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For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Sheprador Description The German Sheprador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. His dad was a black Lab and his mom was a half Lab half German Shepherd mix. He goes ballistic over the snow and the water. He'll show the playfulness of the Lab and the intelligence of the Shepherd , and is very good at trying to sneak away for walks on his own. He's been one of the best dogs we've ever had and he's gorgeous! I am involved with a program called Freedom Tails. I have been the Editor and Photographer for the newsletter since , along with every other aspect of the program. We bring in shelter dogs that might otherwise be euthanized, retrain them in social skills and basic commands, and get them adopted back out to society. At this time, we have found new loving, forever homes for over dogs. We have had him since he was about a year old. He is extremely friendly and very affectionate. However, the combination of these two breeds has led to excessive shedding. Brushing every day almost isn't enough! But he enjoys every minute of the attention he gets when being groomed. He is very well tempered, keeping playtime in the house to a minimum, but acts like a puppy again once he gets outside. He is training for dock jumping, agility and obedience, and is doing awesome! He has been a great partner, a good guard dog and a great friend. He is always wanting to do something and definitely not the type of dog for an impatient person. We often work with the flirt pole, and he will chase it for hours. The first few days with him have been a really good experience. He has only barked once briefly each night probably from the train that I can't hear, but he can. He enjoys his daily walks and does an excellent job! He is 8 months old, loves children and loves other dogs. He enjoys his daily run and anything outdoors. He is missing his left front leg. I found Sam at a rescue when he was ten months old and it was love at first lick! He has been with us for two and a half years now and sleeps in my bed every night—he's definitely a mamma's boy. Sam loves swimming, playing tennis, basketball and soccer. He runs like the wind! Sam is spoiled rotten and since I am a massage therapist, he gets a bedtime massage every evening. Very smart, protective, loving, devoted, patient, obedient. He is the perfect dog and a blessing to have in my life. He is my canine soul mate. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health.

It gives an estimate of the risk for painful osteoarthritis OA of canine hip dysplasia CHD later in life. With this information, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended by the PennHIP-trained veterinarian. It has been extremely helpful to me as a breeder to OFA-certify my dogs. If the breeders have been breeding a long time you should see lots of names.You are supporting puppy mills if you buy a dog with these registries as they are mainly for puppy mill breeders, You know what you get with AKC because of record inspections and DNA. All Buyers should beware! Both are breeding females that are not German Shepherds they looked like husky crosses but are registering them as German Shepherds and the registry does not care. I have personally seen it and so have many others. Are you looking for size? Here are some pointers! Most breeders of large german shepherds exaggerate by 50 lbs and several inches or more! Vet certified weight means nothing if you can't call the vet! Size means little if temper , health and longevity are not there! German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Jacksonville. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. Lucie Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. Tags in Port St. Lucie German Shepherd in Port St. Lucie German Shepherd studs in Port St. Lucie German Shepherd dog trainer in Port St. Lucie Site Links. My name is Mitzi Michelle Brooks. I have had dogs all my life and German Shepherds most of that time. I have tried different breeds, but always come back to what I know and love. The German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for me. I breed large, old-fashioned, straight-backed, German Shepherds with a special focus on health and temperament. I am a very small breeder, all my dogs live with me, in the house. They are first, and foremost, my beloved pets. In my litters, I concentrate on the things that matter most to me: Health and Temperament. My dogs are all larger than the breed standard but with no compromise to their health. All my dogs are medium to low energy, making them easy to train and ideally suited for families. I do not breed: dogs that are hyper, dogs that show any signs of aggression, working dogs, high drive dogs, or dogs with excessive angulation. Puppies are born and raised in my home! That means your puppy goes home with you already socialized with other dogs, with cats, and familiar with all the sights and sounds of a normal home. All puppies are also current on vaccinations and on a set deworming schedule. The puppies bred here are sold as companions and pets. Just as working dogs are bred to work, my puppies are bred to live in and be a part of a family. With their low to low-medium drive, my pups are very easy for their new parents to train and still possess that famous German Shepherd instinct to protect their home and their family. These soft temperaments mean that my dogs are happy to go out and play, but just as happy to come in, lay at your feet, and interact with their family.

Welcoming a Bernedoodle Puppy: How to Prepare with Proper Supplies February 13, Bernedoodles are lovable, playful dogs that like spending time outside as much as they enjoy curling up on the couch. They are excellent family dogs and have a special affection for children. Because they are the offspring of poodles, they also inherit a nearly hypoallergenic coat. The Bernedoodle, a hybrid between a Bernese Mountain dog and a poodle, was first bred in .They were raised primarily to be family pets, and thrive when showered with affection and cuddles. When it comes to Bernedoodles, they are equally at home on the sofa or trekking with their owners. They might be stubborn and uncooperative at first, but quickly learn to control their behavior. Preparation These preparatory tasks will help you and your house to welcome a new dog. Before bringing home a new puppy, certain considerations should be taken into account. These include where the puppy will spend its first night, who will be responsible for its care, and whether you have the necessary materials on hand. Keep your cool and avoid bringing home a Bernedoodle when it is not the right moment. Make sure you do your homework beforehand. Learn how to care for and nurture a puppy before you bring one home. Many adjustments will be necessary for your house to accommodate this new family member. And if finding the right items seems hard, Doodle websites like WeLoveDoodles can help you with the required information. It is common practice to teach dogs to sleep in crates to give them a sense of security. Pick a spot for your dog to eat. Keep their food where they can reach it. Baby gates can be used to keep your puppy out of particular areas of your house. Ensure your house is safe for your puppy by performing proper inspections, such as toxic plants, cleaning chemicals, and wires. Buy the Right Supplies Your new puppy will need a place to sleep, such as a kennel or a bed. Bowls for food and drink are a necessity. You cannot take them on a stroll without a leash, tag, harness, or any other type of leash attachment. When training your puppy, you should use a harness. If you are a frequent traveler, a vehicle restraint is a must for the protection of your dog. There are poo bags and puppy pads for both indoor and outdoor usage. Food Check with the shelter or breeder on food the Bernedoodle has been used to. Purchase the same bag and keep it on hand at your home. When it comes to welcoming your puppy to their new home, nothing beats a delicious dinner and some playtime! Having their food brand on hand will save you the stress of running to the store to find the brand they need. Choose a vet-recommended brand specifically designed for young puppies and ease them into it with a bit of new food mixed in and gradually increase over time. Bed If you are house training your Bernedoodle, we suggest that you choose a bed that takes up the majority of the available space in your cage. Collar You should start training your puppy to wear a collar as soon as possible. Treats After using the potty, your dog probably wants a big snuggle and some playfulness. Grooming Tools Every weeks, you should take your Bernedoodle to a professional groomer to get their hair trimmed. The sooner you start brushing your dog, the easier it will be for them to adapt to it. Brushing can be done as frequently or as little as you choose. Also, you will need to get bath supplies for your dog. Dogs should be bathed correctly and with the right items. Here is a list of supplies you should get before welcoming a Bernedoodle puppy. Puppy food. Conclusion 1. They are smart, playful, and friendly. However, the surroundings they grow up in and the training they receive also influence their temperaments. Here are some traits most common among Mini Bernedoodles: One of the first things you will observe about a Mini Bernedoodle is that they are full of personality. You will find them vocal and clownish. Their vocalizations involve whining, barking, grumbles, growls, and the different sounds they make while arguing with their owner. They love to cuddle as they grow older and never disappoint when it comes to playing. As they love playing, you will find the puppies racing around the house or yard at full speed. They will become calmer as they grow and their energy levels decline. However, the most common and consistent trait of a Mini Bernedoodle is its stubborn streak. They inherit this from their Bernese parents. You can easily tackle their stubbornness with proper training and patience. A light touch, positive reinforcement, and a treat as a reward for obedience generally do the trick. A close up portrait of a F2 Bernedoodle 2. Unlike the parent breeds—the Poodle that barely sheds and the Bernese Mountain Dog that sheds a lot—the Bernedoodle is somewhere in between. Each Mini Bernedoodle has varying degrees of shedding, from moderate shedding to virtually no shedding. As a general rule, the more Poodle the dog is, the curlier the coat will be, and it will shed much less. The type of coat they inherit will determine the amount of shedding. They can have a curly, wavy, or straight coat and, at times, even an improper coat that is essentially a mix of coat types. The Mini Bernedoodle may or may not have furnishings. This refers to the long fur and beard that Doodles are noted for. The dog may either have short and straight hair on its face or long and curly hair. If the dog has a fluffy face, it indicates it is furnished and will have minimal to no shedding. Although some Mini Bernedoodles shed very little, they can still be a little allergenic due to the allergens present in saliva and dandruff. A Mini Bernedoodle that is more like a Miniature Poodle would have a lot of energy while one more like a Bernese Mountain Dog may be calmer. A standard-sized Mini will have an exercise requirement of between half an hour and two hours. The exercise can be in the form of walks in the yard or a park, usually twice daily. They love playing with other dogs. Playdates and visits to dog parks are favorites with Minis. As Mini Bernedoodle are active and social animals, incorporating exercise and mental stimulation works best for them. Snuffle mats and treat puzzles will entertain and exhaust their reserves of energy. The puppies have a higher energy requirement than their adult counterparts. However, they settle by the age of 6 to 8 months. Their Grooming Needs Vary Their grooming needs will depend on the type and length of their fur. The curlier the coat, the more their grooming requirements. The amount of time spent on combing and brushing will depend on the size of the dog, the coat type, and the length of the hair. A curly coat is more prone to matting, so you will need to brush and comb the fur daily. Just like human hair, the coat hair grows continuously. Longer hair is easily tangled, so you will need to trim it on a regular basis. You can groom your dog by yourself or hire a professional groomer. You should ideally learn to brush and comb them early because there will still be some shedding irrespective of the coat type. Due to their high intelligence, Mini Bernedoodles are easily trainable. Minis are highly food-motivated, according to most owners. Including treats in the training regimen yields incredible outcomes. Due to their high intelligence, Mini Bernedoodles are easily bored, so you will need to utilize various training methods and approaches to keep training sessions fresh and fun. This ensures that the Mini is not bored and that you have their undivided attention during the session. However, the dog is also known for its other characteristic, stubbornness, courtesy to its other parent Bernese Mountain Dog. Due to their stubborn temperament, they do not take punishments well, so you can only train them with positive reinforcement. To achieve better and faster results, it is important to be consistent and diligent with their training program. Alternatively, you can opt for a potty-and-crate-trained puppy from your breeder at an additional cost. Bernedoodle puppy on a white background. Being a crossbreed, they exhibit what is known as hybrid vigor or heterosis. However, selective breeding programs are successful in eliminating many genetically inheritable diseases. They also ensure an increase in positive traits in the gene pool. However, even with such selective and purposeful breeding, the crossbreed can still be predisposed to certain diseases and health issues. While Minis are relatively healthier, they are still prone to inheriting diseases from their parent breed. However, the chances of developing these conditions decrease due to the presence of two different gene pools. Purebreds have been bred for generations following a special blueprint—the breed standard, which is the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed. For this reason, purebred dogs are very standardized, with predictable height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament. Because the Bernedoodle is a hybrid and not a purebred dog, it is not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. The Bernedoodle also does not have an official breed standard, so there is a lot of variation in how individual Bernedoodles look and act. Bernedoodles may be first generation crosses called F1 , second generation F2 , third generation F3 and so on. The resulting puppies in an F1 litter are quite variable. Some may look more like Bernese Mountain Dogs and some may look more like pooodles. Some puppies might look like a mix between the two parent breeds, and some might look nothing like either parent breed. Coat type and level of shedding can be all over the map in a litter of F1 Bernedoodle puppies. F2 Bernedoodles result by crossing two F1 Bernedoodles. F2 Bernedoodles also have variable coat types. Some breeders introduce more poodle into the bloodlines to help achieve more consistency in coat type. This is called backcrossing and is indicated by a B for instance, F2B. Bernedoodle Care Grooming requirements for the Bernedoodle vary depending on the type of coat. Although most Bernedoodles have wavy to curly coats, some have straighter coats. Coats that are more straight than wavy tend to shed more, so need more frequent brushing—daily or every other day—to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Curlier coats shed less, but also need regular brushing to keep the coat untangled. Brush wavy and curly coats a few times a week. Like poodles, wavy-and curly-coated Bernedoodles need trimming from a professional groomer every four to eight weeks. If you see excessive dirt or redness in the ears schedule a veterinary visit. Bernedoodles are smart, but how trainable they are depends on if they inherited the more agreeable nature of the poodle or the stubborn side of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Either way, positive training methods like clicker training paired with tasty treat rewards will help you get the best results from your Bernedoodle. Bernedoodles need plenty of daily exercise, including one or two walks a day plus off-leash games of fetch in a safely enclosed space like a fenced yard or dog park. Athletic Bernedoodles with biddable temperaments might also enjoy training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, obedience, rally and dock jumping. Most purebred dogs have certain inherited health disorders in their family history. Crossing Bernese Mountain Dogs with poodles means the puppies can potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred dogs and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Reputable breeders should also test their adult Bernedoodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the probability that the puppies will be affected by genetic issues. Responsible breeders should also offer a health guarantee on their puppies should the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Feed measured meals twice a day rather than free feeding leaving food out all the time. Standard Bernedoodle puppies that may grow to be giant sized by adulthood should eat a food formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage slow and steady growth. Talk to your breeder or veterinarian to get a recommendation for a healthy food for your Bernedoodle, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult Bernedoodle. February 7, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? When it comes to having the best of both worlds, Bernedoodles are it! These mixed breed designers pups were bred to be the perfect companion dog and quickly rose up in the ranks of popular puppy breeds over the last two decades! How do you know if a Bernedoodle is a right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Bernedoodles! Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels claims to be the very first breeder that purposely cross-bred two purebreeds: Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Since this breed is only approximately two decades old, the American Kennel Club still does not consider the Bernedoodle a purebred. Nevertheless, the rise in popularity has also led to many more breeders producing these pups. If you were interested in bringing a Bernedoodle home, while there are many reputable breeders that specialize in these pups, you can also find these pups in shelters or rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, to potentially find these mixed pups! What are Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics? When it comes to range, few breeds can beat the Bernedoodle! These pups come in a variety of sizes and coat colors. Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes: tiny, miniature, medium, and standard. They can range in weight from ten pounds in the tiny category all the way to ninety pounds in the standard category. Along with variety in sizes, their coats can be within a range from completely black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colored with patches of either black, white, or brown. Probably the most common coat and markings people seek when looking for a Bernedoodle puppy is the tri-color variety that is in closer resemblance to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Depending on which side of their genetic makeup your pup takes after, some Bernedoodle pups coats can be curly, or wavy like the Standard Poodle and not shed as much making them a good candidate for parents who suffer from allergies. Other Bernedoodle pups can have straighter coats that have a tendency to shed more and are not hypoallergenic. What are Bernedoodles Personalities like? The Puppy Academy student, Hamilton! Goofy, smart, loyal to their families, and friendly, these pups have the best personality traits from both sides! Most Bernedoodles parents pick these pups because of their good demeanors and temperaments. Your puppy may lean toward the Standard Poodle side, depicting traits of high intelligence, hard-working, and loyal. Or your puppy can lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog which is good-natured, confident, and affectionate. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn, in particular during their adolescent phase, and a bit aloof or standoffish toward strangers. With good basic obedience and early socialization, any Bernedoodle can make a great fit for a family and develop friendly demeanors toward new people. While these pups are considered to be working dogs and do require daily exercise, they are also content with hanging out with you at home. Moderate exercises such as one to two longer walks, with play sessions in between, a day is sufficient to burn off energy and keep your pup content! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles are better equipment for urban environment living whereas Medium to Standard sized Bernedoodles would need more space to exercise and play. No matter the size of your Bernedoodle puppy, they are going to need adequate exercise, which is why they do really well with active families! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles will require a bit less activity and can adapt to tighter living spaces that come with urban environments such as apartments or condos. As for Medium to Standard-sized Bernedoodles which are taller and wider and can grow upwards of ninety pounds, they may be bumping into more coffee tables and have trouble fitting in the same hallway as you in smaller dwellings! For all sizes, access to either a fenced-in yard or a nearby park you can take them to is ideal for this breed! How to Care for Your Bernedoodle Puppy! When it comes to caring for your new Bernedoodle puppy, start off by scheduling a first veterinarian visit within the first week of bringing your puppy home! Like many large breed working dogs, Bernedoodle may suffer from joint dysplasia. Bernese Mountain Dogs have been known to suffer blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, Bernedoodles are healthy and sturdy especially if they come from a reputable breeder. General care for your Bernedoodle puppy will include brushing their teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Floppy ears means they may be susceptible to ear infections so regularly check and clean them to avoid these from happening. Because their coat types can vary, depending on your puppy, if they have a curly coat you may need to frequently brush them to avoid matting. We recommend that you take your puppy to a professional groomer every few months to get their fur trimmed. The Puppy Academy student, Cali! Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule Bernedoodle puppies are smart and easily trained but they can have a stubborn streak as they get into their adolescence. Creating early structure at home can help mitigate this stubbornness by establishing daily routines your puppy can expect and also establish you as leader. Since Bernedoodles are made up of two intelligent hard-working breeds, basic obedience training with food positive reinforcement will benefit their behavioral growth! Socialize Your Bernedoodle Puppy with People, Children, and Other Pets Bernedoodles have friendly dispositions and make great family dogs, however, they can be standoffish to new people as they get older. Use Play to Help Train Them Tap into their playful nature and use your playtime sessions together to teach good manners! For example, use Fetch to teach your Bernedoodle how to come to you, Drop-it to give the toy back, then ask them to sit to teach polite manners as they learn to wait until you toss the toy again for them to get. Although Bernedoodles love to work, they sometimes need a bit more motivation! This can come with the aid of food rewards, and providing variation to their training routines to keep them engaged. Enrolling your puppy in training classes, or working with them by yourself at home using a program like our online puppy school will give you a plan to follow with basic training routines to teach your Bernedoodle good manners, as well as keep challenging them along the way so they never get bored, and advance their skillset! Did you recently bring home a Bernedoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Not a huge deal, but good to avoid if possible. FYI we have Nationwide and are pretty happy with it so far. Socialization classes: Socialization classes with other dogs the same age and same vaccine level were a huge win for us. Knowing she will confidently run up to and play with any dog makes us so happy and is the result of just a few of these classes. Sign up for these early as spots are limited, especially during Covid times. Vet appointment: Similar to socialization classes, vet appointments are hard to come by with all these new puppies. Once we knew what date we were getting Moose, we made her first vet check up for the next day. Training plan: Start figuring out how you want to approach training. We did all of our training at home from Zak George videos on YouTube. Here are the essential items for the first few weeks. Crate : You likely hear about crate training a lot. We can post more about crates if people are interested! The two worked really well together. We also adjusted her playpen from a small circle around her crate to blocking off part of the living room and eventually blocking off half of the apartment. Bed optional : I would wait on this one, honestly! So many things to buy and set up at once. Food, snacks, etc. Kibble: Find out what food your dog has been having with the breeder or shelter. We chose to keep Moose on the recommended kibble. Treats : Again, you have years to buy more treats. We did a lot of dehydrated chicken before expanding to other meats. We used ice cream bowls the first few months because her bowls were way too large for her servings. Many people swear by potty pads, but we mostly stuck with grass and tanbark patches. These made it easy for her to transition to pottying outside once vaccinated. Lots more to say here so let us know if you have questions. Potty spray : Accidents are going to happen. Poop bags : These are a good one to get a subscription on because you know.We used them a ton before Moose was fully vaccinated if she went anywhere public to help reduce the risk of a disease etc. Brush : Start brushing your puppy in the first few days so they get used to it. Lightweight ones are great while your pup is small. We got a rope one we loved, but it was too heavy for Moose until she was 6 months old. We ended up getting a few of the same one but you can mix and match. Start with smaller, lighter toys. Learn which toys your dog is having the most fun with, then buy more. Rotate them around so they still feel new and exciting. We got a simple soft one for carrying her around before she had her vaccines. It also gave us more peace of mind and confidence leaving her alone for short periods of time without worrying that she was disturbing our neighbors. Have questions or topics you want to hear more about? Let us know in comments below! These small, hypoallergenic dogs are popular for many reasons. However, dog owners also favor them because of their loyalty, silly behavior, gorgeous curly coats, and high intelligence. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. However, the Bernedoodle has been a registered breed with the International Designer Canine Registry since .The Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred in Switzerland to drive cattle and protect farmland. Originally bred in Germany, the Poodle was known for its hardcore hunting skills and utility in water, making them excellent duck hunters. In the present day, their high energy and intelligence make them a perfect pet for active households. Mini Bernedoodle Appearance Mini Bernedoodles reach a height of approximately 18 to 22 inches once fully grown and weigh somewhere between 25 and 49 pounds. Male Mini Bernedoodles tend to be larger than females. Like other Poodle mixes, Mini Bernedoodles are perfect for people with allergies because of how little they shed. The curlier their coat is, the less likely shedding will occur. While Mini Bernedoodles have coats that shed minimally, they still need their coats to be combed and trimmed regularly to prevent any mats and tangles that could result in skin irritation and other issues. Keeping their coat groomed will keep your dog happy and healthy. Mini Bernedoodle Personality Expect your happy and sociable Mini Bernedoodle to have a mix of traits acquired by its parents. Bernese Mountain Dogs are grounded, intelligent, and hard-working with a desire to learn, while Miniature Poodles tend to be energetic and playful. However, there is a possibility that the Mini Bernedoodle will inherit the apprehensive nature of their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. Socialization is crucial to combat this. Mini Bernedoodles are loving and gentle. Many owners also describe their Mini Bernedoodle as being goofy and confident. Are Mini Bernedoodles Good for Families? Mini Bernedoodles make great family pets because they are incredibly gentle and fiercely loyal. Their delicate nature makes them a good breed with babies and the elderly. The Mini Bernedoodle is especially fond of younger children who they can run around with and serve as wonderful lifelong companions to children as they grow up. They like to spend a lot of time with their family and need to live in a household where someone is home to give them attention. Mini Bernedoodles will especially take well to active families who can provide them with the attention they want and the exercise they need to satisfy their high activity level. A bored Mini Bernedoodle puppy can start exhibiting destructive behavior like chewing up household furniture. It can make training the Mini Bernedoodle puppy somewhat tricky. With enough patience and love from their owners, these gentle dogs will behave wonderfully. Therefore, always use positive reinforcement and verbal praise during training, as the breed responds well to this type of interaction. Take The Quiz Mini Bernedoodle Potential Health Issues Mini Bernedoodles typically have fewer health issues than their parent breeds, giving them a lifespan of between 12 and 16 years. However, it can be susceptible to conditions such as elbow or hip dysplasia. Elbow and hip dysplasia are often the results of too much exercise at a young age. The breed occasionally has skin problems, which is why grooming is so important. Diet and Exercise Requirements At least an hour of daily exercise is recommended for the Mini Bernedoodle. It will keep them healthy and help you establish a close bond with your dog. As puppies, especially, they require daily socialization, training, and exercise. They enjoy going out for walks, runs, or hikes. Mini Bernedoodles should always be fed high-quality dog food containing fat and protein. The breed should eat around to 1, calories per day. Mini Bernedoodle Breed Guide Conclusion Mini Bernedoodles must live in a home where they can receive constant attention and a good amount of physical activity. In this article:. One thing is certain — your life will never be the same again once you bring this little bundle of happiness home. Dogs change your life in ways nothing else can — a Mini Bernedoodle is an affectionate and loving companion. Bringing home a puppy also means you are responsible for their well-being. Here are some handy tips on how to take care of and train your Mini Bernedoodle puppy. Diet and Nutrition There is no universal food when it comes to dog foods. What is suitable for one dog might lead to allergies or digestive problems in another. Just make sure you only provide high-quality dog food for your Mini Bernedoodle puppy for them to stay healthy. Your veterinarian might also have some specific suggestions. The feeding quantity will depend on the age and size of your MiniBernedoodle pup. Here is a rough feeding guide: puppy food meals till 6 months 2 puppy food meals a day post that Change to adult food once they are a year old The general rule of thumb is to feed 20 calories per pound of body weight. For example, a pound Bernedoodle puppy needs calories per day. Activity and Exercise Mini Bernedoodle puppies are very active and need a lot of exercise. You can take your Mini Bernedoodle puppy for regular walks, hiking, running, and even swimming. These pups love water. The critical point is to have regular playtimes with your Mini Bernedoodle pups, or they can become restless. If you cannot take them for walks, do have playtimes at home. Play fetch in the yard or make them run around the house. Just make sure they have enough activity throughout the day. MiniBernedoodles enjoy playing in the snow as well! Grooming Mini Bernedoodles will need to be brushed a couple times a week to prevent tangles and matting. This also distributes oils in their coat to keep in looking shiny and healthy. You Mini Berndoodle will also need the occasional bath — rugged outdoor play may find them a bit dirty. When you bath your minibernedoodle use a gentle shampoo that is meant for dogs. Be careful to keep soap out of their eyes and give them treats to make bath time more fun. Every couple months your mini will need to visit the pet salon for a day for relaxation. A skilled groomer will give your mini bernedoodle a bath, trim her hair, trim their nails and express their anal glands. Your veterinarian will give your pup a thorough examination, help keep you on track with immunizations and may suggest heart worm and flea tick preventatives. Being an active participant in your pets health is crucial — so be ready with any questions or concerns you have when you visit your veterinarian. Mental Health Mini Bernedoodle puppies are like Velcro; they like staying close to their humans. If you work long hours away from home, a Mini Bernedoodle puppy may not be a good choice. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety and become depressed if they are left alone for prolonged periods. You need to keep them close, they will enjoy coming along on trips to the park and pet shop. Mini Bernedoodle pups are also very intelligent, given they are bred from poodles. Poodles are the second most intelligent dog breed in the world. Make sure you give them a wide variety of toys and play mentally stimulating games with them. They will be happy, healthy, and will thrive if you can provide them with such an environment. Laura:

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. Just start checking out all the sweet Louisville French Bulldogs for sale, as well as Frenchies from across the States. When you see that dream pup, simply send a message to their breeder requesting more details. They will tell you everything you need to know! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The sweet French Bulldog puppies for sale Louisville not only look adorable, but they have incredible personalities too. French Bulldog puppies Louisville share their heritage with the larger English Bulldog. Frenchies are affectionate and laid-back, but just sassy and stubborn enough to keep you on your toes! Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? This simply comes down to the fact that it costs French Bulldog breeders in Louisville a lot more to breed these dogs than other breeds. The anatomy of a Frenchie means that as well as the pups having to be delivered by C-section, females must also be artificially inseminated. These procedures are expensive, so French Bulldog breeders Louisville have to charge more for their puppies as a result. Is it okay to collect my puppy in person? How do you view transparency for breeders of French Bulldogs for sale in Louisville? Transparency is extremely important to us here at Uptown. Can you guarantee my puppy will be healthy? We only ever work with businesses and breeders who are proven to produce the beat and healthiest Louisville French Bulldog puppies for sale. Each puppy will have a detailed veterinary examination before you buy them, and you can request copies of these exams for your own records. Do you recommend specific food for Frenchies? Some Frenchies love wet food, others prefer kibble! One thing all Frenchies love to do is eat, so watch that portion control! Do you sell the cheapest French Bulldog puppies? How much exercise does a French Bulldog need? A 20 minute walk is enough to keep them happy, and on hot days even that is too much. Is the Frenchie a good family dog? These patient little pups just love chilling out with their families. They also get on great with other pets.

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. Daisy-Gold Goldens have champion lineage, but are bred as loving family dogs. She was my initial introduction to the European Golden. It has taken several years to acquire knowledge about the European Golden. At the Guisachan House, the home of Lord Tweedmouth, in the ruggedly beautiful county of Inverness in the north Scottish highlands, it was here the first Yellow Retrievers were bred and raised. Lord Tweedmouth carefully worked out a plan to make a yellow retriever breed. Lord Tweedmouth gave many puppies he bred to friends, others were put out with keepers and bred from, so that the yellow Retrievers in the hands of gundog men, at that time seldom interested in pedigrees but only in how their dogs worked, would have been crossed with black Retrievers or with Setters, without compunction. They must have passed their hip and elbow exams by OFA or OVC if from Canada and must have a heart clearance from a veterinary cardiologist, as well as a yearly eye exam from a veterinary opthamologist, stating they are eligible to receive CERF certification. This gives us additional information to help us make wise breeding decisions, always striving to improve the future of our Goldens. Because of our commitment to the breed and complexities of breeding, it is our strict policy to sell all puppies on AKC Limited Registration Status only, unless I am dealing with breeders already known to me. We do not keep more than 4 active bitches females in our breeding program here at Daisy-Gold Goldens at any one time. Daisy-Gold Goldens are bred for temperament and health. All puppies are home raised, well socialized and receive constant attention. They are started on basic obedience training prior to going to their new homes. Our goal is to raise a well adjusted, happy puppy that you can live with. Thank you for visiting our website. Daisy Gold Goldens has 3- 4'x12' areas for whelping up to three litters at one time. Enough room for play and litter box training until about 5 weeks of age. They then have an extra 9'x12' area for play. The whole area is well lighted, heated, and air conditioned. The floor is non-slip vinyl. The pups listen to classical music with intermittent everyday noises so they will be desensitized. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Massachusetts Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Massachusetts? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Massachusetts? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

These are the typical week-by-week Goldendoodles stages that you will go through with a new Goldendoodle puppy and what signs to look for that they are not developing correctly. Predicting average weights in Goldendoodles is challenging. The parent breeds are the strongest predictor of size, but hybrids can be unpredictable. Standard poodles and Golden Retrievers are both large dog breeds. However, a toy poodle or mini poodles can be bred to larger breeds like Golden Retrievers to produce a much smaller dog, like a toy Goldendoodle or even teacup Goldendoodles. Dogs with long lines registered with the Goldendoodle Association may have more predictable traits, but not as much as an AKC purebred dog. These puppies are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. These first weeks are a very critical time in their development. Your puppy will start to open their eyes at about 2 weeks of age. By the time that they are 3 weeks, their ears will be open, and you will start to notice that their teeth are pushing through their gums. At the end of this first stage, your Goldendoodle puppy will be aware of their surroundings. They will start to bark, crawl, and interact with the other puppies in their litter. At the end of this first puppy stage, they are aware of everything that is around them and are trying to crawl, bark, and interact with their littermates. During this time, they will continue to grow in size rapidly. Most importantly, they start to get more socially active with their mom, littermates, and the people in their lives. Your puppy will start to learn many new things during this stage of puppy development. Their mother will begin to teach them a few basic manners and start the weaning process. They will learn how to play with other puppies and what other puppies will tolerate. This is when they will learn how strong of a bite they have and what is okay for playing. They will usually establish a pecking order within the litter of puppies. This is the main reason why most breeders do not recommend taking the puppies from their litter and mother until they are about 7 to 8 weeks old. By 6 to 7 weeks of age, your Goldendoodle puppy will be able to be left alone for a short period of time. They will also be doing normal puppy behaviors such as eating puppy food , walking, running, and wagging their tail. This is also the time that your Goldendoodle puppy will need their first set of vaccines and dewormed. Most breeders will take their puppies to the vet for these vaccines. This way, they know that their puppies have received the vaccines that they need to get started off on the right track. Stage 3: 7 weeks to 12 Weeks After 7 weeks of age, your puppy is old enough to leave their mother and other littermates and go to their new home. This will probably be around the age when your first get your Goldendoodle. At first, try to keep everything just like the breeder had been. This helps keep your puppy on a normal routine while they are adjusting to their new house. Once your puppy has been at your house for a few days, you can slowly switch things if you want. You may already have a diet you want your puppy to eat. Also, make sure that your dog is eating large-breed puppy food. This will make sure that your Goldendoodle puppy is receiving the best nutrition needed for their fast-growing body. If you do plan on switching diets, make sure that you do this slowly; quickly changing diets can cause GI problems in your new puppy. At this age, your puppy will be ready to start learning everything and experiencing everything you are ready to teach them. They learn very fast at this age, so it is important to make sure that you are teaching them correctly. Your puppy can learn basic commands and manners by going to puppy classes. This will also give them socialization with other puppies and people during this stage. Having many different social encounters will help them become a very well-mannered dog. During this time, your Goldendoodle puppy may show signs of fear. This is a normal experience for a puppy to go through. They may be afraid of certain people, places, or things that they have never been afraid of. During this time, it is important to continue to socialize your Goldendoodle puppy and show them that these things are not as scary as they first thought they were. Make sure not to expose them to a lot of simulations at once, as these can cause them to become more afraid. Stage 4: 3 months to 4 months This is the stage of development when your Goldendoodle puppy will start to become independent. They may even start to challenge you or even ignore you. This is very similar to the terrible twos in people. Your Goldendoodle puppy will also start teething around this time. They will have very painful gums, which will cause them to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Make sure that you are providing your puppy with plenty of approved chewing toys in order to keep your shoes and furniture from becoming the next chew object. During this stage, you may find that you are telling your puppy no a lot. All this training will eventually pay off, and your puppy will be very well-mannered and do what you tell them to. Most of the time, your Goldendoodle puppy just wants to please you. All you must do is give them a little patience and love, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them. By starting obedience classes during this time, you will help your puppy become a friendly and well-behaved adult Goldendoodle. Stage 5: 4 months to 10 months During this time, your Goldendoodle puppy will continue to grow and develop very quickly. It is very important to continue teaching and training your Goldendoodle puppy. They will learn how to adapt to different social situations and what behavior is approved and what is not approved during this time. They will also continue to challenge you, so be prepared to stick to your training and not back off. During this time, your Goldendoodle may act a little bratty. There are going through their teenage years during this time. Also, during this time, do not let your dog play-bite with you, as this can teach them to be aggressive and encourage other dominant behaviors Around 6 months of age, it is advised to spay or neuter your Goldendoodle puppy. These procedures will help your puppy stay healthy and happy as well as prevent unwanted litters that end up in the shelter. Stage 6: 10 months to 1 Year During this stage, small Goldendoodles will reach their full size. They will usually reach maturity around 8 to 12 months of age. Larger Goldendoodles will continue to grow during this time and may not fully develop until they are 18 months to 2 years old. Your Goldendoodle puppy may now look like an adult dog; they usually are still developing mentally. They will have a ton of energy and usually not a lot of common sense. You will still need to monitor your Goldendoodle for any unwanted behavior and quickly correct any problems that you notice starting. Even though they are no longer a puppy, they will still need to continue training and learning commands. At this stage, your Goldendoodle will need lots of attention and exercise to keep them for getting into trouble. Always use a very firm voice and positive reinforcement when training and correcting unwanted behavior. It is best to have a loving and patient but firm voice when training your Goldendoodle Stage 7: 1 year and Older Between 1 and 2 years of age, your Goldendoodle will be fully developed and sexually mature. Your puppy will finally stop growing but may fill out in size just a little. At this point, you can now start exercising more with your Goldendoodle. They love to go for a jog, do agility training, or go for a long hike. Since their bones are now fully developed, there is less likely that they are going to have joint or stress injuries. This is also the best time to switch your puppy from puppy food to adult food. It is always best to stay with the same brand of puppy food that you fed to help decrease any GI signs from switching food. When switching food, it is recommended to switch food slowly. Also, make sure that the diet that you are feeding your Goldendoodle puppy is a high-quality diet. When will my Goldendoodle puppy need to be vaccinated? This is a common schedule most veterinarians follow when vaccinating puppies. This is usually done by the breeder before you get your Goldendoodle puppy. Most of these worms are microscopic, but some you can see in their stool. If you see worms, make sure to let your vet know. Your vet can give your Goldendoodle puppy medication to get rid of these nasty worms. Not only will your pet need vaccines, but they will also need heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. All of these parasites can cause health problems in your Goldendoodle, some of which can be fatal. If you notice something is not right in your Goldendoodle puppy, it is best to take them to the vet. Some very young Goldendoodle puppies can have problems regulating their blood sugar. If you notice that your Goldendoodle puppy has diarrhea, this can be from the stress of going to a new house, parasites, or even parvo. Any problems noticed in your puppy could be very serious, your vet can examine your pet and make sure that there is nothing that is wrong with your puppy. It would be better to be safe than sorry if your pet has something very serious going on. Both parvo and parasites can easily be prevented by sticking to the vaccine schedule and making sure that your puppy is properly dewormed. How big will my Goldendoodle puppy be? It can be hard to tell as puppies which one will be the biggest or which one will be the smallest. Usually, from the time that they are born until the day that you pick up your new puppy, all the puppies in the litter will change in size. At 8 weeks old, the smallest in the litter will usually be the smallest when they are all fully grown. The older your puppy gets, the easier it will be to determine if your puppy will be bigger or smaller. The exact adult weight can be a guess, but you can expect a miniature Goldendoodle to weigh about 4 to 9 pounds at 8 weeks old and a standard Goldendoodle to weigh over 9 pounds at 8 weeks old, and a medium-size Goldendoodle to fall between the 8 to pound range. Most dogs do most of their growing in the first 6 months of life. Smaller and miniature Goldendoodles will be half-grown at 4 months of age, with larger Goldendoodles taking a few months longer to reach this half-grown point. The larger the dog, the longer it will take them to reach adult size. When will my Goldendoodle Puppy stop growing? It may seem as if your Goldendoodle is getting bigger each day. Most Goldendoodle will be done growing by 1 to 2 years of age. They will usually reach their maximum height by 1 year of age and just fill out a little bit in the next year. Miniature Goldendoodle will be done growing by 7 to 10 months. The smaller the dog, the quicker they reach their adult body weight. Standard Goldendoodle should reach their full size by 2 years of age. After your Goldendoodle reaches 1 year of age, you need to monitor what you are feeding them. Lexie, 5-year-old fully grown F2 Mini Goldendoodle. Adult Stage Since your puppy is now over a year old, they are not growing, but there are some things that you need to consider as they start to get older. Goldendoodles that have just matured are usually very active. As your Goldendoodle gets older, they will start to slow down and sleep a little more. There are diseases that you need to look out for as your Goldendoodle gets older. If you notice any of these signs in your Goldendoodle, you need to see a veterinarian. Predicting the mature size of a puppy is by no means an exact science, especially with a hybrid breed like the goldendoodle. How big will my goldendoodle puppy be? From birth until the gotchya day, puppies have fluctuated back and forth in terms of who weighs the most. Even though adult weight is a bit of a guess for a young puppy, expect mini goldendoodles to weigh 4lbs-9lbs at 8 weeks of age. A medium puppy and standard puppy may both weigh 9lbs at 8 weeks old, but the standard puppy with gain weight at a quicker rate than the medium. Like most dog breeds, goldendoodles generally do the majority of their growing in the first six months of life. In fact, many mini goldendoodle puppies reach half of their adult weight by four months. Standard goldendoodles may take a month or so longer to reach that halfway mark. The larger the dog, the longer growing takes. For mini goldendoodles, expect the weight to start leveling off between months of age. Standard goldendoodles, like other large dog breeds, will grow for a longer period of time. While this rule may work for many standards, it is not accurate with smaller-sized goldendoodles who finish growing at a younger age. When will my goldendoodle stop growing? Dogs can finish growing anywhere between years of age, but generally reach their maximum height by a year of age and spend the remaining months filling out. This means your dog might hit a growth spurt right after her first birthday — she might not get any taller but she could thicken up. Golden retrievers grow at a slower rate in terms of height than standard poodles, but fill out more quickly. Golden retrievers tend to finish growing and filling out between months while standard poodles can take up to 2 years to accomplish the same. Established breeds generally reproduce naturally, whereas first-generation mini goldendoodles require artificial insemination. Subsequent generations of hybrid breeds i. F1b, F2b, etc. F1b goldendoodles can potentially have a slightly more predictable size range if the parents are similar sizes. Our 19lb F1 goldendoodle and 24lb poodle produce F1b mini goldendoodle puppies ranging in weight from lbs as adults. Embark is a canine genetic testing company that offers a variety of canine disease and trait tests in their panel. Order an Embark testing kit off Amazon , send in that quick cheek swab, and Embark will happily send you the results. Check out our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to watch various goldendoodles grow up right before your eyes! If you would like to submit data, please complete our quick survey or email goldendoodles timberidgefarms. Growth patterns vary from dog to dog but there are some generalities you may find helpful. Remember, this is a guide only, not a guarantee! Thank you for your support! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share this:.

However, husky lab mixes likely existed naturally before this time. The Chukchi people bred this breed to serve as sled dogs and companions. This dog breed is best known for its wolf-like appearance, distinctive markings, and thick, double coat. Huskies are outgoing and energetic. These dogs like to interact and spend time with their owners. Although intelligent, this breed has an independent streak and tends to be stubborn. This personality makes training the dogs challenging for novice owners. Parent Breed: Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a medium-sized retriever gun dog and a member of the sporting group. The breed is originally from Newfoundland, where the dog helped fishermen haul nets and catch fish. Labradors were developed and perfected as a breed in the United Kingdom. Labs have double water-resistant coats and come in three colors — yellow, chocolate, or black. Eager to please, friendly, and affectionate, they make excellent family pets and service dogs. The breed typically serves as search and rescue dogs and bomb detection dogs, among other working roles. Lifespan The husky lab is a generally healthy mixed breed dog with an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Although this crossbreed may inherit health issues from either parent breed, many husky lab mixes reach old age without any health problems. Husky Lab Mix Appearance A husky lab mix can take on the appearance of a Labrador retriever, a Siberian husky, or inherit traits from both parent breeds. The dog has an athletic build. Depending on which parent breed it takes after, the dog may have erect or floppy ears, and brown, blue, or different-colored eyes. Height and Weight Husky lab mixes are considered medium-sized dogs with a height of 20 to 25 inches at the withers and a weight of 40 to 60 pounds. Some Labrador huskies weigh more, depending on the size and weight of the Labrador retriever parent. Colors Husky lab mixes are typically white, grey, black, yellow, brown, red, or a mix of colors. Coat Husky lab mixes have a thick double coat. Regardless of the length, the coat is soft and silky. Like its husky parent, this mix prefers cooler temperatures over hot and humid conditions. These dogs are heavy shedders. The soft double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and sheds heavily during the spring and fall. Personality and Temperament The husky lab is loyal, affectionate, craves human companionship, and enjoys being around its family. This intelligent, playful, and energetic dog is always in the mood to play and enjoys being physically and mentally challenged. Barking Husky labs are typically vocal dogs that take after their husky parents by howling to communicate. Use positive reinforcement training to teach a husky lab not to bark or howl as much. Husky Lab Mix Care Husky labs are high-maintenance, requiring a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming. Food Needs The ideal diet for the husky lab includes kibble formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. Choose dog foods that contain high protein levels, moderate fat, easily digestible carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals. Feed the adult husky lab two to three small meals per day, and offer three to four daily meals to puppies. Grooming Needs Brush the husky lab mix three to five times per week during the spring and fall shedding seasons, and twice per week during the off-season. Brushing will remove loose hair, prevent mats from forming, and keep the coat clean. Bathe this breed once every two or three months, or more often if the dog gets dirty or develops a strong smell. Clean the ears as necessary using an ear cleaning solution for dogs. Exercise Needs The highly energetic husky lab needs at least 60 minutes of intense activity every day to stay happy and in good shape. Any type of cardiovascular activity, such as running, swimming, or hiking, will physically challenge this mix and help it release pent-up energy. Besides regular exercise, aim for two to three long walks per day with your dog, plus two minute play sessions to prevent the dog from getting bored. An excited dog can accidentally knock over a small child. Mental Needs Husky lab mixes should be given a lot of mental stimulation, or they quickly become bored and destructive. Owners can also provide stimulation by teaching the dog new commands and tricks. Spend at least 30 minutes per day playing fetch, hide and seek, or tug-of-war with this breed. Common Health Concerns Husky lab mixes are generally healthy dogs, but they are predisposed to the same health issues that affect Labrador retrievers and Siberian huskies. The husky lab can inherit eye conditions that lead to blindness, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy. Husky labs are also prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, allergies, bloat, and cancer. Take the lab husky mix to the vet for a complete check-up as soon as you bring it home from the breeder or shelter. Training Husky lab mixes are highly trainable dogs, but they can be stubborn. Use reward-based training instead of using punishment and domination to teach the dog commands. This breed loves to please its owners and finds positive reinforcement training motivating. Although friendly by nature, these dogs benefit from early socialization, especially with children. Expose the dog to different smells, sounds, situations, places, and people, including kids, from puppyhood to help the dog grow into an amicable pet. Husky Lab Mix Price Husky lab mixes are affordable, given that most designer dog breeds are more expensive than their purebred parents. Buying a husky lab puppy costs more than adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Buying a husky lab from a reputable breeder is more expensive than adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue group. Is a Huskador Right for You? The husky lab mix makes an excellent pet for outdoorsy families, as the dog gets along well with kids and enjoys being a part of a busy household. Husky lab mixes are suitable for active people who want a dog to accompany them on adventures. This mix is also a good fit for dynamic families with children who can interact and play with the dog. Spacious homes near the woods, parks, or with fenced yards offer ideal living conditions for husky labs. These social dogs crave human companionship and quickly become bored and destructive when left home alone. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: Siberian Husky Mixes. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So, what do you get when you mix them together? An intelligent, social, and playful pooch that can accompany you on all of your adventures. If you are thinking of adopting a Husky Lab Mix into your family, here is everything you need to know. Husky Lab Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 40 to 60 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, straight, color varies Shedding — yes Temperament — Intelligent, sociable, loyal, playful, and eager to please Trainable — Very trainable but can act up when bored Activity — Highly active needs at least one hour of exercise and intermittent daily activity Best For — Families and people with lots of time to spend with them and active lifestyles What is a Husky Lab Mix? They are different from a purebred Labrador Husky, which is a purebred dog native to coastal Labrador. It has the same wolf look as a Husky and, just like a wolf, howls rather than barks. Huskador Appearance Mixed-breed dogs are an unpredictable combination of the two parent breeds, so it is impossible to know exactly what they will look like before they are born. However, one Husky trait that is commonly inherited by Huskadors is heterochromia, which is two different-colored eyes. This is one of the traits that gives both Huskies and Huskadors their unique look. Although their final look is always a lottery, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Husky Lab Mixes. Size As both Huskies and Labradors are medium-sized dogs, their joint offspring will be about the same size. Huskies are the smaller of the two breeds, and the females are much smaller than the males. Male Huskies are between 21 and .Labradors are larger at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. This means for safe breeding, the Labrador will pretty much always be the mother of the Siberian Retriever, as the mother needs to be the larger of the two dogs in order to avoid problems birthing the pups. So expect you Husky Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. You can get a better idea of just how big the dog will be by looking at the size of the parents. Color Labskies come in a wide range of different colors including black, brown, yellow, white, grey, and copper. They can be one solid color, like Labradors, or they can be an unexpected mix, taking after their Husky parent. It is not uncommon to see white Huskadors with the golden ears of a Labrador, or white pups with the coloring over the ears and nose in black or brown. But any pattern or mix is possible. Coat Siberian Retrievers will usually have the short coat of a Labrador, as this seems to be a dominant gene that shows up in their mixed children. But they are also likely to have the straight hair that we are accustomed to seeing on Huskies. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. Huskies have a particularly thick undercoat that helps keep them warm in icy temperatures, so a Huskador might also find themselves with one. But whether they inherit this winter warmer or not, Siberian Retrievers shed—a lot—especially in fall and spring when they change their coats. Regular brushing is essential for maintenance, as is a vacuum cleaner that is up to the task! Husky Labrador Mix Character The personality you get when you mix a Husky and a Labrador is unpredictable, but both are friendly dogs that love people, so you can be sure you will have a sociable, human-loving pup. Labrador Retrievers were initially hunting dogs bred to retrieve wild game. This means they have been bred to enjoy being around humans and to be pleasers, completing tasks in return for rewards. They are friendly, good with strangers, and easy to train, which means their behavior is controllable. Huskies are working dogs bred to pull sleds and hunt in cold climates. They can also be very vocal and bark a lot. These dogs are escape artists, which means you need to take extra care when building their homes and enclosures. A Husky Lab Mix can inherit any and all of these traits in different measures, but you can be sure the dog will be intelligent and trainable. Both breeds are also playful, friendly, and love people. They make great pets for family homes. Activity Levels Both Labradors and Huskies have a lot of energy, so you can be sure their offspring are also going to be high energy pups. They will need a minimum of one hour of exercise every day. These dogs will love and benefit from a quick game of fetch every few hours, which appeals to their retriever instinct. This regular distraction will also help keep them occupied enough that they are less likely to indulge in unwanted behavior such as chewing your shoes, digging holes, and finding their way under the fence. Yes, sometimes these dogs are just too intelligent for their own good! These dogs are ideal for active owners who want a companion on their adventures. And Husky Labs Mixes can go just about anywhere with you. They are personable enough to get on well in a crowd, they will have no problems with those long jokes, and they even love the water! These dogs tend to be great swimmers. Exercise As we have already said, Siberian Retrievers are very high energy dogs, so they need a lot of exercise. This means a minimum of one hour per day. They need exercise in regular bursts. As we have already suggested, take them out in the yard for a quick game of fetch a couple of times a day and you will have a much happier pooch. It will also help maintain their weight, which is important because carrying extra pounds can exacerbate many of the health problems common in these dogs. Intellectual Stimulation The pups of Huskies and Labradors are highly intelligent, which means they need a lot of intellectual stimulation. If not, they will get into trouble. Labradors tend to be chewers and will make short work of a lot of things in your home. Huskies are diggers and also seem to manage to get in or out of anything. So you may come home to find they are not where you left them. Puzzle toys can help keep your dog stimulated, but be aware that Huskadors will make short work of them. They are heavy chewers with powerful jaws, so you will be replacing that toy regularly. Another option is to look for more durable indestructible dog toys. The KONG Extreme is one of our favorite toys and can be mentally stimulating as well as highly durable. Companionship Huskadors need a lot of love and attention. They are not the type of dog you can leave alone at home for the whole day while you are at work. They will not only get into trouble, but they can develop separation anxiety and depression. This is not the type of dog for people whose houses are empty for most of the day. Grooming Both parent dogs of Siberian Retrievers shed a lot, so you can expect their kids to do the same. For this reason, they need to be brushed at least twice a week, and during their shedding seasons in fall and spring they will need brushing every day. This should not be seen as a chore, but rather as some nice bonding time for the two of you. What may seem like more of a chore is cleaning up all the hair they shed around your home. Commit to the fact that very regular vacuuming is now part of your regime, and get a specialist pet vacuum cleaner that has the power and the attachments needed to pick up all that hair. This means they do not need to be bathed too often. When you do bathe them, be sure to wash out all the shampoo and conditioner. This can easily be held onto by their hair, and if left behind can irritate their skin. But brushing is only the beginning of the grooming regime these pups need, not all of which will be such a pleasant bonding experience. They need their teeth brushed at least three times a week. Thankfully, this can be partially achieved with dental chew toys. They should also have their ears cleaned regularly, especially if they have the floppy ears of a retriever. Bacteria, yeast, and parasites live in the ear canal. Finally, make sure to trim their nails on a regular basis, at least monthly. This is often a job best left to the experts, as it is easy to cut too deep and hurt your pooch, which will only make them less cooperative next time as they will develop a fear of the clippers pretty quickly. If you are confident enough to do it at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. We prefer to use a nail grinder called a Dremmel to trim our dogs nails. However, the Dremmel is something you should slowly introduce to your dog so he is not fearful of the sound and vibration. Diet Huskadors need a diet that is high in healthy proteins. Both Labradors and Huskies are natural carnivores, so they feel better when they have a diet high in meat and without excessive amounts of carbohydrates. Processed carbohydrates should be avoided for all dogs, but especially these. Husky Lab Mixes have a lot of energy, and that protein will help them get through their day. They should also have quite a bit of fat in their diet but not too much. You need to be careful about maintaining the weight of these dogs, as they can have heart and joint issues, and excess weight will just exacerbate these health problems. Husky Lab Mixes can have sensitive stomachs, which means that artificial coloring, rendered fats, and processed grains should all be avoided. Look to vary their diet by introducing novel proteins such as rabbit and venison. Puppies should eat special puppy food until about the age of one. Until they are six months old, feed them four times a day, and after that drop to twice a day. They will probably need to move onto special foods for senior dogs at about the age of 7, which is when they enter the second half of their lives. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day. But while this is a good guide, listen to your vet and watch their weight to find their unique dietary balance. Check out our list of best dog foods for Huskies and best dog foods for Labs for some of our recommendations. Known Health Problems Dogs are just as unique as humans when it comes to the health problems they can develop, but some breeds are more prone to certain conditions than others. Husky Lab Mixes are susceptible to the conditions that are common among both Huskies and Labradors: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — A condition that arises when the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally, which can cause extreme pain and arthritis later in life Eye Conditions — Various eye conditions including cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy, all of which can all result in blindness Heart Conditions — Usually a decrease in the effectiveness of the heart pumping blood throughout the body, which can lead to complications such as a build-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen Life Expectancy Husky Labrador Mix dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. Check out our list of best dog foods for your senior dog for our recommendation of dog foods for older dogs. How To Train Your Husky Lab Mix Huskadors inherit a lot of intelligence on both sides, so they are smart dogs that are highly trainable, but they can be stubborn. For this reason, domination and punishment should never be used. It can cause these stubborn pups to dig in their heels and refuse to cooperate. The best way to train Husky Labrador Mixes is through positive reinforcement and reward. They are people-pleasers so they find this highly motivational. While these pooches are naturally sociable, it is a good idea to socialize them from a young age, especially with children. This helps them learn the care they need to exercise when dealing with smaller humans. They will also probably need to be trained to control their likely Husky-inherited tendency to bark. They will meet you halfway, but you need to fulfill your side of the bargain. Husky and Labrador mixes make great pets for families, as they will quickly become members of the family and get on well with kids. A family also often means lots of people in and out of the home to spend time with them. But they are perfect for anyone with a highly active lifestyle looking for a dog that can accompany them on all of their adventures. They will have no problems taking on challenging trails, being out and about all day, and even going in the water. So this is the ideal dog for someone who has the time and energy to give them a lot of love and attention. They will thank you with the same in return. This means you can meet the parents, which can help give you an idea of what kind of character the puppy will have. The breeder will also be able to share medical records with you, which can give you advance warning about the types of medical conditions your new pooch is prone to developing. If you are adopting a more mature Huskador, spend some time with them to see what they are like. As Husky Lab Mixes are still a relatively new breed, they are also relatively expensive. History of the Breeds Siberian Husky More closely related to wolves than many modern dog breeds, Huskies have long been sled dogs used in colder regions. They are bred for strength, swiftness, and to withstand cold temperatures. Their unique wolf-like look and friendly nature mean they are also extremely popular as pets. Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers were brought from Newfoundland to England in the 19th century and then trained and bred as hunting dogs. They are highly intelligent and love being around people, working, and pleasing their humans. This is why they are often used as assistance dogs, as they are both hard workers and incredibly loving and loyal. Yes, Husky Lab Mixes are excellent dogs, as they are intelligent, highly trainable, friendly, and loyal, plus they are great with children and strangers. If they are under-stimulated, they can have a tendency to act out, chewing and digging. Huskadors generally grow to between 20 and 25 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. If you would like a dog on the smaller side, choose a female, as they tend to be smaller than their male counterparts. If your Husky Lab Mix is playful and energetic, this is a sign that they are happy. When they start to become lethargic, this is often a sign that there is something wrong. The Verdict When you mix a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever you get a very attractive dog that is also loveable, loyal, and a joy to have around. They are the ideal pet for families and anyone looking for a companion for their active lifestyle. These dogs do need a lot of love and attention and can suffer from separation anxiety. But if you invest in your Huskador, it is impossible to put a price on the unconditional love and companionship they will give you in return. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. A Husky Lab Mix has high energy levels, and she needs to be exercised properly to stay fit. She also enjoys swimming, running in the park, and playing Frisbee, or any other interactive game. These dogs are suitable for active families, where running, jogging, camping trips, or hiking are common activities. I think having a yard where your dog can run freely is essential when dealing with this breed. Make sure you have a strong fence before bringing your future dog home, to prevent her from escaping. A Lab Husky Mix also loves to dig holes, so take all precautions if you have plants. It can be white, black, brown, golden, or any combination of these colors. Some have blue eyes, while others have eyes of different colors. The most common are eye and skin diseases, degenerative myelopathy , arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Besides potty training , obedience lessons can also help you bond easier with your dog while giving you the chance to remain in charge. This dog is very intelligent and in most cases you can train her yourself, especially if you start at an early age. Always use positive reinforcement and never punish your dog for not following your commands. Outside the shedding season, your dog needs to be brushed twice a week, to keep her coat beautiful and to reduce the amount of lost hair. Keeping your dog alone for too long can cause separation anxiety, sometimes also found in Huskies, but more common when it comes to Labradors. Get her some resistant dog toys to chew, and free access to the yard where she can play, run, and move freely. Make sure she always has a place to go in case of bad weather. If you work all day, ask a friend or a pet walker to take her to the park and make sure you also spend enough time with her when you get home. Conclusion As you can see, a Labrador Husky Mix is a great dog. Do you think you can handle such a dog? Or do you already have one? Let us know what you think about the Husky Lab Mix in a comment below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Very easy to train. I disagree with many of the characteristics listed. Ours is lazy and does not like a lot of activity. The only issue we have is his obsession with children. He loves kids so much that if he can see them but cannot get to them he becomes so laserly focused and cry a very high pitch until they are out of sight. He wants to smell them and lick them on the face and generally hang out with them. Another dog approached and he chased him or her off in an aggressive manner. I had never seen him aggressive like that before. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labsky Highlights The Labsky is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Siberian Husky parents. Labskies were first bred intentionally in the s. The Labsky is a medium- to large-sized dog with high energy. Labskies tend to love people and human contact. They are usually very friendly. The Labsky has a double coat that requires daily brushing. Their fur can come in white, black, yellow, brown, red and grey, and many times the coat will be a mix of colors. Labskies can have a high prey drive and might be best suited to homes with pets of the same size. The mixed breed dates back to the s, although their original country of origin has not been established. The Siberian Husky has existed for over years, and originated in the cold climes of Alaska and Canada. The Labrador Retriever has a history as a gun dog and was first developed in Newfoundland in the 19th century. These days, the Labrador Retriever has become recognized as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and frequently ranks as the most popular dog breed of all, according to the American Kennel Club. Even though the Labsky looks like a fancy, high-end designer dog, many of them end up in shelters so consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you! Most weigh in at 40 to 60 pounds and range in height from inches. Labsky Personality Many Labsky lovers like to describe their dogs as very loyal and exceptionally active. With high energy levels, the Labsky thrives on long walks and will always be interested in physical play sessions. If you have access to lots of outdoor space near to your home, the Labsky will prosper and approach life with much vigor. At home, Labskies are seen as loving and loyal dogs who seek out company and enjoy being around people. A Labsky enjoys mental stimulation, and interactive toys can help keep the dog interested and alert. These dogs very much enjoy being around family and prosper in an environment with a lot of human contact. Labsky Health Labskies are generally farily healthy. The Labsky breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever also face. It is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Labskies suffer from include: Eye conditions. Your Lab Husky should also visit the vet regularly. You can then wean if off that brand slowly and introduce new food while steadily increasing the ratio. To ensure your Lab Husky mix cub gets all they need to grow up big and strong, try one of the best puppy food brands or some of the best dry dog food for small dogs. A Husky crossed with Lab pup should be fed three to four times daily. Once it hits six months, feeding can be dropped to just two times a day. Keep feeding your dog with puppy dog food until it turns a year old. This is because this feed is designed to have more protein, something that a growing puppy needs. Once your pet turns a year old, it should then be fed about 2. That is when you can switch to the best dry dog food that undoubtedly all adult doggos enjoy. It contains ocean fish meal, salmon, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas. Give this to your dog if you want it to have a shinier coat. Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: One of the best makers of dog food today, Nutro Max uses fewer ingredients in its feed to reduce the number of digestive issues a dog might develop. It uses real chicken as its main source of protein. Once your pooch reaches a certain age, their bones and overall health become more frail, and they need food that can give them all the necessary nutrients. We have ample suggestions of the best senior dry dog food brands that you could offer your aged pooch. They will also benefit from additional vitamins and minerals, so we suggest including the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement in their diet as well. Your Lab Husky mix will need regular exercise to stay fit and burn off excess energy. This dog needs a long walk twice a day. It also enjoys running around the park and playing Frisbee. This crossbreed has a natural affinity to water and loves to swim. Its webbed paws make it a natural in this activity. Any interactive game will suit this dog perfectly. Families with an active lifestyle and those who love the outdoors will be good matches for the Husky Lab mix. You can even take it hiking or camping. Labs have a particular gene that has been linked to weight increase. This hybrid dog will thrive in homes with a yard where it can run freely. It also loves digging holes so you might have to rearrange your garden. Keep your dog engaged and entertain with these toys — KONG Extreme: Kong toys never fail, and this extreme version of a beloved toy will keep your Lab Husky mix happy for hours. Fill it up with treats, stand back and watch your dog chew on it for hours. Nina Ottoson Dog Tornado: This interactive toy is a bit pricey but well worth the expense. Trixie Dog Activity Chess: This toy will reward your dog with snacks in exchange for its smarts. Hide treats within the movable pieces to keep your pet busy. Your dog will have a great time knocking the ball around or playing fetch with it. It also squeaks, so the more auditory-inclined canines will be interested. Mammoth Flossy Chews: Your Husky Lab hybrid will love tugging and playing this cotton blend, three-knot toy. It comes in different sizes, including an extra large one for massive and strong dogs. Husky Lab Mix Training Obedience training is a must with a Husky Lab mix, and it should start as soon as you bring your dog home. This training will help you develop a positive relationship with your pet while also enabling you to remain in control. A Husky Lab is a very intelligent canine, and a responsible and patient owner can train their Huskadors themselves. This will go easier if the lessons are done at an early age. Fortunately, this stubborn streak can be tempered with heaps of positive reinforcement and repetition. Socialization training is also crucial for this dog. Make sure you start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Invite your friends over or take your pet to different places. The idea is to let it interact with various people and animals. To make training easier, consider the following tips: Positive reinforcement is best. This is a better strategy with this breed. Do not punish your dog for not obeying your commands or forgetting its training. Set up regular playdates. Playing with others do is a way to keep them entertained, socialized, and mentally engaged. Invest in puzzle toys. Make sure you have lots of engaging toys and puzzles on hand. Labrador Husky Mix and Families A Lab Husky mix is a great family dog, as long as everyone is on-board with the proper way of handling and training it. Consistency is key to ensure this dog is trained and socialized properly. This dog suits all types of owners, from single households to families with small children. But you have to make sure you have the time and energy for this dog. You should ask yourself if you have the patience and dedication needed to provide it with the best possible life before getting one. This magnificent dog is not the pet for busy employees or those who are away from home for long hours. The Husky Lab mix is a unique dog and a fantastic companion. It needs someone who will love it back; someone who will dedicate the time and effort to ensure its physical and mental requirements are met. Finding a healthy Husky Lab mix puppy. Labs are working dogs , born with a job to do. As you might guess, that job typically involves the second word in their breed name — retrieving! These dogs were bred to work closely with hunters to flush out and collect downed prey. Labs are loyal human-focussed dogs. They make for fun-loving, affectionate, and playful pets. Huskies are working dogs too. Historically, they helped out with hunting and gathering food, firewood, supplies, and other necessities. These dogs were bred specifically to cohabitate and collaborate with people. Overall, they make for wonderful, loyal pets and guard dogs. But as he grows up, each day will bring new surprises. Only time will tell which breed-specific traits he has inherited from his Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky parents, respectively. Your Husky Lab mix full grown may weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds. He is likely to be athletic and powerful. Both parents grow up to about 24 inches in height, so you can expect a medium to large dog. He may have facial and body features that lean more towards the Lab or the Husky. He could have brown eyes, blue eyes, or even one of each! Coats and Colors Labs are well known for their different coats, and mixing a Lab of a certain color with a Husky could lead to a Huskador that has a dark coat. Shedding and Grooming The Labsky dog tends to shed. A lot. The reason for this is simple: the Siberian Husky grows a double-thick coat as protection against the freezing Siberian climate. This means that even a Lab Husky mix who inherits more Lab traits will still shed more than your average Labrador, although likely less than your average Husky. Now, if your dog inherits more Husky traits, you can look forward to a jaw-dropping level of shedding at least twice a year as your pup sheds his thick undercoat and prepares to regrow it. But regardless of which end of the shedding spectrum your pooch tends towards, the best way to control Lab Husky mix shedding is to brush your dog regularly. You can use a tool called an undercoat rake to make the shedding process much more comfortable for your dog and more manageable for you. Take time once or twice per week to groom your dog. This will give you some control over when and where the hairs fall out. Also, it gives you some regular enjoyable bonding time with your pup. Husky Lab Mix Temperament Lab Husky mix temperament is where you will find the most uncertainty, since any puppy can tend more towards the temperament of one parent breed or the other. Your puppy may exhibit a calmer Labrador temperament or a more high-strung Husky temperament. While they are likely to be smart, Husky Lab mix puppies could take after the Lab parent and be a quick, eager learner during training. Or they could be more stubborn and even inconsistent, like the Husky parent. A Huskador puppy could also have a more reserved personality, like a Husky. Alternatively, you could end up with a naturally exuberant Lab-leaning pup that reminds you of the canine star of Marley and Me. Labs tend to bark only as needed. Huskies, on the other hand, tend to bark at anything and everything. Your pup could fall anywhere in between the two. Digging is another issue , as Huskies are big on digging. Labs are known for chewing on anything they can find, which could also be an issue for your Siberian Retriever. He will likely be very loyal and somewhat protective, however. Socialization is an important part of raising a well-behaved member of any breed or mix. From the day you bring him or her home, have plenty of visitors to the home. Take your Huskador to a number of different locations to familiarize him with other environments. Try to get your pup to meet as many different people, vehicles and animals as possible. Socialization is important to the well-being and good behavior of every breed, even ultra-friendly Labs. Huskies, as mentioned, tend to be a bit more reserved, so socialization is vital for this mix. Training and Behavioral Traits For decades, dog training was all about establishing the pack leader. Leading trainers taught that there were only two choices: either your dog was the alpha, or you were the alpha. However, we know differently now. For a dog, there is no such thing as alpha, or dominance, or pack leader, or even anything similar to any of these concepts. As long as you provide your dog with his daily required resources, your interspecies family life is likely to go quite smoothly overall. In fact, the purebred Siberian Husky breed is known to exhibit some of these traits far more frequently than purebred Labrador Retrievers. This can make training more challenging and time-consuming if your Labsky puppy tends more towards the Husky side of his parentage. But whether such behavioral traits show up in your puppy or not, these behaviors are never about winning dominance over you or becoming the pack leader. These traits are either inbuilt breed-specific characteristics, or fear-based responses to perceived scarcity of needed resources. Ultimately, your puppy is dependent on you for every need that he has. Understanding this can eliminate your concern over alpha-type struggles. Huskador Exercise The Husky Lab mix comes from two active, energetic, working dog breed parents. Boredom can be a real problem for these dogs, as they are literally bred to stay active all day, every day. Often, they perform very physically demanding jobs! So you can pretty much count on the need to keep your Siberian Husky Lab mix dog active and busy. Otherwise, she may develop her own itinerary of fun activities to pursue. Lab Husky mix dogs also have webbed paws and a natural love of water. Swimming is a great activity for them. So is any game of fetch that involves retrieving a bobbing toy from the water. They also love to run and will eagerly enjoy long runs off-leash if your situation permits. Lab mixes are at risk of hip dysplasia, so be careful with younger dogs and keep their exercise at appropriate levels. Health and Care A Lab and Husky mix puppy may inherit known health issues from either the Labrador or the Husky gene pool. Therefore, it is critical to conduct health testing when selecting a designer dog puppy. This is the only way to know if breed-specific congenital health issues may be present. Each breed may have health issues that are inherited or acquired along the way. Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few health issues that can be protected against in future generations through health testing. The most prevalent are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as progressive retinal atrophy. Siberian Husky dogs are known to be prone to a few health problems including cataracts, glaucoma, arthritis and heart problems. Predicting Life Expectancy Generally speaking, the Labrador Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The Siberian Husky, in turn, has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. These statistics would indicate a Lab and Husky mix might live anywhere from 10 to 13 years, which is generally considered an accurate lifespan range for these designer dogs. We recommend reaching out to these rescue societies to ask about any Huskador dogs in need of adopting. Here are a few to get you started.

Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Over the years, this breed of dog has consistently ranked in the top five for most popular dog breeds. In fact, for nearly 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ranked as the number one most popular dog before getting knocked out of the number one spot this year by the French Bulldog. And with this breed, often referred to as simple the Lab, remaining high on the list for most searched for and most loved dog, we want to know how much it costs to own one. What are the costs associated with these dogs, from actually getting the puppy to feeding them and beyond. How much does it cost to own a Labrador Retriever? Crufts returns this year after it was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And we should also point out that a Chocolate Lab is going to cost more than a Black Lab or a Yellow Lab since this color of fur is rarer. Next, we have to talk about feeding your Lab. Considering the Labrador Retriever is medium to large breed dog and often on the larger side of things , you are looking at a diet that may cost a bit more. Now we have to talk about those vet visits. That being said, there are some health concerns that all Labrador Retrievers may face over the course of their lives our pup was lucky enough to not have to deal with these issues, although he did have to have his eyelids fixed as a puppy and that can significantly increase their vet bills. Finally, you will absolutely want to consider grooming when it comes to your Lab as they are another breed that has a double coat. Of course, dog toys, beds and other supplies are also a must for your pup, so these are added expenses that should also be considered. However, if you have ever owned a Lab, you know they are absolutely worth the cost. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.

Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? While the feeding guide on the back of the bag of food is a good guideline on how much to feed, puppies will go through growth spurts where they will be hungrier and need to eat more. Feed your puppy so that they stay thin, but not emaciated. If you see ribs sticking out, then increase the amount you are feeding by 10 percent. If you have any questions about how much you should feed your puppy, talk with your veterinary care team. How long do I feed puppy food? Puppies should be fed puppy food until they are done growing. Puppies stop growing at different times based on their size: Small- and medium-sized puppies: These pups grow faster and are considered mature around 9 months of age. Large breed puppies: These pups take longer to be skeletally mature and are considered to be done growing around 15 months of age for large breeds, like Labrador Retrievers , and months of age for giant breeds, like Great Danes , Mastiffs and Newfoundlands. That means that you will need to feed large breed puppies a food specially formulated for their needs for longer than you will need to feed puppy food to small or medium breed puppies. Adults Photo: Chewy Studios Age 1 year to years Two of the most common questions puppy parents have are 1 how long to feed puppy food and 2 when to switch to an adult diet. What do adult dogs eat? Adult dogs need at least 18 percent of their daily calories to be protein, and at least 5. An adult dog can eat up to 50 percent of daily calories as carbohydrates, but 2. How to choose adult dog food With so many options available on the market today, it can be difficult to choose a food when you switch to adult dog food. The statement should say that the food has been found to be complete and balanced based on formulation or AAFCO feeding trials. The size of your dog: Another consideration when choosing a food for your dog is the size of your dog. If you have a large breed dog, feeding a food that has been formulated for large breed dogs, like Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food , can help support joint health. Is the haircoat full and glossy? What about stool quality and quantity? If everything checks out, then the food is likely good for your dog. How much food to feed an adult dog When it comes to how much to feed, start with the feeding recommendations on the back of the bag and see how your dog does. How to switch to adult dog food The most seamless way to do this is to purchase a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food, and gradually mix the two dry foods together, increasing the ratio of the new kibble over the course of about a week. And, I'll go out on a limb to say I bet those early Boxers ate dog food with less additives and fillers than found in today's formulas. That is of course, unless you're armed with information on sourcing the best possible modern foods for feeding Boxer dogs! Adult Boxer dogs require 1, to 2, calories of good quality dog food per day depending on age and activity, with an averagely active adult dog somewhere midrange. Being a muscular breed that is highly active, Boxers require quality protein in food at a slightly higher level than many less active breeds. Credence should be given to invest in a quality kibble dog food with high protein and caloric value or go with a Raw Dog Diet , especially for active Boxers. Bloat Concerns This breed is prone to bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus , so grain free kibble and raw diets are a great option for feeding Boxer dogs. Carbohydrate and fat levels are less a concern when feeding Boxer dogs, yet Boxers are know to put on extra weight rather easily. Low carbohydrate diets should be fed to overweight dogs and the breed ideally should be slim, stocky and muscular. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Boxer dogs, visit our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Supplements As with any medium to large breed dog, providing a food that includes supplements adds additional insurance towards good health. To maintain your Boxer's joint health, foods containing chondroitin and glucosamine are awesome. If your kibble doesn't include these compounds, they can be supplemented separately with a product such a Cosequin. For a shiny coat and to promote skin health, foods with Omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful. For control of inflammation or arthritis pain in older Boxer dogs, support the heart, kidneys and stabilize overall mood, Omega-3 fatty acids are great to see on an ingredients panel. Just like Cosequin however, Omegas can be fed separately and as needed by simply squeezing a gel capsule over your Boxer's meal. In summary, feeding Boxer dogs about 2. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. Feeding Boxer Dog Puppies Quality formulated all life stages food and several small meals a day for a Boxer dog puppy. Your Boxer puppy will grow rapidly through the first six to eight months. Similar to any medium or large breed puppy that is susceptible to bone growth issues like hip dysplasia, feeding a quality all life stages, large breed puppy formula, or Raw Dog Food diet will help regulate growth. Boxer puppies can eat! Two to three regulated servings per day is recommended, do not free freed. There's an unwritten rule in among Boxer enthusiasts to feed at least twice as much food daily that your puppy would eat as an adult, In multiple regulated servings. Begin by following feeding guidelines per the label provided on your chosen Kibble Dog Food Formula. Increase or decrease the amount fed by assessing your Boxer's body weight and energy as he or she grows. From age 6 to 8 months on, the rapid growth phase should cease and while still technically a puppy, your Boxer can be transitioned to an adult diet. This includes higher protein foods yet many who were already feeing an all life stages formula can continue with the same. As always with both puppies and adult Boxers, keep an eye on your dog's weight. You should always see a trace of the last rib with this breed and they should appear slim, yet muscular. Adjust amount fed per serving accordingly to maintain that perfect Boxer appearance. And lastly, with all dog breeds that are prone to bloat, feeding Boxer dogs several small meals a day is a safer bet than free feeding, or one HUGE serving! Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Boxer dog. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Boxer Dog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Your vet can run the necessary tests and examine your puppy to determine the cause. Male Adult male Boxers are slightly larger than females. Males weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds, requiring 3 to 5 cups of food. This weight range requires 2 to 4 cups of food per day. On top of a caloric increase, an active Boxer will also need a protein-rich diet to feed their muscles. A protein-friendly, calorie-dense dry kibble should be offered, and you should follow the instructions based on their weight. Image Credit: boxerdogmadness, Pixabay Sedentary Boxers tend to become overweight quickly if you overfeed them—blame their voracious appetites and love for snacking. This food offers a low-calorie alternative without skipping out on necessary nutrition. However, what really happens is that it decreases their metabolism rate, slowing their energy. This slowing process can cause weight gain if you continue to feed them the same amount of food. The puppies always get the nutrients first. So, if you have a food that is lacking in certain areas, the mother will suffer. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Boxer Feeding Guide for Seniors Just like puppyhood has special dietary requirements when dogs reach a certain age, so does old age. Seniors need to eat foods that cater to their life stage to keep them capable, happy, and healthy for their remaining years. A Boxer transitions into the senior category, usually around 6—9 years of age. If you have your dog on dog food for all life stages, it might be appropriate to continue this diet. A lower-calorie food will also help to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. If your senior has specific health issues, it might be best to feed them a specific diet that helps with their condition. As time goes on, you can work with your vet to accommodate their special dietary needs. It is formulated specifically for later years. Some dogs have voracious appetites that are never satisfied. It seems like you barely get it into the bowl before they suck it up like a vacuum cleaner. Free-Feeding—this practice involves making food available to your dog at all times. The danger with this method is that large dogs like Boxers are susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus GDV. Bloat happens when the dog eats too quickly, causing gas to fill the abdomen. It can be fatal. This method can also make overeating seem like the norm, which causes bad manners. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals is a better alternative to free-feeding. Slow-Feeder Bowls—a great way to slow your pooch down, allowing them to digest their food properly, is to give them food in a slow feeder. It gives your Boxer unique designs to eat around, stimulating their mental curiosity while slowing them down. What Foods Are Bad for Boxers? Some things to look out for are: Corn. Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important.