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History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in New York would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Final Thoughts If you are reading this article, chances are that you are interested in owning a German Shepherd dog, and adopting one from a rescue organization is your chosen option. The decision to adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue rather than purchase from a breeder does have its benefits. Adopting is always the cheaper option of the two as certain breeders are known to charge high for German Shepherd puppies. The German Shepherd is a very likable dog breed. With all that, a lot of German Shepherds still suffer neglect and abuse in the state. There are literally thousands of German Shepherd dogs found in high kill dog shelters and on the streets. These dogs are prone to euthanization and are in need of a good home. This article is all about helping you find the right German Shepherd for you. We have a list of some of the best German Shepherd rescue organizations in the state of New York where you can adopt a great German Shepherd dog with ease. These organizations go all out towards saving these German Shepherds and ensuring they get a good permanent home and family to move into. We expect that you carry out personal research on each of these rescues listed below. They are located in Rochester, New York, and were officially formed by Kim Okolowicz in the year .With over 20 years of experience they operate as a registered non-profit organization that is devoted to the rescue of hundreds of neglected, abused and unwanted German Shepherd dogs in New York. They have a team that goes in search of German Shepherds found in shelters across the state. They also collaborate with other German Shepherd rescue organizations around and also take in Shepherds left by their owners and breeders. All their dogs are then placed in foster homes which are donated by their members and then the rehabilitation process takes place. The dogs are checked by a licensed vet for any health defects they might have suffered. After which, they are placed for adoption. There are lots of dogs in their care up for adoption. To be considered, you are required to submit an adoption application via their website. All dogs placed for adoption are properly checked by a licensed vet. You can also show your support towards their program by becoming a foster. By opening your home to a rescued German Shepherd dog, you would be helping give a German Shepherd a good second chance at a proper life. They take in donations in cash and services to the program.

Nutritional needs of American Bulldogs American Bulldogs are known for their muscular build and active lifestyle, which means they require a diet high in protein and other essential nutrients. Speak with your vet to find out the exact amount of macro and micronutrients your Bully needs, but in general, American Bulldogs require: Protein Protein is a crucial nutrient for American Bulldogs as it helps build and repair muscles and supports their immune system. AAFCO recommends growing dogs eat a diet with at least .Protein-rich food sources for American Bulldogs include chicken, beef and fish. American Bulldogs require a moderate amount of fat in their diet, at least 8. Excellent sources of healthy fats for American Bulldogs include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and chicken fat. Carbohydrate Carbohydrates provide energy for American Bulldogs and also help in the absorption of other nutrients. Include complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice and whole grains in their diet rather than simple carbohydrates like corn and wheat. Vitamins and minerals American Bulldogs require essential vitamins and minerals to maintain their overall health. Vitamins A, C and E support their immune system, while minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are necessary for bone health. We formulate our delicious, healthy, wet dog food and crunchy dry dog food with the best human-grade, ethically-sourced ingredients. This food contains nutrient-rich meat, organ and bone and is free of grains, legumes and any byproducts, making it an irresistible and wholesome choice for your pet. Coconut oil adds health benefits like easy digestion and energy. We also use non-GMO chickpeas, which provide protein, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium. Tips for feeding American Bulldogs If you are wondering how much should I feed my dog to avoid issues like obesity, you should feed an adult American Bulldog twice a day. Puppies may require three to four meals per day. The amount of food your dog needs depends on their age, size and activity level. Measure their food to avoid overfeeding and obesity and establish a consistent feeding schedule. This can help your American Bulldog maintain a healthy weight and prevent digestive issues. At Open Farm, we offer percent ethically-sourced, nutrient-rich dog food options , including freeze-dried, wet and dry kibble. Shop our dog food, treats and bone broth today to give your American Bulldog the best diet to keep them healthy and happy. Share this post. They love to play, and they really love to eat. Therefore, the best dog food for bulldogs should consist of plenty of high-quality proteins, enough carbohydrates to fuel their bodies, and fats for normal joint function and overall health. But just like us, dogs are individuals. So choosing a food specifically for their individual needs can be a little more complicated. For one, there are hundreds of different brands with different nutritional values that most of us would find confusing. And secondly, since each bulldog is different, they all have different weights, ages, activity levels, and preferences. Adding to the confusion, bulldogs can have sensitivities to certain ingredients and can be allergic to others. So to make the task easier, we have prepared a special guide for American Bulldog owners so they can identify which dog food will best suit their unique pup. Macro-nutrients or macros consist of three major groups of food; proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. We already have an idea about the number of macros we should feed bulldogs, but here are some details that you need to know: Proteins For an American Bulldog, proteins are the most important macro. Proteins consist of amino acids that help in repairing muscle tissue and provide lots of energy so your dog stays active. More than that, proteins also aid in the release of hormones and enzymes and help in strengthening the immune system, amongst other things. Because bulldogs have a muscular body, your dog food must provide enough protein to maintain their physical structure. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are necessary for providing energy to your bulldog. The two most common sources of carbohydrates in dog foods are grains brown rice, oatmeal, barley and vegetables potatoes, peas. Although carbohydrates are important too, you should generally opt for a dog food that has lower carbohydrate content. Fats Fats are important as they make dog food tastier and thus more appealing to your dog. But more than that, fats are essential for the healthy functioning of nerves, body cells, and joints. Fats also provide almost twice as much energy as proteins and carbs. Daily Caloric Intake for Bulldogs The question of how many calories a bulldog should eat is rather confusing. The reason for this is because bulldogs can vary drastically from one another, and thus will have completely different calorie requirements. Bulldogs can weigh anywhere between 60 to pounds on average, and their activity levels can vary widely as well. They might be a puppy, or an adult, or even a senior. Also, they can be either male or female and might be spayed or neutered. All of these factors play a huge role in determining the right amount of calories your bulldog should consume without being under or overfed. However, there still is a standard measure of how much calories your bulldog should consume. Some smaller bulldogs might even be satisfied with fewer than calories, while some heavier and more active ones would require as much as calories a day to stay lean and healthy. But like we said before, it all depends on the individual dog. These can give you a good estimate as to how much you should be feeding them. Thus feeding them with the right frequency can help make sure they remain healthy and fit. Puppies are generally more energetic but have smaller stomachs, and thus need regular feeding to stay active. For bulldogs between the ages of 4 to 6 months, the frequency should be reduced to three portions a day. And once your bulldog is older than six months, you can follow the adult feeding regime which is feeding them two portions a day. Common Health Issues in American Bulldogs Although bulldogs are a healthy breed, they are prone to developing health issues at any life stage. Early identification of these issues can protect your dog from more severe problems later on by making the necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle. Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, and Joint Problems Hip and Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative health condition in which the hip or elbow joints fail to develop properly, leading to pain and even arthritis later in life. Joint problems are also more common in bulldogs due to their larger body size compared to their short legs. Although hip and elbow dysplasia is genetic and incurable, recognizing them earlier on can prevent them from worsening with age. Feeding them proper food along with exercise and physical therapy can save your bulldog a lot of pain and discomfort in their golden years. Obesity Obesity is a particularly serious issue with bulldogs. Because these dogs love to eat, they can easily be overfed. Obesity worsens joint and hip conditions as well as leading to many other health problems. Place your thumbs on their back where their spine is, and wrap your fingers along their midsection so that your hand is wrapped around their body and then try to feel their ribs. Foods You Should Avoid Feeding Your Bulldog Just like any other pet, there are certain foods you should refrain from feeding your bulldog as well. Some of these foods can cause stomach issues, while others are toxic for bulldogs. Onion and Garlic: Both of these are extremely dangerous as they can cause anemia in bulldogs. If fed in large amounts, they can cause organ damage or failure. Chocolates: Although chocolate seems like a pretty harmless food, it is severely toxic to dogs. Fruits with pits: Most fruits that have pits in them contain cyanide. In large amounts, this can cause seizures, vomiting and an irregular heartbeat. Some pits also pose a choking hazard to bulldogs. Macadamia Nuts: These nuts contain compounds that can cause vomiting, inflammation, and joint pain in dogs. Food Allergies and Sensitivities in American Bulldogs Just like other dogs, American Bulldogs can be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients too. Here are some of the more common allergies and sensitivities found in American Bulldogs: Grains: This is a very common sensitivity and allergy found in bulldogs. Soy: Soy is another ingredient that can cause rashes and itching in bulldogs. Beef: Although beef allergy only affects a minority of bulldogs, you should take it seriously. There are plenty of other dog foods with proteins like lamb, chicken, and turkey, which you can choose instead. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Don't disregard advice from a vet. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. This comes at no extra cost to you. OUR TEAM Our team is made up of professional pet trainers, veterinarians, and experienced pet owners who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. We believe that pets are not just animals but members of the family, and we strive to provide the best possible advice and support for pet lovers. Nutritional requirements of a American Bulldog What exactly should the diet of a American Bulldog consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your American Bulldog, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a American Bulldog, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. American Bulldog raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your American Bulldog, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. American Bulldog Feeding Chart. Buying Guide Allergies Do you love your Bulldog but dread the idea of him getting a rash or an upset stomach? Gluten-free dog foods can be made with potatoes, sweet potatoes, or chickpeas. To avoid this unpleasantry altogether, just choose one labeled hypoallergenic to ensure safety from rashes and other allergic reactions like itchy skin and ear infections caused by bacterial growth in moist areas without proper ventilation. Some dogs tend to eat less than others during each mealtime; this may affect what kind of budget —or even which brands- best suit them! As your puppy grows, you can graduate to larger size kibble like Royal Canin design their smaller bites and Bulldog jaws in mind. For example, if you have an adult bulldog over 12 months old, their diet should be different from the one for all-life stages four weeks or older. It can be hard to know how a bulldog will react when it comes down to chicken. Some are allergic, while others seem ok with the food. You should always buy quality dog foods but if you notice symptoms of an allergy, then steer clear from this type of protein entirely! Although some dogs might not have any problem eating chicken , there are still plenty that need more care than just giving them any old things — especially those who may be sensitive or allergic to poultry products like eggs and turkey. Things To Look Into For American Bulldogs When it comes to American Bulldogs , choosing the right food is crucial, and there are many things you should consider before purchasing. The American Bulldogs can weigh anywhere between pounds. For example, hip dysplasia and ACL tears will be more common in heavier dogs due to all their added weight around joints and bones, which makes them vulnerable at higher rates than other breeds might have been. Keeping your pet healthy by getting enough exercise and not allowing too many treats while keeping an eye out for any extra fat or bulges should help tremendously! The food you serve should be packed full of nutritious protein, such as chicken, beef, or pork. Lean, high-quality proteins are best for your guests, and they will thank you with their business — so always check the brand to see where the company sources its meat from. Your American Bulldog needs healthy doses of Omega-3 and six fatty acids to have a strong immune system, heart function, muscle shape. Not all carbs are created equal! Simple carbohydrates like rice or blueberries digest more easily than complex ones such as grains which many dogs have difficulty digesting. Some believe that fiber is important for digestion, but some dog foods are more difficult to digest. Always read the ingredients list, so you know what goes into those kibbles before feeding them to your pup. This is because they vary so much from one another, with some being smaller and others larger. Bulldogs are full of surprises! Bulldogs have a wide range of activity levels and can change over time too — from puppyhood into adulthood, senior citizens even. All these factors go towards figuring out the right amount of calories that bulldogs need without being underweight or overweight at any point in their life cycle, so make sure you get it just right with our easy-to-use food calculator tool! It all depends on the individual dog. The Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy is also an excellent choice if your pup has special needs or nutritional requirements. We hope this roundup helped you figure out which type of dog food to buy! Related Links. While these heavy-set medium-sized dogs were first bred for fighting, American Bulldogs are really just big ole softies. They are easygoing, friendly, and highly social, which is why they make excellent companions for singles. American Bulldogs are also confident, courageous, and trainable, which is why they are much-loved family pets. They are highly attentive and will keep watch over the family. At the same time, they are docile pets that will stay close and nap at your feet while you watch TV. If trained and socialized early, American Bulldogs tolerate children well and are eager companions that are always ready for playtime. According to the American Kennel Club , American Bulldogs weigh about 50 pounds and can grow up to about 15 inches in height. They have a life expectancy of about 10 years and are generally physically strong and healthy dogs. American Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, kidney problems, thyroid problems, cherry eye, ACL tears, and bone cancer. Depending on the genetic line, they can also develop ichthyosis a skin disorder causing dry scales and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis or NCL a nervous system disorder. American Bulldogs are also prone to developing allergies. But did you know that these strongly-built dogs can jump up to seven feet? American Bulldogs love to eat and thus have a tendency to become overweight. You also need to make sure that the ingredients will contribute to keeping your American Bulldog pup lean and muscular. Look out for fillers like corn, soy, wheat, and bean hulls, which are in many dog foods. These have little to no nutritional value and can contribute to your dog developing bloat. Being overweight also contributes to the development of conditions like hip and elbow disorders. Many dog food companies offer low-carbohydrate dog food varieties. These are worth checking out. Protein Because they are highly active and incredibly muscular, American Bulldogs require a diet rich in protein. A sufficient level of protein helps maintain the muscle mass of American Bulldogs, gives them sustained energy to romp around all day long, and helps prevent muscle, bone, and joint problems. The appropriate food for American Bulldog puppy contains meat protein as the primary ingredient. Like other allergy-prone breeds, American Bulldogs do best on purer forms and single sources of lean protein. Bone health American Bulldogs have short limbs and muscular frames, which makes them prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can lead to crippling lameness, muscle atrophy, and may cause severe pain. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in larger dogs. They usually start early in life and are often hard to prevent. The ideal food for American Bulldog puppy should thus contain sufficient levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Studies have found that these can help keep the bones, joints, and tissues lubricated and help reduce inflammation. Allergies American Bulldogs can develop allergic reactions to some foods. If you are unsure if your American Bulldog puppy is allergic to certain ingredients, try a variety of dog foods with different protein sources and see if he reacts to any of them. If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, you may catch him licking his paws or observe red and itchy skin under his fur. Despite their size and stocky build, American Bulldogs are excellent jumpers. To avoid allergies, the most nutritious food for American Bulldog puppy should have as few ingredients as possible and should be grain-free. Avoid dog foods with highly allergenic grains like wheat. In terms of carbohydrate source, there should be good hypoallergenic starches like sweet potatoes and barley. Bloat Bulldogs are known for excessive gassiness, which can cause bloat. This is a serious medical condition that can be fatal. To avoid bloat, you should steer clear of dog foods that contain highly fermentable ingredients like grains, milk products, and fillers. Choose dog foods that have a low fiber content and that contain wholesome sources of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Nowadays, plenty of dog food manufacturers resort to unethical practices to drive down production costs. There are companies, for instance, that hide the real first ingredient in their products by splitting the ingredient up. American Bulldogs do best on a diet that is high in protein and low in simple carbohydrates and filler ingredients. A certain dog food may be made up primarily of corn. To avoid having to identify corn as the first ingredient, the company could split it into two ingredients: corn flour and corn meal. This allows them to list a different ingredient, like a protein source, as the first ingredient. To find the ideal food for American Bulldog puppy, ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, other dog lovers, and breeders in your community. The original turkey and chicken formula we recommend here is particularly appropriate for American Bulldogs because of the high lean protein content and the high-quality carbohydrate sources. This Wellness Core dog food also contains probiotics for good digestive health and antioxidants for overall nutrition. The formula is grain-free and contains no wheat, soy, corn, meat by-products, artificial flavors, and other nasties. This dog food is made with free-run chicken and turkey, nest-laid eggs, and wild-caught fish. The ingredients are produced locally and delivered daily, ensuring freshness. This Orijen dry dog food formula contains bits of raw chicken and turkey liver that are gently freeze-dried. The raw ingredients nourish your pooch as nature intended and provide bursts of irresistible meaty flavor. Your American Bulldog pup will love the taste of this dog food. The recipe is formulated for the dietary needs of young Bulldogs. In the case of your American Bulldog, their tendency to develop dysplasia is addressed by the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin in the formula. In this particular recipe, the first ingredient is lamb meal, which happens to be a good source of lean protein for large breeds. Another thing we love about this recipe is that it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help your American Bulldog develop strong muscles, bones, and joints. It also has vitamins C and E for stronger immunity. We hope this guide on choosing the best food for American Bulldog puppy helps you keep your pet healthy and happy. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts. Every recipe comes personalized and proportioned for your dog and addresses any medical needs that they might have. Even better, the formulas all come from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and only the best-quality ingredients are used for each portion. The recipes are tailored specifically for your pup, which is ideal if your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies. Pros Formulated recipes by board-certified veterinary nutritionists Personalized and pre-portioned meals for your pup Made in the U. Only the best quality ingredients Different recipes More expensive than store bought brands 2. This moderately-priced dog food comes in pound bags. The small kibble is specifically designed for Bulldog puppies, aged two to 12 months, based on their jaws and biting patterns. We found that this food could be too rich and may not work as well for sensitive stomachs. These LifeSource Bits include a combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat health. They can aid in good eye health because of the inclusion of taurine. They also contain vitamin B12, D, and L-Carnitine to further support good health. Its main ingredients are deboned chicken and chicken meal, which are a good source of protein. Other significant ingredients include rice, barley, and oatmeal. This is a grain-inclusive food, which means that it might not be suitable for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. Although the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is a little more expensive than some of those on the list, many of its ingredients are high quality and provide a balanced and nutritional diet. However, a handful of ingredients are considered low-cost, low-quality fillers. Pea protein and alfalfa meal, for example, do not provide much nutritional benefit. The ingredients also include garlic. This low-cost dog food comes in .It naturally contains Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and is made without poultry by-products, preservatives, and artificial flavors. When we tested this dog food, we found that it had plenty of protein and provided quite a bit of energy for active Bulldogs. It also works well for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We did find that it sometimes arrived stale, and some bags may contain bugs. Purina offers a great money-back guarantee. One, it has to be catered well and specifically formulated for the dog breed. Dogs — to be specific in this case, American Bulldogs — have different nutritional requirements and dietary needs too. Here are just some of them. Protein — Some kinds of American bulldogs are extremely active and therefore, they would need higher sources of energy. It is recommended that you should feed your dog a good grain-inclusive food with about percent protein to supply his daily protein intake. Fat — Adult dog breeds will need at least 5 percent of fat to be included in their diet. Puppies and pregnant dogs, on the other hand, require a higher amount of minimum fat percentage comprising at least 8 percent of fat in their diet. Carbohydrates — These are important minerals for your bulldog because it will provide your active pooch the energy he would need to last the day with. Fiber — Fiber should also be taken on its own and not be dependent on the fibers from carbohydrates. Usually, fiber is either soluble or insoluble. The difference is that soluble fiber is usually found in beet pulp, chicory, and inulin. If you have an overweight dog and are looking forward to watching his weight, then you can feed him foods that are rich in insoluble fibers to help him feel full and metabolize the food that was previously ingested as fast as they could. Most of the dry dog foods found in the market contain about 3 to 6 percent of crude or pure fiber. Probiotics and Prebiotics — These are two components that you should make sure your dog foods have. Two of the most common prebiotics found in dog food are chicory and inulin. A Guide to Feeding American Bulldogs by Age Since American bulldogs are such a different breed from all the others, there is a certain amount when it comes to feeding them food depending on how old they are. You cannot serve food 5 times a day to a 3 month-old bulldog just because his digestive system cannot take it yet. If your dog is around: 0 to 3 months old — Your dog is still considered a puppy! Hence, you should be able to feed him a dog food specifically for bulldog puppies. Since they are still growing, they would need to be fed more often than larger breeds. Puppies around this age should be fed up to at most 4 times a day. For the serving size, a two-month-old puppy should be fed to grams of dog food per day while a three-month-old puppy should be fed about to grams per day. You should feed your puppy around this age at most 3 times a day. For the serving size, a four-month-old puppy should be given to grams of dog food per day, to grams per day for a five-month-old and to grams per day for a six-month-old American bulldog. However, the serving size should double since the frequency of giving them food have been decreased. For a seven-month-old bulldog, it is recommended to give him to grams of dog food per day; for an eight month old, to grams per day; nine month old with about to grams per day; ten month old, about to grams per day; eleven month old with about to grams of dry dog food per day while for a twelve month old bulldog or one year old dog, you can give him to grams of food per day. Generally, if you are having troubles remembering the frequency and serving size you should give your bulldog, try to think of this principle instead: The younger the dog, the more times you should feed him per day although with lesser serving size or amount. Conversely, the older the dog, the less times you should feed him per day but feed him with a larger serving size or amount of dog food. The ranges of the serving size will also depend on the build of your dog and how much dog food he could take in one sitting. Dog Food for American Bulldogs Review 1. What sets this aside from all the bulldog dry dog foods have grass-fed venison as its top ingredient. Raw boost is also infused with high probiotics which means giving your bulldog this food will help support his digestive health and even give him the healthiest skin and coat he could ever have. The raw boost is made without any grains, potatoes, corns, wheat, soy or any artificial colors or preservatives. This dog food contains all the nutrients your dog could have. The ingredients are also made from all-natural and real meat with whole food ingredients that are protein-packed and even minimally processed, assuring that your dog gets pure and real nutrition of raw in every bowl. When it comes to feeding your American Bulldog puppy, it is important to choose a high-quality food that is designed for large breeds. Puppies grow quickly and need plenty of nutrients to support their growing bodies. Look for a food that is rich in protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that are high in fillers or contain artificial ingredients. Your American Bulldog puppy should eat three to four times a day, so divide their daily ration into smaller meals. Puppies under six months old need to eat more often than older puppies. Always have fresh water available for your puppy and monitor their food intake to ensure they are getting enough to eat. A healthy American Bulldog should eat about 2 to 3 cups of food a day, divided into two or three meals. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian how much food your dog needs. Puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs may need more food. Senior dogs may need less. There are a variety of raw meats that you can feed your American Bulldog. Some of the most popular include chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb. You can also find specialty raw foods that are made specifically for Bulldogs. These can be found at most pet stores or online. You should also wash the meat thoroughly before feeding it to your dog. Raw meat is an excellent source of protein for your American Bulldog. It can help to build muscle and keep their coat healthy. Raw meat is also easy for them to digest and can give them the energy they need to stay active. If you are unsure of what kind of raw meat to feed your American Bulldog, you can always ask your veterinarian for advice. They will be able to recommend the best type of food for your dog based on their individual needs. Blue Buffalo is considered a good source of nutrition for American Bulldogs. It is a high-quality food that contains all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins that these dogs need to stay healthy and active. Additionally, Blue Buffalo does not use any cheap fillers or artificial ingredients in their products. This makes them a safe and healthy option for American Bulldogs. Is Pedigree Good for American Bulldogs? Just like with any other type of dog, it is important to do your research before you decide to feed your American Bulldog Pedigree. While Pedigree is a popular brand of dog food, it may not be the best option for American Bulldogs. There are a variety of factors that you should consider when choosing the right food for your dog. This includes the ingredients, the size and activity level of your dog, and any health concerns that your dog may have. One of the main things to consider when choosing food for your American Bulldog is the ingredients. Another thing to consider is the size and activity level of your American Bulldog. If your dog is on the smaller side or is not very active, he may do better with food that has fewer calories. Conversely, if your dog is larger or more active, he may need food that has more calories to help him maintain his weight. Finally, you should also consider any health concerns that your American Bulldog may have. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, you will want to choose a food that does not contain any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction. There are a few commercially available dog foods that are specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and these may be a good option for your American Bulldog. Can American Bulldogs Eat Chicken? Yes, American Bulldogs can eat chicken. In fact, chicken is a great source of protein for them. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues. Can Bulldogs Eat Bread? Most bread is perfectly safe for American Bulldogs to eat, but there are a few things to be aware of. Additionally, some bread can be very high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Chocolate is toxic to American Bulldogs and can make them very sick. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is a stimulant that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in large quantities. Can Bulldogs Drink Milk? Yes, Bulldogs can drink milk. In fact, many American Bulldogs enjoy drinking milk and it can be a good source of nutrition for them. Just be sure to choose low-fat or skim milk to avoid any health problems. Can Bulldogs Eat Fruit? Yes, Bulldogs can eat fruit. In fact, some fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, are packed with nutrients that can be beneficial for them. Just be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly and remove any pits or seeds before feeding it to your Bulldog. Can Bulldogs Eat Peanut Butter? Yes, American Bulldogs can eat peanut butter. Can They Eat Table Scraps? Table scraps are often high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. There are a variety of dog treats available that are safe for American Bulldogs to eat. Just be sure to choose treats that are low in fat and calories, and avoid any that contain chocolate or other potentially harmful ingredients. Foods that are high in fat, sugar, or calories can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

The study also identifies the most common disorders recorded in the breed, showing that some of these, such as otitis externa and periodontal disease, occur at levels typical of dogs overall while others, such as epulis and corneal ulceration, are quite breed predisposed. There was only limited evidence for important health differences between the sexes and very little evidence supporting reduced health in white Boxers. With an overall median longevity of .This study highlights the value of Big Data resources such as VetCompass to provide breed health profiles that can support improved health plans for individual breeds. In the same year, Boxers comprised 1. This higher proportion among the registered pedigree dogs is expected, given that the wider canine population also includes designer crossbreeds, mixed breeds and other breeds of dog that are not registered with or recognised by The Kennel Club. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between males and females except for bodyweight. Mean bodyweight for males .This mirrors the sexual dimorphism encoded in the breed standard, which suggests a male bodyweight of 30—32 kg and a female bodyweight of 25—27 kg [ 4 ]. Gene mapping has shown a shared genetic mutation for the white colour in Boxers and Bull Terriers, and white colouring has been linked to congenital deafness for over a century [ 26 , 27 ]. For this reason, white Boxers have long been considered undesirable by breeders and historically were often culled [ 28 ]. Consequently, little reliable information has been available until now on the proportion of white dogs within the Boxer breed or on associations of white colour with deafness and other health problems in the wider population. In a study in the Netherlands in —5, .However, changing attitudes towards such large-scale culling among pedigree dogs now mean that more white Boxers are sold as pets and fewer are euthanized as puppies. A more recent study in Italy reported that .In the current VetCompass study, .This lower UK proportion of white Boxers could reflect a genuine difference in allele frequency between different national dog populations or might indicate some ongoing level of neonatal culling of white dogs in the UK. For comparison, The Kennel Club registration data for all Boxers recorded as born between and identified that 6. Although these Kennel Club data refer to births during these years rather than to the adult population that was reported in the VetCompass data, this even lower figure could reflect ongoing reluctance by breeders to register non-standard white dogs, particularly if they perceive these puppies as deaf or likely to be deaf. An alternative explanation could be that genetic mutations for white dogs are genuinely more common in the wider non-Kennel Club population of Boxers in the UK. The current study also failed to show any predisposition for deafness in the white Boxers. This may reflect previous culling of fully deaf dogs to mainly leave white Boxers with at least unilateral hearing in the living population. An alternative explanation could be that some of these living white Boxers were indeed deaf but that neither the owner or veterinary teams were aware of their deafness, which can be challenging to identify, or that this information was not recorded in the clinical notes [ 30 ]. Disorder prevalence Neither males versus females, nor white versus non-white Boxers differed statistically in their annual disorder counts, suggesting little or no overall health differences between these categories of dog. The two most prevalent disorder groups both overall and in each sex were skin disorder overall .There is a long and deep literature worldwide on predispositions to a range of neoplasia in Boxer dogs based on data sources including referral veterinary records [ 31 ], post-mortem studies [ 32 ], histopathology sample analyses [ 33 ], cancer registries [ 34 , 35 ] and mortality studies [ 36 ]. The current study provides further supporting evidence of cancer predisposition in Boxers that is based on primary-care veterinary data. At a disorder group level, .The evidence for a cancer predisposition in the current study also supports the choice of Boxer dogs as comparative oncology models for translational research to better understand the origins of cancer and translate these findings to novel therapies, in line with the thinking of the team that chose the Boxer for the first full genomic sequencing in dogs [ 13 , 41 ]. Delving deeper into health differences between the sexes, there were differences detected for some disorders at both grouped and fine levels of analysis. For example, at the grouped level, females were almost three times more likely than males to be diagnosed with a urinary system disorder: a difference that reflects an even more marked sex difference at the fine level of analysis, where females were almost eight times more likely than males to be diagnosed with urinary incontinence. This female predisposition for urinary incontinence in Boxers concurs with the relative risk of over 3 times for females compared to males that has previously been recorded in dogs overall in the UK [ 42 , 43 ]. At the grouped disorder level, females were also significantly more likely than males to be diagnosed with mass lesion and dental disorder, while at the fine level of disorder, females were 1. However, despite this sex predisposition, the prevalence of 5. This relative protection is also reflected in other brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog and English Bulldog [ 45 , 46 ]. Paradoxically, it is possible that the open mouthed breathing, dental malocclusion, mandibular prognathism, drooling and widely spaced teeth seen in many Boxers and other brachycephalic breeds, which have been considered problematic for over seventy years, are nevertheless somehow protective against gingivitis: perhaps by reducing food trapping and by increasing saliva flow [ 9 ]. At the fine level of diagnostic precision, males were 2. Given that behavioural disorder was also the fourth commonest cause of mortality in this male cohort and showed the lowest median age of death, this suggests that behavioural problems, particularly aggression and especially in males, may have a significant impact on the welfare of Boxers and the people they live with, which potentially merits further attention [ 47 ]. This finding further corroborates reports of relatively high levels of aggression in Boxers compared to otherwise behaviourally similar dogs, identified via large-scale analysis of C-BARQ data on over 32, dogs in the USA [ 48 ]. However, although the 2. This wide variation in the prevalence of aggression both between breeds, and also between sexes within breeds, suggests that improved information on behavioural and temperament attributes of individual breeds is needed to help to owner make appropriate decisions when selecting breeds as companion and family dogs. At the fine level of disorders, males were also statistically more likely than females to be diagnosed with heart murmur, with a male prevalence of 4. Although heart murmur was the fifth most commonly recorded fine-level disorder overall, it jumped to the fourth most common fine-level disorder in males compared to only the ninth most common in females. While specific individual cardiological diagnoses, such as aortic stenosis and atrial septal defects, which can cause murmurs, have been recognised for many years as breed health concerns in Boxers, many true cases of these conditions in typical primary care caseloads may not be clinically worked up to this level of diagnostic precision [ 14 ]. Supporting the idea that clinical signs are often used in lieu of formal biomedical diagnoses in general veterinary care, previous work within VetCompass has reported that while just 0. Nevertheless, the finding that heart murmurs are recorded more frequently in Boxer males is consistent with previous research that reported a male predisposition for both aortic and pulmonic stenosis in Boxers [ 51 ]. In addition to some disorder predispositions where the prevalence in Boxers is higher than in other types of dogs, the current study also highlights that the Boxer also has some disorders with concerningly high prevalence that are similarly common in dogs that are not Boxers. Although otitis externa was the most prevalent fine-level precision disorder in Boxers 7. None the less, it could be argued that the high frequency of otitis externa is suggestive that this disorder should be considered as a key health priority for the Boxer. There has been a tendency for many decades to focus breed health reforms on predispositions within breeds or on disorders where there is a genetic or other diagnostic test available, no matter how rare the actual disorders are, rather than on also considering common disorders that may not even have a predisposition [ 14 ]. It may be that veterinary and breeding communities need to give greater future emphasis in breed health plans to the sum of the health and welfare impacts at an overall breed level so that these health schemes truly deliver health and welfare gains at a population level. However, that said, many of the most frequently reported fine-level disorders in the current study do show the double welfare impact of both high prevalence and high breed predisposition which marks these as very strong candidates for consideration as key disorder priorities for Boxers. Strong historical support for these disorders as breed-related problems in Boxers only further supports their prioritisation. Predisposition of Boxers to dental epulis also known as peripheral odontogenic fibroma or fibromatous epulis of periodontal ligament origin has been recognised since at least the s [ 52 ]. More recently, this predisposition has been highlighted in a UK owner survey [ 53 ], in Swedish insurance data [ 14 ] and in UK diagnostic laboratory data [ 54 ]. In the current study, epulis was the second most prevalent fine-level disorder in both sexes, with an overall prevalence of 5. As the third most common disorder in Boxers in the current study, with a prevalence of 5. Conformational predisposition to corneal ulceration among dogs with brachycephaly has been recognised for over a century [ 55 ] with a breed-specific problem of non-healing indolent corneal ulceration formally described in Boxers in the s [ 56 ]. Previous VetCompass work on corneal ulceration across multiple breeds identified the Boxer to have the second highest breed prevalence of corneal ulceration 4. Such a high prevalence and predisposition for a painful condition that is linked to extreme body conformation suggests a very strong rationale for prioritising this condition within reforms that could include breeding towards conformational moderation to improve innate health in the breed [ 14 , 57 ]. To build on this concept of evaluating disorder prioritisation within breeds based on both prevalence and predisposition, the current work also highlighted a relatively high prevalence for hypothyroidism, which affected 1. Although this was only around one third of the prevalence for corneal ulceration, previous VetCompass work has reported the Boxer breed with the third highest prevalence of hypothyroidism and to have over 10 times the risk compared with crossbred dogs [ 17 ]. This comparison between corneal ulceration and hypothyroidism in Boxers highlights that even when a breed is highly predisposed to a certain disorder, a more prevalent disease leads to a higher disease burden and therefore may be considered as having a greater breed welfare impact. Other factors such as the duration and the severity of each disorder should also be considered with making decisions about breed health prioritisation [ 58 ]. There is growing awareness that identification of disorders that are protected against may also offer useful information for breed health plans. For best effect, studies that identify protections should include clinical data on both the breed of interest as well as on a wider comparator group e. To date, such comparative studies have been reported for breeds including French Bulldog [ 45 ], Pug [ 59 ], English Bulldog [ 46 ], Labrador Retriever [ 49 ] and Staffordshire Bull Terrier [ 60 ]. However, although the current study included only results on Boxer dogs, it is still possible to identify some evidence on disorder protections by comparing the current results to prevalence data on dogs overall that were derived from the same VetCompass data source [ 22 ]. By comparing the current results to the prevalence values for dogs overall in the UK, there was some evidence to suggest protection in Boxers to periodontal disease prevalence 4. Boxers are widely regarded as a breed with a moderately brachycephalic head shape [ 4 ]. However, current research increasingly draws nuanced distinctions between the typical attributes and pathologies from the brachycephalic conformation across different breeds in dogs [ 62 - 64 ]. Despite the strong predisposition in Boxers to corneal ulceration, which is typical for the brachycephalic conformation, it is important to consider whether every disorder predisposition linked to brachycephaly will also show predisposition in the Boxer. Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BOAS is widely considered as a common disorder in dogs with extreme brachycephaly [ 65 , 66 ]. It is therefore, somewhat surprising that the current Boxer study reveals an unexpectedly low grouped level prevalence for upper respiratory tract disorder of only 3. The relatively higher craniofacial ratio muzzle to overall skull length ratio of the Boxer compared to more extreme brachycephalic breeds Boxer: 0. Pug: 0. Other predispositions that are recorded in dogs overall with brachycephaly but that had lower relative prevalence in Boxers included umbilical hernia, pododermatitis, patellar luxation and anal sac impaction [ 64 ]. These results highlight the dangers of ecological fallacy whereby the disorder risks of a group e. One aim of the current study was to investigate the health of white Boxers compared to non-white Boxers. The Kennel Club breed standard currently excludes white dogs, which have long been anecdotally considered to have an elevated risk of congenital sensorineural deafness and, possibly, other diseases [ 4 , 28 ]. However, despite this, very little empirical research has been reported on the incidence of congenital sensorineural deafness in Boxers. One small study in Brazil carried out brainstem auditory-evoked response BAER testing on 43 Boxers, of which 14 were white, showing that two white dogs were bilaterally deaf and one was unilaterally deaf, while all the non-white dogs had normal hearing [ 7 ]. However, as those authors pointed out, the study sample size was too small to draw meaningful statistical conclusions. Another approach here is to extrapolate results from Bull Terriers, which have the same genetic cause for colour-related deafness as Boxers [ 6 , 7 ], but have been studied in more detail, with these studies benefitting from a higher proportion of white dogs among Bull Terriers because white dogs are allowed within The Kennel Club breed standard [ 4 ]. When divided by colour, .Although these data refer to Bull Terriers, all other things being equal, a similar prevalence of deafness should be expected in white Boxers, given the common underlying cause. Alternatively, the true proportion of deaf white dogs in the adult dog population may be low because culling as a default decision among breeders may still be common in the UK [ 28 ]. Overall, the current study identified only weak evidence for any significant difference in health between white and non-white Boxers. None of the 34 fine-level disorders showed prevalence differences between white and non-white Boxers while just two of the grouped-level disorders differed, with white Boxer having higher prevalence of brain disorders and enteropathy. Given the multiple testing of 66 individual tests across the fine-level and group disorders, it would not be unexpected for two tests to return false positive type I errors, so even these two findings should be treated with caution [ 70 ]. An absence of wider health differences between white and non-white Boxers apart from hearing issues is not surprising because, despite the long-standing prejudice against white colour in this breed, the causative mutation is not generally thought to be linked to health problems other than congenital deafness [ 71 ] and vulnerability to sunburn as in all animals with little pigmentation [ 72 ]. Mortality The median age at death for Boxers in the current study was .The longevity of Boxers reported here is shorter than the median of .Therefore, these results do not suggest that the longevity overall of Boxers is particularly shorter than might be expected for a pure breed of this body size. This is especially noteworthy given that there is strong evidence that extreme brachycephaly is linked to substantially shortened lifespan [ 74 ]. It may be that the moderate rather than extreme degree of brachycephaly alone of many Boxers does not impose meaningful lifespan reductions on this breed, which does not show extreme conformation in other parts of the body [ 4 ]. Among the common causes of mortality, four disorder groups were identified with markedly earlier ages at death than the overall mean age of .Given these early deaths, it could be considered that these disorders exert an important impact on Boxer health and welfare. It is noteworthy that of these, neoplasia and renal disease map onto two priority health concerns reported by the breed community, cancer and juvenile kidney disease [ 14 ]. Given the strong prior evidence base on predisposition to neoplasia in Boxers [ 32 , 36 , 75 ], the current findings of high rates of mortality from neoplasia are not surprising. However, even these may be a substantial underestimate of the true overall neoplasia mortality as, in addition to the .There were no differences detected between male and female for disorders as a cause of mortality, but white Boxers showed evidence of higher probability of death related to brain disorder and enteropathy than non-white Boxers. Despite the possibility of false positive findings in the current study, given the neurological component to the aetiological pathway for sensorineural deafness linked to white colour in dogs [ 71 ] and given the increased prevalence for brain disorder as a grouped disorder already reported in the current study, further work on an association between white colouration and neurological disorders is warranted. This study had some limitations in addition to those previously reported for the application of veterinary primary-care clinical records as a research resource [ 19 , 22 ]. The current study aimed to report the annual prevalence of common disorders in Boxers and therefore did not extract information about the date of first diagnosis, which would have allowed additional reporting of annual incidence. Additionally, information was not extracted on the severity or duration of these disorders, which would have been needed for a fuller evaluation of the welfare impact [ 58 ]. The current study reported results from multiple analyses so there are risks of false positive findings type I error as discussed above [ 76 ]. There was minimal evidence of noteworthy health differences between male and female Boxers, or between white and non-white Boxers. Among the four most common disorders recorded in Boxers, two are typically common across all types of dogs otitis externa and periodontal disease while two showed strong predisposition in the Boxer breed epulis and corneal ulceration , suggesting the value of understanding breed-specific disorder patterns to offer insights for potential health interventions. The overall longevity of Boxer dogs was consistent with dogs of other breeds of similar body size. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. Until , the mainstay of treatment for GC involved immunosuppression with agents such as corticosteroids and azathioprine, in combination with antibiotic therapy and dietary change. Responses to treatment were generally poor, frequently resulting in euthanasia. GC became considered an incurable, immune-mediated disease. Fluorescent labeling enables clear visualization of bacterial morphology and spatial localization against a busy background of severe inflammation. This pathotype has been named 'adherent invasive E. Routine clinicopathologic testing is usually unremarkable, but may reveal mild to moderate anemia due to chronic disease, or hemorrhage if hematochezia is very severe. The degree and chronicity of blood loss in GC can cause iron deficiency anemia, with microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes. Hypoalbuminemia can also occur due to hemorrhage, protein exudation, anorexia, and inflammation negative acute phase protein. Imaging studies radiographs, ultrasound are largely unremarkable, but useful to rule out other causes of tenesmus and hematochezia e. Definitive diagnosis is achieved by histologic confirmation on colonic mucosal biopsies. Grossly, colonic mucosa is reddened, cobblestone, and ulcerated. The importance of appropriate antimicrobial selection in the treatment of GC cannot be overemphasized and has been demonstrated in a prospective study of 14 GCB. We recommend culture of 2—3 colon biopsies, requesting that the microbiology lab performs E. Enrofloxacin is usually the treatment of choice, but resistant E. A poor response to treatment is usually associated with enrofloxacin resistance, wherein repeat colonoscopic biopsy, FISH and culture are necessary to guide further treatment. In enrofloxacin-resistant cases, the antimicrobial selection should be determined by susceptibility testing. Unlike Boxer dog GC, remission of disease after eradication of E. AIEC are unique in that they do not possess any of the known virulence genes for invasion utilized by enteroinvasive or enteropathogenic E. In conclusion, GCB is associated with selective intramucosal colonization by E. They Future research initiatives in GC include genomic analysis, E. References 1. Granulomatous colitis of boxer dogs. Van Kruiningen HJ. Canine colitis comparable to regional enteritis and mucosal colitis of man. Adherent and invasive Escherichia coli Is Associated with granulomatous colitis in boxer dogs. Infect Immun. Remission of histiocytic ulcerative colitis in Boxer dogs correlates with eradication of invasive intramucosal Escherichia coli. J Vet Intern Med. Antimicrobial resistance impacts clinical outcome of granulomatous colitis in Boxer dogs. Crohn disease-associated Escherichia coli promote gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders by activation of HIF-dependent responses. Gut Microbes. High prevalence of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli associated with ileal mucosa in Crohn's disease. Sartor RB. Mechanisms of disease: pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. Holland SM. Chronic granulomatous disease. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. Culture independent analysis of ileal mucosa reveals a selective increase in invasive Escherichia coli of novel phylogeny relative to depletion of Clostridiales in Crohn's disease involving the ileum. ISME J.

Welcome to Crane Hollow Goldens. About Our Dogs All of our dogs come from excellent pedigrees with champion lines, sweet, gentle, very friendly temperaments, with great looks. Our dogs and puppies are surrounded by attention and love from day one, and we socialize our pups from birth to help ensure that you get the sweetest addition to your family. Most of our breeding dogs have OFA hip, elbow, eye and heart clearances. In the United Kingdom and most countries around the world, they are recognized by this name because of their attractive coats and gentle temperament. Our dogs are all AKC credentialed, have been trained and have gentle and well mannered temperaments. We use call names for our dogs and not their given names for the simple reason it makes them easier to train. For more information on their given names, feel free to contact us. Because of our own personal preferences, we made the decision long ago to focus our breeding efforts on the Light Golden category of the breed. Our Caring Approach We treat our mom and dad dogs and puppies as they are part of our family, and we look for adoptive families that will do the same. We specialize in matching the right puppy to your home, and we recommend the pup for you based on your family, lifestyle and activities. Offering a beautiful country setting great for raising dogs, where located in Oakville, Connecticut, in Litchfield County. We are about a 30 minute drive southeast from where the Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York state lines meet, and about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Hartford. Contact us today for your golden retriever puppy or stud service needs. Share this:. Welcome to "Nichols White Goldens" So happy that all the puppies have found their new loving families! Stay tuned for news and future litters! Please check the About Us section to learn more. Amesbury Police Department On behalf of Chief Craig Bailey, the Amesbury Police Department is proud to announce that after months of hard work Whittier has been officially certified as the departments first Therapy Dog! Our business began over a life time of love and knowledge for the Golden breed. We are a family of experienced breeders with a reputation for quality, healthy Golden Retrievers. Our dogs are calm tempered and know for their handsome looks. The Golden Retriever breed is renowned for its easy training style and dedication to its owner and families. Our English Creams range in color from light golden, to pure white, a very rare color. Our pups have been featured in Pets Edge professional sales catalog, veterinarian publications and Boston area news. Amesbury Police welcome therapy dog! Always a treat to see long lost puppies all grown up! More Family Photos. Summer Brook Golden Retrievers English Golden Retriever Breeders and Trainers We are Golden Retriever breeders who breed puppies from lines that are heavily titled in either conformation or obedience most have titles in both , are health tested, and have great pedigrees and fantastic temperaments. We have developed a positive reinforcement training program that produces an incredible amount of focus in all of our Golden Retriever puppies. Whether we are the right Golden Retriever breeder for you or not, our website has helpful tips on finding and raising your Golden Retriever puppy. Canadian Gr CH C. We are English Golden Retriever breeders who strive to produce only the very best representatives of the breed with regard to health, temperament, and appearance. All of our adult dogs are titled in obedience. Our older adult dogs are titled in conformation as well. After health, our primary focus is producing puppies with good temperaments. Families getting Summer Brook puppies can be assured of a quality well-socialized puppy for several reasons. European Type Golden Retrievers Who are a Part of Our Family First of all, our dogs live as part of our family in our home and on our acre property. Summer Brook puppies are raised in a home environment where someone is home with them most of the time. All of our English Golden Retriever parents have passed tests for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes and have had DNA testing. All of our dogs have passed with hip scores equivalent to either OFA excellent or good. We have no dogs rated as fair in any category. You can get to these pages through the Our Dogs page. See our Health pages for information on genetic health issues in English Golden Retrievers, how breeders test for these issues, and how to interpret and verify the results. We have earned titles at highly competitive levels in all three. Go to the Our Dogs page to see the titles achieved by our individual dogs. Also, see our page on Dog Titles to learn which titles mean something. You can also learn which titles you can earn in a weekend of shows with any mediocre dog. We have done well with our older dogs in the conformation ring earning a wide variety of impressive titles. However, for our younger dogs, we have decided to concentrate our efforts in the obedience ring. We prioritize temperament and health over looks. However, all of our dogs are still beautiful and they come from long lines of conformation champions. English Golden Retriever Puppies Raised With Care Fourthly, our adults are very impressive, but people keep coming back for second and third puppies from us because of the way we raise our English Type Golden Retriever puppies sometimes called English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and where and how our dogs live. See our page on Golden Retriever Puppies to see our future breeding plans along with availability. Focused Puppy Training Program 10 Week Old Puppy Heeling And finally, we have a very popular training program for those wanting a start in training for their puppy. You must see some of the many videos of our past puppies to appreciate what we do with these young puppies. You can find several of these videos on the Puppies page. Also, you can find many more videos on our Youtube channel. Enjoy Your Visit! Secondly, we designed our website to help those who are just starting a search for an English Golden Retriever puppy and want to learn more about the imported lines of Golden Retrievers. There are dozens of pages on our website with a wide variety of information. Footer Subscribe for updates about dog training, puppy care, dog food, and more! Email Address. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our high quality, health tested and beautiful dogs are achieved through our knowledge and careful care as professional breeders. We import our lines and take special care to keep health as our number one priority in our Golden puppies. We also have a keen eye for good looks! Please browse our website for resources on choosing puppies carefully, and please consider getting to know us. Our Puppy Process What is our deposit? We have a real business so we do things professionally. How do you pick your puppy? We temperament test our puppies and observe them since birth. We are professionals at matching puppies with families lifestyles, but the choice is ultimately yours, which puppy you get. Our Golden Retriever puppy pick-outs are at around 6 weeks. We allow you to choose out of a group of puppies depending on your pick spot. Our out-of-state buyers usually use Facetime or Facebook to pick their puppies out with live video. You'll see weekly videos and pictures of the puppies as they grow, so you it will be an informed decision for you to choose when it's your turn. We will share with you their temperaments, sizes and builds, so you get a great match. You are also welcome to visit the farm and pick your puppy out in person. Most of our buyers reserved to visit once when they pick their puppy up at 8 weeks. English Golden Retriever Puppies We know that your puppy will be your family member for life. The greatest part of our job is the magical moments that you first get to hold your English Golden Retriever puppy. It often brings tears to everyone's eyes. If you are interested in one of puppies, please reach out. We are diligent to follow up with every inquiry. We look forward to hearing from you. We live on a gorgeous acre hobby farm that we built from the ground up for our family and animals. Our son and daughter and both breeders. Our Son's family lives in Idaho and our Daughter lives in Maryland. We are in Western Pennsylvania. We have many happy families with our dogs in Massachusetts. One of the benefits to our network is that we can be a local breeder for both sides of the country. Please reload Yes, email me when Golden Retriever puppies are available. Message sent.

Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Are you looking for a German Shepherd puppy right now? Having problems finding one that fits into your budget? Read on to find out even more. So, if you want to find out even more about this why not check out the list of my best tips below to help guide you in your search to find top quality, healthy, reasonably priced, cheap German Shepherd puppies and dogs. This is one of the best ways to find great, adorable and wonderful German Shepherd puppies for less than from a breeder. GSD rescues specialize in saving as many lost, abused, or unwanted German Shepherds as they can and their main goal is to find new, long term homes for them. Most of the dogs these rescues have are older than 1 year in age, but from time to time they often have German Shepherd puppies available too. Just ask them what they have available and discuss what you are looking for with them. Fees for German Shepherd dogs and puppies adopted from a GSD rescue vary but you can always find out by doing online research or by calling or emailing the GSD rescue organization for more information. Here are a few places to begin your search for German Shepherd rescues. It is very possible to find wonderful German Shepherd Puppies at your local animal shelter. These animals have been turned in for some reason and need a second chance at life and you're looking for a free, or at least cheap, German Shepherd dog or puppy. So there you go - match made in heaven hopefully! And if they don't currently have any GSD puppies, no problem, just check back often or maybe even ask them to contact you whenever they do get one in. It can really be worth the wait if you're patient! So, where to start? Ask your local vet about where you can find animal shelters in your area, check the phone book and possible even ask groomers or pet stores that are local to your home. Another great place to start is: www. With all those unique GSD mixes out there to choose from, there's sure to be one one dog or puppy that is the perfect one for you. Adopting a German Shepherd mix puppy or dog can cost you a little too depending on where you find your next pet but this fee often times includes more than just the adoption fee so do your research first to see exactly what is covered in the adoption fees. So, if you follow the tips above, do your research and get all the referrals you can your chances of finding the best, healthiest free german shepherd puppies will increase dramatically. Good luck! We've had to take it off him. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content.

This article contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase an item. The main focus of a puppy supply list is always on safety. After all, when we bring our bulldog puppy home, we want to make sure that he is happy and safe and that starts with making sure we have all the essentials in place before he gets home. Once your done puppy proofing, you can grab the essentials that will keep him safe. Collar With a young puppy, I always recommend a flat collar. They are great to place his identification on and he can learn to walk on the leash. As he gets older, he can learn how to walk with a harness , which is great for most bulldog breeds. One thing I always recommend is to keep him collarless while he is alone in the house. Collars can get caught on things easily and severely injure your bulldog puppy. What I would recommend when picking the leash is that it feels comfortable in your hand and that you choose a leash that is about 6 feet in length. For training, also grab a foot lead. This should only be used for teaching come and long-distance stay, not for walking. Never use a retractable leash as they have been linked to a large number of injuries to both dogs and people and it is very difficult to control your pet on one. Identification Tag The final item in the list when it comes to collars and accessories is an identification tag. Choose one that can be personalized with all of your information. Another option is to choose a GPS tracker identification tag. That way, if your bulldog puppy escapes the yard, you can track his path on your phone. Crate Whether you will be training your bulldog puppy to lounge on the sofa while you are at work or not, you should crate train him. Crate training has a lot of benefits when it comes to house training and it keeps him safe during the day. When you are choosing a crate, you want to take a few things into consideration: Your Dog: Think about the size of your bulldog puppy and how big he will be as an adult. Choose a crate with dividers for the adult size. This is the best way to save money as your crate will grow with your puppy instead of having to purchase a new one every few months. Material: There are three types of crates, for the most part. One is a soft sided kennel made from fabric. I do not recommend these crates since they can be chewed very easily, and most bulldogs are chewers. The second is a plastic crate. These are usually used for travel as they are hard topped. First, they can be very difficult to clean if there is an accident. Second, some dogs find the plastic crates too closed and may panic. Three, I have had bulldogs chew through plastic crates within 20 minutes. Finally, metal crates with bars is the best crate for bulldogs. They may chew the plastic bottom, but that is easy to replace, and your bulldog puppy can look out, which can help him stay calm. Size: Finally, you want to consider size a bit more and look for a crate where a full-grown bulldog can stand, sit and lay down easily. They are all well made but make sure you check user reviews, so you know that your dog will be safe while you are away. Baby Gates I always recommend baby gates for several reasons. First, you can keep your bulldog puppy in a small area when they are young. As they grow more confident with their new home, you can expand it slowly by opening up the gates. Second, they are excellent for safety. You can place him in a bathroom or kitchen with a baby gate in the doorway. Your puppy will be able to see out while on a time out, which will help him feel safe. Surveillance This is not a must have but with web and security cameras out there, it can be nice to have a surveillance system, so you can check in on your bulldog puppy throughout the day. There are many pet cams that also allow you to talk to your puppy or toss them a treat. Have some fun with it and pick one up so that you can bond with your bulldog puppy whether you are home or not. Feeding supplies can be as extravagant or basic as you want. Food and Water Bowls First is the food and water bowls. With a feeding bowl, it really is up to preference. Studies have indicated that raised dishes are better to prevent bloat , however, other studies have said that raised bowls can increase the risk. With bowls, have them grow with your bulldog puppy. You want him to be able to stand comfortably and access the bowl. If he is reaching and choking on the edges, then the bowl is too large for him and you should choose a new one. Also, when you choose a bowl, use stainless steel as they are durable and very easy to keep clean. One thing with bowls that I would recommend is to choose a puzzle feeder if you find your bulldog puppy is a fast eater. This will help keep him from bloating himself Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Food Mat I recommend this simply because bulldogs have jowls, also known as flews. And boy can these flews really hold in food and water. The food mat will keep the house a bit cleaner after your bulldog puppy takes a drink or chews on his dinner. Dog Treats and Training Treats I separate dog treats and training treats for two reasons. One: dog treats are offered as a treat or a reward. They can be given to break boredom or simply to give him something to eat. Two: training treats are only brought out when your bulldog puppy is working. This means that he will be eager to listen…well…as much as a bulldog puppy will listen when you bring the training treat out. Dog treats can be anything from bone cookies to chicken feet. Training treats should be soft, easy to break into smaller pieces and should smell really good for your bulldog. Fun, Must Have, Toys for Your Bulldog Puppy When we are busy buying things for our bulldog puppies, it is important to not forget the toys for your puppies. Obviously, you will continue to purchase toys as your bulldog puppy grows but I recommend you have 3 to 5 toys waiting for your bulldog puppy when he first arrives home. There are a few different areas that you need to look at for toys, including: Chew Toys Chew toys are durable toys that your bulldog puppy can chew while he is bored. Remember that bulldogs tend to be hard chewers, which means that he will chew through them quickly and you really need to purchase some tough toys. In addition, you will find that your bulldog puppy will chew more while he is chewing so always update his chew toys as he grows. In addition, keep track of their condition. If they start to crack or break apart, throw them away to prevent any choking hazards. Some of the best chew toys for young bulldog puppies are: Nylabone Small Puppy Teethe and Tug Toy : Perfect for teething puppies, this toy soothes painful gums and is great for a game or two with your bulldog puppy. Pelay Toy Ball: Durable, strong and a puzzle ball, this chew toy can have treats thrown in to reward your chewing puppy when he chews the right things. Goughnuts MAXX 50 Ring: This toy is definitely made for hard chewers and your bulldog puppy will love chewing on it for hours. I always buy these for my pups and they love them. They present a problem and your puppy will need to solve it before he can be rewarded with a toy, treat or other reward. It is a soft puzzle toy, so they can be destroyed easily if used for a chew toy. West Paw Tux Stuffable Tough Treat Toy: Easy to clean, durable and it floats, this puzzle treat toy will stand up to hard chewers and will reward your bulldog puppy when he gets the treats out of it. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball: This is another durable puzzle ball that is great for chewing and figuring out. You place treats in the ball and your bulldog puppy will have to push, rotate and work out how to get the treat from it. Soft Toys With soft toys, I would limit the number of them and make sure they are stuffed toys made for pets. Many bulldog puppies are hard chewers and they can rip apart soft toys quickly. Uncovering the Reasons Behind Your Pet's Unusual Behavior When you give soft toys, make sure you monitor your bulldog puppy while he is using it, so you can take it away as soon as he breaks it open. Although you may think that it is better to not use soft toys, they can be quite soothing for gums while your bulldog puppy is teething, which is why I recommend keeping a few on hand. Some of the better soft toys for bulldog puppies are: ZippyPaws — Loopy Hedgehog: Looking more like a baby toy than a dog toy, it is a popular toy for most puppies. It feels great on teething gums and has crinkling sounds that can excite your bulldog puppy. Tuffy Mega Boomerang: This is a soft toy that is made with strong fabric. No Stuffing Dog Toys: These dog toys are perfect for your new chewer. While you need to be careful of the squeaker coming loose, they have no stuffing that your bulldog puppy could eat. Fetching Toys Finally, I recommend that you get a few fetching for your bulldog puppy. Instead, only pull these toys out as a reward for him and for those play periods. Some great fetching toys are: KONG Puppy Flyer: A small frisbee, this is a great toy to get a young puppy playing fetch…or chase if he decides not to bring it back. West Paw Tizzi: This toy is great as it is durable and dishwasher safe for cleaning. And it bounces around when you chuck it, so your bulldog puppy will be extra excited playing with it. After all, grooming is very important and will keep your bulldog puppy nice and healthy. Grooming is integral for several reasons, including: Bonding: Grooming your bulldog puppy allows you to bond with him. He learns to accept being touched and that your touch is positive. This builds trust and it can be quite relaxing sitting and simply grooming your puppy. When you are grooming, your bulldog puppy is having his paws, mouth, face, ears and tail being touched. He will become socialized to this handling and will be better off for it. Health: Grooming keeps your bulldog puppy healthy, but it also gives you a chance to check him over and catch health problems quickly. When grooming, always look for unusual bumps, skin rashes or lumps. Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. The English Bulldog — Quite a Chap! The English Bulldog can be expected to have certain traits: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Quiet—not much of a barker Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions Outgoing and friendly personality You may also these characteristics in your bully buddy: Can be gassy and drool a lot Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and she may snore Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy Sensitive, matures slowly Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance She is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership , she is a social and cheerful addition to any family. The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull-baiting in .The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your English Bulldog looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Bulldogs Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Bulldogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! When Bulldog puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your English Bulldog. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Spinal Deformities Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Unfortunately, Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Bulldogs. The tear glands no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, which results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Symptoms include a thick discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry appearance of the eye. This is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs. Dogs have a third eyelid that contains a gland that produces about one-third of the fluid that bathes the eye. If the gland is sore or swollen, it looks like a red blob in the corner of the eye. This condition is called cherry eye, and it can occur very suddenly in one or both eyes. If this happens to him, we may treat it with ointment first, but surgery is often the best option. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Reproductive Difficulties Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. If you are interested in breeding your English Bulldog, speak with us first. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Heart Disease Bulldogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Multiple Skin Problems Your English Bulldog is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Laryngeal Paralysis Older Bulldogs may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. Watch for noisy breathing, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather. In severe cases a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing. Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your English Bulldog will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Dental Abnormalities Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Bulldog. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Yes, dogs can get braces! Taking Care of Your Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your English Bulldog live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Her deep wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult she can have a tendency to be lazy, so you must ensure she receives adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. She is sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Bulldog needs help. They are also a great way to feed aggressive eaters since they can only get a few bites of kibble at a time. As your puppy masters them, move on to harder puzzles. Avoid rawhide products and anything with parts that could break off. Here are a few of our favorites: Natural Antlers Whole or split is fine. They are expensive, but they will last forever. Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies; wash their towels, blankets, bedding, etc. Avoid Tide at all costs, it is the worst for bulldogs and allergies. Plus, we think Persil cleans better anyways. Persil Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Baby Gates To keep your bulldog from getting into other rooms unsupervised, place baby gates around your home. You can use them to keep your dog away from stairs or dangerous places like basements or laundry rooms. We use these pressure-fitted gates, there is nothing to install, and they are easy to move around to different areas of the home. We then follow up with the FURminator. Regular use of these two brushes together dramatically reduces the shedding. A little goes a long way. Not only does it clean well, but it also soothes and relieves itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Perfect for Bulldogs! It is an anti-itch cream and, if used daily, will prevent or remove tear stains. Use weekly to keep nails nice and short, this will also help prevent interdigital cysts. We find that the cordless is easier to maneuver and works better for us, but if you already have a corded one, that will work just fine. Be sure to use a grinding wheel attachment made for nails. ID tag, a collar, and leash Even though it is not possible for your bulldog puppy to venture outside until they have taken all the necessary vaccinations, it is important for you to make them familiar with a soft collar and leash for when you can take them outside. There are lots of options on the market for you to choose from and you will certainly get one matching the requirements of your furry friend. Just make sure when finding a leash and collar that they are bulldog friendly. Apart from this, you also need an identification tag for the puppy which will display the name plus the contact address of the pooch in the event that it becomes lost. There are great GPS-tracking ids and collars out there in the market these days. Chew stop We all know that pups bite quite a bit. Especially when they are teething, and they might damage furniture and clothing within your residence in no time at all. Fortunately, an anti-chew spray that comes with an unpleasant smell will prevent the mischievous animal from messing with your items. Combs, brushes, and nail clippers Brushing on a regular basis will allow your pet to remain neat and clean and prevents the buildup of hair that has shed. Toothbrush and toothpaste The dental condition of the pooch will play an essential role in keeping them in sound health. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush plus toothpaste for maintaining the oral health of your bulldog and make sure to brush his teeth at least once every day. Treatment for ticks, fleas, and worms Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms can lead to serious health issues to the puppies in the long run. Make use of an effective treatment for these harmful parasites to keep your furry pet free from ailments. Dog bed While bulldog puppies are growing, they tend to sleep for many hours. Make sure to find a comfy bed for the dog to ensure a peaceful sleep. There are many types of dog beds out there, and you will not have a tough time to find one for your adorable bulldog. We in fact have an entire post dedicated to them which can be found here. Crate or kennel A top-quality kennel or crate will be imperative depending on where the pup is going to sleep. Toys When the pup enters your house for the first time, it is natural for him to feel nervous and a little scared of his new surroundings. It is your duty to make him feel safe and at ease while stepping into your abode for the first time. Since it is the natural tendency of the pups to explore the surroundings using their mouth, this might involve lots of undesirable chewing on your items and belongings. Soft chew toys will allow the naughty animals to divert their minds preventing munching on your clothing, electric cords, and shoes. Appropriate play toys are a must if you always want to keep your bulldog in top mental health. Food and water bowls Your new bulldog pup will need to drink plenty of water during the day and he will consume his favorite snacks too. For this, you will need at least two bowls, once for water and one for food. Treats A lot of training teats will be necessary for the bulldog pup given that the initial few weeks are going to involve lots of lessons. You can reward your pooch with these treats when he or she listens to your commands and for good behavior. Vet-approved dog food Vets will recommend providing your pet with food items that will supply them with all the essential minerals and vitamins that they need for their development into a healthy adult canine. They will come in handy when you start toilet training too. There are great biodegradable options out there. Walking harness A well-designed lead and harness will allow the bulldog to run in a smooth and effortless manner. Care services that need to be lined up Owning a bulldog puppy is one of the most joyous experiences on earth. However, it is not an easy job to parent a new puppy. Below, we have provided a guide which will help you to care of your new family member in the best possible way. Find a good vet The first and foremost thing you need to do is to find an experienced vet for your bulldog. If you brought the pup from any shelter, feel free to ask for their advice too. Local dog groomers and walkers can also help you a great deal in this matter. Make the most of the initial visit to the vet Ask your vet for food recommendations, how frequently you should feed, and what portion size to offer your dog. Watch out for any early sign of illness During the initial few months, bulldog pups can suffer from illnesses that can creep up suddenly if not detected early. Below, are some symptoms that if you notice, you should contact your vet right away. Their massive, short-faced head and equally massive body are a stark contrast to their very gentle dispositions. They are also very resolute, calm, and dignified dogs. Their medium and compact size, combined with their large, projected jaws, make them appear powerful and strong. Aside from their wide and flat face, the extra layers of skin on their skull, forehead, and around the mouth are also distinguishing characteristics of bulldogs. They have a short coat, which comes in different shades: white, fawn, red, red brindle, pale yellow, piebald, or a combination of any of these, and they have naturally short and curled tails. Bulldogs make good companion dogs, and as they are known to be excellent with children, forming strong bonds with them, they make excellent family dogs. A bulldog enjoys spending time with its owner and being a part of their daily activities. While a bulldog is not a very demanding breed attention-wise, it should still not be left alone for long periods of time, as it may get restless and become destructive. A bulldog will be content just sitting or sleeping at your feet, as long as it has your company. Bulldogs have a unique intelligence — a bulldog does not simply strive to please its owner by immediately and eagerly obeying their every command. This seeming lack of obedience is often mistaken for a lack of intelligence by many people. However, a bulldog, is actually a very responsible dog with a lot of common sense. You could say that this breed has the tendency to think for itself rather than just blindly following orders. This trait is unique to bulldogs, and is what makes it appealing to some more knowledgeable dog owners. Bulldogs are not yappers, and really only bark when necessary; but on the other hand, because of their flat noses, they tend to snore loudly when they sleep. Make sure that this sort of noise is something you can tolerate before you decide to look for English bulldog puppies for sale! Being separated from its mother will also make the first few days a difficult experience for the puppy. Your puppy will be missing the company of its mother and siblings, and for this reason, will need the comfort of your company; make sure you can provide your puppy with the time and attention it needs during the first few days after you take it home, to help him adjust and settle in. Have a comfortable bed, or a crate with a blanket ready for your bulldog puppy; place an old blanket inside the crate so it will have something soft and warm to snuggle up against, to make it feel comfortable and secure right away. During the first few nights it may help your puppy sleep if you place a hot water-bottle and a ticking clock, securely wrapped in a blanket, in its bed. Kongs are extremely robust, and make great chew toys for bulldogs. Maintain this diet for a few days and then gradually switch to the food that you want to give it. Most commercial pet foods are nutritionally balanced to ensure your puppy gets the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development, and to maintain optimal overall health. Always have fresh water available. If you engage in a lot of physical activities outdoors and prefer having your dog with you, a bulldog may not be the ideal breed for you. Alternatively, you can just leave your pet at home and take it out for a short walk every day. A bulldog is actually happy just staying inside, and it is never a good idea to leave a bulldog alone outside for long periods, as they are prone to overheating due to their short flat noses. However, a bulldog does still require some time outdoors, as like any other dog, it will engage in destructive behavior if it is cooped up indoors for longer than 10 hours at a time. As they should also be socialized with other dogs, a walk to the local dog park will provide both physical and mental stimulation.

The modern Labrador was developed from water dogs discovered in Canada by visiting rich, English hunters in the s. When they brought some of the dogs back to England, breeders further developed the Labrador Retriever we know today. Nor does anyone know exactly how the recessive gene responsible for longer coats found its way into the Labrador gene pool. One theory is that early Labrador breeders used other, long-haired retriever breeds as part of their development, bringing the recessive version of the hair coat gene with them. Bred as water retrievers, specifically for cold weather and frigid lakes, Labs needed the right coat to keep them warm as they worked. The long-haired Lab coat is thinner and wavier, making it neither as warm nor as easy to keep clean. However, most Labradors today serve primarily as family pets, not hunters or show dogs. Long-haired Labs have become more popular as the breed itself has become the most popular dog in the U. The American Kennel Club accepted its first Labrador registration not long after, in .Although their coats are outside of the breed standard, long-haired Labradors are still considered purebred dogs and are eligible for registration. The coat length of all dogs, including Labs, is controlled by a specific gene: FGF5. In Labs, the dominant trait of this gene is the short-haired version, while long hair is recessive. Puppies inherit genes from both of their parents. Parents with two dominant genes LL only pass on the short-hair genes. However, parents with one dominant and one recessive LI can pass on the long-haired trait to their pups. If both parents have LI genes, some of the litter will receive two recessive genes II and grow long hair. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock 2. Anyone interested in breeding their Lab should consider having the test done unless they are okay with getting some fluffy pups. As long as at least one parent has only short-haired genes, the pups will come out with breed-standard Labrador coats. They Shed a Lot! Labradors are considered a heavy shedding breed , and the long-haired version is no exception. No matter their top coat length, all Labradors produce a thick, warm undercoat. They shed this full undercoat seasonally, typically in spring and fall, producing enormous amounts of hair. Long-haired Labs also shed some fur year-round. Because their coats are longer and finer, they may need more brushing than short-haired Labradors to keep them tangle-free and clean. Their coats may look different, but in every other way, long-haired Labradors are typical of the breed that has topped the popularity charts in the U. They are smart, friendly, loving, and energetic, as all Labs should be. Although combining some recessive genes can result in deformities and health issues, the FGF5 gene is only responsible for hair growth. Those without the space, time, or energy to keep up with these pups should consider a different breed. Short-Haired vs. The breed can be bifurcated into a Long-haired English Labrador Retriever as well as a short-haired Lab. A typical Labrador can be characterized as a 55 to 80 pound, short-haired dog with a life span of years. However, for those who love dogs with long locks, though not very common, long-haired Labs are also bred and can prove to be great pets. This breed was developed from imported Canadian fishing dogs. The Labrador is one of the most popular dog species in various regions all across the globe. They come in three colors, i. Genetic Differences The distinct feature of the long-haired Lab has to be its length and much finer double coat than typical Labrador Retrievers. The long-haired Lab owes this to the difference in the genetic makeup of both types. Long-haired Labrador Retriever has a combination of two recessive alleles genes , which result in lengthier coats. This gene is called the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene. Geneticists have termed it the FGF5 gene. However, it is known by the name of the L gene by the Labrador breeder community. The L gene has two alleles forms. L, which is the gene for short hair, and l, which is the one that produces long hair. L is the dominant one amongst the two. So, whenever a combination of both alleles is formed for the new offspring, the L form masks the effect of the I allele, and an individual with short hair is produced. All offspring get one allele from each of their parents. If both mates from the combination 'Ll' or 'LL,' the offspring will have a coat that grows up to be short-haired. In contrast, if both parents pass only recessive genes, it will result in an 'll' combination, and the puppies will grow up to be long-haired. One thing that needs to be noticed is that whenever two different alleles Ll combine, it results in an offspring that does not show the effect of the recessive allele but becomes a carrier of the gene and may pass it on to the next generation where the gene may show its effect. In this case, if a puppy gets a combination 'Ll,' it will be short-haired but may result in a long-haired offspring by mating with a long-haired ll or a heterogenous Ll individual. Which is the Pure Breed? When a Labrador Retriever is talked about, a typical image of it that automatically comes to mind is athletic, steady, and with a thick, glossy, short coat. The standard says: "It should be short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand… A slight wave down the back is permissible. However, this restriction does not exclude this breed from the list of purebred dogs. Long-haired English Labrador Retrievers are, in fact, purebred dogs that can be recognized in breed registries. The long coats only disqualify them from the show bench but keep them as pure of a breed as the typical ones are. Although, some breeders believe that exclusion from the literal definition should deliberately lead to no long-coated type breeding. But the continuous demand and adoration by the families as pets will never let this happen. Who is a Better Pet? The most relevant question that arises is: Can long-haired pets be good pets or not? Fortunately, the l gene has not been seen to have any other effect on the offspring except for the change in the length of their coats. No health issues, no other special characteristics. Just the long locks and nothing else. Long-haired English Labrador Retrievers have all the great traits that can be found in the typical ones, be it friendly disposition or special affection towards children. So the answer is a big fat yes! You can definitely pet these cute, faithful creatures. Labrador's thick, oily, double coat has always been the species' intrinsic characteristic which protects them from wind, rain, and harsh weather conditions. This helps them tolerate the worst environments without any significant effect on their health. A long fine coat makes the body more vulnerable to environmental conditions. Also, long hair is a bit more difficult to clean. So, the selection is based on your personal liking of you as a buyer. If you find long hair cuter on your pet and can handle all the extra fuss that comes along with the long hair, then why not go for what your heart desires? Which Breed is More Common? If the long-haired breed is ignored by the main breed registries to this extent, it surely means that the vast majority of Labradors that are bred in the present day are the typical short-haired ones. This in no way means that it is hard to find a Long-haired English Labrador Retriever. This breed is produced by several breeders in the country. You will not have to search much to find one for you. Bathing your long-haired lab might require more effort and time but once done, it makes it look and smell its best. To avoid the long locks from matting during the bathe and make the bath as smooth and enjoyable as the both of you want, brush your dog's hair beforehand. It is recommended to use some conditioner in a reasonable quantity after shampooing the hair. Don't forget to use it with diluting products so that it reaches and cleans every part of your dog's long coat. The residue from the products can be harmful to the dog's skin, so make sure to rinse thoroughly with water. It is a long and hectic process but the results will be worth it. It is advisable to use a slicker or bristle brush to bathe your short-haired Lab, as a pin brush may injure the vulnerable skin. Remember not to use any bathing products for use by humans. The ingredients which are beneficial for human hair may prove to be irritating to a dog's skin. Be careful with the shampoo as it can easily slip into the dog's eyes, nostrils, ears, or mouth, which in this case are not covered by hair. Verdict: Which One to Buy? The major difference between both breeds lies with the genetic makeup of the two of them. The different genetic combinations lead to two different coats, i. Long-haired Labs do not come under the typical Labradors definition, which leads to it being the less common breed among the two. Short hair breeds are easy to take care of. All other characteristics make both breeds quite the same. Therefore, the buying decision should more or less be based upon the mere appearance of the two. Go for the one that appeals to you the most. Bring your very own English Labrador home now! Contact us to learn more. There are long-haired Labradors that typically have a longer coat than other types. This is caused by a recessive gene and is less common than short coats. The fluffy coat type is present in all three colors of purebreds, yellow, chocolate, and black. Labradors were used as gun dogs in the past, and their thick, short coat was ideal for working on a hunt in inclement weather. The long, wavy, glossy coat of the long-haired Lab is less suited for this kind of work. To explain where long-haired Labradors come from, we have to talk about heredity, dominant traits, and recessive traits. Some Labradors have long hair due to a recessive trait of a gene called fibroblast growth factor 5, abbreviated to FGF5. Two copies of the genes, one from each parent, are required to express the long coat. Carrier puppies that inherit one copy of the gene will have normal short coats. To elucidate further, a Labrador pup receives one version of the hair length gene from each parent. Each version of the gene is called an allele. In the FGF5 gene , short hair is a dominant trait, and long hair is a recessive trait. If the pup has one short hair allele and one long hair allele, the dominant short hair trait cancels out the recessive long hair. This pup will also pass the recessive trait on to their offspring. If they mate with another dog that has at least one copy of the recessive trait, there is a good chance the offspring will also be a long-haired Lab. Long-haired Labs shed a shocking amount of fur, just like their short-haired counterparts, due to having a double coat. They shed year-round and shed more than usual twice a year, typically in spring and winter, when they will change their coat ready for the season ahead. The Labradors topcoat is longer and slower-growing. This is the coat that you typically see. The undercoat is softer, grows quickly, and keeps the dog warm. Investing in a Roomba is my advice! Are Long-Haired Labradors Purebreds? Long-haired Labradors are purebreds. Except for the length of their hair, they have exactly the same pedigree as short-haired Labs. Although the American Kennel Club recognizes them, they are severely penalized for conformation, but a slight wave down the back is acceptable. For dog shows, dogs have to adhere to very specific standards appearance-wise. Breeders even go as far as to deliberately breed Labs to eliminate this genetic trait. This is one of the reasons why most Labradors have short coats. If you go the breeder route, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. This tip mainly applies to dog owners who buy from breeders. The stakes are a lot higher in the purebred dog game. Unfortunately, some breeders have been accused of selling mixed-breed puppies as Labradors simply because they have the long-coat trait. Anyone unsure of the parentage of a puppy with such a coat should have it DNA tested. This is because most people who adopt from a rescue do so to give a dog a home rather than own a dog with a valuable pedigree. When adopting a Lab puppy, you should budget not only for the initial purchase but also for the costs of taking care of your dog. This includes food, puppy training, and vet bills for vaccinations and checkups. Veterinary care will be the most expensive part of dog ownership. Long-Haired Labs as Good Family Dogs Besides the different hair lengths, long-haired Labs are the same as other Labs in physical size, shape, and temperament. They are friendly, enthusiastic dogs who are extremely gentle toward children. For this reason, the Labrador is a favorite breed among families. Labradors are also good for seniors as long as the owner is quite healthy and active. Seniors will also usually have more time to spend with their dogs, especially if retired. If breeders have worked so hard to bury the recessive long-hair gene, why does it continue to show up? The answer is pretty simple. They just want a fluffy addition to their family. Final Thoughts If you are contemplating this breed — whether the popular short-haired or the rarer long-haired variety, all Labradors make good first dogs. Overall, Labradors are viewed positively by pet owners. They are friendly, non-aggressive, affectionate, and easy-going. The length or texture of their coat does not affect this. Related Posts You May Like:. Tweet on Twitter A long haired Lab is a Labrador Retriever with two copies of a recessive gene which causes them to grow a longer, finer, wavier coat than typical Labradors. Long coated Labs are still purebred dogs which can be entered onto breed registries. But their coats disqualify them from the show bench. Some breeders believe that since long coats are not part of the Labrador breed standard, long haired Labs should never deliberately be bred. But many long haired Labs are adored family pets. So who is right? Are There Long Haired Labs? The classic image of a Labrador Retriever is easily called to mind: athletic, steady, and with a thick, glossy, short coat. All gazing patiently at the camera and sporting silky, wavy coats. How is that? Long haired Labs owe their coat length to a very specific gene, called the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene. The fibroblast growth factor 5 gene is also known as the FGF5 gene by geneticists. And as the L gene by Labrador breeders. The L gene comes in two forms. L, which produces short hair, and l, which produces long hair. The L form is dominant, which means whenever it is present it overrides the effect of the l form. Puppies who inherit the combination LL grow up to have short hair. Puppies who inherit the combination Ll also have short hair. And finally puppies who inherit the combination ll will grow a long coat. The difference starts to appear at around six weeks old, when it becomes clear their coat is just going to keep on growing. Fibroblast growth factor 5 is a chemical signal, which acts on hair follicles and tells them to stop hair growth while the coat is still short. Long haired Labs are still Labrador Retrievers through and through. And as long as they have a proven pedigree, they are still purebred , and can be registered as such. Where does it come from? Since the gene is recessive, it can easily be passed down silently through the generations, and only be expressed very occasionally. Do Long Haired Labs Matter? But why is that? And is it justified? As we all know, Labradors are first and foremost a gun dog. They have a long and illustrious past working on hunts in all weathers and all seasons. Their thick, oily, double coat has always been an intrinsic part of their ability to do that. It protects them from wind and rain so that they can go on working in all conditions. But a long fine coat is less protective against the elements, and also less practical to clean after a mucky day of field work. But how do they get on in the far more modern role of family pet? So can long haired Labs be good pets? The answer is certainly yes! Long haired Labs have all the same wonderful traits as their short coated brethren, including a friendly disposition and gentleness towards children. But for many generations, the recessive gene has appeared unbidden and unexpectedly in Labrador puppies after years of being hidden. And the result of this test might well be included in the paperwork they offer you when you register your interest in a litter. Most Labrador breeders will avoid mating known two carriers together, since their litter is statistically likely to be one quarter long haired. The Importance Of Carriers When a Lab with the genotype Ll and a Lab with the genotype LL have puppies, approximately half of the litter will carry the l gene, but none will express it. Using all the genetic information available and making measured decisions like this are an important way that Labrador breeders can maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding, whilst still producing puppies that meet the breed standard. If you are thinking of mating your own Labrador, these tests and decisions are also something for you to think about. Long Haired Labs — Summary Long haired Labs are the result of a genetic combination which is very unusual in the Labrador Retriever breed. Nonetheless, it is possible for purebred Labs to inherit a long coat. Where long haired Labrador puppies have appeared in litters by surprise, they a disqualified from the show bench. But they usually go on to be much loved family pets instead, with owners who love them even more for how distinctive they are. Did their coat come as a surprise? Do you think further breeding of long haired Labs as pets should be discouraged? References and Resources. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. Long Coats Ashland Labradors Let me be clear.Below is our experience. We now have the ability to screen our dogs to prevent producing any more long coats in our litters. We hope other breeders do the same. Long Coated Labradors? After 29 years in the Labrador Breed, it finally happened. I got Long Coats! Three in ONE litter. No, they are not rare and we surely did not breed to purposely produce long-coated offspring. Matter of fact, this was a repeat breeding which a litter of nine pups born to the same parents 2 years earlier produced NOT ONE long-coat puppy. Go figure! Long coat puppies are born looking just like their normal litter-mates. Wow, coat, bone, head, tail. WTH happened? Someone stole my pup and replaced it with a Flat Coat. .Ooh my!! The long-haired coat is inherited as a autosomal-recessive trait. Because I want to share this information freely, so people can learn more and be "assured" that if YOU happen to produce a long-coat, it is NOT the end of the world. I feel breeders should be much more open instead of secretive. Why some breeders feel they need to "hide" the fact that there stud dog or bitch is a long-coat carrier is ridiculous. It would only appear to help other breeders make better breeding decisions and avoid intentionally breeding carrier. For anyone wanting to do more research into bloodlines of which our long-coats were produced, please click here to see the pedigree. There are many theories on how the long-coat gene originated in the Labrador Breed. This was the only British retriever to be selected for the dominant smooth coat. Modern Labrador retrievers are almost universally smooth-coated dogs. However, although seldom, a long-coated puppy is born. The exact origin of these modern long-haired Labradors isn't exactly clear. They could have always been hidden within the smooth-coated St. I think a much more likely source for this coat is cross-breeding. Labrador, golden, and flat-coated retrievers were considered varieties of a single breed, and interbreeding the varieties was very common. When the Labrador retriever needed fresh blood, it was occasionally bred to wavy or flat-coated retrievers, which may have included dogs we would call golden retrievers. The Dukes of Buccleuch and the Earls of Malmesbury tried to keep their dogs from being bred to long-haired retrievers, which is one reason why they were so eager to import more smooths from Newfoundland. However, other breeders certainly did outcross. We present the following information about the fluffy long-haired coat for reference only, as it is a coat type that has been proven to be present in purebred Labradors. It is unfortunate that some breeders have been accused of selling mix-breed puppies as Labradors simply because the puppies exhibited the long-hair trait, so it is our hope that this article will be of help to those breeders, and encourage anyone who is unsure of the parentage of a puppy with such a coat to have it DNA tested, now that such a test is available. At about three weeks of age we started to notice something different about the two yellow boys. They started to develop curly hair on their ears—then on their legs. By the time the litter was five weeks old it was clear that these puppies were very different from any I had whelped before. By now I was concerned that perhaps some other dog had entered the picture as well, and yet I was confident Light had not been with any other dog. It came back quite clear—Buddy and Light were certainly the only parents of this litter. At the time no such test existed for Labrador Retrievers, although a protocol had been developed for other breeds. Randy Smith at the laboratory agreed to develop a protocol for the long-hair gene in Labradors. The wait was brief, and very quickly Dr. Obviously, the parents both carried the gene and it appears to be a simple recessive much like gene for the color yellow. The question now remained—where did it come from? Some more research has uncovered that long-haired Labradors are fairly common in Europe, where indeed the long-haired Weimaraner is generally accepted by breeders. There have been several reports of the gene showing up in European-imported Labradors. The problem for us as breeders is that these puppies really do not look the way we expect Labradors to look. In addition, there are other characteristics that appear to be consistent with the longer coat, such as larger size and denser bone. The extrapolation is that perhaps this gene is a throwback to the ancestral St. There are at least two theories on how the recessive gene of long fur has appeared within the bloodlines of the Labrador Retriever. The first is that it is an original dog legacy St. However, there is no evidence of this, and also the dogs St. The other theory speaks instead of using flat coated retrievers at the beginning of the century. According to some, this was done to strengthen the bloodlines in England were weakening, in the early , and again after World War II. Obviously, there are no certain traces of this in the pedigrees of the current dogs. The separation of this was based on the coat length because all the puppies were yellow. Apparently the third generation showed some parts of the original breed. Based on his research, I analyzed all of fluffy labrador pedigree in my possession, starting from that of Brida, our first fluffy, through the pedigree of Disel that being born in Russia should be very far from that of Brida , and then other engines in my possession. For all the pedigree we analyzed both parents. It is understood that this research does not want to give the final answer as regards the presence of a recessive gene long hair in Labrador Retrievers. Here are the results so far encountered. In all analyzed pedigree, there is a common ancestor, which is also identified in the original design of the Chocolate. It is Sandylands Mark. Based on the pedigree of Sandylands Mark, we can go back in time to find more of a flat coated retriever: Filleigh Jet passing Bee of Whitmore, and his many heirs in the pedigree of Sandylands mark, such as Tatler of Whitmore and Tag of Whitmore and downdrafts. In database Labradornet. It would now to check if between the long-haired Labrador specimens, or recessive nevertheless be established, there are that they are not in some way attributable Sandylands Mark, and in the case trace their blood lines up to verify if even in those cases they are of the flat. The presence of a common ancestor to all fluffy Labrador, in which there are multiple lines primigene Flat Coated Retrievers, however, would seem to be a confirmation of the facts, and that the recessive gene introduced with the flat is so historical legacy of the Labrador Retriever breed.

So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. Darby and Mike Kelley Greetings, My husband and I have devoted our hearts and our home to raising these smart, fun, family dogs. For many years, we have been blessed to pair puppies with families. We encourage you to contact us anytime with your Doodle questions or enquiries. These dogs make an ideal option for any family looking to add a canine companion. You can be assured, you have purchased a well bred, socialized puppy from DNA and health tested parents. Golden Buttes Doodles carefully breeds and socializes all our doodle puppies, to create a forever furry family member for you. Our Doodles for Sale Whether you choose the classic Goldendoodle, striking Bernedoodle, charming Sheepadoodle, or tiny Schnoodle, we breed our doodle puppies to be your perfect companion dog. See the puppies we have available as well as our upcoming litters to find your new puppy today! A little bit about us Welcome to Golden Buttes Doodles! Breeding, designing, raising, caring and loving is what we love to do. Happy, loving breeders GBD has a long history of breeding exceptional pets. Ten years ago, we found a love and passion for breeding and raising Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. We were captivated by their calm intelligence and soft, non-shedding coats. Our breeding background gave us considerable knowledge when breeding dogs. Countless hours of study and hands on experience go into producing these amazing puppies. Breeding location GBD is located on five acres of beautiful land in Marysville California that provides ample room for doodle puppies to explore and experience different terrains while building their confidence and courage. See them in action! Windsong breeds Goldendoodle puppies that are healthy, happy, and well-socialized. We help each family select the right puppy for their lifestyle while keeping the individual needs of each puppy in mind as well. Love Our babies receive round-the-clock care from birth until they join their new family at 8 weeks. In fact, our babies spend the first weeks in our master bedroom as this makes for easy nighttime checks! They are loved on from their first day of life by children, cats, and most of all me! At 4 weeks they move to my living room where they can observe and interact more closely with our family. Health A high-quality diet, proper supplements, and the necessary genetic testing is our key to raising healthy puppies. We are passionate about health and are proud to offer a 2-year health guarantee on all our puppies. More info Happiness The happiness and well-being of our moms, dads, and puppies are extremely important to us. All of our breeding dogs live in our home or in loving guardian homes with their forever families. We believe there is a right and wrong way to breed. We are not a kennel, all of our dogs are well-cared for and cherished family members. A puppy can be the perfect addition to a home to give and receive love and build a strong mutual bond of devotion. Welcoming a new puppy into your forever home is an exhilarating time, but it also brings a wealth of responsibilities. At Almond Blossom Doodles, we want this homecoming to be a beautiful and joyous occasion, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We ensure that these adorably perfect family companions receive an abundance of love and affection from the moment they enter this world. Our hands-on approach helps socialize the puppies while also aiding in the development of their loyalty and trust. We put a piece of our hearts into each puppy that we raise and share with you so the transition into their forever home will be seamless. Our sweet and lovable puppies are ready to come home with you eight weeks after birth, and all puppies come with the following services: Two-year health guarantee A Start on crate training-one week before you take them home ENS Early Neurological Stimulation Age-appropriate shots and worming with records included Collar and leash Almond Blossom Doodle Swag Bag. We are located on the beautiful central coast of California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We have five picturesque, country acres and are surrounded by vineyards, cattle, goats, donkeys, and many puppies. My husband and I began breeding puppies many years ago while our children still lived at home. They are now long gone so we get to share this unique and rewarding experience with our grandkids, who are our chief socializers! We jumped at the opportunity as these dogs are not only popular but exquisite as well. We are proud to say we strive for and attain the same high quality standards that she requires as we are honest, principled and conduct ourselves with the utmost integrity. It is also convenient that our properties are adjacent to one another as we often share and collaborate on various dog related topics and issues. We are dedicated to raising quality Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles which come from health-tested parents with excellent bloodlines and outstanding personalities. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality puppy in addition to excellent customer service. We are confident that you will enjoy working with us as you find the puppy that is just right for you and your family. Goldendoodles via ourdoodteddy How To Find A Reputable Goldendoodle Breeder Selecting a breeder is a major decision that everyone who wants to bring a Goldendoodle into their home has to face. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Goldendoodle these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. It is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. Since they have diverse parents, their appearance may differ from one another. Some puppies will look more like a Poodle , while others may carry a similar appearance to Labrador. No matter which side they choose, they are one of the cutest hybrids out there. Like we mentioned above, a Teacup Labradoodle shares similar traits with its larger counterpart. They are smart, intelligent, and loving, making them a perfect and small-sized partner for your home. Additionally, their miniature size makes them highly portable, which is why Teacup Labradoodles are garnering lots of attention across families worldwide. As the name suggests, a Teacup Labradoodle is a miniature version of the popular labradoodle mix. They are compact and highly portable and ensure that you never face any storage issues while traveling with them. Here are some key points to consider: They are intelligent and easy to train They are hypoallergenic Takes less space Cute, adorable, and low-shedding breed Now that you know what to expect from a Teacup Labradoodle, here is a guide covering their price , size, health, and other essential things that will help you before you make your choice. You can expect the same thing if your dog prefers the other way around. Sometimes, a fully grown Teacup Labradoodle might not be miniature at all, solely because of the genes at play. As for the Teacup Labrador aesthetics that are always doing the rounds with pet lovers, a pup with Labrador features and a Poodle coat is undoubtedly the most sought-after Teacup Labradoodle variant. This version retains the curly Poodle coat while having a broader build and snot. We will provide a comprehensive Teacup Labradoodle size breakdown below, so please make sure you stick around this article till the end. Apart from being a lovable pup, this hybrid mix is very intelligent, and you can train them without breaking a sweat. Additionally, you can expect a well-behaved temperament with lots of love and life. However, you might want to create boundaries and provide them proper exercise to keep them playful. Additionally, some Teacup Labradoodles can become unruly and loud, which is why creating boundaries is the perfect way of keeping them well adjusted. Furthermore, they can be cautious with strangers or become protective of other dogs. It is a natural trait acquired from the parents, which you can prevent by adopting early socialization methods. Overall, a Teacup Labradoodle can become defensive or suspicious, but adopting preventive measures will ensure that they remain animated and affectionate all the time. Teacup Labradoodle Training If you are looking for your first dog, the Teacup Labradoodle is an ideal choice. Since this hybrid mix is intelligent and trainable, you can teach them to obey commands and learn tricks. Training and socializing from an early age improves their behavior in adulthood. Here are some tips for training a Teacup Labradoodle: Introduce your Teacup Labradoodle to new and different places. Meeting new people also helps them to socialize with their surroundings. Provide them with proper exercise each day 30 — 60 minutes. Keep them happy, as positive reinforcement is a successful training approach for Teacup Labradoodles. Whether you leave them in the water or on land, these dogs are less likely to show signs of exhaustion. You will need more than a jog or walk to suffice their hunger for physical activity, which is why experts recommend providing them with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. Since they are small-sized dogs, they take up less space, and a fenced backyard or Dog Park will be an ideal activity area for them. These pups can be mischievous and prone to follow tracks, which is why keeping them in a fenced area is a good option. Note: Teacup Labradoodles can jump high, so it would be best to build a higher than 6 ft fence. Living Conditions The small build of a Teacup Labradoodle allows it to live in small spaces. With proper guidance, training, and a lot of physical activity, this dog does well in tight living environments, such as apartments. Additionally, you can build dog parks or fenced areas to provide training exercises, such as mental stimulation and playtime. In general, these dogs fall in the size bracket of 14 to 24 inches and weighs 10 to 30 pounds. Since these pups are hybrids, they carry the medical concerns of their parents with them. For instance, if a pup inherits medical conditions from its Labrador parent, it will be prone to obesity, cruciate ligament injuries, eye disorders, and elbow and hip dysplasia. Additionally, they may develop ear infections, which is very common for Labradors. Likewise, a pup inheriting medical conditions from its Poodle parent is prone to patellar luxation, sebaceous adenitis, cataracts, and skin problems. It would be best for Teacup Labradoodle owners to understand these symptoms to help their pups stay healthy. Taking your pet to a doctor for regular checkups. Adopting preventive healthcare measures to ensure your pup stays healthy. Never miss a vaccine and immunization routine. Additionally, you can adopt regular exercises for your pup using interactive toys to boost their mental health. These measures will ensure that your little friend stays healthy and happy. Teacup Labradoodle Nutrition Since the Teacup Ladradoodles vary in size, the food requirement differs as well. Additionally, lack of physical and regular activity levels also defers their food requirements, and it would be best to consider this point as well. An average Teacup Labradoodle can consume one to two cups of grain-free and quality dry food. However, you will have to monitor their diet as they are prone to food-related diseases, such as obesity and boat. It would be best to monitor their nutrition intake to keep these problems at bay. According to experts, using a slow feeder to provide meals is an excellent option to monitor their nutrition levels. Most dog foods come with a feeding guide based on size, but they only serve as guidelines and may vary for different dogs. Their price can vary because of different reasons, including color, pedigree, and location. However, the most significant factor that determines a Teacup Labradoodle price is size. Since this hybrid mix is popular because of its miniature size, the smaller the size, the more expensive it becomes. The location also plays a crucial role in determining the cost. If you want to save some money, you can search for a Teacup Labradoodle in a local shelter. You can also search for an online adoption site, where you can get the best prices for the dogs. Doodles loves to run and play Teacup Labradoodle Coat and Colors One of the top reasons pet lovers opt for Teacup Labraddodles is because of its distinctive Poodle curls. Their color and texture may differ in many ways and range from double, shorter Labrador coat or curly, long Poodle coat. Since Poodles and Labradors come in different colors, determining a Teacup Labradoodle can be tricky. Teacup Labradoodles come in golden, blue, chocolate, brown, gray, white, yellow, or black. For instance, if a puppy favors the Labrador genes, it is more likely to shed, changing its coat and color. Teacup Labradoodle Grooming If you are planning to own a Teacup Labradoodle, you will have to follow strict grooming routines. This dog breed needs a lot of attention and requires frequent brushing and trimming. You will have to work hard to maintain the signature Poodle look, especially if it favors the Poodle genes. The Poodle coat requires high-maintenance, and if left unattended, can become matted and tangled. It would be best to take regular grooming appointments to ensure that the coat remains clean and neat. Since Teacup Labradoodle is a high-maintenance breed and requires regular grooming, it would be best to begin early. Ensure that the grooming session remains a positive experience for your dogs to avoid curiousness with their grooming routine. Is a Teacup Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? Unlike other dogs, Teacup Labradoodles are low-shedding dogs, which makes them allergy-friendly. However, fur is not the only agent that causes allergy. Other factors that cause this problem include dander and saliva. So are Teacup Labradoodles hypoallergenic? Conclusion Teacup Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and loving dogs. Over the years, this dog breed has garnered lots of attention worldwide because of its distinctive appearance and small size. They are cute, adorable, and offer a Labrador build with the signature curly Poodle coat. While these dogs require high-maintenance and can be expensive, the fact that they are quick-learners and allergy-friendly makes them an ideal pet for any family. It would be best to chart a daily routine, including training, grooming, and activity sessions to keep your dog healthy and active. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. If you have never asked the owner what breed of dog they owned, Labradoodles can be distinguished by their lovable nature, spring to the step and either fluffy or curly coats. In terms of Labradoodle sizing , there are three different sized dogs which include the miniature, medium and standard. The size of the Labradoodle is determined by what kind of Poodle the Labrador is bred with. For families where one or multiple members have allergies, Labradoodles make a suitable hypoallergenic dog. Due to the Poodle within the mix, their coats tend to agree more with those with allergies compared to other dog breeds. This is just one of the many reasons this breed is steadily increasing in popularity. While the standard sized Labradoodle has been a family favorite over the last couple of decades, once the Teacup miniature Labradoodle was introduced, many sought out miniature Labradoodle breeder in the hopes for the same lovable dogs, only smaller. With a decrease in land sizes and more housing in estates, many cannot home a large dog breed. A small or medium dog breed such as the teacup Labradoodle in turn becomes preferable. Differing Names for a Miniature Labradoodle While there may be differing names for the smallest sized dogs within the Labradoodle breed, do not be confused. All of these are still a cross breed between a Toy Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Toy Labradoodle Teacup Labradoodle Mini Labradoodle The notable size difference between a Teacup miniature Labradoodle and a Standard Labradoodle is represented in the image to the right. Facts About the Teacup Labradoodle Some of the facts about teacup Labradoodles are more obvious than others. Many of these same facts relate to all three of the Labradoodle sizes. Did you know? Teacup Labradoodles are: Energetic, intelligent and can be obedient if the correct training is put in place from day one. Available in multiple block colors and patterns. Labradoodles can come in a variety of colors including white, silver, brown, black, chocolate, cream and golden. A color or pattern of a Labradoodle puppy can increase the asking price as certain colored coats are sought out by those with the intent to breed certain blood lines. Somewhat hypoallergenic. While not all Teacup Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, the majority of those bred down the blood line are. A Cross Breed Dog. While cross breed dogs were once frowned upon, in recent years it has been found that cross breed dogs in many cases out live pure bred dogs and can have kinder natures. A fairly new breed. An excellent choice for families. Due to the nature of teacup Labradoodles, they make the perfect family dogs. Of course like any breed, you will need to socialize them to ensure they do not display any aggressive behavior. Owned by many celebrities such as Tiger Woods and Jennifer Aniston. The last thing you want to do when selecting a breed of dog, is to fall in love with one that is prone to many health concerns. While the teacup Labradoodle is not entirely in the clear, the good news is, any of the health concerns they can potentially fall ill with are not life threatening. When speaking about Labradoodle health concerns, this breed in particular is more prone to: Hip Dysplasia: This health problem is hereditary and is displayed as a limping Labradoodle with pain in the back legs. This is more commonly seen in the larger Labradoodles and can be avoided by purchasing a puppy that comes genetically tested. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease that Labradoodles are more prone to. If this is left untreated the possibility of sight loss or night sight loss is the result. Diabetes Mellitus: A Labradoodle eating more food although not gaining weight may be suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. If you find that your dog has this, regular insulin may be needed. While a teacup Labradoodle may be prone to a handful of diseases, more times than not, they are hereditary. This means purchasing a Labradoodle from a reputable breeder ensures that the dog is free from hereditary health concerns. Teacup Labradoodle Bedding Like many breeds, teacup miniature Labradoodles are notorious chewers. This means that when you are selecting bedding, while the soft cushioned beds may look attractive, the chances are your Labradoodle will have these ripped to shreds in a matter of weeks. The older a Labradoodle is, the less they tend to chew, so this means fluff filled bedding may be appropriate for teacup Labradoodles that are a couple of years old although we definitely do not recommend one for a Labradoodle puppy. When choosing bedding for your Teacup Labradoodle you will need to consider: The material that the bedding is made from. As mentioned above, chew resistant or chew proof bedding is the most suitable for a Labradoodle. The size of the bed. Make sure the bed you choose can support their weight range. Your Labradoodles health needs. If you have a Labradoodle that suffers from arthritis you may need to select a bed that is up off the cold ground. This dog bed is machine washable, chew resistant to prevent puppies from spilling the cushioning and waterproof. This bed in no slip when put on wooden flooring and is low enough to the ground that even the smallest teacup Labradoodle puppies have no trouble curling up in the bed. If you are purchasing a pet bed for one teacup Labradoodle, you may opt to purchase the medium size or if you feel as though two dogs you own will be happy to share, the X-Large bed may be a better investment. Sizes Available: X-small, small, medium, large and X-large. Elevated Pet Bed If you prefer to house your teacup Labradoodle outdoors, an elevated pet bed is the best option to avoid the bed getting damp during the night. This bed comes in small, medium and large with the medium size being the most appropriate for teacup Labradoodles. For smaller cross dogs such as a Maltese, a collar and lead tends to be enough although for larger and strong breeds, like the Labradoodle, harnesses are much more popular. When selecting a harness for your teacup Labradoodle, you will need to consider: The Durability of the Harness. Labradoodles are a strong dog breed therefor a harness made from denim, nylon or canvas is your best selection. How Comfortable the Harness Is. The harness should be soft yet firm to touch. The Cost of the Harness. Sometimes spending a tad more on a better quality harness can save you money in the long term. Purchasing a harness from a reputable dog company will ensure the harness has been tested for a number of different factors such as comfort. The Size of the Harness. An adult teacup Labradoodle will weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. It is important to select a harness that can be adjusted as the dog grows. Puppia harness are adjustable allowing them to grow with the dog and save the owner the hassle and money of needing to purchase differing sized leashes throughout the dogs life. Puppia harnesses can be machine washed with the X Large size being the most appropriate for teacup Labradoodles. Many have commented saying that these Puppia harnesses run small, so always measure you dog prior to purchasing one. Range of Colors Available: Beige, black, brown, camo, green, navy, orange, pink, purple, red, royal blue, sky blue, wine and yellow. Voyager Teacup Labradoodle Harness Designed from breathable mesh, the Voyager harness is a match for teacup Labradoodles. This is a step harness that is hassle free and has a double security Velcro and clip finish. Voyager leashes are designed to last and withstand strong and robust breeds such as the Labradoodle. Depending on the size of your teacup Labradoodle, you will either need to purchase a Large or Extra Large Voyager harness. Range of Colors Available: Army, baby blue, black, blue,blue base, fuchsia, grey, lime green, orange, pink, pink base, purple, red, red base, turquoise and yellow. Gooby Teacup Labradoodle Harness Gooby harnesses are designed for smaller breed dogs, with the largest harness within the Gooby collection being the ideal fit for a teacup Labradoodle. These harness are light weight, designed with mesh to ensure the dog does not overheat and is durable for even Labradoodles. Gooby harnesses have a choke free patented design to ensure the dog is not restricted in any way when they are wearing the harness. Using a harness opposed to a leash gives an owner more control when out in public and does not put pressure around a dogs throat. Range of Colors Available: Black, blue, green, pink, purple and red. The Teacup Labradoodle shares the same coat, temperament and personality as the standard Labradoodle, the only difference is their smaller sizing. Similar breeds Teacup miniature dogs have been steadily gaining interest for several years. But how small can a Labradoodle really get? And is it a good idea to try and make them as small as possible? What is a teacup mini Labradoodle? They are usually the result of crossing a miniature Labradoodle with a Miniature Poodle. This produces dogs much smaller than a standard Labradoodle. Very small multigen Mini Labradoodles can potentially even be crossed with a Toy Poodle. But can any dog with a Labrador in their family tree really end up small enough to sit in cupped hands? How small are teacup mini Labradoodles? Labrador Retrievers are not a teacup-sized dog. In fact, most of them weigh somewhere between 55 and 80lbs! Miniature Labradoodles are bred by mating a female Labrador to a male Miniature Poodle. Miniature Poodles weigh just 10 to 15lbs. So crossing a naturally small female Lab to a Mini Poodle produces a generation of dogs between 15 and 55lbs. Most end up somewhere in the middle: around 30 — 40lbs. Crossing a first generation Miniature Labradoodle to another Miniature Poodle next is a popular breeding decision. Breeding a 35lb Miniature Labradoodle to a 15lb Miniature Poodle is likely to result in mini Labradoodle puppies that weigh around the 25lb fully grown. Owing to normal variation in size, the smallest individuals could weigh as little as 15 or 20lbs. This is about the size of a Pug. Next some breeders may even consider crossing their full grown teacup mini Labradoodle with a Toy Poodle maximum weight 6lbs , to create extremely small dogs indeed. Drawbacks of Miniaturization Shrinking a breeding line from the size of a Labrador to the size of a Miniature or Toy Poodle in just a few generations is very controversial. If a full grown teacup mini Labradoodle only reaches a quarter of the size of one of their grandparents, this poses potential health problems. Since those problems were avoidable, most people think it is unethical to bring them about. For example, micro mini Labradoodles are still a patchwork of genetic information from their Poodle and Labrador ancestors. This means that all the different parts of their body might not downsize at the same rate. This is already a problem in dogs that have been modified over dozens of generations, and not just one or two. So, mini teacup Labradoodles are also vulnerable to health problems caused by different tissues in their bodies not shrinking down at the same pace. Beside problems with health, there can also be problems with temperament too. Labrador and Standard Poodle personalities are actually very similar. But Poodles tend to be a little more reserved with unfamiliar dogs, and more likely to bark at people and animals who approach their home. Miniature and Toy Poodles are also playful, active dogs, who love interacting with their human family. So, a mini teacup Labradoodle might not be as impressively responsive to training as their larger cousins. They might also have some natural instincts which conflict with their physical limitations. This can be frustrating for them, and you. Teacup mini Labradoodle health Besides the health problems brought on by rapid miniaturization, a teacup toy Labradoodle will also be prone to the health problems of their parent breeds. These include: Hip dysplasia. Eye disease, including cataracts and hereditary progressive blindness. Autoimmune skin conditions including sebaceous adenitis and atopic dermatitis. Ear infections. Owing to their size, they are also vulnerable to bone fragility, and problems with bone formation. Very small dogs may also have difficulty ever becoming reliably potty trained. This is because they simply lack the bladder capacity to hold on very long. So is it even possible to find a healthy teacup Labradoodle for sale at all? Many breeders regard them as at best a bit gimmicky, and at worst an unethical compromise on animal welfare. Unfortunately, whilst conscientious breeders resist breeding litters of puppies with a high risk of health problems, puppy mills are more than happy to step in to provide dangerously small dogs to unsuspecting customers. Finding a Reputable Breeder Signs that a breeder is operating a puppy mill include: Having more than one litter available for sale. Pushing a sale on you. Puppies from puppy mills are more likely to have expensive long term health problems. They also have a higher frequency of behavioral problems which take the joy out of owning them. You can read about more red flags to look out for here. Are teacup mini Labradoodles good family pets? Small and miniature Labradoodles have lots of potential to be great family pets. Both of their parent breeds are noted for being affectionate and patient with children. Remember that young children should be supervised with dogs at all times, even ones from famously child-friendly breeds. Very small dogs have fragile skeletons, and they can easily receive accidental injuries from children. Instead, look for miniature Labradoodles from naturally small parents instead. Is a micro teacup labradoodle hypoallergenic? In fact, researchers have found that non-shedding dogs produce just as many allergens as shedding breeds, but in both types of dog there is a lot of variation between individuals. So whilst some people with allergies do succeed in finding a dog they can live with comfortably, it has nothing to do with their breed or their coat. What about a teacup mini Australian Labradoodle? A teacup mini Australian Labradoodle needs to be considered slightly separately from other mixes. Australian Labradoodles are a breeding project designed to establish Labradoodles as a new pedigree dog in their own right. To achieve this they are no longer first generation crosses — Australian Labradoodles have several generations of Labradoodle ancestors, who were judged to meet an ideal Labradoodle standard. Australian Labradoodles are accepted for registration by their breed club in three different sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Miniature Australian Labradoodles weigh as little as 15 pounds. Alternatives to mini teacup Labradoodles Miniature Labradoodles and Mini Australian Labradoodles are two alternatives to a teacup Labradoodle. Here are some others:. Finding teacup Labradoodle puppies Teacup dogs are bred to be extremely small. They may also be called toy or micro dogs, and will remain as small as puppies for their entire lives. Teacup Labradoodles are not officially recognised anywhere. They are the smallest type of Labradoodle available, smaller even than miniature Labradoodles. However, this tiny size comes with a price, and many teacup Labradoodles experience a large number of health issues as a consequence. What is a Teacup Labradoodle? Since a teacup Labradoodle is not an official variant of this mix, there can be some confusion about this tiny dog! Teacup Labradoodles are not the same as Miniature Labradoodles. Teacup dogs are a variety of toy breeds, known for their extreme, exaggerated size. These dogs are bred to be as small as possible. Their name comes from their ability to fit inside a teacup, as a young puppy would be able to. Toy and teacup dogs were first popularised by celebrities, who owned dogs small enough to carry in their handbags. Since then, some people have bred smaller versions of many purebred dogs, often selling these tiny varieties as ideal for a low energy pet in small homes. A standard Labradoodle is a medium to large dog. So, to achieve teacup dog sizes, breeders will usually have to breed the smallest dogs over several generations of litters. However, as a general rule, teacup dogs will not exceed 5 lbs in weight. Their height at the withers will be a matter of inches. These dogs are incredibly tiny. Especially compared to the standard Labradoodle. Breeders cannot achieve these sizes overnight. The process of getting a teacup Labradoodle will usually involve breeding several generations using only the smallest puppies in a litter, or the runts of the litter. They may also involve the Toy Poodle in f1 Labradoodle parents, in an attempt to achieve a small size from the offset. In some cases, breeders may involve other toy breeds. For instance, they may breed a small Labradoodle with a Chihuahua, to encourage a smaller size. Of course, this would no longer make the dog a Labradoodle. Teacup Labradoodle Temperament The standard Labradoodle is an intelligent, energetic, and family-oriented dog. It has high exercise needs, high grooming needs, and requires lots of mental stimulation. Breeders of teacup varieties hope to pack this big personality into a much smaller body. Smaller dogs often need less exercise than larger ones. But, they are also faster to groom since they have less fur, and cheaper to care for, since they require less food than larger breeds. If a teacup Labradoodle has the same personality as a traditional Labradoodle mix, it will be friendly, affectionate, and playful. Since they are much more vulnerable, and prone to injuries, teacup dogs can be more fearful than larger dogs, which can lead to aggression. Of course, any bites may not hurt that much, but it is still a problematic behavior. A Closer Look at Problematic Behaviors Studies and owner-surveys suggest that small dogs tend to display more of these problematic behaviors than large breeds. Perhaps, owners tolerate biting and bad behaviors more, since their dogs are smaller and inflict less harm. Some theories suggest that bad behaviors in teacup and toy breeds are down to bad breeding practices, by breeders that prioritise appearance and size over health and temperament. And others suggest it could be due to upbringing. Small dogs will still need exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough, they can display unwanted behaviors, just as larger breeds will. In some cases, behavioral problems in teacup breeds can be a symptom of common health problems. Teacup Labradoodle Health Problems Teacup Labradoodles may be small and cute, but their extreme size can cause a number of huge problems around health and training. Since these tiny dogs have such small bladders, they may struggle with potty training more than larger breeds. So, owners must be more vigilant when it comes to taking their tiny dogs to the toilet regularly. On top of this, there are several health problems that small dogs are more prone to. Here are some of the most common health issues that could affect a toy or teacup Labradoodle: Fragility and more common broken bones Breathing problems Hydrocephalus water on the brain Patellar luxation and arthritis. Their incredible versatility of an easily trainable and adoring temperament as well as their social nature make them a perfect family pet. These beautiful, miniature versions are also commonly referred to as Australian Labradoodles, Mini Labradoos, and Mini Labrapoodles. The Mini Labradoodle is the smaller version of the equally amazing Standard Labradoodle that is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador, both purebred dogs. The standard-sized versions were bred to be guide dogs, and this trait is dominant in Mini Labradoodles as well. This designer breed is a dog of many talents. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, affectionate, and as loving as can be. They can be trained for a myriad of dog jobs, and are quite the athletes when it comes to dog sports. Appearance and Grooming With two very different parent breeds, it can be difficult to know what each puppy will look like. Some litter pups take on more characteristics of the Poodle parent and others take after the Labrador more. Their low-shedding coat may resemble that of a Poodle : long, curly, and thick, or they may have fur that resembles that of a Labrador: short, straight, and dense with color variations of black, brown, chocolate, cream, golden, silver and white. This breed has a double coat which may require daily brushing depending on the thickness. They will also need regularly scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The size of Mini Labradoodles can vary quite a bit as well since they are a crossbreed of different-sized dogs. They may be smaller or larger depending on who they take after more. The typical size for these cuties is 14 to 16 inches tall with a weight of 16 to 25 pounds for a full-grown Mini Labradoodle. With both parent breeds being family-friendly, happy-go-lucky breeds, it is no surprise that this puppy will have the same fun-loving nature. Family and Companionship Perfect for families with children of all ages, the Mini Labradoodle is certain to fit in anywhere. This sweet dog will need plenty of love and attention, so staying away for long periods of time is not ideal for the overall emotional health of this breed. Because of their smaller size, they can thrive in all environments, be it a city apartment or in a rural setting with lots of lands. Keep in mind that your puppy will need lots of exercise and play so make sure you have plenty of places to let them run and sniff. Exercise Taking on the energetic tendencies of both parents, the mini Labradoodles are extremely active dogs who enjoy going for walks, running, and even swimming much like the Poodle. Like the Retriever, they love to play and retrieve things. Be prepared to keep them busy and spend at least an hour of active playtime with them each day. They can be pretty active chewers and seekers of mischief, so giving them something to play with is imperative. Training and Socialization Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle parent will not only make this dog super trainable but also a wonderful option for a service or therapy dog. Its natural intuition makes it easily adaptable to people and places. However, it is very important to begin training the moment you bring your mini Labradoodle puppy home. You should start exposing it to new places, people, and other dogs as early as possible. Early socialization is paramount in the overall wellness of this unique breed. They are happy and healthy dogs that have amazing personalities. Our Mini Labradoodle breeders as well as our Puppy Agents interact with these pups daily to ensure they are socialized early and ready for their transition to your home. How big will my Miniature Labradoodle get? They will grow to a height between 21 to 23 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 lbs. What is the life expectancy of a Miniature Labradoodle? The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. What is the appearance of a Miniature Labradoodle? What is the temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle? They are spirited animals with a zest for adventure. They are full of love and affection and devoted to their humans. They have a playful and sometimes rambunctious side so creating boundaries and providing proper exercise will be important to keep these little ones in shape and out of mischief. Is the Miniature Labradoodle a good choice for first time dog owners? In fact, they are a perfect match for first time dog owners as they are super intelligent and easily trainable. They start learning at a very young age. Should I socialize my Miniature Labradoodle puppy? Though it is always important to socialize your puppy, please do so in safe places until the puppy has received all of its vaccinations. These little ones love people, but can exhibit a protective nature. Proper socialization will bring out the best of their sociable, easy-going temperament. How much exercise will my Miniature Labradoodle require? These are lively little pups with energy to spare they will need to have 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity per day, including walks and active play. Playtime and mental stimulation such as training exercises and interactive toys are recommended as well. How much food will my Miniature Labradoodle require? This breed is prone to obesity and bloating so proper nutrition must be shown from puppy and throughout adulthood. Because the sizes of these dogs vary so widely so will the amount of food they should get. Talk with your veterinary care provider about getting your little one on the right track. What type of coat does the Miniature Labradoodle have? Miniature Labradoodle coats come in many different colors and textures. They could have a shorter, double Labrador coat or a long, curly Poodle coat. Most of the time they fall somewhere in between while still showcasing those distinctive Poodle curls. What colors are the Miniature Labradoodles? They come in several solid colors including yellow, golden, chocolate, black, blue, brown, gray, and white. How often will my Miniature Labradoodle need to be groomed? This is a fairly high maintenance breed that requires frequent, brushing and regular trimming. They are excellent family pets, especially for active families. They are full of love and devotion and are always up for a new adventure. They do great with children. Is the Miniature Labradoodle hypoallergenic? Though not a fully hypoallergenic, they are a great choice for anyone that suffers from allergens. The AKC does not recognize mixed breeds. Mini Labradoodle Reviews.