is a significant investment. If you can afford the cost of buying a Labrador Retriever and the monthly expenses that incur looking after a pet, then no doubt a Lab will be a fantastic addition to your home and possibly your most loved family member. Do you already have a Labrador Retriever at home? How much did you pay for your Labrador dog, and is there anything you wish you knew before bringing your new pet home? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Further reading: The Cost of Popular Pooches. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. If you were thinking about purchasing one of these wonderful pets for your home but would like to know how to find the best breeder, keep reading while we answer that question and several more to help you make an informed decision. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in the United States Finding a Labrador Retriever breeder in the United States should not be difficult, and with a little research, you should be able to find one near you. The only problem you might run into is the long waiting list you might need to get on due to the high demand for this breed. Waiting lists not only increase the time you need to wait for your puppy, they can also bump up the price significantly. It will also help you find any other kind of dog just by putting in your zip code. This site can be a pain because it requires you to download a browser extension, but it is easy to use after that. Labrador Puppies Village Labrador Puppies Village will be happy to ship your pet to you, and they have a wide selection. All puppies come with a health guarantee and have a complete checkup before you purchase them. Windsor Kennels English Labs Check waddelldogbreeding. They produce several litters per year, and they have a waiting list you can get on and they will notify you when new puppies arrive. The Labrador Retriever Rescue Check humanesociety. Many people can no longer take care of their pets for one reason or another and turn to the shelter for help to rehome their pets. Some dogs will even have their vaccination shots. Adopting a puppy from a shelter also frees resources so the shelter can use them for other pets in need. Skye Labradors Skye Labradors is an authenticated breeder who has been creating puppies for more than 25 years and produces several litters per year. Tonmar Labradors Tonmar Labradors are officially sanctioned breeders that produce several litters each year using numerous queens. The current demand can produce a waiting list which might drive up costs, and if you want breeding rights, you need to pay more. If you do not get breathing rights, you will need to get the dog spayed or neutered, and it will require several vaccinations over the first few years, which will require visits to your vet. You will also need to regularly buy food, treats, and toys to keep your dog healthy and happy. We recommend asking to see the health certificate of the parents as well as the puppies to rule out any hidden issues. We recommend asking if you can see the whole litter to make sure the rest of the dogs are healthy and happier. We recommend asking if the puppies had any vaccinations and if they take deworming medication. We recommend asking the breeder about their experience breeding these dogs. Laboratory Retrievers like to run, and since they are fairly large dogs, they will need plenty of space to move around without knocking things over or getting into trouble. Labrador Retrievers are clumsy animals, and since they can weigh as much as 80 pounds, they may not be suitable to have around small children. Laboratory Retrievers have a long lifespan with many specimens lasting 15 years or more, so you need to be committed to the long haul before purchasing one of these dogs. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent animals and are easy to train once you get them into a routine and stick with it. Next on your reading list: Labany Conclusion Labrador Retrievers make great pets. They are affectionate, intelligent, and relatively healthy with long lifespans. Finding a breeder is not difficult, and there are many high-quality ones spread across the United States that can create the perfect dog for you. We recommend checking the animal shelter first because you can usually get your dog at a much lower cost, and these animals tend to be grateful and better behaved. However, there are plenty of options if there are no dogs in the shelter. Related read:. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

Order of list is in order of deposits received. We have regular open days for people to come visit us and meet our dogs. We also arrange puppy meet ups in local areas. Once puppies are born they are allocated in order of list. Puppy pick day is held when puppies are around 6 weeks old, we find this is the best time for you to make an informed decision, their personalities are developed by this time. Puppy pick is done in reserve list order. We temperament test the puppies beforehand to help you in making your decision. Puppies go home at 8 weeks, vaccinated, microchipped and with a full puppy pack which includes, food, scent toy, shampoo and a comprehensive guide to help you through the first few weeks. We also offer a lifetime of support. We sell our Australian Labradoodles for a pet price, this price is for an Australian Labradoodle that has been permanently neutered or spayed before reaching 12 months of age. Intact or un-neutered and un-spayed dogs reaching over 12 months of age cost more. We are planning quite far out and once a place has been reserved we do not accept deposits from elsewhere. The commitment is on both sides. However I do understand that circumstances change therefore you may choose to switch litters up to two years away for a maximum of 2 litters. However, if my prices have risen in the meantime, your deposit will be deducted from the higher price. Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles Australian Labradoodles for Sale We raise exceptional quality non-shedding Australian Labradoodle puppies … from our home to yours! Our labradoodle puppies are loved and cared for, raised in our home with our children and make wonderful family pets. We welcome you to our website! We are not listed with them but are on amicable terms with the Goldendoodle Website and recommend their services for any puppy family interested in a Goldendoodle puppy from health tested parents. We are now accepting applications for medium and miniature Australian Labradoodle puppies for our current and upcoming litters. We do also have the occasional litter of standard sized AustralianLabradoodles as well. Since then, our labradoodle family has grown! Our labradoodles are family members and live in the house with us or in carefully chosen guardian homes. We do not believe in the long term kenneling of our AustalianLabradoodles as they are a breed that thrive with contact with people. In fact, all our Australian Labradoodle puppies are born and raised in our home, where they are introduced to household noises and lots of attention! All our breeding dogs are health tested before being accepted into our breeding program. It is not enough that a labradoodle look cute, they must also be a delight to have around, be sound, easily trained and social. We have never met a breed of dog more personable than the Australian Labradoodle and we invite you to welcome a labradoodle into your heart and home! Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles is a premium rated labradoodle breeder. All our labradoodles are fully health tested and our labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic guarantee against genetic health issues. Come fall in love with a labradoodle! Bred in the heart of our home, ready for yours Meet Our Family We are the Fallows Family — Jilana and Terry and our four kids, beloved dogs and horses. Life is busy and fun. Our dogs are primarily our pets and we occasionally have puppies available to forever loving homes. Our dogs live with us in our home in Surrey and are never exposed to a kennel life. We are very proud of the puppies we produce. They are calm, gentle, loving and fun and benefit hugely from the love and attention that they receive from us until they go to their new homes. Our puppies have the most gorgeous fleece coats and the authentic Australian labradoodle look. They are low shed, low odour and allergy friendly. In our opinion the perfect pet. We invest time, money and love in our dogs. You can be confident that you are adopting a happy, healthy puppy. Adopting a Park View Pup We love a doodle chat! This secures your place on our list. We do not take reservations for more puppies than we believe will be available. At five weeks we ask you to choose your top three puppies from the litter and we then we select your puppy taking your preferences, your family and your lifestyle into consideration. We feel we are best placed to put the right puppy in the right home as we know each little character so well. Read More Testimonials Here's what our valued clients had to say! Wow, what an experience, Jilana kept us informed from start to "gotcha" day. The information within the puppy zone was extremely helpful about collecting our little Nala to feeding guides and socialising. Nala has settled in at our house wonderfully, which is a credit to Jilana and her family, as Nala is so chilled, many of our friends have commented how well behaved she is and only 9 weeks old. Even our vet commented on how well bred she is when she went for her first inoculations. We would certainly recommend Jilana if you are looking to have an addition to your family which will give a bundle of fun and fantastic company. She is a very knowledgeable breeder of Australian Labradoodles with a passion for finding the right dog for you. She also is dedicated to ensuring that you have the right information to enable you to care for your new pup. We now have two of her dogs. We are still in contact with Jilana and she loves to get updates on her pups. I was nervous and had no idea at all how to look after this cute bundle of silky fur. Thank Goodness for Jilana who guided and encouraged me every step of the way. Training feeding and grooming all became clearer to me and as I grew in confidence the more I enjoyed Sheila. Nearly 3 years on and I am completely in love. A big thank you to Jilana for breeding beautiful puppies and giving such amazing aftercare I always felt I could ask her anything no matter how big or small. Thank you Jilana for the best addition to our family we could ask for?? Showing 1 - 32 of 32 resultsPage 1 - 32 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Vet check, first vaccines, and several rounds of deworming complete! Both Mom and stud have completed genetic testing. Males and.The puppies will be pounds full grown. Mom Callie- is cream.What a beautiful litter! Visit us on our website.Our Babies are.We have a variety of beautiful colors to choose from, with three males males are the.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Victoria This fabulous tri phantom F2b Labradoodle needs a guardian home. He is 8 weeks old as of September 4th. His expected weight is around 30 pounds. Also featured in the photos are his parents. He will.I am Vet checked, first shots and dewormed. They call me Chunky Monkey for now, because I was the.Please Contact Gorgeous F1b medium labradoodle puppies Mission Waitlist opportunity for gorgeous F1b labradoodle puppies. Date of birth November and available to rehome early January perfect Christmas presents! Mom is a 50lb F1 labradoodle. She is very.There are more pups than we took reservations for, so we have some extra spots on the list. Fill in an application on our website. Mom Oakklie 45 pounds is a parchment multi gen labradoodle and father Buddy 38 pounds is a multi gen double.There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Please Contact Waitlist! Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy application! Previous litters have.ONLY 5 Left. They are vet checked and shots done. As of today, Sept. I have been waiting for many many years for this litter. I imagined up for myself the perfect retriever dog. My perfect companion dog, family.She wants to play with my old dog but the difference in size makes my old dog scared and refuses.She is a sweet gentle puppy, raised around other pets and animals, children and cats. Has first two vaccine, been dewormed, comes with one year health guarantee. We came across our first labradoodle more than fifteen years ago and loved the labradoodle breed. Not long there after we grew into a guardian home of a breeding labradoodle puppy for Puppy Love Labradoodles and adopted our very own labradoodle approximately twelve years ago. All of our labradoodles grow up with us in our home or in Guardian families which we have carefully considered. We believe our labradoodle family members do best when they are one of us and valued like family. We travel with our dogs regardless of whether it is simply to the corner store. Each one of our newborn labradoodles are whelped in our bedroom and live there with their mother for the 1st 2 full weeks. This is where our mommy dogs really feel safest and where we can keep a close eye on the child labradoodles. Shortly after they are 2 weeks old we transfer them to the family room where they are revealed to everything that occurs in family lifestyles. The labradoodle puppies come to see, hear and smell all the things that goes in our house. When they are set to visit their new adopted families they have already been for plentiful car rides and have had plenty of hours of play and cuddles. Surrey, BC Details The location could not be found.

If not, wait until they are asleep and carefully move them inside. Do this a few times if you can before closing the door. If they learn this is the way to get out, then future attempts at settling them down are doomed to fail. Repeat this again and again, increasing the time they are left inside each time until they are comfortable being there all night if that is the goal. Once you have established a routine, you should stick to it — remember that dogs need consistency in their training. For further advice on potty training your pup, check out our dedicated article on this subject here. The desired outcome of crate training is that the crate becomes a place that your dog willingly chooses to go. If your dog develops negative feelings towards their crate, they will likely not overcome them. Instead, do everything in your power to ensure that crate time is a positive experience for your pet. If you use it as a type of prison whenever you want them out the way, this will not be the case. If you ever do want to use it for this reason — say you have a non-dog-loving visitor — be cunning about it. The best crate for your Goldendoodle will depend on all manner of things from their size to their sleeping preferences to their personality, not to mention how and when you plan to use it and whether you value ultimate functionality over looks or vice versa. Are Goldendoodles tough to crate train? In terms of getting your Doodle to understand what the crate is for, crate training is not difficult. Yet, prying these ultra-sociable animals from your side might be a little tougher to manage. The earlier you get to, and the more consistent you are with it, the easier it will be for both of you. In selecting a suitable crate size for your Dood, you will need to measure them head to foot and nose to tail. Then add at least four inches to allow them room to move. Which type of crate should I get for a Mini Goldendoodle? Depending on the height and weight of your Mini Goldendoodle, they will require at least a inch crate to be able to spend time comfortably inside it. For younger and mouthy dogs, wire or plastic crates will be a better option than material ones. For dogs that are happy in the crate, soft-sided crates are more attractive and functional. A crate is a great place for them to have a little alone time and can also be incredibly useful when taking your pup to the vet or otherwise out in the car. There are a few crucial things to consider when picking out the best crate for your Goldendoodle. Hopefully, the information here proves useful in helping you to do just that. What crate do you use with your Doodle? Let us know in the comments below! On the other hand, we recommend a 42 inch crate for standard and large Goldendoodles. If you want to give your large Goldendoodle a bit more space, a 48 inch dog crate will be okay. As long as you have enough space, it would be fine to give them a little more space. Top Picks: Best Goldendoodle Dog Crates It was a rather difficult task filtering out so many wonderful dog crates that are perfect for Goldendoodle. We recommend this crate not just for Doodles, but for nearly every dog breed. Plus, tens of thousands of happy customers love it! Best Features Midwest Homes does a fantastic job because they focus on dog safety. If you have a pup that likes to chew their crate, this is perfect. In addition, all the corners of the crate are rounded. Goldendoodles are quite energetic, so this is a pretty important feature. One of the best features of the iCrate is the standard divider panel. Especially with the large variation, Goldendoodles grow quickly and a lot. A panel lets you adjust the space of the crate according to the current size of your Doodle. Sometimes, too much space for a little pup can cause even more anxiety. So, this is pretty important if you plan to get the 42 or 48 inch crate. Fortunately, the iCrate is built with a collapsible design. The removable plastic tray allows you to easily slide out the bottom of the crate to clean up — hassle free! Your Goldendoodle is likely to make a mess, so this feature saves a lot of time. Double doors are a great option because it allows multiple access points to your Doodle. For such a large crate, this will definitely be useful. If we had to nitpick, we would like to see thicker wiring on the frame of the crate. Still, she likes the collapsible feature. Dan says the iCrate was super easy to set up and take down. He bought a 42 inch for his 55 pound Doodle. His favorite part is the incredibly sturdy and hard plastic on the bottom removable tray. She loves how easy it is to assemble by herself! As expected from the tech giant, the Amazon Basics Dog Crate is a fantastic crate with all the options we love. Best Features The Amazon Basics dog crate is one of the best crate on the internet, for good reason. Like with the iCrate, the Amazon Basics uses a dual slide bolt lock for secure your Goldendoodle. It also comes with a removable plastic tray, which allows you to quickly clean up the crate. In the event your Goldendoodle has an accident, simply slide out the bottom, wipe it down and slide it back in. One of the best features we like with the Amazon Basics is the divider panel. Having such a big crate, multiple entrances gives you easier access to your dog and whatever you decide to put in the crate. If you want to put away your crate, no need to worry! Whether you want to store away your crate or move it to another location, this feature comes in handy. As a result, they have the same limitations and cons. We would have liked to see thicker frames and wiring on the Amazon Basics. For more information about the Amazon Basics dog crate, check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Roger bought a 36 inch for his Goldendoodle puppy to begin crate training. At first, he admits he was a little wary because of how cheap this crate costed. He loves how the divider panel can be adjusted as his dog grows bigger. Hinges are smooth and the latches are secure. Roger even mentioned that the metal clamps on the joints seem to be high quality! Rossy bought a 42 inch for her 55 pound Goldendoodle. Her favorite part of the crate is how easy she was able to take our the bottom plastic tray to clean out any accidents. We love this dog crate for a lot of reasons, mainly because of the affordable price. But with a slightly cheaper price, it lacks some important features that we like. Best Features The New World metal dog crate is crafted with high quality metal that makes it ultra lightweight and durable. Like the other options, the New World metal dog crate also comes in a collapsible design. All quality dog crates will come with a removable plastic tray. This feature is essential and fortunately, the New World crate comes with this. The New World metal dog crate comes with dual slide bolt latches. Good luck to your dog trying to escape this one. Double doors is a great option for such a large dog crate. It gives you easier access to your Doodle and whatever you decide to put inside chew toys, bowls, etc. The Cons The biggest downside to the New World dog crate is the lack of a standard divider panel. Goldendoodles can grow fairly quickly within the first year of their existence. Also, we would have liked thicker wiring for the frame of this crate. If you want to learn more about the New World dog crate, you can check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Kip says that this does the job. His only complaint was that the top latch sticks just a bit. By herself, it only took 2 minutes to set this up — it just folds right up. These dogs love people and are subject to separation anxiety when you leave the house. Fortunately, a crate cover can help. In addition, a crate cover provides extra security and comfort for your Goldendoodle. This reduces anxiety and stress. In fact, crate covers are recommended by veterinarians for dogs that experience some form of anxiety. Best Features This crate cover is compatible with all the recommended dog crates on this list. Using hook and loop tabs, you can secure the flaps to the edges of the crate. When it gets a little too dirty, just toss it in any standard machine washer. It also comes with a one-year warranty! Do you use any of these dog crates for your Goldendoodle? If so, let us know what you think in the comments section below. And if you would recommend another dog crate for a Doodle, leave a link below! Post navigation. Standard goldendoodles can range in size from inches tall at the shoulder Goldendoodles are powerfully striking dogs, known for their gentle and affectionate demeanor. Typically, goldendoodles can range in size from inches tall at the shoulder, with some rare cases even hitting 28 inches at full adult growth. This means goldendoodles can come in a variety of sizes, perfect for people looking for different levels of energy or exercise needs when it comes to sharing their home with a pup. Furthermore, goldendoodles have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their gentle nature and trainability making them an ideal choice of pet for many families. The length of a standard crate should be at least 30 inches, but no more than 36 inches The goldendoodle is a hybrid breed that requires plenty of space to stay healthy and happy. As such, if you are looking for the perfect crate for your goldendoodle, make sure to consider its size; the length should be between 30 and 36 inches. The width of a standard crate should be at least 18 inches, but no more than 24 inches When transporting your goldendoodle, safety is key. According to the American Kennel Club, there are certain standards that must be met when providing safe transportation for your beloved pet. One of these standards is the width of the crate — it must be at least 18 inches but not more than 24 inches in order to ensure that your goldendoodle is comfortable and secure for their journey. Finding the right size of crate will help protect them from any sort of accidental injury or discomfort during transit. This generous height allows them enough space to be comfortable while they are inside and also prevents nervousness or restlessness due to cramping. If you have a puppy, make sure to get a crate that will accommodate their full adult size Bringing home a goldendoodle is an exciting time that comes with lots of preparation and responsibilities. See also Training Your Mini Goldendoodle to Bark Less One of the most important pieces of equipment to consider is a crate for your pup. Remember that pups need plenty of room to move and lay in comfortable positions, so factoring this into the size of the crate is key. Standard goldendoodles can range in size from inches tall at the shoulder, so make sure to get a crate that is at least 30 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches tall. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your goldendoodle has a comfortable place to call home. Related posts:. Nobody goes to the market to buy a baby shoe without first knowing the size. The same applies to crate size for Goldendoodle. You will need a measuring tape to measure your Goldendoodle accurately. This is critical because it will enable you to determine the accurate crate size. To assure its comfort, add four inches to whatever measurement you get. Find out how tall your Goldendoodle is by taking their measurement. If you measure the height, you can ensure it relaxes in the crate without bumping its head. Determine the ideal Goldendoodle crate size. If you need more space, you can always pick up a size, but be aware that a smaller Goldendoodle may be able to squeeze between larger crates. How to Crate Train a Goldendoodle A growing dog can learn a lot from being trained to use a crate. Most people, though, lose hope after a few days. We would like to help you get past this problem. In this area, you will learn how to train a Goldendoodle puppy to use a crate. Remember, it can be a complicated process but with time, everything will go smoothly. Step One: Determine the Crate Size To successfully crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, the first step is to choose the right crate size. You do not want a crate that is too big, or your puppy will pee and poop in it. You also do not want a kennel with small crates because they can be uncomfortable. Entice them with something that they love — chew toys. For the first few days, you should have training goodies on hand, and when you are away, you should have special treats and engaging toys. The ideal items are chew toys like KONG toys or beloved toys that your puppy only gets while you are away. Giving your puppy goodies while teaching them is the objective here and giving them something entertaining to do while you are gone. You will see faster results if you make crate training your Goldendoodle dog enjoyable. Step Three: Understand Your Goldendoodles Getting a Goldendoodle puppy familiar with a crate is the next step in crate training them. Place your dog box in a room with lots of visitors. The living room or another place where your puppy will spend most of his time. In addition to the previous step, you can include a few toys—but not the prized ones—and a couple of throw blankets to make it feel cozy. Keep the crate door open, and if your puppy enters the crate voluntarily, reward them with a treat and compliment them on a job well done. Your dog will quickly realize that getting into the crate is good. You should give in even if they come in and out often to obtain treats. With the help of this positive reinforcement, your Goldendoodle puppy will learn that when he enters, pleasant things will happen to him. Step Four: Use Play Fetch to Keep Your Goldendoodles active A game of fetch may help your puppy enter the crate on his own if he is having trouble doing so. In the same room as the kennel, start by playing a game of fetch with his favorite toy. Throw the toy into the crate after some back and forth. At first, your puppy could seem a little wary, but that is okay. Tell him it is ok and encourage him gently. Give your puppy a treat and praise when it goes in to grab the toy. They will soon overcome their anxiety about the intimidating large metal item and enter independently. Then you can resume rewarding them every time they come in by themselves. Step Five: Feeding Your Goldendoodle Feeding your dog in the crate is another tactic to introduce them to the idea of crate training. Give your puppy the crate command after preparing their supper. After doing this for a few days, you should tell it the proper order so that they enter the crate before receiving food. A constructive technique to show them that the crate is not a frightening or punishing place is to conduct all everyday activities there. Step Six: Do not rush things — Start small It is time to let your puppy out of the crate now that they know it is fun and a way to receive treats. However, you should not just toss them in and call it a day. To begin with, go slowly. Take care of all their requirements first, including eating, drinking, using the restroom, and taking off their collars. Give your puppy a treat and a special toy before putting him in the crate. Walk out the door to give your dog the impression that you are leaving the house. Nevertheless, start with 5 minutes, do not go any longer. Every Goldendoodle should have access to a room where they can rest, feel protected, and find shelter. This is the ideal use for a crate! The crate your puppy is in will serve as their bedroom. It provides them with a private sanctuary where they can unwind. A crate also serves several functions that can benefit both you and your Doodle. Crate training is beneficial because it teaches your Goldendoodle to regulate its urine and bowel movements, which can help with potty training. Dogs will typically try their best not to soil the area where they sleep. They will want to keep their crate as tidy as they can as a result. Puppies will inevitably make mistakes over time. As a result, be careful to check on your puppy frequently while in the crate so you can clean up after them. When dogs get used to their kennel, they frequently enter it to relax or sleep. This is comparable to what dogs do while searching for a dugout or den in the wild. Finally, a crate can help prevent teething in your Doodle. As their teeth erupt, Goldendoodle puppies frequently chew on numerous objects. You can teach them that it is improper to chew on your clothing, shoes, or other personal objects by educating them to only bite on chew toys when they are in the crate. What to Avoid when Crate Training? Having learned how to crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, you need to know certain things to avoid. While it sounds straightforward to train your Goldendoodle, a few things might go wrong during the first several months of training. This might undo all the progress you have achieved for months. Here are some things to avoid at all costs if you want your puppy to pick things up quickly. Invading their Space Invading the place is the first mistake that individuals make. This crate is still a learning tool for your puppy. Additionally, you want it to have a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for your pet. You should let your puppy be if he is sleeping, eating, or exploring things in the crate. Using the crate to punish your Goldendoodle Using the crate as a punishment tool for your pet can also undermine crate training. Do not use a crate as a timeout if your dog destroys your favorite pair of shoes or has an accident in the house. Every time you leave the house, your dog will think he has done something wrong if you use the crate as a punishment tool. Because your puppy is oblivious to his mistakes when you leave, it may even develop separation anxiety in the future. Saying goodbyes and farewell to your doodle Most times, people do not consider how they say goodbyes when crate training a Goldendoodle. Your pet might get anxious once you talk a lot about leaving. Your puppy will learn that your departure is terrible through your tearful farewells. In addition, your puppy experiences anxiety while waiting for you to get home from work. As a result, you will want to remain calm during each situation. Give your dog the crate command and walk away imperturbably, as if you were just brushing your teeth. Also, take care of business first when you get home. They will be pleased, but they will soon need to go pee. You can greet them when you return by playing a nice game. A pet can get uncomfortable and even suffocate in a too small crate, while a too big crate can prevent the creature from feeling snug. Even a wider crate will tempt the dog to rest in the corner and relieve himself on the opposite side. The best way to get a comfortable crate size for Goldendoodle puppy is to measure it. It is the best technique that will also save you cost and space. Then add four inches to the measurement from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. It is preferable to provide the Goldendoodle with a larger crate so they can stand up and spin around easily without bumping their heads. The Doodle can lie down on any side by putting its paws out in front of them. In addition, finding the proper crate size for a Goldendoodle puppy is more difficult than for an adult Goldendoodle. Fortunately, there is a recommended crate size for standard Goldendoodle puppy. Crates should be the following sizes for Goldendoodles: 42 inches Goldendoodle dog crate size is suitable for a standard Goldendoodle. Choose 36 inches Goldendoodle crate size for the miniature Goldendoodle since it is big enough to accommodate it. Overall, consider a large crate with a divider for your Goldendoodle since it will enable the necessary room for your puppy to grow. Simply take out the partition once it reaches adulthood. Goldendoodle and Appropriate Size of Crate Goldendoodles are a new breed of dog that came about when golden retrievers and poodles were bred together. Nevertheless, the type and size of your Goldendoodle will depend on the size of the parents and the breeds crossed with. Here is a rundown of the Goldendoodle size and their equivalent crate size. Mini Goldendoodle The average adult weight and height of miniature Goldendoodles are 15—35 pounds and 13—17 inches, respectively. You require a crate size for mini Goldendoodle puppy to be at least thirty inches for these mini breeds that are toy-poodle mixes. Medium Goldendoodle Medium Goldendoodles weigh 35 to 50 pounds on average as adults and stand 17 to 21 inches tall. Although the weight and height of medium Goldendoodles can vary slightly the crate size for medium Goldendoodle puppy is at least 36 inches. Standard Goldendoodle Standard Goldendoodles will mature to an adult weight of 50 to 75 pounds and a height of 22 inches or more. There are several times when you should put your Goldendoodle puppy in a crate. It also makes them feel better. However, when is it necessary to use a crate? First, put your pet in the crate when you are not around to watch them. So, if you need to go to work or take care of the yard, just put your Goldendoodle in a crate. Nevertheless, do not forget to feed or give them other things they need. Therefore, you can keep them safe and prevent damage to the house. Another time to get a crate is when you observe your puppy getting extremely excited. In this situation, you need to place them inside the crate pending when they cool down. Nevertheless, you should not use a crate to punish them. To make them feel secure, you can provide chew toys to keep them active. Furthermore, if you are traveling to another city, you can get a crate for your puppy. Putting the pet in a crate for a long walk keeps them safe and makes it easy for you to carry the pet. Lastly, putting a new puppy in a crate can be helpful, especially if you already have an older pet. Goldendoodle puppies are highly active, and their noise can bother other pets. Therefore, a crate will give the older pet a break and protect the puppy. The most important thing to remember is that Goldendoodles should not be crated for more than five hours per day. If not, there may be many complications. For instance, Goldendoodles, who thrive in social situations, are happy dogs. In addition, you should not kennel a Goldendoodle if it has separation anxiety because doing so will worsen the situation. Broken teeth or chipped claws are other significant symptoms that the pet was not kept in the crate. This suggests that the Doodle is unhappy in the crate and is attempting to get out. If you see such actions, you should also consult the veterinarian. Finally, you should not crate the Doodle if the vet advises against it due to health problems like arthritis or inflamed joints. To provide the dog with a blissful experience, buying the correct size cage and crate training are helpful processes. Remember, your pet should not fear the crate. How to Clean Your Goldendoodle Crate? Dogs usually keep their crates clean, which is one of the many fascinating things about them. But after a while, even a clean crate can start to smell bad. Take all the blankets and toys out of the crate. Throw the mats into the washer. Disinfect the toys or throw them in the washer with the blankets if they can handle them. Use a hand-held bath or a microfiber cloth washed in clean water to clean the crate. Put one tablespoon of soft dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. Clean the metal by rinsing the cloth in warm soapy water. Use a brush to get rid of rust or dirt that has built up. Make sure you remove all the soap because dish soap can make dogs sick. Use a disinfectant by sprinkling it on and wiping it off with a sponge. Look up with your pet store about cleaning products that are safe for pets. Spray the metal crate liberally with the acid solution after filling a spray bottle with it. After around 15 minutes, rinse the acid solution with regular water if the vinegar smells repulsive. Use a washcloth to soak up all the water, so the metal does not rust. When the crate is dry, your pet can go back in. We suggest getting a inch dog crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle. On the other hand, for standard and large Goldendoodles, we recommend a inch crate. A inch dog crate will be fine if you want to give your big Goldendoodle a little more room. A inch dog crate is the best size for a Miniature Goldendoodle. You can also use other crate size if it provides the needed space for your doodle. Because standard Goldendoodles are a big breed, you will need a big crate—at least 36 to 42 inches wide for a pound Goldendoodle. Leave the Doodle in the crate for a few hours in the beginning. However, never keep a puppy or adult Goldendoodle in a crate for longer than five hours. In addition, ensure you use the crate size for eight-week-old Goldendoodle rather than choosing a smaller one. Your Goldendoodle puppy should not be in the crate for more than 4 hours. If they wait too long, they will start to feel anxious, angry, and distant, which are all signs of depression. An adult can spend the night in the crate if they go to the bathroom before and after. Conclusion The crate size for Goldendoodle you choose will depend on several factors. However, following the correct Goldendoodle dog crate size chart, you should get the perfect one for your puppy. However, it is important to buy a good crate since your puppy might use it for a long time. Nevertheless, knowing the crate size for your Goldendoodle is not enough as you need to learn how to clean it if you want your pet to stay comfortable and healthy. Related Posts. Check Price This one also comes in a variety of sizes, so it can work for your Goldendoodle no matter what size or age they are. The iCrate comes with single-door or double-door options, as well as a divider panel that is excellent for growing puppies. This crate is incredibly secure, as it has slide-bolt latches, rounded corners, and a durable finish. Plus, it easily folds for travel and storage. The iCrate also comes with a removable plastic tray to make for easy clean-up. However, keep in mind that the latch may be simple for your dog to figure out how to unlatch and escape from the crate. The divider panel is also known to be challenging to put in place and remove. Additional Crate Products to Purchase Now that you may have a crate purchased, you may need some additional products to give your Goldendoodle the best possible experience with it. As we mentioned throughout this article, dividers can be incredibly helpful for making your crate the correct size for your puppy as he or she is growing. The perfect divider panels ca n be found here. Check Price Dog Bed To make your dog crate as comfortable as possible for your Goldendoodle, you will want to purchase a high quality dog bed to stay inside of it, especially if you crate your dog overnight or for longer periods. Not just for comfort, this can help with their joints long term, too. While you may be tempted to just use a blanket, dogs are more likely to chew them up. Not only will you be out a blanket, but your dog will have learned a new destructive behavior. Dog beds made from tough fabric will last longer. This dog bed from MidWest Homes, found here, is the perfect option. Check Price It comes in a variety of size options, so you will be able to find the ideal choice for your fur baby. It is also machine-washable, so you will easily be able to clean it if your pup has an accident in the crate! All dogs should have space where they can feel safe, rest, and have shelter. A crate is perfect for this! It gives them somewhere to escape and relax that is entirely their own. Besides, a crate has multiple purposes that can help better serve both you and your Doodle. One way that crate training is beneficial is because it can assist with potty training by teaching your Goldendoodle to control their bladder and bowels. By nature, dogs will generally do their best not to soil the space that they sleep in. Because of this, they will want to keep their crate as clean as possible. Of course, puppies are bound to have an accident here and there. So, make sure that you stay around as often as possible when your puppy is in the crate to clean up after them. This is similar to what dogs do out in the wild, looking for a dugout or den. Goldendoodle puppies tend to chew on various objects as their teeth are growing in. When You Should Crate Now you may be wondering, when is the best time to crate train a dog? One time to keep your dog in their crate is when you are unable to supervise them. For example, if you need to do yard work, you can put your dog in his or her crate while you do so to keep them safe. Another excellent time to put your Goldendoodle in his or her crate is when they need to calm down from being too excited. Keep in mind, though, that you should not act like this is a punishment. You want to teach your dog to enjoy being in their crate — not be afraid of it. Try not to let your anger be a factor at all. Give them a toy to play with for about five minutes to calm them down, and let them out afterward to see if it helps. If not, you can repeat the process until they are calmer. A loose dog in the car can be dangerous, so keeping them in the crate can help keep them — and other passengers — safe and calm. It also will limit distractions. For more information about driving with a dog, check out this article from DogTime. Typically, Goldendoodle puppies will be energetic, and this may be overwhelming for an older dog. Having a crate can give the older dog a break and keep your puppy safe. You can alternate which dog stays in the crate until they are more used to each other. For starters, a general rule of thumb is not to leave your Goldendoodles in their crate for over five hours. The exception to this would be overnight, of course. There are a few reasons for this. Goldendoodles are an incredibly social breed and need social interaction to stay happy. If they are left in their crate for too long or too frequently, then they may begin to develop behavior issues or even depression. I know what you might be thinking at this point — what if I have to work all day? In this case, come home for lunch, if at all possible, to let your dog out for a little bit. This will just worsen their condition and make them more stressed out. They are most likely doing everything that they can to escape. If you see any of this behavior in your Goldendoodle, consult with your vet to find out what your best options are. You should also refrain from crating your Doodle if the vet tells you not to due to medical reasons, such as inflamed joints or arthritis. Overall, do your best to make the crate a positive experience for your Goldendoodle. Here are some additional steps to take before crating your dog to ensure the best possible experience: Take your dog for a walk — this helps get out their energy and release their bladder Spend time with them — Goldendoodles are very social and have a lot of energy Final Thoughts And, there you have it. Although you may have some struggles at first getting your Goldendoodle to adapt to a crate, we can almost guarantee that your Goldendoodle will end up getting accustomed to and maybe even loving! You just have to give it time and lots of patience and maybe a few treats. Best of luck! Includes interior fleece padding for comfort and security Self-locking zippers for superior security CONS Not suitable for airline travel 9. The Zoovilla crate comes in three sizes to accommodate different dog breeds, including Goldendoodles. The smart white panels cover a wire dog crate, creating a nice piece of interior furniture that looks great in any room. You can store personal items or ornaments on top of the crate, just as you would with a regular cupboard, and your canine companion snoozes in comfort beneath. The crate comes with a plastic tray that can be removed for cleaning purposes. Crate training has benefits for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. We recommend that you start crate training your Goldendoodle puppy as soon as you get him home. In fact, many reputable Goldendoodle breeders begin the first stages of crate training their puppies before the pups go to their new homes, giving you a head start. Dogs are instinctively reluctant to soil their sleeping areas, so a crate helps a young puppy to learn to hold, strengthening the bowel and bladder muscles. That makes house training your puppy much easier for you and your furbaby. Puppies can be overwhelmed in new surroundings in a busy household, and a crate provides a place of safety and security where your little guy can sleep and chill out when he wants to. A Place Of Safety A cozy crate can help your dog to self-soothe and handle anxiety during stressful situations, such as thunderstorms or fireworks. Loyal dogs, such as Goldendoodles, can be territorial and clingy. So, providing those animals with a crate to protect rather than having your pet feel that he has to defend your entire home can make it easier for your Doodle to relax, helping to prevent separation anxiety. Keep It Clean! Goldendoodles love to spend time outdoors, enjoying hiking, hunting , and especially swimming excursions with their owners. Crate training can help to confine your dog in transit and again when you arrive home until you get a chance to clean him up. That saves dirty paw prints all over your Easy Transport Many Goldendoodle owners enjoy taking their furry friends on road trips with them. Crate training makes long journeys much safer and pleasant for both dogs and humans, as the dog will settle down to sleep without distracting the driver. Senior Goldendoodles Senior Goldendoodles can sometimes develop health conditions that cause problems such as incontinence or poor mobility. At that point in their lives, senior pups appreciate a special place to take frequent naps and rest their joints. In Emergencies In emergency situations, crate training can be invaluable. If you need to evacuate your family and your pet quickly and efficiently, having a crate-trained dog can save crucial time. In a chaotic situation, your dog will be less likely to run away and get injured or lost. Also, in areas where extreme weather conditions occur regularly, dogs must be restrained in a crate to accompany their owners in shelters. Goldendoodles come in a range of different sizes, so you need to buy the right size of crate for your dog. Puppies should not have sufficient space to curl up in one corner of the crate and pee in another. Ideally, your pet should be able to stand upright, turn around, lie down, and sit down in his crate. Choose a type of crate that has a removable plastic tray in case of accidents. Space To Grow Goldendoodles are typically not fully grown until they reach between .Remember that your puppy will grow as he matures. The best way to avoid having to buy multiple crates is to choose one that has divider panels. That way, you can extend the crate when you need to. Stretch Or Snuggle? Some dogs like to sprawl flat out and stretch their legs, taking up as much space as possible. Other pups prefer to snuggle up, using the sides of the crate to lean against to provide a feeling of security. If you travel, this soft crate is a great temporary home for your Goldendoodle. No assembly is required. Strong steel tubes make up the frame. Puppies and others who still chew things are one questionable group. The MidWest iCrate Kitis a best seller. It features several options such as a single or double door. With your purchase, you receive a free divider panel, dog tray, and carrying handle. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. If you purchase a large kennel, you can move it to different spots in your home without damaging the flooring. Midwest manufacturers a series of crates and sizes for each. Some assembly without tools is required. Assembly takes a few seconds. Look for the Instructions in the box. The kennel folds flat for easy storing and travel. The bottom is not waterproof, so consider placing a rag under the kennel for easy accident cleanup. You receive a durable plastic kennel that protects your Goldendoodle during air travel or a car trip to the vet. The four-way vault door adds a layer of security. Ventilation keeps your pet comfortable. The product includes two Live Animal stickers, clip-on bowls, and ID stickers. Top Handle available on 21 inch and 28 inch sizes Airline Adaptable: The Petmate Sky Kennel meets most airline cargo specifications for easy and safe travel, but pet owners should always check with individual airlines We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. To find what size kennel for a Goldendoodle is best from the plastic category, be sure to measure your Goldendoodle well. Then, pick the best product size according to height and weight. By going up a size, your dog should be able to rest comfortably inside the shell without feeling cramped or anxious with plenty of space for the dog bed. Bridie is a proud Goldendoodle mom! Part-time health worker, life-time dog writer and lover. She loves to help people best care for their puppies. Load More. It doesn't look like fancy furniture, but it can fit into your home and act as a coffee table or side table. When I was assembling it, I got a bit confused as the walls "can" be attached in several ways, so look out for that. But you can't really mess it up so no worries. It's very sturdy and has plenty of space for a Goldendoodle, Bailey was comfortable in it. It has two access doors, one at the front and one on the side. The doors are quite safe and secure so there were no escapes on our watch! It's also very easy to clean which is great. The same goes for this crate too, if your dog is a heavy chewer and very determined to escape, it won't hold forever. But for normal wear and tear, this is a great crate. It includes a memory foam crate pad, a washable faux fur pad cover, a waterproof pad liner, a U- Shaped faux fur foam bolster and a faux fur crate cover, all of which feel great and fit perfectly into the crate. I really recommend this kit if you're looking to make your Goldendoodle even more comfortable while in its crate! When it comes to choosing a dog crate for your goldendoodle, you are bombarded with so many options, it is very hard to choose. Later, we will look at the different types of crates and what makes each type of crate a good choice for goldendoodles. Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in. Construction: Look for crates made with durable materials that are easy to clean. The last thing you want is for your goldendoodle to escape or chew through its crate. Your Goldendodles Sleeping Positions: Goldendoodles can sleep in a variety of positions, from curling up in a ball to sprawled out on their back. Consider the size and shape of the crate to make sure it is comfortable for your pup no matter how they like to snooze. Travel: Do you plan on taking your goldendoodle with you when you travel? If so, look for crates that are lightweight and easy to transport. Pros and Cons of Each Type of Crates There is a wide range of crates made for goldendoodles, however not all are created equal. Let's look at each type of crate and what their pros and cons are to help you make the best decision for your pup. Wooden Crates The main benefits of a wooden dog crate are that they are far sturdier than your regular plastic crates and they fit in well with just about any home decor. Wooden crates can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours which allows you to choose the best one for your Goldendoodle. Most comes with removable bottom, so it makes them easy to clean. They also require more maintenance if your goldendoodle is a scratcher, as they can damage the wood. If your dog tends to chew on the crate while being crated, I wouldn't recommend a wooden crate as they can get splinters and hurt your pup's mouth. Plastic Crates The pros of plastic crates are that they're lightweight and easy to move around. Plus, there are a ton of great colors and sizes for you to choose from. Most of these plastic crates are airline approved, which makes them great if you will be traveling with your pup. They also offer more privacy for your pup as they are made from more solid materials and can block out distractions. The cons of plastic crates are that they are less aesthetic looking and if your dog feels stressed if isolated, this type of crate can make them feel even more so. Soft-Sided Crates The main advantage of soft-sided crates is that they weigh much less than any other crates and they are foldable, making them perfect for travelling or even storage. Since they are made of a softer material than other crates, your Goldendoodle can feel more secure and comfortable in them. They also offer more ventilation usually through mesh windows. The downside is that they are much less durable than the other types of crates, so your pup will be able to chews through them if left alone for too long. The downside is that these type of crates are less durable than the other types, so it's not recommended for chewers or dogs that like to scratch. Most wire crates come with a divider which is perfect for puppies as it means you can adjust the size of the crate as your Goldendoodle grows. They are also foldable, which means they are great for travelling and storage. Also, because it's so open, it offers less insulation and privacy for your pup. But, you can easily fix that with dog crate kits or covers. Airline-Approved Dog Crates Airline-Approve Dog Crates are usually hand-carry crates that are made to fit perfectly on most airline regulations. The advantage of these types of crates is that they afford comfort, security and convenience while flying. They are usually made of hard plastic with steel wire doors and they are quite durable. However, since they are smaller, they are not suitable for large breeds and can be a bit uncomfortable for your pup. So I would only recommend using this type of crate if you have a mini goldendoodle. Furniture-Style Dog Crates If you have a constant place for your goldendoodles crate, the furniture-style dog crate might be the right choice for you. These types of crates are usually made of wood and look like a piece of furniture, making them blend in nicely with your home decor. Don't let the luxurious look fool you, they are durable and easy to assemble. The downside is that they are heavier and more expensive than the other types of crates, so you will have to be careful not to damage it if you ever need to move it around. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy should start as soon as possible. The earlier you begin crate training, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. Start by introducing the crate in a positive way with treats and toys. Make sure they have plenty of space inside and are comfortable. Never push your dog into the crate and then close the door on them Too many dog owners make this mistake. This process shouldn't be forced, the crate should be a safe place for them to stay in. For the next couple of days, leave the dog crate door open and let your dog go in and out as they please. Once your Goldendoodle has been comfortable with the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time. A few minutes at a time and then gradually increase the amount of time. Make sure to leave some treats and toys inside the crate before closing the door that way your goldendoodle puppy can associate this place with something fun. Once your goldendoodle is fine with being crated, you can leave the room for a few minutes and then come back. If the pup is still relaxed, you can leave the room for longer. Remember to always be consistent with crate training your Goldendoodle puppy and never use it as a punishment! Conclusion Now you have a better idea of the best type of crates for your Goldendoodle, as well as when and how to start crate training them. Remember to never use the dog crate as a punishment and always make sure that your pup is comfortable with it by introducing them in a positive way. The most important thing is to have patience and consistency during this process, so you can ensure that your Goldendoodle will be happy in their new home away from home. Good luck!

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. You can see why Labradors Retrievers are a popular family pet choice. They are just as comfortable on the couch as they are bounding around with their endless energy. There is a lot to love about the Labrador Retriever. Read on to learn more about this breed with these fast facts. They originated from Newfoundland, working with fisherman off the coast of Canada. In some parts of the world, silver is promoted as a colour, but not in Australia. More than one colour of puppy can potentially occur in the same litter and their colours are determined genetically. Did you know that chocolate and black labradors coats match their nose colour? Popular pets Labradors came to Australia in and they are one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia and in many countries around the world, such as Canada, Israel, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States. Smart animals Labradors are highly trainable and fast learners, so get them into puppy school as soon as you can! They love to please their owners, which is one of the main reasons they are selected as therapy and rescue dogs. They are also the most common breed of guide dog in Australia, United States and many other countries. Love eating Labradors have an endless appetite, so keep those snacks out of reach! They will try to eat just about anything that smells like food. It is very important to exercise a Labrador as they are prone to obesity as a result. Built for swimming Labradors are famous for their love of water. They initially helped fisherman by fetching nets and rope and retrieving fish from the sea. They swim with their large webbed feet and use their flattened, otter like tail for balance and to steer while swimming. They also have a thick double layer coat that blocks out water and keeps them warm. Fast runners Have you ever tried to race your Labrador? You might find they can outrun you. The average Labrador can hit a running speed of around 19km per hour in roughly three seconds! Puppies at heart Labradors mature at around three years of age and are known for their puppy like energy and enthusiasm before this time and sometimes beyond too. Whilst they may be constantly stopping to smell everything when you take them for a walk, it can also be used for positive things. They make great detectives, which is why they often work for the navy, military and police forces. They have a reputation for being even tempered and make an excellent family dog. They love to play and could fetch a ball or frisbee for hours. They are often very easy going and trusting with strangers, so are not usually suitable as guard dogs. What a clever dog! Want to share this? Labrador Retrievers are everywhere, and everybody enjoys their company. Ask most dog owners what breed their first dog was and many of them will say their first dog was a black Lab, chocolate Lab, or golden Lab. In celebration of this amazing breed, we've put together a list of 20 fun and interesting statistics about this breed. Newfoundland — the home of original Labrador Retrievers. They were originally called St. They have been bred with many other breeds in order to give other breeds some of Labrador Retrievers' fantastic easygoing temperament and athletic skills. In the s in Newfoundland families had to pay a tax if they owned a dog. And they were only allowed to own one dog. Female dogs were taxed higher, so many breeders got rid of female puppies because the tax on them cost more. Thankfully the Lab was such a popular hunting dog in the United Kingdom that the breed managed to thrive there. They were bred to be water-loving dogs and even have webbed feet to make it easier for them to swim. But their biggest advantage in the water is their coat. Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that insulates them from the water and keeps them from getting cold even in cold water and colder weather. All the water just skims off that double coat making them dry fast too. Labs have been the most popular dog in America for nearly a quarter of a century. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dogs in America because they are so adaptable as well as many of these Labrador Retriever facts mentioned below. Labs can thrive as farm dogs, working dogs, security dogs, or as family pets. The NPR covered this story , and how the Governor had the dog thrown in jail for murder. The dog was given life without parole for the death of the cat and was sentenced to Eastern State Penitentiary where he lived for 10 years. There are also Silver Labs , which are really gray. And there are Red Labs which are a reddish-brown color. Originally, Labs Were Bred for Fishing One of the more interesting Labrador Retriever facts is that these dogs were bred to assist fishermen when they were catching fish. Labradors are natural athletes and working dogs that became popular family pets. They may not be the fastest dog breed on the planet, but they're relatively fast anyway and can reach a speed of 12 miles per hour in just three seconds. Puppies in the same litter can be Black, Chocolate or Yellow. After the visit by the friendly stray they named the song after this black Labrador Retriever. That simply means they have the right body type to be show dogs. A Black Lab Became a Mayor While one Lab was jailed, on the opposing side of Labrador Retriever's world spectrum, in the state of California, in a small town of Sunol, a black Lab ran for mayor, and won! But the dog was much more popular with the voting public than any of the other candidates. There are several reasons why Labs make the best guard dogs. They have a great easy going personality. They are eager to please. And they like to work. They are also loyal, not aggressive, and can learn quickly. That makes Labs the ideal breed to be trained to help people. One of the most recent discoveries science has made is that Labradors can use their exceptional sniffing skills to detect illness in the human body. Labs can sniff out cancer and other diseases. They can also tell when an epileptic is about to have a seizure. And they can snap into action to calm down a person with PTSD that is having a flashback or panic attack. Labradors are Still Used as Working Dogs Labradors may be the most popular family dog in America but they are also still very popular working dogs. They work on farms herding cattle. Labs also work as service dogs. They are still used for hunting. There are many jobs that Labs can do better than other breeds and they really like to work. They are Outstanding Search-and-Rescue Dogs Labrador Retriever facts list are full of outstanding abilities of this breed, and that still continues. Labs are the absolute best breed of dog to be used for search and rescue operations. They have an amazing sense of smell, and they can work on any type of terrain or in any environment. Their natural abilities combined with their desire to please and their love of people make them the perfect choice for search and rescue dogs. But what makes them the ideal family dog is their temperament. Labs are very social dogs. They love to be around people and be in the thick of things socially. They are good with other dogs and love children. All these traits make them the perfect family dog. The military mourned for the lost dog. But over a year later the dog found an American soldier and went right to him. After figuring out that the dog knew military commands the American military realized the dog was the missing Australian dog and returned the dog to the Australian military. Labs Put Everything in Their Mouths If you have a Lab or have ever had a Lab you probably know already that they will put everything and anything into their mouths. Over the years Labs have been bred to have an usually large mouth precisely because they use it so often in their assigned tasks as hunting dogs and other working dogs. But they are always gentle and rarely put things in their mouths to bite or tear. The Lab is just doing what it was bred to do. Let us know in the comments below so we can continue being proud of this breed walking among us! Related Articles. Post by: Mara B. These dogs had black coats, sometimes white crests on their chests, and white feet. Portraits of them look like a cross between a modern Lab and a Border Collie. Like Labradors, the Newfoundland breed had webbed toes, a two-layered, water-repellent coat, and a strong, broad tail that works like a rudder in the water, making it a superb swimmer. The Labrador Retriever has grown to be the most popular dog breed in America. The fishermen found that these dogs had great endurance and strength, so some used them to tow barges. For a while, these trusty fishing dogs waned in popularity in Canada due to a tax imposed on dog owners. Fortunately, British travelers coming to port decided to bring the dogs to England. The breed was refined by English hunters to be better suited for retrieving game and named the Labrador Retriever. Since the 20th century, the Labrador Retriever has grown to be the most popular dog breed in America. Physical Traits of a Labrador Retriever Labs have thick, sturdy bodies, broad heads, and long, otter-like tails that help them to steer themselves in the water. Their webbed toes make for better paddling and keep snow from clumping up between them. They grow to be between 21 and 24 inches at the highest part of their back and may weigh pounds. Labs have an inner coat that is thick and soft to protect their skin from wetness and cold temperatures. Their special double coat makes them waterproof! Labrador Retrievers may be black, chocolate, or yellow, and all colors can appear in a single litter. The nose of the dog will match its coat. Labs usually have brown eyes. The exception to this is that some Chocolate Labs have hazel eyes. The Labrador Retriever Personality Labradors are known for their gentleness, tolerance, and intelligence. Their easy-going nature is what makes them the top choice as American family dogs. They are generally very good with kids and other canines. Of course, being completely adorable probably contributes to their popularity too! As natural hunters, Labs are also known to be active and love exploring. Regular exercise is a great way to let out some of their energy and help them maintain a healthy weight. With lots of playtime and proper training, even high-energy Labs can be calm and obedient. A coat cleaning every once in a while will help it look shinier and healthier. Labs tend to pack on extra pounds quickly if they are sedentary or overfed. Obesity is one of the most common health issues for Labradors, and hypothyroidism and diabetes are also not uncommon for the breed. When a dog becomes overweight, exercise can be tough on their joints and cause them pain. Moderating their treats and making sure to measure the proper amounts of food at mealtime are other ways to keep their weight in check. You can also opt for dog-safe fruits and veggies as an alternative to higher-calorie, processed treats. Labs are also known to develop cataracts and have troubles with their hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. Annual and wellness exams for these doggies should include check-ups on their eyes and joints. Important wellness procedures can be covered by a dog insurance plan. Start a quote for your best friend. Great Games for Labs Try doing these activities with your Labrador Retriever for fun and exercise rolled into one! Go Fetch! These natural retrievers love to chase after toys and bring them back — in the yard or the water! Balls, rope toys, ring toys, Frisbees, and dummies will all work well for a game of fetch. Take them to the beach, a lake, a pond, or a backyard pool and let them paddle around. Playing a game of fetch or chase in the shallow waters near shore can also be lots of fun. Just to be safe, you may want to investigate purchasing a dog life jacket. Nose work, or scent work, involves hiding objects marked with various scents for your dog to track. The activity can be especially stimulating for Labrador Retrievers because of their natural drive to hunt, but any breed of dog may enjoy it. How to teach your Lab to do nose work: Get scents. Essential oils like anise, birch, and clover are great choices for nose work. You can douse the object with the oil or inject the scent using a special syringe called a scent injector, which you should be able to find at your local sporting goods store, or online. Choose the mark. Dummies work great for essential oils. Get a few and douse each one with a different smell! You can use plush dog toys, pieces of cloth, or strips of leather for scent marking too. It can also be fun to leave a scent trail to the objects. To do this, drag the scent-marked objects along the ground leading up to their hiding place, or squeeze some drops of essential oil on the way to the chosen hiding spot. Learn more about these happy pups, plus fun games you can play together! If you love dogs then there is no chance that you do not love Labradors. They are lovable, very friendly, you want to hug them and shower them with kisses and well their eyes win you over in no time. But did you know the fun facts attached to their breed, including their name? Scroll down to know more. They in fact have water resistant double coats that help with the insulation and the short fur prevents them from being dragged down when wet. If you notice, their paws are webbed which help with the swimming speed. When they were brought to England in the s, they eventually were bred as game hunting dogs. If you let them be, you will realise that they are naturally very good in waterflow hunting. Initially, Labs had the task of running around, swimming and working. Golden, black and chocolate brown. The golden one is the most common, then comes black and the brown one is difficult to get. However, it has nothing to do with their individual character. There are many myths going around that golden ones are lazy and black ones are the best hunters, but do not believe them. It is all about how they are trained and taken care of. Their ancestors were in fact St. Otherwise, the St. They may look lazy but these bundles of joy have the inborn ability to sprint and can hit 12 miles an hour in just seconds! The band named the track after a black Lab was spotted wandering around the Headley Grange studio where they were recording the album.

Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. We uphold a strong belief that German Shepherds are the most versatile breed of dogs. As one of the highest quality German Shepherd kennels in Michigan , our standards for breeding are essential for maintaining the superiority of our bloodlines, which are a result of careful consideration and research. Each Vom Dinaburg German Shepherd puppy receives the love and tenderness of a family home, with the socialization needed for superior attitude, perfection in temperament, ease of trainability, and a stellar personality. This combined with their large bone, incredible black and red color, beautiful structure and breed type makes them the highest quality of German Shepherd. We believe these components are essential for dogs — whether owned as family companions, or used in more complex training. Our dogs often used for military or police training, Search and Rescue, Guide dogs, or Therapy dogs, or devoted and affectionate family pets. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds are excellent companions. Our dogs are bred with SV standards as one of the most important criteria. When you own a Vom Dinaburg shepherd, you have one of the highest bloodlines in the United States. Vom Dinaburg Shepherds are able to complement their owners; they enjoy recreation, sports, and are constantly striving to further develop their skills for shows, protection, or Schutzhund competitions. Our puppies come from established bloodlines with a long history of positive people pleasing personalities, making them an essential aspect of any home. A Vom Dinaburg shepherd will quickly assume a primary spot in your home and in your heart. We provide dog training up to your specifications and needs. Private lessons are available in your house or in ours. We help with solving any behavioral problems in any breed of dogs. Our training methods are based mostly on positive reinforcement. Good handling in the show ring is very important and may result in a much higher placing of your German Shepherd Dog. Show handeling and conditioning are available upon request by experienced handlers. Helping with showing in the breed surveys. We offer world-class imported German Shepherd puppies for sale Please feel free to call us with any questions you might have regarding purchasing new pup or a young adult, Stud Service, and Dog Training. Please visit soon, as we have new information updates frequently. German Shepherds for sale in Michigan Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Michigan with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Michigan. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Michigan There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Michigan, from Detroit to Flint, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in MI that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MI! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MI We like to think we've made a lot of people in Michigan happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She answered almost all our questions before bringing him home. She gave us guidance with how to raise the puppy correctly. We are looking forward to the training that comes with all of her puppies as well! Cindy loves all her dogs and truly cares for the families she works with. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. I guarantee hips and temperament in writing as long as you DONT spay or neuter your pup until age of two years. I will not use spot on's or chemical insecticides on adults or puppies. There are many natural alternitives. The result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in its performance. Those who play with their pups and routinely handle them should continue to do so because the neurological exercises are not substitutions for routine handling, play socialization or bonding. Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises: Improved cardio vascular performance heart rate Stronger heart beats, More tolerance to stress Greater resistance to disease In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non- stimulated littermates over which they were dominant in competitive situations. Pups are wormed twice, micro-chipped and vaccinated before going to new homes. I temperament test puppies at 7 weeks of age, to know the puppies energy, drive and personality, to make recommendations to help match the puppies personality with the right family. The ultimate goal is fitting the puppy into the right environment where it is to be placed. Puppy buyers choose their own puppies based on photos, temperament test results, energy and drive, observed in the litter. I do not choose puppy for buyers, but do make recommendations from the information on the application and many conversations before puppy goes home. I always reserve the right to deny the choice, if the choice is not the right puppy for the environment. Life long advice and support is offered to our puppy owners, by phone, email or face to face. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion" -- Unknown The standard of the German Shepherd Dog has changed very little from the original written by von Stephanitz in "to breed Shepherds is to breed working dogs. There has been a movement toward greater uniformity in the standard. There is still nothing that will help you decide what the length of croup should be, or whether a dog is over-angulated in the rear. Keep in mind that the original use of the German Shepherd Dog GSD was that of a herding dog, and required that the structure was necessary to trot with ease and endurance. Since it acted as a mobile fence to keep the flock away from adjacent crops in a largely unfenced countryside. Because of this, it had to move at a relatively fluent, even pace, with a minimal wear and tear on the dog's physique. The Shepherd also had to be able to stand for a reasonable time without tiring. The body weight must be correctly distributed and supported by his limbs. Any weakness in the ligaments and joints force the body to compensate and consequently lead to a loss of endurance must be faulted. Our German Shepherd Kennels are located in Southwest Michigan and we offer to ship nationwide, and delivery services. We created this German Shepherd Kennel for the serious German Shepherd enthusiast who is committed to maintaining these world-class pedigrees, and working heritage set forth over a century ago carried on through the Verein Fur Deutche Schaeferhunde Club. Our commitment is only matched by our love for the breed and its extraordinary capabilities. In Germany, Purebred German Shepherd Breeders would be required to show their dogs at the German Sieger Shows to obtain breeding titles, which would continue to improve the breed. VA4 Taifun vom St. DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. There has only been a few stud dogs in the history of the breed that have ever produced a vise world sieger and Uran is one of them. Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd Breeder that is a personalized kennel and dedicated to improving the breed, located at th Ave Dorr, Michigan , located in Grand Rapids Michigan area. When buying a puppy it is a good ideal to visit the kennel. You should be able to interact with their dogs, especially the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering. This is the only way to check the temperament of their breeding dogs. By visiting the kennel you can inspect the cleanliness of the facility, and how the puppies are being taken care of. You can interact with the puppies and also, check the temperament of the puppies themselves and over all health. By visiting the kennel you will also be able to see the over all looks and structure of the breeding dogs. By doing these things this would help improve the German Shepherd Breed itself. It would make it difficult to breed and sell inferior puppies, which would help keep the breed from deteriorating. When my wife and I decided to make being German Shepherd Dog Breeders our full-time career we decided to put together a German Shepherd Kennel that is dedicated to breeding the best Imported German Shepherds. This way, we could offer this beautiful, outstanding tempered dog to the public.

Search Close this search box. It's always tempting to pick up your cuddly Frenchie and most of the time, they don't mind it. But since they have fragile bodies, you should know how to pick them up the right way. Table of Contents Does your Frenchie love to cuddle? Chances are, they do. And for you to do this, sometimes you need to lift them. But there are many carrying habits you need to unlearn. Carrying Frenchies by the scruff, for example, is bad for them. Many of these habits cause them a lot of pain. How to Pick Up a French Bulldog It may be tempting to pick up your Frenchie whenever you want since they are very cuddly. But there are dangers to carrying them the wrong way. To make sure you are not hurting them, here is how you should pick them up. This way, they will not squirm around and risk hurting themselves. Doing this often will also help them learn what the verbal cue means. So next time, they get to prepare themselves before you pick them up. Your hand should be between his front legs and on his chest. With your free hand, scoop your Frenchie underneath again. This time, you should lift their hind legs. Make sure you tuck your arm under their legs and rear end. After that, you can slowly lift them. Stay calm during the whole process since they tend to mirror your mood. Your Frenchie will get used to this the more you pick them up. As long as you make this a positive experience for them, this should be a breeze! The method above is great for lighter dogs who are 25 lbs 11 kg and below. Some Frenchies are heavier than this and there is another way you can carry them. Secure Their Arms Using both your arms, grab their forelegs and hind legs from their front and back. This will look like you are hugging them from the side. Then with your hand, clutch the legs that are facing away from you to secure your Frenchie. Hold Them Close This method does not feel very secure, so you need to keep your Frenchie close to your chest. If they are wriggling in this position, they may not like this. So you need to put them down before they break free and fall. Lift Them Up If your Frenchie stays calm, you can lift them gently. Not all Frenchies will like this method because it does not feel the best. So if your Frenchie is one of these, you may need to go back to the first method. Since puppies are lighter, another method works best for them. First, verbally let your Frenchie know that you are going to pick them up. Now, try to put your Frenchie pup into a carrying position. Use your dominant hand to go under them, placing it on their chest and between their front legs. Do the same with your other hand, but grab their hind legs this time. After this, you can lift your Frenchie puppy. Use your arm as a shelf that they can sit on. And hold them near your chest to secure them. Holding them close is crucial since they might fight their way out and accidentally fall. Frenchies are fragile, even more so when they are puppies. So a fall from this height could injure their paws. Using these will help you to stabilize their spines so that they will not get hurt. Carrying them by hand alone will not give them much support. Lifting a dog with back problems has a lot of things to consider. Sometimes, they will not let you get near them because they are in pain. So if your Frenchie has back problems , below is how you can make lifting them easier. Getting Ready Approach your Frenchie from the side with a calm voice to comfort them. Do not go near their mouth as they may try to bite you. Unfortunately, sometimes they do not understand that you are trying to help them. If your Frenchie is a bit aggressive due to the pain, you can use a muzzle to avoid nipping. Be sure to have their first aid kid ready in case this all goes south. This can be anything as long as it is big enough for its size. An ironing board, a cutting board, or whatever flat-surfaced item you may have at home. Place a few long strips of cloth under the board. Or you can also use a rope that is not very abrasive. Do not place the cloth or rope on the area of the board where their head will lie. Make sure your Frenchie is lying down on their side first. Then take them by placing one hand under their chest and another hand under his behind. Gently lift them and transfer them onto the board. Using the strips of cloth or rope, tie your Frenchie to the board. Make sure it is firm enough so they do not shuffle around. But it should not be tight enough to cause any discomfort. Now you can take your Frenchie to your car and go to the vet. Lay the blanket down on a flat surface first. With your Frenchie lying down on their side, put your hand underneath their chest. With your other hand, place it underneath their behind. Then lift them with care onto the blanket. Lift the blanket by grabbing the longer ends. This should be the ends by their head and their hind. Your Frenchie will look like they are on a hammock. But that is one of the many incorrect ways to carry them. Carrying them the wrong way is not only painful, but it can also cause your Frenchie injuries. So to prevent these from happening, here is how you should not handle your Frenchie. Not by the Collar Collars on Frenchies are not good in the first place. If you are walking your Frenchie on a collar and they tug on it a lot, it hurts their neck. You are doing the same thing by grabbing them by the collar. Remember that Frenchies have sensitive spines and necks. Any significant pressure that is constantly put on these can lead to IVDD. Not by the Legs Some dog owners like to grab their dogs by the leg. But never do this to your Frenchie. Not only is it very painful, but it can also damage their bone joints or disfigure them. Not by the Tail Frenchies may not have the height, but they may have the weight. Picking them up by their small tail is never a good thing. Doing this will put them in so much pain and can lead to serious issues. Not by the Scruff Holding puppies by the scruff is a common thing many people do. But this is a bad way of picking up Frenchies, no matter what their age is. This is another painful and irresponsible way of picking them up. Not only that, there is a risk of them slipping from your hand. If they fall, this can lead to injuring different parts of their body. Picking up your Frenchie is not bad as long as you do it properly. They may even love it since they are a very cuddly and affectionate breed. But part of loving your Frenchie back is to make sure that you are not causing them pain. So when picking them up, always remember that you should support their spine and neck. And never handle them by the collar, legs, tail, and scruff. If you do it the wrong way, it can lead to many serious issues. Dislocations, choking, injuries, and even IVDD. So while it is tempting to pick them up in a silly way, have their best interest always in mind. When your Frenchie yelps when you carry them, it is because they are either excited or are in pain. Unfortunately, most of the time it is the latter. The fact that you are reading this means that you are a responsible Frenchie owner. And being one means that you have to figure out what is causing their yelping. To give you a headstart, below are reasons why they yelp when picked up. They Are Showing Excitement Frenchies are one of the cuddliest dog breeds out there. They love it when they get your attention , and sometimes, they get too excited. So when you pick them up, they may yelp in joy. But it is crucial that you know when they are happy or are in pain. Cuddle away! They Got Scared If you have a Frenchie puppy, this is the more likely reason for their yelping. They are not used to getting picked up yet, so they will react in fear. That is why you need to have a verbal cue before picking them up. To lessen their agitation, make sure to approach them from their side so that they see you coming. Puppies will learn not to fear this after a while. In the meantime, practice picking them up and make these sessions short. An incorrect method can cause them great pain. This includes picking them up by the nail, scruff, legs, and collar. They Have Cramps With overexertion, your Frenchie can get muscle spasms and cramps. The good news is that this is temporary. Until then, your Frenchie will not enjoy getting lifted. This can make their backs and necks hurt, which makes it hard to pick them up. Anything from a slipped disc, ruptured disc, or a pinched nerve is an issue with their spine. If you suspect that your Frenchie has this, watch out for the following: Reluctance to Jump Their Head Hangs Low Slow Movements The best way to resolve this is to take your Frenchie to the vet as soon as possible. They Have an Infection Any skin infection or unusual growths is painful to the touch. If these are in areas where you touch your Frenchie when picking them up, they may yelp out of pain. They Have Musculoskeletal Problems If your Frenchie is older, their joints may weaken as a result of the aging process. Arthritis makes them sensitive to any movement, even when you pick them up. Frenchies can also develop certain health issues. They have a genetic predisposition to many health issues. Especially ones related to their skeleton. This includes hip dysplasia, a condition where the socket and ball of the joint do not align right. This is a painful health issue that hurts their quality of life. This condition occurs when their intervertebral disc ruptures, bulges, or slips. IVDD can cause mild to severe pain, and in extreme cases, paralysis. For a standard-sized adult Frenchie, a medium crate is ideal for them. Their crate should be 30 inches in length, 19 inches in width, and 21 inches in height mm x mm x mm. You will know that their crate is too small if their hind and nose touch the ends of the crate at the same time. Their crate should be big enough for them to sit, stand up, lie down, and stretch out without problems. But too big of a crate is also not a good idea as they will not treat it as one anymore. It will become their toilet area or their playpen, which defeats the purpose. So if your Frenchie is a nonstandard size, you need to measure them before buying a crate. Frenchies are a medium to small breed, so a medium-sized crate that is about 30 inches mm is best. But this is for standard Frenchies, and not all Frenchies are. There are mini or micro ones, or Frenchies that are larger than normal. So if your Frenchie is one of these, a medium crate may not work. You need to measure your Frenchie to find the perfect crate size for them. Below is how you can do this. Measure Your Frenchie Take your tape measure and make sure to measure your Frenchie in inches. You need two measurements, height, and width. Measure from the top of their head to the ground, this is their height. Find the Right Crate You need to add a few inches to these measurements for allowance. Add 4 inches mm to the height and add 6 inches mm to the width. So you may need to weigh your Frenchie as well in case you will need it. The first step in crate training Frenchies is to help them like it. A positive association with the crate is important to make the process smoother. To know how you can do this, keep on reading. It should be somewhere that does not disturb them, without much house traffic. But it should also not be somewhere that isolates them from the rest of the family. The best place would be a place where you spend a lot of time in. It can be in the living room, but you can put the crate in a corner. But do not worry, you can help them get comfortable with it by adding some finishing touches. One way is by placing their favorite toys or blanket inside the crate. You can also add in some treats to push them to go inside and explore their crate. Have Them Explore Their Crate For about 1 to 4 days, you should allow your Frenchie to explore their crate on their terms. Do not force them to go inside, have them do this on their own when they are curious. Also, you should leave the door open all the time for them to do this. Sometimes, they may make a fuss and bark at the crate. This is normal since they are still getting used to it being in your home. Leave them alone when they do and they should stop within a few minutes. Try to Close the Door After they get used to going inside the crate, close the doors behind them. Do this for a few moments and make sure they see it. Then open the door again right away. Do this for a few days, about 3 days. It may take you more time, but see how your Frenchie reacts. In those few days, gradually increase the time you shut the doors. Close the Door and Leave the Room If your Frenchie already got used to having the doors shut, try leaving the room this time. Stay out of their sight for a few minutes then come back. Increase the time that you leave them alone also. It takes about 10 days to crate train your Frenchie with success. Some Frenchies will need less than this, but some will take more time. Remember to make this a positive experience for them to be successful in crate training them. Adults can stay longer, but do not keep them in for more than 7 hours. This is how long they can hold their bladders. So if you leave them longer than that, expect an unpleasant surprise when you come back. May 5, French Bulldogs are cuddly and love to bond with their owners like any other dog breed. Unfortunately, most people think that Frenchies are too bulky and heavy to carry. However, that is not the case. If held right, your Bulldog will be comfortable, and so will you. As a first-time Frenchie parent, it may feel awkward to pick up and hold your Bulldog. This is normal and is an experience a lot of owners go through. The perfect recipe for holding your bulldog right is to make them comfortable and hold them properly. How to Properly Pick Up a French Bulldog French bulldogs love the attention you give them when you cuddle and spend time with them. Do French Bulldogs like to be picked up? Most French Bulldogs absolutely do like to be picked up as they love attention and affection. However, it is important to read the cues your Frenchie is giving you. Be sure to follow the instructions below to pick them up in the safest manner possible. However, you need to do this right to provide a comfortable environment for them. Here are a few pointers to help you pick up your Frenchie correctly. Therefore train your Frenchie to expect lifts by saying something each time before you pick them up. Keep your verbal cue simple and stick to one phrase each time to make it easier for your Bulldog to associate it with being picked up. Place Your Dominant Hand Under the Front Legs After your verbal cue, place your dominant and stronger hand under the front paws and ensure that your hand rests on the chest. Most people associate this with picking up a baby since it is pretty similar. Ensure that you do this right and secure your Bulldog to avoid chances of them falling off. Lift Them Gently Once you have securely held your Bulldog, you need to lift them gently to get you both comfortable with the process. After lifting your Bulldog, cradle them the same way you would a child to get them comfortable and relaxed. Once your Bulldog is comfortable in your arms, lift them slowly upwards with confidence and composure. When you successfully pick up your Frenchie, they will be more receptive and inclined to enjoy you picking them up. Remember, you need to be confident, relaxed, and follow the steps to ensure that you pick up your Frenchie right and build trust. Holding your Frenchie will help you do this and let it get more comfortable with you. The goal of picking up your Bulldog is to hold it comfortably for a while and give it the snuggly attention it requires. When holding your Bulldog, you can leave it in your arms or place it on your lap. However, remember that switching positions requires you to be gentle and support your Bulldog to avoid accidents. Going slow with your dog will help it ease into different holding positions. How to Pick Up and Hold an Aggressive French Bulldog When dealing with an aggressive Bulldog, accidents may be more prevalent since they will not be cooperative with your approach. However, if you are yet to train it, avoid picking and holding it all together and just play with your Frenchie. Doing this will help you avoid an incident where your Bulldog slips from your arms because of its restlessness. A great way to pick and hold an aggressive French Bulldog when needed is to ensure their feet are secure. Your priority should be to trap the legs in your laps to help avoid sudden movements. Doing this is a great strategy, especially when you need to take your Frenchie for Vet appointments. However, you should aim to avoid picking up an aggressive Bulldog until you successfully train it. Therefore, you should always aim to pick up your Frenchie correctly and avoid some mistakes that may seem harmless. The most common ways not to pick up your Frenchie include; By Their Scruffs Dogs tend to pick up their puppies by their scruffs and move with them with ease. When most people see this, it seems like something right, and they follow suit. However, picking up a Frenchie by its scruff can be painful. However, you can get away with picking up a puppy by its scruffs but not an adult Frenchie. Avoiding this practice will help you ensure that your French Bulldog experiences what is comfortable and relaxing. Using a Collar French Bulldogs are pretty sensitive in their necks and backs, so most people forego using collars. This is because if your Bulldog constantly tugs on the collar, it puts pressure on its neck and back and could result in some health conditions. Therefore, picking up your Frenchie using their collar should not be a viable option. It is dangerous since it cuts off the air supply and strangles your dog. By Their Tails Picking up a dog by its tail is something children would not find wrong and may do it often. Thankfully, most Frenchie have very short tails so it is less of a concern but you should still teach your children not to pull on their tail. Therefore, you need to teach your kids how to pick up and hold a bulldog correctly. Picking up a Frenchie by its tail can lead to dislocation and pain due to tampering with the muscle and nerves. The pain and dislocation may lead to difficulties in movement and the ability to relieve itself. By Their Legs or Underarms Lifting a French Bulldog by its legs or underarms can lead to dislocation , muscle problems, and mess with its ligaments. Therefore, you need to avoid picking up your Frenchie by their legs, which is common when dealing with other dogs. First, provide a safe space by picking up your Frenchie correctly each time to help it get comfortable and start looking forward to such moments. Then ensure that you gently switch holding positions to find what feels comfortable for you. Share on facebook. Pin 0 Shares This week we published a new video on the French Bulldog Owner YouTube channel subscribe for weekly updates which showed you how to pick up a Frenchie. You can see that video below which also comes in handy if you want to know the best way to hold a French Bulldog. How do you pick up a French Bulldog? Watch the video below to see how I do it. Give your Frenchie a verbal cue By using a verbal cue every time, you can get your Frenchie used to being held and picked up. Thread your stronger arm under the Frenchie and between the front two legs. Use your other arm under the back legs and backside Now with your remaining arm, go under the Frenchies lifting the back legs up and tucking your arm under the legs and backside. Hold your Frenchie properly with your other arm supporting the back legs and under the backside. The method outlined above is perfect for dogs that weigh 25 pounds and under. Do French Bulldogs like to be picked up? French Bulldogs love attention and cuddles, so most will not mind being picked up. However, each dog is different and the best way to make them comfortable with being held is practice and giving them a verbal cue before the lift. This and pulling up by the legs can also be very painful for a dog. It can lead to dislocations, strains, and ligament damage. Keep an eye on your children and teach them how to hold a French Bulldog properly when you first get a puppy. Being picked up by the tail can lead to intense pain due to muscle and nerve damage. Tail dislocations and injuries can even lead to a loss of movement and inability to go the toilet. Not only can it temporarily cut off the air supply and strangle the dog, it could also lead to damage to their trachea. Conclusion Holding your Frenchie incorrectly can be potentially risky. Approaching your French Bulldog calmly means taking things slow and steady. Making sudden movements or grabbing them suddenly can startle or stress them out, making it harder to pick them up in the future. Instead, approach your dog slowly and confidently, using a soothing tone of voice to reassure them. When it comes to lifting your French Bulldog, supporting their entire body weight is crucial. Using one hand to support their chest and front legs while using the other hand to support their hindquarters will keep them comfortable and safe. Avoid picking them up by the scruff of their neck or legs, as this can cause discomfort or even injury. Keeping one hand supporting their chest and front legs while using the other hand to support their hindquarters will distribute their weight evenly and prevent unnecessary strain on their joints. If they seem uncomfortable or agitated, it may be time to put them down or adjust your grip. Dogs are sensitive creatures that can pick up on our emotions quickly. Approaching with fear or anxiety can make them nervous or defensive. Getting down to their level, avoiding direct eye contact, and speaking in a soft and reassuring tone can help make the interaction more comfortable for both of you. If your French Bulldog seems nervous or uncomfortable, remember to give them some space and try again later. Forcing an interaction can lead to negative associations and make the process of picking them up more challenging in the future. Approaching your French Bulldog calmly is essential for building trust and ensuring a safe pick-up experience. Supporting Their Entire Body Weight One crucial aspect of this is learning how to carry them correctly, while supporting their entire body weight. To start, approach your French Bulldog calmly and confidently, making them feel secure in your arms. Lift them gently, keeping them close to your body to avoid any sudden movements that could cause them to panic. Bending or twisting their body can cause damage to their spine and lead to back problems. If you plan on carrying your French Bulldog for an extended period, consider using a supportive carrier or sling. This will distribute their weight evenly and prevent any strain on your arms or back. This will also help prevent any injuries or discomfort caused by improper handling. Proper handling of your French Bulldog is crucial for their overall well-being. As we mentioned before, make sure to cradle them calmly and confidently, supporting their entire body weight with one hand under their chest and the other under their hind legs while keeping their spine straight to prevent any damage. Once you have lifted your Frenchie, be sure to hold them in a way that keeps them secure and comfortable. Begin by providing support for their back and hind legs. Placing one hand under their chest and the other under their hindquarters will help distribute their weight evenly and provide support. Keeping your French Bulldog close to your body is also important as it provides them with a sense of security. Hold them against your chest or stomach to prevent them from squirming or falling out of your arms. Most importantly, avoid holding your Frenchie by their front legs or neck as this can cause discomfort or even injury. Instead, focus on supporting their body and letting them feel secure in your arms. If they seem uncomfortable or are struggling to get free, put them down gently and let them move around on their own. This ensures that they feel happy and can move freely. Before picking up your French Bulldog, observe their behavior for signs of stress such as panting, shaking, or growling. This will ensure that your furry friend feels safe and secure while being held. When approaching your French Bulldog, crouch down to their level and offer a treat or use a gentle tone of voice to reassure them. This will help build trust and make them feel more comfortable with you. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle your dog; instead, take it slow and steady. When lifting your French Bulldog, always support their entire body weight. Place one hand under their chest and another hand under their hindquarters. Lift them slowly and smoothly while keeping them close to your body. Avoid lifting your dog by their legs or tail as this can cause injury. While holding your French Bulldog, continue to pay attention to their body language. If they start to squirm or wiggle, this may be a sign that they want to be put down. Similarly, if they become stiff or tense, they may be uncomfortable or scared. If you notice any of these behaviors, put them down gently and give them some space. Avoiding Injury and Discomfort French Bulldogs are some of the most beloved and charming pets around, but picking them up and holding them requires some extra care. This can cause unnecessary strain and discomfort, leading to potential injuries. Instead, you should always pick up your dog by supporting their chest and hindquarters with both hands. This technique distributes their weight evenly, preventing any undue stress on their limbs. As a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs have a shorter snout and narrower airways than other dogs. This can make it more difficult for them to breathe, especially when being held in certain positions. Some dogs may feel anxious or scared when lifted off the ground, particularly if they are not used to it. To help alleviate any stress or anxiety, you should approach your dog calmly and gently. Use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to help them feel comfortable and secure in your arms. Here are some tips to make sure you do it right. Approach your Frenchie with confidence and calmness. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them. When picking up your Frenchie, use both hands to support their weight evenly. Place one hand under their chest and front legs while using the other hand to support their hindquarters. This will help prevent any strain or injury to their joints. Avoid lifting your Frenchie by their legs or tail as this can cause discomfort or even injury. Instead, focus on lifting them from their chest or under their front legs. Once you have lifted your Frenchie, hold them securely but gently. Use a firm grip that supports their whole body without squeezing too tightly. If they seem uncomfortable or restless, it may be time to put them down or adjust your grip. Avoid holding your Frenchie for too long as this can cause them discomfort or restlessness. Be mindful of their needs and give them breaks when necessary. Their distinct personalities capture our hearts and make us fall in love with them. Knowing how to pick them up properly and hold them safely is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. Remember always to approach them calmly and confidently, support their entire body weight when lifting or carrying them, hold them securely but gently in a way that keeps them comfortable and safe while paying attention to their body language. You may also like:.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Doodles are her love and she has more than goldendoodles placed in homes throughtout the United States from Sophie's Goldendoodles. In , she began to feel frustrated with the number of Goldendoodle breeders in Idaho that didn't know what they were doing. They would make claims that weren't true and let puppies go to their homes when they were too young, not checked by a vet, or sick. Breeding wasn't restricted to a credible goldendoodle registry. She started researching ways to make the breed better and ran across a miniature Australian Labradoodle at a park in Boise, Idaho. She was thrilled to see the requirements to register the Australian Labradoodle and the gentle nature of the breed. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma friendly with the temperament of a service dog. The journey was inspired by a vision impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a Guide Dog which wouldn't aggravate her husband's allergies. For years, Cyndi has refused to breed labradoodles because the Lab is a working dog. The distinction is the Australian labradoodle has a service dog temperament which is fantastic for families. 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 Boise Idaho 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. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat.

Thanks for submitting! It has been proven by mixing this combination of dogs it can drastically reduce many health problems. We only choose quality breeding stock for our breeding program. Our breeding dogs are genetically tested for different genetic defects through Embark. We also do OFA certification and Penn hip. It is our priority to produce only the healthiest puppies that will be part of your family for many years! We want all of our dogs to live long, happy, health lives. Miniature golden retriever personality There's a lot of reason why golden retrievers are so popular and why people want a miniature version of them. For many, they are an ideal dog breed. Friendly, easy going and clever, they make great family pets for most families. Mini golden retriever Size We use www. We cannot guarantee the size of your puppy but we do the best we can. Our Miniature Goldens range in size from lbs. Their affable nature, stunning appearance, and remarkable intelligence have made them a favorite among dog enthusiasts for generations. And now, a new variation has emerged that takes all these wonderful qualities and packages them in a smaller size — the Miniature Golden Retriever. We'll delve into the captivating world of Miniature Golden Retrievers, exploring their characteristics, care needs, and the considerations to keep in mind if you're interested in bringing one of these delightful pups into your home. These pint-sized companions are the result of carefully selected breeding, combining the beloved traits of the standard Golden Retriever with smaller breeds to create a charming and compact version. They retain the signature golden coat, the warm eyes that reflect their boundless affection, and that unmistakable wagging tail that instantly brightens any room. Characteristics That Steal Hearts Miniature Golden Retrievers embody all the qualities that have made their larger counterparts cherished members of countless families. Their intelligence shines through as they quickly grasp commands, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Just like standard Golden Retrievers, they possess a natural desire to please, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they may be smaller in stature, their hearts are as big as ever. Mini Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them excellent playmates for children and other pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards. Care Considerations Caring for a Miniature Golden Retriever is a deeply rewarding journey that requires attention and dedication. Their lush double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Weekly brushing not only helps maintain their appearance but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to keep your Mini Golden Retriever in optimal health. Regular exercise is equally important, as it keeps their minds sharp and their bodies in shape. Bringing a Miniature Golden Retriever Home Now, you might be wondering where to find these enchanting companions. You might have searched "mini golden retriever puppies for sale" or "mini golden retrievers for sale" which led you to us. So when seeking a breeder, it's essential to prioritize ethical practices. Reputable breeders focus on the health and welfare of their dogs, ensuring that puppies are raised in loving environments. These dogs can live up to years, so be prepared for a long-term partnership filled with love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and undeniable charm make them a wonderful addition to a variety of households. Whether you're seeking a loyal companion for leisurely strolls or a furry friend to join in family adventures, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a breed that promises to enrich your life in countless ways. So, if you're captivated by the idea of sharing your life with a Miniature Golden Retriever, take the time to explore reputable breeders offering mini golden retriever puppies for sale or mini golden retrievers for sale. With proper care, patience, and a heart full of love, you're bound to find a loyal companion who will brighten your days for years to come. What is a mini golden retriever? On average, they weigh pounds. Our Mini Goldens are crossed with specific Poodle lineage to avoid health and temperament issues the other breeds can cause, and are hypoallergenic, shed less and live longer than Golden Retrievers. Occasionally, we have some that weigh more than 45 pounds, or even less than 30 pounds. They generally have more Golden Retriever in them, so they are a closer carbon copy than the smaller Comforts. They generally have a little more poodle, so they may have more hypoallergenic and reduced shedding traits. Occasionally, we get white spots abstract or parti-colors from the Poodle side. Sometimes, we produce curly coated Comforts. We classify our coat types based on DNA results, not on visual appearance. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Some of these include season changes, weather, stress, illness, and a puppy transitioning to its adult coat. What guarantees do you offer with your puppies? We provide a 2 year health guarantee for all genetic conditions for all of our puppies. An additional 2 year guarantee is available as well more info Where are you located? We are located on the beautiful countryside of Versailles, Kentucky. Happy Valentine's Day to all, both big and small! We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!! Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! We are a family-owned breeder located out in the country in Loudonville, Ohio where we have 30 acres of beautiful farmland for the puppies to run. It is our goal to make sure all of our Golden Retriever Puppies are ready for their new family, so being a family of 11, the puppies are well socialized. We pride ourselves on making the adoption process easy, convenient, and comfortable. If you are looking to adopt a Mini Golden Retriever and do not live nearby, we offer specialized delivery right to your door. Thank you for visiting - we look forward to meeting you! Our Mini Golden Retrievers are magical! They also can be mixed with only Golden Retriever and Poodle. We strive to duplicate the Standard Golden Retriever but with added benefits. These benefits include fewer health problems, more manageable size and weight, and less shedding. Available Puppies Nationwide Puppy Delivery We offer specialized and custom delivery to any destination in the lower .We want your new puppy to arrive home safe and happy, which is why we have a designated puppy delivery team to hand deliver your special new family member! We can deliver by car or by plane and are flexible to meet your needs. More About Delivery Options Recommended Food For Your New Puppy We know that it's important for us to consume a healthy diet to maintain our health and keep us away from the doctor, and your puppy is no different. Proper nutrition plays a vital in supporting growth, muscle development, a strong immune system, and overall health so your puppy can live as long as possible. It is important not to cut corners and give your puppy food that is filled with non-nutritional fillers. PawTree is an AMAZING company that offers incredible products, and we have never found another company that is so focused on the health and growth its customers' puppies. Their recipes are clean and don't have any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or poultry by-products. They offer interesting seasonings to change up your puppy's food flavors, a variety of treats, toys, shampoos, potty training products, and more. Use the link below to begin shopping for the best dog food you can get! Order pawTree Products Recommended Supplements For Your New Puppy Weaning your new puppy can be quite a change in your puppy's life and your puppy won't have the antioxidants it used to have while nursing. So let's take look at your future puppy a bit closer. If your puppy is recently weaned, it may not be receiving all of the strong nutrients and antioxidants like they used to during weaning. This, along with the added stress of rehoming, can be a bit concerning for your puppy's health. With all that your new puppy is experiencing during this period of time, it is important for us to watch them closely and get their immune system up so they can naturally fight off certain ailments such as environmental and food toxins like backyard pesticides, hormones, and germs from public places. You may be thinking, "WOW, sounds pretty worrisome! These supplements come in a wafer or powder form. The wafer form can even be offered as a treat since puppies enjoy the taste so much. With these supplement boosts you can rest easier knowing you are improving your new puppy's overall health. NuVet Plus has natural ingredients and they go to great lengths to create this product in a safe yet effective form. We have not found any alternative that we recommend more! We suggest taking advantage of this product and ordering NuVet Plus even before your puppy is either delivered or picked up. When ordering, use code for our special discount. Get on the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens. When registration opens for the course you'll be the first to know! Allow All Customize Privacy Preference Center When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Allow All more info Allow These cookies are set to provide the service, application or resource requested. 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They collect any type of browsing information necessary to create profiles and to understand user habits in order to develop an individual and specific advertising routine. The profile created regarding your browsing interest and behavior is used to customize the ads you see when you access other websites. Confirm My Choices. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale.

Are you worried about why your German Shepherd is so small? Especially considering this breed is known to grow large and powerful. You might even wonder how you can help your German Shepherd puppy get bigger and grow faster. Why is my German Shepherd so small? The top reasons a German Shepherd is so small are its genetic history, underlying medical illness, intestinal worms, incorrect diet for their growth, and inadequate caloric consumption for their activity levels. Closely observing your GSD will give you many clues to their health and help you understand why they are so small. Inherited Smallness Your puppy could have inherited smallness through their genes. Therefore, your dog may naturally be a smaller GSD. Larger breeds, like the German Shepherd, also tend to mature at slower rates than smaller breeds. It can take up to 18 months to 2 years for your GSD puppy to grow into its adult body. Perhaps your German Shepherd is smaller because of an underlying medical problem. There are many diseases that could impact growth and affect nutrient absorption. One of the largest studies on dog gene mutations plos. These mutations could affect the growth and size of your puppy. For example, pituitary dwarfism is an autosomal disorder that may be inherited in some German Shepherds. Pituitary dwarfism presents between weeks of age and needs a specific test from your vet. Keep in mind that this disorder is very rare. Intestinal Parasites Could your German Shepherd puppy be small because of these issues? These worms are contracted from the environment they live in or from their mother. If left untreated your puppy could have an extremely heavy worm infestation, and the worms can steal enough calories from your puppy to slow down his growth and make him appear smaller than he should. And, once your German Shepherd puppy is free of worms its body can heal and regain normal growth and development. Follow the deworming schedule set forth by your veterinarian to prevent worms. Poor Nutrition for a Large Breed Dog Large breed dogs, like your German Shepherd, need food made especially for their size and growth rate. Do not feed them small breed formula food! German Shepherd Dogs can vary considerably at different stages of their life in their nutritional requirements for energy, fat and carbohydrate. Even an adult GSD still needs the proper nutrition, especially for this athletic breed. Keep in mind that your puppy should eat food made especially for large breed dogs and without corn, wheat, or soy so that the food is easier to digest and sensitive on their stomachs. Try this Nutro Natural Choice large breed formula if you want to ensure proper growth and the right nutrition. You can feed this puppy food up to 18 months old and it offers the levels of protein, carbohydrates, and fats recommended for your GSD. German Shepherd Dogs do well on dog food that uses muscle meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken or beef, and chicken is the first muscle meat in this dog food formula. Feed the high-quality diet in smaller amounts throughout the day to provide a steady proportion of calories and to monitor their intake more easily. Too Few Calories Is your dog active? You must make sure they have the right calories for their energy needs. Your GSD puppy will go through growth spurts during the first year and there will be days when he needs to eat more due to his high puppy energy and antics of the day. But consider the activities your dog has done throughout the day and add a bit more food if he has participated in activities that took more energy, such as: been on an extra-long walk ran more than a couple of miles gone hiking or hill walking or had a full day of swimming Enjoying low-impact exercise with your GSD puppy will not stunt his growth, but if not fed enough calories to support his needs he might appear underweight. And remember that strenuous exercise could damage the growth plates of the bones and predispose your puppy to joint issues later in life. A smaller German Shepherd still needs exercise to keep them happy and their body working normally. Enjoy your daily walks even with a small GSD as long as they are healthy. Wait until your vet gives the all-clear around 18 months of age to enjoy high-impact activities like running, jogging, and jumping with your puppy. Use these safe German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Ideas instead to keep their bones and joints healthy into adulthood. There are so many overweight dogs that a fit, lean , athletic German Shepherd might look underweight to you. Instead of relying on charts and scales, use your hands to determine how small your German Shepherd really is. You should be able to feel the ribs with only a thin covering of skin. And your hands should curve in slightly when near the waist. In a short-coated German Shepherd, you should not be able to see the ribs and the bones should not stick out prominently. Many German Shepherds are lean and look smaller because they are very active, not because they need more food or are underweight. Photo from: ileniaf. If you got a pup from a show line of German shepherds, then you will have a slightly differently built dog than a working dog bloodline. The latter has an overall more substantial build than the former. Large breeds, such as the German shepherd, are known to have a slower rate of growth. Reaching the healthy weight and height of a grown GSD has to happen slowly and in a controlled manner. Your pup might simply be waiting for that growth spurt to stop being little. Naturally, if it is a dog older than two years, its growth period is done, and you are probably looking at some of the other causes as explanations as to why it remained smaller in size. Still in the realm of genetics but out of the intentional breeding scope, dwarfism can prevent your GSD from growing past a certain point. Although it is an extremely rare occurrence, it is a possibility. Breeding And Medical Reasons Selective breeding to get a smaller dog is very popular around the world. However, it is not a common practice with German shepherds. You will not find a purebred miniature GSD anywhere, and if you do, it is probably a scam. It is possible that your dog is not as big as the German shepherd dog breed standards call for. That can happen either because its parents were smaller in stature or due to medical reasons. German shepherd puppies can be infected by intestinal worms, which eat up all the nutrients required for the normal development of the body during the growth period. Human error often results in stunted growth in puppies due to an improper diet or feeding the dog too little. Before we get into each of these reasons in more detail, we have to establish some ground rules as to what a healthy weight and height should be. Female German shepherds have less muscle and are slightly shorter, with a height of twenty-two to twenty-four inches and weight between fifty and seventy pounds. It is a noticeable difference in size between sexes, but anything lower than that on a female, and especially a male, is not considered healthy for the breed. Note that, in this article, we are talking about German shepherd size, which implies that the dog is not skinny or fat but simply does not have the desired healthy proportions a GSD should have. Your German Shepherd Is A Mixed Breed Photo from: outdooreconomist It would not be the first time that a breeder tricked someone into thinking they got a purebred German shepherd dog. With hybrid dogs that look like GSDs, fifty percent of the traits are taken from the GSD parent, and the other fifty are from another breed. However, without any standards or regulations for this type of uncontrolled breeding practice, there is no way to predict the exact traits of the litter. So, you might have bought a GSD-looking puppy that took the physical features of the German shepherd but other traits from the second parent. A popular mix is of a Belgian Malinois and the German shepherd , which can produce puppies smaller than purebred GSD ones. Breeders nowadays cross many dog breeds of different sizes with German shepherds, so if you want to compare your small GSD to some of those mixes, read our article describing twenty-three German shepherd mixes. For many decades, their bloodlines were the staple of GSD breeding all over the world. At one point in time, breeders decided to shift the focus to the show line German shepherds, which were lighter, calmer and had a less pronounced prey drive. Most of the GSDs you see around are probably show dogs. The difference is mainly in the length of the legs, body frame, and muscle mass. The working dog has a square build with a flat back, while the show line has more of a gracious appearance due to the slanted lower back and shorter hind legs. Even the bones of the working dog bloodline are thicker. Show line GSDs have milder temperaments and are less aggressive in their approach to potential threats. The intense dog training of the working line of German shepherds is so deeply instilled it has now become a genetic trait within the bloodlines. Have an interest in training your GSD? With the right training, anything is possible with a German shepherd. Why is my German shepherd so small? Well, maybe you are comparing it to dogs that do not have the same purpose and do not come from the same bloodline. Growing to the size of twenty-six inches and a weight of ninety pounds is a lot of work that must be done in a controlled manner. For this reason, you will see that any large-breed puppy will have a growth spurt that lasts a couple of weeks and then stop for the same amount of time. The first is from birth to three weeks of age, while the second one is from three to thirteen. The third phase lasts from three to six months of age and goes into the adolescent phase, which happens in months six through sixteen. The last phase encompasses the time from sixteen months of age to three years. By far, the phase where you will see the biggest growth is the first three phases. After six months, the growth rate will slow down, but your German shepherd might physically mature before the usual two-and-a-half-year mark. For a more in-depth look at phases and what behavior and physical changes a GSD puppy goes through, have a look at our German shepherd growth chart. Essentially, if your puppy is still developing and a period comes when growth is slowed down while other German shepherd puppies are already bigger, your pup might just be a late bloomer. Dwarfism Or Achondroplasia While this is by no means a common occurrence among purebred German shepherd dogs, some genetic predisposition to achondroplasia is present within the breed. Dogs with dwarfism should not be bred, as it is unethical to purposefully pass on genetic mutations. Achondroplasia is a variant of osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic condition that is characterized by abnormal development of the bones and cartilage. The protein called fibroblast growth factor on the FGF9 gene has the crucial function of making sure that the dog embryo develops properly and that all cell functions migration, proliferation, and differentiation are possible. Still, other clinical signs exist, and the shorter limbs and disproportionate body compared to healthy GSDs are only one part of it. A head that is larger than it should be, irregular bone shape, overall stunted growth, shorter nose, underbite, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms in your German shepherd, there is nothing you can do about it other than consult the veterinarian about how to make life easier for it. The condition is congenital, which means it is inherited from the parents. Dogs with dwarfism usually have a shorter lifespan, so a healthy lifestyle and proper secondary care are even more important if your dog has achondroplasia. For this reason, you should always choose the breeder carefully. After all, you do get what you pay for. Selective Breeding On the same topic of breeders and breeding practices, it is important to be aware of selective breeding. Although it is self-explanatory, it consists of handpicking smaller adult dogs from litters and mating them with other smaller representatives of the breed. By doing so, breeders manage to produce a purebred German shepherd that is smaller than the breed standard requires them to be. Although there is nothing wrong with that, a smaller-than-normal dog usually has some genetic defects. Continuing to breed these defects will only increase the chance of more abnormalities, which in the long run, means an unhealthy bloodline. When talking to a breeder about purchasing a GSD puppy, make sure you ask for parent DNA tests clearing them of genetic issues. It is beneficial to know the pedigree of the dog or, if possible, its lineage dating as far back as the records go. Most reputable breeders will already have these papers, but it never hurts to ask in case they forget. Keep in mind that minor differences in height, such as an inch lower than the breed standard, do not mean the dog is unhealthy but simply has smaller parents. Perhaps it is from the working line of dogs where being of an exact height or weight is less important than the ability to work. Failing to satisfy both can lead to a malnourished puppy that will not grow to its full potential. Puppies have to receive proper nutrition with plenty of protein, fat, and calcium content. The speed at which their bones grow in the first few growth phases is so fast that the slightest disbalance of nutrients can create problems. Use this German shepherd feeding chart as a guideline for dosage, frequency, and nutrient balance. One of the most common errors GSD owners make is forgetting how important minerals and vitamins are in a diet. Calcium supplements and other minerals like phosphorus, iron, and vitamins like vitamin D and A are crucial for proper bone growth and a healthy metabolism. However, the best diets for most GSD owners are high-quality commercial foods. For convenience, here is a list of the fifteen best dog foods for German shepherds that we know are high-quality and will make your life that much easier. You can choose plans that include wet food, only dry food, go homecooked, or even try to figure out whether a raw diet is good for your German shepherd. A complete diet is worthless if the daily caloric requirements are not met. A large dog breed such as the GSD is going to consume a lot of energy during physical activity, so the food needs to match it. If your dog is more than moderately active, it is prudent to feed the dog more food. Increasing the portion by half a cup or a cup will usually be enough. For even more calories, introducing treats such as sweet potatoes will fill up the tank. Remember to not exceed giving out treats. As a rule of thumb, the calories fed through treats should not be more than ten percent of the daily caloric intake. Mixing wet food with dry food or introducing some home-cooked chicken and rice is another option your GSD will love. It will also help your dog with weight gain in case it is too skinny. Note that giving one giant meal to your adult, and especially a puppy, is not healthy. Pups should eat four meals per day, and adults two or three. Bloat is a common occurrence in German shepherds and other large breeds if too much food is ingested too fast. Consider giving a read to other causes of a swollen stomach without pain in dogs. Health Issues You might think these are rare, but the number one cause of stunted growth in German shepherd puppies is intestinal worms. This condition is not serious by any means but can cause your puppy to stop growing if not treated in time. Antiparasitics like dewormer are given to puppies before they are given to their owners. At least, that is what good breeders do. Intestinal worms will do serious damage, like impeding growth, only if the condition is left untreated for a long period of time. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with stunted growth but does carry a risk of health problems developing. The National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information department conducted a study that confirmed the correlation between spaying or neutering and joint disorders. Most affected were growth plates in non-mature dogs. A growth plate is a place on a bone where new bone tissue is supposed to grow. For this reason, it is a good practice for large breed dogs to spay or neuter them only after fully maturing two years for males and after the first heat cycle for females. There is an unfounded belief that too much running, jumping, and exercise, in general, can make your puppy stop growing, but that is not true. Similar to spaying or neutering before full maturity, excessive pressure on the joints and bones can cause conditions like hip dysplasia. However, chances are your puppy will get tired long before reaching the point of overexercising. Another bad aspect of too much physical activity in both puppies and adult German shepherds is muscle pain and paw pad injury. Without fully developed skin and musculature, a non-mature dog can have long-term issues with joints and paw pads or develop muscle fatigue due to excessive physical activity. Make sure you take regular breaks between play sessions but rest assured, stunted growth is not a consequence. Conclusion We have seen that stunted growth is very rare but still a possibility. If you are asking yourself why is my German shepherd so small, you have to put it into context. What is it small compared to? A vet checkup can clear all the worry from your mind. The other explanations for a small stature compared to breed standards are not common. Finally, research how much and how often to feed an adult and GSD puppy before getting one. Every dog will have slightly different caloric needs, but the feeding and growth chart I provided in the article should work as a general guideline. That is about it. Small or not, a healthy German shepherd is a delightful canine that will give you many years of companionship and love, so take care of it to prevent further shrinkage. Post navigation. Just like in humans, dogs inherit genes from both parents, and these genetic codes define various traits, including size. A German Shepherd bred from smaller parents is also likely to be smaller. Delving deeper into genetics , we find that a dog's size is a polygenic trait, meaning it's controlled by more than one gene. These genes interact in complex ways to determine the final size of the dog. In breeding, if two smaller German Shepherds are paired, their offspring are likelier to be on the smaller side. It's not just the immediate parents that matter; the genetic lineage extending back several generations can influence size. Breeders often have detailed records that trace these genetic lines, enabling predictions about future size and other characteristics. In German Shepherds, the genetic variability contributes to a size range that spans from 50 to 90 pounds, reflecting the rich diversity within this noble breed. Diet Diet is fundamental to a German Shepherd's growth and development. Lack of proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the diet can hinder growth, leading to a smaller stature. Feeding a balanced and age-appropriate diet is essential for optimal growth and health. The dietary needs of German Shepherds are unique and can be pretty specific, especially during their growth phase. Puppies, in particular, require a balanced diet rich in protein and fat to support their rapid growth. Studies show that a diet lacking essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and quality protein can lead to skeletal issues and stunted growth. Adult German Shepherds also need a well-rounded diet to maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass. Many commercial dog foods are specially formulated for large-breed puppies and can provide the correct balance of nutrients. For German Shepherds, tailored dietary planning can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Health Issues Health issues can significantly impact a German Shepherd's growth. Chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, or underlying diseases might affect metabolic rates and nutrient absorption, leading to a smaller stature. Regular veterinary check-ups can diagnose and treat these issues. Chronic health conditions in German Shepherds, such as thyroid disorders or liver disease, can lead to inadequate nutrient absorption and altered metabolism. These conditions may stunt growth or cause weight loss, resulting in a smaller or leaner appearance. The prevalence of certain diseases within the breed makes regular veterinary care essential. Treatment and proper care can mitigate these growth-related issues. Early diagnosis is crucial in managing the condition and ensuring the dog reaches its optimal size and weight. It's a reminder of the essential partnership between veterinarians and pet owners in maintaining the health and happiness of these loyal companions. Owners can ensure their German Shepherds grow strong and robust by staying alert to signs of health issues and seeking professional care. Parasitic Infections Parasitic infections like worms can adversely affect a German Shepherd's growth. These parasites compete with the host for nutrients, leading to malnourishment and stunted growth. Regular deworming and proper veterinary care can mitigate these effects. Parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are unfortunately common in dogs, particularly puppies. These internal parasites can cause serious harm, especially if left untreated. They can rob the dog of vital nutrients needed for growth, leading to anemia and malnourishment. The effects can be more pronounced in German Shepherds, a breed known for its robust size. Regular deworming and fecal examinations are vital preventative measures. Young puppies often require more frequent deworming due to their vulnerability to these infections. With proper care and attention to this significant health risk, German Shepherd owners can ensure that their dogs receive all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development, thus achieving their full potential in size and vitality. Breed Subtype Breed subtype is an often overlooked yet vital factor in determining a German Shepherd's size. Different lines within the breed may naturally vary in size, with working lines, show lines, and pet lines each having distinct characteristics. Understanding these can explain variations in size. German Shepherds are versatile dogs with subtypes bred for specific functions. Working lines, for example, maybe more robust and muscular, tailored for police or military work. On the other hand, show lines emphasize aesthetics and conform to specific breed standards, sometimes resulting in smaller sizes. Pet lines are often bred more for temperament and may not adhere strictly to size standards. Recognizing these subtleties in the breed allows a deeper understanding of the individual dog's growth pattern and size. Whether choosing a puppy or seeking to understand your grown dog's size, being aware of these breed subtypes can provide insights into their genetic predisposition and ensure you meet their unique needs. Exercise Routine Exercise routine significantly influences a German Shepherd's development. Lack of or improper exercise can hinder muscular development, bone health, and overall growth, leading to a smaller appearance. A structured routine fosters proper growth and a healthy, robust physique. The importance of a proper exercise routine for a growing German Shepherd cannot be overstated. As a large and active breed, they require regular and controlled exercise to develop strong bones and muscles. Puppies, in particular, need a careful balance of activity and rest to prevent joint and growth plate issues. According to canine fitness experts, German Shepherds should exercise at least an hour daily, but the type and intensity must be age-appropriate. Over-exercising can be as detrimental as under-exercising, leading to health problems that may affect size. Monitoring and tailoring the exercise routine to the dog's age, weight, and specific needs can significantly contribute to optimal growth and development. In the complex interplay of factors that determine a German Shepherd's size, exercise stands out as a controllable and vital aspect that owners can manage for the benefit of their beloved pet. This surgical alteration might lead to longer leg bones and a leaner frame, resulting in a different appearance than if altered later in life. The decision to spay or neuter a German Shepherd, and the timing of that procedure, is multifaceted and can have long-term effects on the dog's physical development. Before the closure of growth plates, early spaying or neutering may disrupt the usual growth patterns. Research indicates that altering before one year might increase the risk of orthopedic problems in large-breed dogs like German Shepherds. Some studies suggest that early-neutered males are three times more likely to suffer from joint disorders. This can result in a lanky appearance and contribute to conditions like hip dysplasia. Conversely, altering after full maturity may allow the dog to develop a more robust and muscular frame. The choice of when to spay or neuter should be made in consultation with a veterinarian, considering factors like health, lifestyle, and breed-specific characteristics to ensure the best outcome for each German Shepherd. Environmental Factors Environmental factors encompass a range of influences that can hinder a German Shepherd's growth. Poor living conditions, exposure to toxins, or lack of mental stimulation may lead to stunted growth or smaller stature. A nurturing environment fosters healthy development. Environmental factors significantly influence German Shepherds' overall well-being and development. Suboptimal living conditions can lead to stress and anxiety , which, in turn, can affect growth. Adequate space for exercise, clean surroundings, and enrichment opportunities are all part of an environment that fosters healthy growth. Exposure to toxins or pollutants may lead to chronic health issues that hinder development. Studies have shown that dogs living in polluted areas can have a higher risk of health problems, which may affect their growth. Furthermore, a lack of mental stimulation can lead to behavioral problems and may indirectly impact physical development. Though often overlooked, environmental influences are integral to the full spectrum of factors determining a German Shepherd's size. By creating a loving, safe, and stimulating environment, owners can lay the foundation for their German Shepherds to thrive and grow to their full potential. Dogs from such facilities often suffer from poor breeding practices, inadequate nutrition, and lack of care, leading to stunted growth and potentially lifelong health issues. Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that often prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. German Shepherds originating from these places may face several challenges affecting their growth. Inadequate breeding practices, including inbreeding, can result in genetic defects and smaller size. The lack of proper nutrition and veterinary care during the critical growth stages can also lead to underdevelopment. According to the Humane Society of the United States, thousands of puppy mills are operating in the country, producing an estimated 2. Many of these dogs end up with health issues, including growth-related problems. Adopting reputable breeders or shelters that prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs can ensure that German Shepherds have the best chance at growing to their full size and enjoying a healthy life. Vaccination Schedule Adhering to a proper vaccination schedule is vital for a German Shepherd's health and growth. Incomplete or delayed vaccinations may expose them to diseases that can hinder development, whereas a well-executed plan supports a robust immune system and optimal growth. Vaccinations are critical in preventing infectious diseases that can significantly impact a German Shepherd's growth and overall health. Puppies are especially vulnerable to diseases like parvovirus and distemper, leading to severe health complications or even death. Following a veterinarian-recommended vaccination schedule is vital to protect against these threats. In the U. Failure to vaccinate exposes the individual dog to potential diseases and can have broader implications for herd immunity within the canine population. On the other hand, proper vaccination fosters a robust immune system that enables the dog to grow and develop healthily. Working closely with a veterinarian to understand and follow the right vaccination plan for a German Shepherd, considering factors like age, lifestyle, and location, can ensure their well-being and proper development. Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety can have profound effects on a German Shepherd's growth. Chronic stress can lead to decreased appetite, digestive issues, and even disrupt hormonal balance, all of which may contribute to stunted growth or smaller stature. Managing stress is key to healthy development. Chronic stress and anxiety in German Shepherds can stem from various sources, such as separation anxiety, fear, or lack of socialization. Stress impacts the body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively and can cause a decrease in appetite, resulting in malnourishment that hinders growth. Behavioral signs of stress may include excessive barking, chewing, or changes in demeanor. Providing a stable environment, consistent training, and addressing underlying health or behavioral issues are crucial to managing stress. As a veterinarian or animal behaviorist recommends, interventions like behavior modification, socialization training , and sometimes medication can make a significant difference. Understanding and addressing stress and anxiety in German Shepherds contribute to a happier and more relaxed dog that can grow to its full size and potential. Late Bloomer Just like humans, some German Shepherds may simply be late bloomers. They might grow and develop slower than their peers, eventually reaching their full size a bit later in life. Such delayed growth can be due to genetics or individual differences, but it's usually not a cause for concern. Being a late bloomer is common in the diverse world of canine growth patterns. It's akin to human teenagers who have growth spurts at different times. For German Shepherds, most reach their adult height by 18 months, but some might take up to 24 months or longer. Variability in growth rates can be influenced by genetic factors or simply the dog's developmental timeline. Owners must monitor their dog's growth, consult their veterinarian, and ensure the delayed growth is not due to underlying health issues. However, in many cases, patience is key. Given time, these late bloomers often catch up, displaying the majestic size and stature that German Shepherds are known for. When do German Shepherds stop growing? German Shepherds typically stop growing in height by 18 to 24 months. However, they may continue to fill out, gaining muscle and becoming more robust until they are around 2. The growth pattern of a German Shepherd is an exciting and complex process. While most German Shepherds reach their full height between 18 to 24 months, their bodies continue to mature and develop. During this period, they gain muscle , their chests fill out, and their overall physique becomes more defined. Nutrition, genetics, exercise, and overall health play significant roles in determining the exact time frame for an individual dog. Some may be late bloomers and grow slower, while others mature faster. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring their growth curve can help ensure they develop appropriately. Understanding your German Shepherd's unique growth pattern and providing appropriate care and nutrition will support them in reaching their full potential as magnificent and well-balanced adults. How can I increase my German Shepherd size? Increasing a German Shepherd's size requires a balanced approach involving proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adhering to veterinary guidelines. High-quality food, adequate physical and mental stimulation, and regular veterinary care are key factors. Enhancing a German Shepherd's size is not about rapid growth but promoting healthy development. It involves a multifaceted approach that starts with a nutritionally balanced diet. Consulting with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate food that meets the breed's specific needs is crucial. Regular exercise tailored to the dog's age and development stage supports muscle growth and overall well-being. Mental stimulation through training and enrichment activities helps manage stress, which can indirectly impact growth. It's essential to recognize that each dog has a genetic potential for size, and promoting healthy growth within that framework is key. An integrated approach ensures growth and a happy, well-rounded, healthy German Shepherd. At what are do German Shepherds get big? German Shepherds usually begin to appear "big" as they approach adolescence, around the age of 6 to 12 months. By 18 to 24 months, most reach their adult height, although they continue to fill out and mature until around 2. Several developmental stages mark the growth trajectory of a German Shepherd. Puppies grow rapidly in the first few months, and by the time they reach 6 to 12 months, they start to look more like adult dogs, having gained significant height and length. Their growth in height generally slows down by 18 to 24 months, but they continue to mature, adding muscle and filling out their frame until around 2. Genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care contribute to each dog's specific timing and growth pattern. Owners should monitor growth and consult with veterinarians to ensure their German Shepherd is developing appropriately, providing the right foundation for a healthy, full-sized adult dog. Speeding up a German Shepherd's growth is not advisable, as it can lead to health problems. Proper growth requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and veterinary care. A natural growth pattern ensures a healthy, well-developed dog in the long run. Attempting to speed up the growth of a German Shepherd might seem tempting, especially if the dog appears smaller or is growing slower than expected. However, forcing or accelerating growth can lead to significant health issues, such as joint problems, obesity, and other developmental disorders. The focus should instead be on supporting healthy, natural growth through appropriate nutrition, regular and suitable exercise, and adherence to veterinary guidelines. Consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist can help you determine the proper diet and care plan tailored to your dog's needs. Remember, each German Shepherd has its unique growth pattern, influenced by genetics, health, and care. Emphasizing overall well-being rather than rapid growth will result in a happier, healthier, well-proportioned German Shepherd. Why is my German Shepherd so skinny? A skinny German Shepherd could be due to various factors like improper diet, parasites, underlying health conditions, or genetics. Consulting a veterinarian is essential to rule out medical issues and create an appropriate feeding and care plan. A German Shepherd appearing too skinny may cause concern for owners, and rightly so, as it may signal underlying health problems. However, there can be benign reasons, such as a high metabolism or being a naturally lean breed subtype. A proper evaluation by a veterinarian can help pinpoint the exact cause, whether it's a nutritional imbalance, parasitic infection, chronic illness, or even stress. Personalized recommendations on diet, including the type and amount of food, can make a significant difference. Regular deworming and addressing any specific health concerns are also essential. It's crucial to approach the situation carefully, as simply increasing food intake without understanding the underlying cause might lead to other health problems. Collaborating with veterinary professionals ensures your German Shepherd gains weight healthily and reaches its ideal body condition. Normal body weight, height, and calories intake for male German Shepherd Navigating the growth stages of a German Shepherd requires understanding their unique needs at different phases of life. Below, you'll find tables that outline the normal body weight, height, and daily calorie intake for male German Shepherds, from puppyhood to senior years. Life stage. Your pup can suffer from one or several of these issues. However, a simple visit to the vet can help your dog get better. Typically, German Shepherds must consume between 1, to 1, calories daily. Moreover, if your dog is playful and consumes tons of energy throughout the day, you should increase its calorie intake to around 1,, calories. Check the box with the dog food to see the recommended portion size. Inherited Smallness Your pup may belong to a small German Shepherd dog breed. The size of a GS is inherited from their parents. Your GS likely comes from a line of smaller-sized dogs. There is nothing wrong with a little German Shepherd, provided they eat normally and healthily and have no dental issues. If your dog is younger, you may need to wait a bit until the dog is fully mature. One recent study found that dog size may be determined by a dog gene mutation. Moreover, this mutation that determines the small size is even older than a variation that contributes to the large size. These dogs range in size from medium to large. Their size depends on the parent they inherit traits from. Anxiety If your GSD suddenly starts looking smaller, it may be due to anxiety disorder. If the pup is acting strangely lately while also losing weight, that may be the case. If your dog is unusually spooked or is trying to hide, he may have experienced an unpleasant event. The best course of action is to visit a behaviorist or a vet. When Should You Be Worried? Typically, all reasons mentioned above can be fixed. A standard vet appointment should verify the reason why the German Shepherd is short or skinny. Moreover, other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Your dog can still be infested even if you have dutifully kept up with all necessary vaccines and other treatments. Medical Illnesses Perhaps your German Shepherd is smaller due to a medical condition. Several disorders can influence the development and nutrition intake. It should be concerning if your GS is eating normally but not gaining weight. Some of the most common diseases include the following: Diabetes. It might be the case that it is not eating enough calories for its activity levels. Generally, it is recommended for German Shepherds to eat between 1, and 1, calories per day. If your German Shepherd is active for most of the day then it will require even more. It is recommended that active German Shepherds get between 1, and 2, calories per day. It would be a sign that it is not getting enough calories if it always seems to be hungry and if it tends to eat things that it should not. It would help to ask your vet whether or not you are feeding it enough the next time you take your GSD there for a checkup. It could also be the case that you are feeding it the wrong types of foods which is causing a nutritional deficiency. This would be more likely if your GSD seems to be trying to get the nutrients in other ways such as by eating dirt. You can read here to see what you should and should not be feeding your GSD. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Genes It could be the case that the cause is that it is simply genetically a smaller GSD. This would be more likely if it has always been small for its age and if your vet has not noticed any issues on checkups. It would also be more likely if it has been acting normally otherwise and if it was still small when you were feeding it differently in the past. Anxiety If your German Shepherd has become small suddenly then the cause could be that something has caused it to develop an anxiety-related issue. This would be more likely if it has started acting differently at around the same time that it became smaller and if it started at around the same time that something happened that could have caused it to become anxious. In this case, it would be important to deal with the issue and it would be highly recommended for you to get the help of a vet and a dog behaviorist. I have also written more about why your German Shepherd might be anxious and how to reduce its anxiety here. Illness The reason why it is small could be that it has an illness or disease. This would be more likely if it has become small suddenly, it started acting differently at around the same time that it became small and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as vomiting. In this case, the best option for you would be to take it to a vet for a checkup. Consider whether or not it has always been small When trying to figure out why your German Shepherd is small it would help to consider whether or not it has always been small for its age. If it has always been small then it would make it more likely that it is small due to genetics. Whereas, if it has become small suddenly then it would make it more likely that it is due to things such as illness, anxiety or a change in its diet. How to get your German Shepherd to be bigger The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to be bigger will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Talk to a vet If you are unsure of why your GSD is small or it has become small suddenly then the best option for you would be to take it to a vet. When you are seeing the vet it would also help to show them what you are typically feeding it and to ask if you are feeding it enough or if you should be feeding it differently. Feed it the correct foods It is important to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting all of the nutrients that it needs. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your GSD. Feed it the right amount for its activity levels It is also important to make sure that it is getting the right amount of food. As mentioned above German Shepherds are supposed to be getting between 1, and 1, calories per day source. German Shepherds are supposed to be active so it is unlikely that it will need more than this. However, if your German Shepherd spends most of the day doing activities then it might need more calories in its diet. Take measures to reduce its anxiety If your German Shepherd has become small suddenly and the vet has not found any issues then it could be due to a behavioral issue. One possible cause is that it has become anxious, I have written more about why your German Shepherd might be anxious and how to reduce its anxiety here. However, there are many other possible causes. It would help to ask your vet what else might be causing it other than illness. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Your veterinarian can check for worms with a stool sample. Certain types of worms such as roundworms can be fatal in puppies if left untreated, so it is crucial that you take your puppy for regular checkups. Has your Puppy Been Traveling Regularly? If you feel that your GSD puppy is too skinny, consider if you have been taking it along for car rides on a consistent basis. Many puppies experience motion sickness. This does not necessarily mean that they will vomit or have an upset stomach only. Some puppies will do neither, and instead, decrease their eating to the point of losing weight. If this is the case, limit the amount of time your puppy spends traveling in a car. This will allow your puppy to have you as a reference point and a distraction. Provide a small puppy bed on the seat. Make sure that the temperature in the car is neither too hot or cold. Pay attention to how you drive. Often times we take our driving for granted without considering the comfort of our passengers. Puppies can be especially sensitive during car rides, so be sure to take turns gently, and do not brake or accelerate suddenly. A change in the environment is a common cause of a longer-term loss of appetite and weight loss in puppies. A change in environment for your puppy does not just mean that it has moved from one physical location to another. They learn and function well with routine. This can sometimes result in a long term lack of appetite and weight loss. You may likely find that if one or more of the above changes are addressed, that your puppy will resume a normal eating schedule and quickly bounce back from being underweight. Your GSD puppy needs adequate nutrients in its diet for growth and to maintain a healthy weight. GSDs are considered medium to large-sized dogs, and they need to be fed the appropriate breed-formulated dog food, especially as puppies. If you are not feeding it the right formulation for its breed size, this can result in undernourishment and a skinny puppy.