victorian bulldog puppies
Categories Dog Fun , Dog Training French Bulldogs are excellent companions for millions of households around the world. French Bulldogs cannot swim well. This makes it difficult for Frenchies to tilt their heads upward in water, thus making it harder to breathe while swimming. And considering their dense yet muscular bodies and short legs, Frenchies may struggle with swimming for long periods of time. Continue reading to learn why Frenchies have a hard time swimming, and tips to get them started. However, Frenchies are climbing an uphill battle when it comes to swimming. Brachycephaly makes it difficult to breathe while swimming Simply put, Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs refers to a shortened head. This leads to changes in the anatomy of the soft tissue structures. After witnessing my frenchie fall into the pool, and sink straight to the bottom, without so much an attempt at a doggie paddle, we keep him far away from any bodies of water! Thus making it even more difficult to breath and stay afloat simultaneously. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle in getting your French Bulldog to safely swim. Some owners have reported that their Frenchies immediately go vertical and sink like a stone. Frenchies are heavy and compact dogs The French Bulldog is undeniably a muscular dog breed. Comparatively, Frenchies are small dogs. A full adult-sized dog will stand between 11 to 12 inches at the shoulder. However, they weigh anywhere between 16 to 28 lbs, depending on factors like gender and genetics. Frenchies weigh so much because muscle is heavy. Just like Frenchies. French Bulldogs have short legs French Bulldogs are one of the few true dwarf dog breeds. In fact, they actually have the dwarfism gene, as seen in several popular dog breeds. As a result, the dog will develop abnormally short legs. Osteochondrodysplasia, or Osteo for short, is a condition where the dog sees abnormal growth and development of bones and cartilages. The result from Achondroplasia can be abnormally short limbs, which is called Dwarfism. This is what French Bulldogs have, and it can be a huge disadvantage for swimming. But why would it be, you ask? After all, not all dog breeds are instinctual swimmers, such as the Poodles. Remember that swimming can be a scary activity for your Frenchie. It can be overwhelming for most dogs. That being said, you should never force your Frenchie into the water. This process will take some time, so patience is necessary. Get a dog life jacket The first step to teaching your Frenchie how to swim is to buy the right equipment. And by equipment, I only mean a dog life vest. Frenchie or not, this is something I recommend to all owners when beginning the training. This advice is something even the American Kennel Club recommends. There are a few reasons why we love this. The bright color options are great for swimming in natural bodies of water. Plus, rescue handles are perfect in case you need to pull them up quickly. Introduce the French Bulldog to water The next step may be the most crucial: introducing your French Bulldog to water. You want to gradually introduce them to water. Chances are, your Frenchie already understands what water is. You can start with the bath tub or a small kiddie pool. In this early stage, you just want to get their feet wet — literally. But make sure some parts of the body are submerged. After getting the dog adjusted for some time, move on to larger bodies of water, such as the lake or a pool. And if possible, try to go somewhere with warm water. Or at the least, not freezing cold. The best way to do this is to go into the water yourself. Because dogs have trust in their owners, this simple action will give them confidence. Try to throw their favorite toys into the water. If this little trick works, try throwing the toy deeper into the body of water. Similarly, you can move deeper in and bribe them with treats. With a little patience, your French Bulldog will be swimming in no time! Going through obedience with dog and owner means that a trusting relationship has likely been built. Dogs learn best by modeling the behaviors of other dogs. The same can be said if familiar people are swimming. Radar swims without a life jacket but only because he chases other dogs into the ocean at the beach and has no choice when the waves come in. Swimming can be very energy-draining. And while French Bulldogs do have a lot of energy, this activity can be mentally exhausting for first-time canine swimmers. And finally, never force your Frenchie into the water. They may not feel like going into the water on some days. The most important thing is that they feel comfortable and secure. All it takes is one bad experience to ruin swimming for them forever. Swim Health Benefits for Frenchies Swimming is a healthy activity for all dogs, including their owners! As such, there are a ton of great health benefits for your French Bulldog when it comes to swimming. Frenchies are active dogs and need a decent amount of exercise. In fact, they need around 1 hour of exercise each day. This is the bare minimum. But the reason why swimming is so great is because one minute of swimming equates to four minutes of running. Naturally, more time swimming leads to various health benefits, such as better heart and lungs, increasing metabolism and reducing inflammation. In addition, Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common health issues with French Bulldogs. According to the AKC , Frenchies are prone to obesity. Being overweight leads to all kinds of other health issues. But fortunately, swimming is the best exercise for obese dogs. They are able to burn a lot of calories without much risk of injury! Do Frenchies Like Water? Not all individual dogs are the same, even within the same breed. Like humans, they each have their own personalities and quirks. Some Frenchies will love water, but many will not. To better understand whether French Bulldogs will enjoy swimming or not, we surveyed the popular Frenchie Subreddit and other dog forums to ask this question. However, the only way to know is to try for yourself. Real Owner Answers: 1. He loves having a little pool and is obsessed with the sprinklers. His new favorite activity is surprise bursting into the shower with me any chance he gets. It is a mixture of horrifying and terrifying. Carrot hates the water! I got a vest for Bambi and put her in the pool one time. She was terrified and hated it. She despises getting wet. We even have trouble getting him out for potty when it is raining. He hates baths and will escape any chance he gets! My parents have a pool but he heads straight for the stairs and hops out. And if you have any helpful tips, leave a comment for the other Frenchie owners! Posts you may like:. What do you need to know about this issue before you allow your dog to play in or around the pool? So, Can French Bulldogs Swim? Most French Bulldogs are not able to swim. You may have seen some videos of other French Bulldogs swimming with no issues but most cannot. I have seen him try and fail badly. Even with a life jacket on my French Bulldog is not a fan of the water. Most French Bulldogs will sink under the water if you leave them unattended. Definitely do not leave your French Bulldog around water unattended. French Bulldogs are not able to swim to the surface once they get fatigued and they start going under. French Bulldog Drowning Risk This dog breed is one that should never be left unattended around water. Frenchies have a somewhat top-heavy build that makes them sink fairly quickly. Another hazard that awaits is in the form of a short snout that cannot reach above water easily. Should one of these dogs slip underwater, you will need to act quickly to get them to safety. These dogs lack the physical power to get back up to the surface that quickly on their own, which puts them in danger when unsupervised Supervision is Necessary Although some dogs of this breed may swim as far as 10 or 15 feet, the risk of allowing one of these dogs in the water is excellent. French Bulldog pet parents would do well to only allow supervised swimming with a life jacket or safer alternatives. Before deciding how to allow your French Bulldog to enjoy water-related activities, you would benefit from finding out more about why these dogs are ill-suited to the water. French Bulldogs and Their Builds Frenchies are compact dogs, yet have a powerful build for their size. A Build That Does Not Work French bulldog swimming is made difficult because their muscular, yet stout build leaves them without much buoyancy. Other, somewhat larger dogs have the ability to swim more effectively because of better weight distribution. These dogs are heavier in the front part of their bodies, which complicates swimming straight ahead or attempting to turn while in the water. For a dog to be able to swim with minimal difficulties, they need to swim straight ahead and turn without problems. Leg Length Makes a Difference Another thing that works against these dogs in the water is their short leg length. With paddling being an essential part of how dogs make their way through the water, their legs must be powerful enough to keep them moving along. These cuties are very susceptible to a condition known as obstructive airway syndrome. Getting Enough Oxygen is Crucial Oxygen deprivation is a genuine concern for these dogs. Since activities like swimming require a fair amount of physical exertion, exhaustion to the point of a drowning risk is a real threat that could test the limits of your dog CPR skills. Although there are signs you can watch for that predict your dog is having difficulties, oxygen loss can come on quite quickly. Preventing an incident of this kind is always preferable in any case. Facial Shape Makes a Difference Another unfortunate side effect of brachycephaly, the term for the flat face and short snout, is that the dog must keep their head tilted up for more natural breathing. With getting enough air being a possible problem when your dog swims, erring on the side of caution might be your best choice. The good thing to know is that your dog will still enjoy options that minimize their drowning or exhaustion risk. Pain-Related Conditions Some of the more common Frenchie health problems also include arthritis and rheumatism. Both of these conditions can make swimming difficult. When a dog of any size is in the water, having control over their movements, is essential. Since dogs have a high pain tolerance level and can easily hide their pain level, owners might not notice any problems until the dog is having a lot of trouble. For example, a dog might fall into the shallow end of a pool with enough force to cause serious injury. In a rocky beach, river, or lake setting, your dog could get hurt falling up against rocks. You may need to carefully consider what types of settings where you take your dog to swim, if at all. For example, you may want to consider calmer areas, including pools. Avoiding situations where waves bump your dog up against hard surfaces is always good. Some of the safer alternatives for your furry friend include: Swimming With a Life Jacket Either life jacket or life vest will help keep your dog safe around water. One of these jackets or vests provides greater buoyancy for your dog. Making sure the jacket fits properly and fastens easily is essential. Another feature that you will want to look for is a handle. A flotation device with a handle helps you grab your dog quickly, much more easily, if necessary. The size that you would use for a baby or toddler should be sufficient for the needs of a dog that size of a Frenchie. Another option is a small stock tank that is about the size of a small wading pool. If you decide to use this option, consider a small ramp or set of steps to make it easier for the dog to get into the tank. Letting Your Frenchie Play Under a Sprinkler One fun way to play it safe, especially if you have children that you prefer not to let in the water, is to allow sprinkler play. You might need to sensitize your dog to being around the sprinkler first. Once your dog has had the chance to get used to the sprinkler, they are likely to have a great time playing near it. Going on Boating Trips My parents live on a Lake so my Frenchie has been out for boat rides on their party barge on many occasions. If you go boating regularly, taking your French Bulldog along can be a lot of fun for both of you. These little dogs are naturally curious and will take an interest in whatever is going on around them. Regardless of what type of watercraft you use, use a life jacket or vest as a precaution. Regardless of how you choose to allow your dog to get out and enjoy the water, proper supervision is essential. Although it might be disheartening to find that swimming may not be safe for your Frenchie, the good news is that the alternatives allow you to have plenty of fun. With the right precautions, your pooch can have a lot of fun with everyone outside this summer. Looking for other ways to keep your Frenchie cool on hot Summer days? Check out this article on the best dog cooling vests. Share on facebook. After all, they overheat easily, especially in the summer and the water is a great place to cool down. Due to their compact size, short legs, and lack of snout, these dogs were just not made for the water. Most will sink like a rock if left unattended. Unlike other dog breeds such as Labradors, Frenchies are unable to swim to the surface once they start going under. Do French Bulldogs like water? The sad part is, yes, they absolutely LOVE the water. So, despite being unable to swim unattended, if given the opportunity, Frenchies will want to go into a pool. Do French Bulldogs float? The simple answer is NO. Basically, they have more muscle than fat and are typically top-heavy which makes it physically impossible for them to float. Can Frenchies still enjoy the water? With that being said, and while you should never let your French Bulldog swim unattended, here are a few ways they can still enjoy the water and cool off while having fun! There are life jackets that have been specially made to fit your little dog and give them enough extra buoyancy to keep their head above water. In many ways, these life jackets serve as inflatable flotation sleeves do for small children. The ocean with its many waves and unpredictable tides is not a good place for a Frenchie. Also, you should be very strict when ensuring your Frenchie only ever enters the water with their life jacket on. This is critical. Treats are always a great training tool and are especially useful when it comes to the prescribed post-swimming ritual. This is when you should rinse and dry your dog off ensuring they know the proper way to exit the pool on their own. Kiddie Pools A great, safer option to help your Frenchie cool off in the summer is to fill a kiddie pool with chest-deep water. While your dog should still be supervised, this will allow them to stay cool while making it much easier for their heads to stay above water. There are even collapsible kiddie pools for traveling! Final Word French bulldogs absolutely cannot swim, and should never be allowed in the water unaided and unsupervised. Having said that, your little dog can still enjoy pool days with the family through the use of special life jackets and proper training. You can even get them a little pool of their own where they can safely splash around and stay cool. Watch your dog just like you would watch a child. Frenchies are not designed for swimming. Whilst you might see those cute videos of them swimming with vests on, without a life jacket they can sink like a stone. Yes, there are some French Bulldogs I have seen swimming on social media without a life jacket see which life vests I recommend , but this is rare and an exception, particularly as they get older and heavier. It is possible to teach one to swim but I would never take the risk unless they are wearing a flotation device. But my Frenchie loves the water! He will get close to the edge of the paddling pool, bark and go crazy — our son will encourage that with splashing and water play. French Bulldogs like water, they just cannot swim in it without a jacket in most cases. You can see an example of that in the photo below. Do French Bulldogs like water though? Our French Bulldog loves water. On a hot day he will lay down in it, roll in it, and cool himself down. He also loves to be squirted with a water pistol and is used to having baths and showers. Handy Hint: Click here to watch our video and step by step guide on how to give a French Bulldog a bath or shower. For example, with our paddling pool, the water is no more than coming up to his shoulders, and even then, we will keep a constant eye on him. If you love swimming too and have a pool, make sure that you keep watch on your Frenchie at all times. It can only take a few seconds for your Frenchie to sink to the bottom. Our scary French Bulldog swimming moment We found this out the hard way when we went down to the sea one day. My son he was only 5 threw a stick into the water and Claude ran after it. He quickly got out of his depth, and we saw his head disappear under the water. His head popped back up for a couple of seconds and then went under again. He was struggling to keep afloat. I had sheer panic so ran into the waves and dragged him out. The water was only one inch higher than his head. That was enough to make him nearly drown. This was the same day that Claude nearly drowned in the sea. It was a scary time. I also wondered if it was possible to teach a Frenchie to swim or if there are any products available that could help them stay safer in the water? With those short snouts, cute faces that we love so much, wide skulls, little legs, and body proportions, they are just not cut out for swimming. This is a common problem for dogs of a similar breed and size. Because their snouts are so short, they have to tilt their heads up to keep their noses out of the water. There legs are also really short, and they have heavy bodies. All these physical characteristics combined makes it harder for them to keep afloat. All brachycephalic dogs get exhausted very quickly and can drown in no time at all. If you have a swimming pool at your home, keep your Frenchie away from it. We will often take Claude out into the forest near our house. There are large ponds out there which he loves to get into in order to cool off. Claude is fine in ponds, but you never know how deep these pools in the forest could be. French Bulldog swimming videos YouTube is amazing for finding funny Frenchie videos. We even have our own channel now which you can see and subscribe to by clicking the French Bulldog Owner YouTube Channel. French Bulldog loves the swimming pool This guy can actually swim without a life jacket. Juanita the swimming Frenchie This is more common, a Frenchie wearing a dog life jacket and paddling in the water. You can teach a French Bulldog to swim with the help of a tiny life jacket that has been designed specifically for dogs. Most French Bulldogs will sink without a floatation device, and even if yours can swim for a short while, without a life jacket, they will soon begin to sink due to exhaustion and their physical constraints. Help them hold their heads up out of the water and keep encouraging them! Step 3: Start playing tug of war with the stick Grab your stick and start playing with your Frenchie in the shallow water. Step 4: Put the stick a little out of his reach Next, take the stick from him, and place it a couple of feet into deeper water, just out of his reach. The stick is the bait, and you want him to walk out to it. Be with him at all times though. The point here is that if you want to teach your French Bulldog to swim, you need to offer positive reinforcement and treats. When teaching them swim with a life jacket in a swimming pool, see if they can paddle to the edge and climb out. I would never want anyone to experience the loss of a beloved pet due to accidental drowning. Always be vigilant! You can see the full step by step process of a French Bulldog learning how to swim in this video. Cooling off in water is a great way for them to regulate their body temperature, as they are prone to overheating. So, how can you help your best friend enjoy the water in a safe way? Claude loves playing with water on hot summer days, particularly when the water pistols and padding pool is out! You can even buy small pools that are designed for dogs to play in. These little pools are safe for your dog to relax in and cool off. Your pooch can run through the light spray and enjoy the water in a safe way. A few years ago, my brother had the most gorgeous Basset Hound puppy. He went on vacation and left his dog in the caring hands of his friend. His friends forgot to put the pool net on, and the Basset Hound fell in the swimming pool. Thankfully they saw what was happening quick enough and managed to save the dog. They have dense bones like Frenchies, long bodies and short legs. If you own one of the dog breeds listed below to keep them away from swimming pools. Never leave them unattended around water. Basset Hounds: they have heavy bones, short legs and long bodies. These gorgeous animals were not bred for the water but rather as hunting dogs. Pugs: they have the same squashed faces as French Bulldogs. With really short legs they are also prone to exhaustion when swimming. Dachshunds: these sausage dogs are renowned for their comical look, but they were bred to burrow and capture small animals, not swim. They are also a brachycephalic breed and just like a Frenchie, are designed for swimming. Which dogs are good swimmers? So, what dog breed would suit your aquatic lifestyle? Labrador Retrievers: they actually have webbed feet, thick coats and long legs. They love the water and were bred to retrieve critters from out of the water, like ducks. Golden Retrievers: these wonderful dogs really enjoy the water. There are so many pictures on the internet of them running into the water to fetch sticks or toys and swimming very well. Newfoundlands: whilst they might look massive, these fab pooches are incredible swimmers. They have double-thick coats which help protect them against freezing water, plus webbed feet which help them to paddle freely through the water. Irish Setters: they are also great swimmers. Once you get them in the water you might struggle to get them out! They were bred to retrieve things such as ducks and pigeons. But, with a little patience, it is possible to teach a French Bulldog to swim with a jacket, as they do tend to really love water. You might also like…. They appear to have a problem keeping their heads above water, literally. Why do they need extra support when you put them in the water? Do they not love swimming? This breed has bulky torsos, flat snouts, thick muscles, and heavy bones, which means they are not built to float in the water for a long time. Like other bulldog varieties, the French bulldogs have Brachycephaly, which means they possess a short, wide skull, giving them their trademark squashed face. This facial characteristic that many find irresistibly cute, unfortunately, causes many health problems for these canines, including having short nasal passages, snoring, snorting, partial airway obstruction and other respiratory issues. To add to the challenge, their heavy torsos and short legs are regarded as not particularly helpful when trying to swim. Even slim and younger ones can only float for a short period. Exhaustion and humidity can also affect their ability to swim. Of course, these charming doggies also want to cool down, so here are some tips to help them stay safe and enjoy being in the water. Put them in shallow pools or creeks. Get a high-quality canine life vest. To ensure your Frenchie is comfortable using it, let them wear the vest before going in the water. Reward them for being cooperative and exhibiting calm behaviour. Keep an eye on your dog at all times. Consult with a professional dog swimming trainer to get the best advice on how your French furball can be introduced to water play or even be taught full-on swimming skills. To avoid risks of your dog drowning, make sure you always follow safety precautions. Please speak with your vet about any health concerns regarding your French bulldog taking their big plunge.
We have owned and bred American Bulldogs since .As a breeder, it has always been my dream to have and produce extremely large and bully monsters while maintaining the agile athleticism of a true working dog. So I hit the books and the internet to gain as much knowledge as I could. I discovered a dog with compact muscle, immense strength, agility, extreme bully looks, courage, loyalty and a brain that can fill their basket ball heads. The American Bulldog was the breed for me! The research didn't stop there. I had only scratched the surface. I now had an insane amount of styles of American Bulldogs in front of me. After years of researching bloodlines, I narrowed it down. What's in the works Are dogs are very important to use and apart of our family. We are Health testing all of our current stock and adding new blood that is also health tested to our lines. As you know we got big goals, adding new blood is tricky. We are currently in the process of combining show quality with huge bone and thick muscle! Maintaining show quality structure on the biggest thickest beast we can get it on is the goal. We love the shock and awe that DAKK'S dog already get no matter the crowd they are in but we want more. Who doesn't love an impressive dog that not only is built on quality but can move and even work. Placerville is on Hwy. Customers would come in and Athena would let children sit on her, put their fingers in her mouth, and best of all, entertain them. At that point, we knew we had something special to offer the American Bulldog world. The pup litter went very quickly to homes across the United States and Canada. We are continually striving to create excellence in the American Bulldog. We are extremely proud to have been one of the 12 U. At our El Dorado County licensed, non-commercial kennel, we breed for kindness, conformation, and working ability. Pups are given their required vaccinations and de-worming. All dogs are sold with full breeding rights and a great guarantee. American Bulldogs are uniquely wonderful dogs. They are powerful and dominant, protective and smart! Please research the responsibility of owning an American Bulldog and become familiar with their unique characteristics prior to purchase. Thank you for visiting our website, and please contact us if you decide that the American Bulldog is the breed for you. We specialize in Bully-type, also sometimes referred to as Johnson American Bulldogs. However on occasion we do produce fantastic standard- and hybrid-type American Bulldogs. We breed for functional and balanced temperament allowing for the American Bulldog to be a family member and a companion while having the drive and intelligence to perform desired functions. At Grand Future, we typically produce large American Bulldogs. Males range in lbs and females range in lbs. We have always bred to a significantly stricter breed standard than the current American Bulldog breed standards under U. Dogs with the following characteristics are not shown at conformation shows nor bred in our kennel: 1. Full black mask — this genetic trait is usually a result of another breed having been infused into the gene pool. Usually a dog with a kinked tail itself is not at risk of health complications as a result of the kinked tail. Teeth — dogs missing more than 3 teeth. Dogs lacking full pigmentation are more susceptible to various health problems. Lack of pigment is also responsible for deafness in dogs. We have never produced a deaf dog. Interested in a puppy? We have many repeat buyers — over 30 families have purchased 2,3,4, and even 5 dogs. Our dogs generally love children and have balanced temperament. Having produced over dogs in 7 generations, we have history and data that allows us to make some conclusions that we believe are significant. The very common problem of hip dysplasia that afflicts this breed is nearly non-existent in our kennel. Our dogs tend to have normal locomotion — good movement due to anatomically sound physical structure. Our dogs have never torn ligaments such as the Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL , which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never prematurely died from heart problems, which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never been diagnosed with tracheal hypoplasia — a hereditary genetic defect common in bulldog breeds that leads to potential deadly obstruction of the airway. Our dogs tend to live long. Our foundation dog lived to the age of 15 years and 10 months old. Our dogs have never been afflicted with cancer at a young age. The earliest instance of cancer has been encountered at 8 years of age by one dog. The remainder of cases have been documented at over 10 years of age. The biggest tragedy for an owner is in having to care for a sick dog as a result of poor breeding, and be absolutely helpless as that dog passes in their arms. Exorbitant medical bills end up being paid to prolong the time together even by just a little with the beloved family member. As with any animal breeding program, our kennel is not immune from problems. This drives us to continually improve. We maintain contact and help our owners in any way we can; even at 4AM or during a vacation since we have owners all over the world in various timezones. Our breeding expertise enables us to deliver healthy, beautiful, strong, and intelligent American Bulldog puppies. We provide a contractual health guarantee against the following genetic health problems — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL ruptures, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, heart, kidneys, thyroid, ichthyosis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and any neurological disorders including NCL. Our conversation with a prospective owner always involves questions to understand the kind of dog the person would like — the more details the better. If so inclined, the prospective owner can request guidance in picking the puppy based on personality and activity level, temperament, phenotype, and more. We evaluate our puppies at 6 weeks of age on a variety of parameters. We provide lifetime unlimited advice and guidance by phone to owners concerning all subjects relating to dog ownership. You can be sure you will have the information you need to succeed even if this is going to be your first American Bulldog puppy. Because we stand by the quality of our work, we want our owners to participate in our breeding program and we are happy to provide the necessary guidance. Our dogs are also ideal candidates for service animal work. Training a service dog requires a significant investment of time and money, making the genetic health and temperament of the dog even more critical. A service dog needs to be healthy, hassle-free, intelligent and receptive to training, have stable temperament to handle any type of environment, and of course lead a long life disease-free. All of these selective requirements for service dog candidates make Grand Future American Bulldogs an ideal fit. Join us in our mission of producing the best American Bulldogs possible! Professional worry-free shipping worldwide Of course our preference is for you to come visit our home, get acquainted with us, and pick up your new American Bulldog puppy in person. However, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Even if you do not live anywhere near Nevada, do not be concerned — we are highly experienced at shipping our American Bulldog puppies worldwide, as even just the list of our Grand Champions and Champions spanning 9 nations attests. We can prepare all necessary export documentation. Search this website. Last updated Feb 16th Let us introduce ourselves. .I really don't like to call us a kennel we are more of an example of bulldog enthusiasts who happen to maybe have a few more pet dogs then the average person lol! We have an amazing ranch that we live on and no expense is spared on our dogs. We got our first American Bulldog at the beginning of and that's been the only breed of dog for us since then.It always surprises me how few of us "old school bulldoggers" are actually still here. Since we have become very involved in the breed we both go overseas and judge shows and we have put on show's and contributed bulldog articles to Dog Fancy among other things. Our first dogs were Suregrip lines Rip N. Woody, Freddie Kreugger, etc. We like dogs how they used to be when we first started You will never see us breeding to flavour of the week or whatever hyped up dog"the newbies" think will sell. .We will also never be producing black or blue bulldogs. We take a lot of pride in producing our own dogs that we show and later may put in our program. .We are not like most folks in that we have several different styles of American bulldogs. .I actually don't think there is anyone in the world that has had a much sucess as us with both types. We try and meet somewhere in the middle with our hybrid American bulldogs that we both like.We only produce a litter for the purpose of improving on what we have and always keep a puppy or two, we always reserve the top picks for our selves from each breeding. Some years we produce no pups and others we may have a few litters, we are not a large kennel and don't keep many dogs ourselves as we like them all to have plenty of time with us in and out of the house. Many of our dogs, especially our studs are raised and live with our friends and we co own or keep breeding rights on them. This has proved to work out really well for both us the dog's and there new family. All of our pups are born and raised in our home and all of our dogs are family members that will live out their lives with us,they are not retired to live with strangers or sold on to someone who wants to have a few litters out of them but remain with us for as long as they are around.I can honestly say I have never sold an adult American Bulldog on to another "breeder". .I really don't agree with passing dog's around especially American Bulldogs as they bond so deeply with their families. .We have had many American Bulldogs through out the years, some that we no longer have are on our site to show you where we started and what direction we're heading in, you will find all our old family members on our foundation page. Special thanks to Kyle Symmes of Suregrip kennels for all his help through out the years and for all our foundation stock. Please remember that although the American Bulldog is an incredible breed with a lot to offer it is often to much dog for alot of people, they are a dominant guardian breed, can be stubborn and do best with someone who has experience with such types of dogs. They also don't get along with dominant dog's of the same sex. .Please do your research on the breed before purchasing an American Bulldog and also on the breeder you choose. No part of this American Bulldog web site may be used in any form or any means without the express written consent of Bybee's American Bulldogs. Any use of this data without such written consent is punishable by law.
His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Portsmouth New Hampshire? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Portsmouth NH The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Portsmouth for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. As of the census it had a population of 21,,3 and in the estimated population was 21, Wiki Portsmouth Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Oxb Delta Belle from two months to present, three years. Delta is the dam of the litter of puppies. She is an American bred boxer. Click on image for larger version. Boxers Rule! Boxer puppies for sale in New Hampshire. Welcome to Oxbrook Boxers' Web site. I have owned and loved the boxer breed for 16 years. They are loyal, protective and totally energetic! With the purchase of Oxb Delta Belle, I have at long last fulfilled my dream of raising a litter of beautiful boxer puppies. Delta is an American-bred boxer. I purchased her from a breeder in Kentucky. She represents the true boxer type with a beautiful head, short, square nose and stocky body. Her overall conformation is excellent. Additionally, she is a sealed brindle black with white toes and white markings on her chest. Delta is my third boxer. My first boxer, Molly, still holds a very special place in my heart. She was a reverse brindle, with a little white on her toes and a strip on her chest. She was a great boxer who lived a great life. She is missed. My second boxer, Mia, another brindle, was bred in Louisiana. She is American bred. She has a longer snout and less stocky body than the European bred dogs. As she does not epitomize the true boxer type, I have not bred her. She is purely a pet and companion. All of my dogs are raised on my Arabian horse farm. They are used to mingling with the horses and racing around the horse pastures. Although the dogs are used to running outside, they spend most of their day with me in my home. They are my buddies and walk 5 miles with me every day. Need to bring lots of water on hot days! You just have to love those brachycepalic noses! Her previous owners other dog attacked her and tore open the side of her face. Exposing her jaw and tooth. Asha was brought to an emergency veterinarian in Houston. She had a severe infection and abscess. She has undergone a dental procedure to remove 2 teeth and 4 procedures to get her wound to heal. Due to her continuing care, she is only available for adoption in TX. Asha is described as a very sweet and gentle, but skittish. She gets along with her foster siblings, although she's kind of standoffish. Asha is definitely more a people dog than a dog's dog if that makes sense. She follows her foster mom around literally everywhere, even trying to nudge her way in to the bathroom! Asha doesn't mind her kennel and will sometimes go in there on her own when she wants some separation from the other dogs. We're working on "sit" and "stay" now. Asha is currently in a loving foster home in TX and is currently available for TX adoption only. Sending an inquiry will slow down the process, limit the ways that we can contact you and may send our reply email to your spam folder. Another application could be processed instead of yours for this dog. All of our available adoptable dogs are on Facebook, Petfinder, Adopt a Pet and our website. If a dog is no longer listed it means they have an adoption pending. We are a nonprofit organization - all adoption fees go towards the rescue and veterinary care of these dogs in order to get them ready for their forever homes. We are a shelterless rescue. All of our dogs are housed in foster homes to help them de-stress and get used to a home environment while they await adoption, giving us the opportunity to understand their personalities and needs. Ready to Adopt? The next step is to fill out our Adoption Application. A volunteer will contact you to review your application and see if your family might be the right match. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Boston MA? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Boston MA? The adverts for Boxers for sale Boston will have a wide range of different prices, for a number of reasons. The reputation, experience, and location of each Boston Boxer breeders will have an effect on the price. Another thing that will affect the price of pups is their pedigree and coloring. Am I limited to choosing pups from Boxer breeders in Boston? Not at all! You can easily start looking further afield. One of the great things about working with the Uptown network is that the approved businesses and companies cover the whole country - so you have plenty of pups to choose from! How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Boston? Our strict application process helps to make sure that we only work with the very best companies with Boxer puppies for sale Boston. Once accepted, every company needs to sign the Uptown Puppies Breeder Pledge. What makes Uptown Puppies different? Searching for Boston Boxers for sale online can feel like a bit of a minefield. At Uptown, we only work with the best of the best businesses. What are puppy mills? Puppy mills focus on churning out as many pups as possible per year in order to maximize their profits. Puppies born in mills are at higher risk of suffering from health conditions and behavioral issues due to the lack of care and socialization they receive. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Boston right now? So what are you waiting for - go ahead and start connecting with the recommended companies in our network. You never know, your dream puppy could be just waiting to meet you! Where is the Boxer breed from? While descendants of the modern Boxer breed can be tracked back as far as B. C, the breed as we know it today originated in 19th Century Germany. Boxers were bred as an all-round working dog and it was quickly discovered that their combination of loyalty, intelligence, and bravery made them the perfect guard dogs. Before you start your search for Boxer puppies Boston, be sure that you can match the high-energy levels of these dogs! They love being challenged both mentally and physically, so plenty of training sessions and exercise is a must. Boxers are affectionate and loyal dogs who love nothing more than spending time watching over their families. How much exercise does a Boxer need?
Latest Dog Articles Proper care of a puppy If a person has a puppy of small breed it is easier to take care of it. For this, you will need a small comb and brush. If the four-month-old puppy has outgrown adult lapdogs and continues to grow rapidly, now during the walk, you will have to deal with i Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. 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. Reviews 0 French bulldog puppies for sale in michigan Despite what its name may imply, french bulldog puppies for sale in michigan was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. They adjust well to other animals, too, and are great with kids. Still, most, if not all, French Bulldogs respond well to reward-based training and positive reinforcement. As long as they receive the attention and care they need, French Bulldogs make wonderful, easy companions for all types of people. This is a loving French Bulldog puppy who is raised with children and a real sweetie pie. She enjoys to be around people and will make a great addition to your home. This puppy has a real zest for life and loves to play, play, play! She is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and health guaranteed. If you are looking for an attractive Lab puppy to join your family…you have found her! Call today!! Explore our site for a wide selection of these delightful canines and gain vital insights into the Frenchie breed, including their history, personality, and health considerations. These charming dogs have a captivating past that traces back to 19th-century France. Originally bred as companions for lace workers in Nottingham, England, they made their way to France during the Industrial Revolution, where they became the beloved breed we know today. Understanding their historical roots adds depth to your appreciation of these delightful puppies. Personality of Frenchies: Charming and Unique French Bulldogs are celebrated for their charming and unique personalities. They are known for being affectionate, playful, and loyal, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Their adaptability shines in various living environments, from cozy apartments to spacious homes. Explore why Frenchies are cherished for their playful antics and sociable nature. These delightful puppies require specific care to ensure a long and happy life. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and providing a comfortable living environment are essential components of their well-being. Familiarize yourself with the potential health issues specific to French Bulldogs to give your furry friend the best possible start. This super cute French Bulldog puppy is a real social butterfly and loves playing outside in the yard with the kids! He will fill your life with lots of kisses and love. This sweetie pie loves to be around people and will make a great companion dog. He is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Hurry, this cutie has his bags packed and is ready to venture off to his new home!
Get to know the Golden Retriever When we think of the quintessential family dog, the Golden Retriever comes to mind. But did you know that these pups started out as working dogs? Adorable pure Golden Retriever dog Goldens were bred as waterfowl retrievers in 19th century Scotland. Their ability to serve alongside hunters was matched only by their mild, obedient disposition. Who knew this spunky breed had such a celebrated past? What do Golden Chis look like? Combining an itsy-bitsy, toy-sized pooch with a larger-than-life retriever is bound to come with its fair share of surprises. If your Golden Chi Retriever comes from an apple head Chihuahua, they may have a rounded skull with a pointed snout. Deer head Chihuahuas , on the other hand, could give your Golden Chi pup a longer muzzle and softer features. They often have floppy, fuzzy, Instagram-worthy ears that are usually light and dark golden. They almost always have thick fur, thanks to the Golden Retriever. But their coats will be even longer and denser if they come from a long-haired Chihuahua. Technically, Golden Chis can be golden, red, black, white, fawn, cream, or chocolate. How big is a full-grown Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix? Most Chihuahua Golden Retrievers will reach a middle-of-the-road weight by adulthood, around 15 to 30 pounds 7 to 14 kg. Goldens have a height of 21 to 24 inches 53 to 61 cm , while Chihuahuas are only 6 to 9 inches 15 to 23 cm at the shoulder. Their hybrid offspring will be somewhere within the range of 9 to 24 inches 23 to 61 cm. As a small-sized breed, the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix will feel perfectly at home in apartments, but be sure to give them plenty of on-leash outdoor exercise. Are Golden Chihuahua mixes good or dangerous dogs? You want to get ahead of any potential problem behaviors. Chihuahuas, for example, can be territorial. Make sure your Golden Chi puppy learns how to share and respect your leadership from a young age. All is not lost, however. Speaking of homes with tiny tots, stay close by when the kiddos interact with your Golden Chihuahua. Your odds of keeping the peace go up exponentially is when you socialize your Golden Chi early and often. Take them to puppy kindergarten and doggie daycare to reinforce good manners and proper boundaries. You also want to observe your puppy and their parents before buying. Even at just a few weeks old, puppies can give you glimpses into their personalities. If you have kids or fur babies now or plan to in the future , look for a Golden Chihuahua that readily romps with its littermates. How often should you groom your Golden Chi? Golden Chihuahuas are nowhere near as high-maintenance as purebred Golden Retrievers. Between their smaller stature and shorter coats, Chihuahua Golden Retriever crosses can do without daily brushing. Although they shed all-year-round, expect heavier shedding when the seasons change. Brushing your Golden Chi once or twice a week should keep loose hair, mats, and tangles at bay. Keep an eye out for the telltale signs of irritation and infection: redness and an unpleasant odor. Dental hygiene is another non-negotiable. Golden Chis with narrow jaws are at greater risk of overcrowded teeth, contributing to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Your Golden Chi will likely stage a resistance whenever the grooming kit comes out. Over time, grooming will feel less and less scary for your pup. Be patient, and remember that the trials and triumphs of beautifying our canines are part of the experience! Exercise: how much do Golden Chis need? Purebred Goldens require at least 2 hours of exercise a day, while Chihuahuas only need about minutes. Your Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix will fall somewhere between those two extremes, depending on their energy level and physical stature. While your Golden Chi is still a puppy, pepper their day with brief walks and short play sessions at regular intervals. Once Fido reaches his mature size, you can ramp up the amount of time you exercise him but reduce the frequency. For example, you might switch minute walks around the block for a light minute jog at the dog park. You can go a little below or above this range if that suits your pup. They can help you find the caloric sweet spot for your particular pooch. Health: How long do Golden Chis live? Chihuahua Golden Retriever mixes have plenty of life ahead of them. The average lifespan for this hybrid is 11 to 15 years! Purebred Golden Retrievers are prone to both cancer and hip dysplasia. Dental issues are rampant among Chihuahuas and their hybrid relatives. Their small jaws leave them vulnerable to cavities, crowded teeth, and tooth loss. Many Golden Chis luck out and inherit only the healthiest genes from their parents. To be on the safe side, exclusively shop with breeders who can provide health certificates. You want a well-cared-for canine that comes from good stock. Where to buy a Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix puppy? The size disparity between its parents makes the breeding process cumbersome and costly. For this reason, this crossbreed is far more challenging to find than other designers Chihuahua or Golden Retriever mixes. Not every breeder wants to deal with the hassle and expense. And those who do expect to be fairly compensated. Be wary of any kennels or breeders with dirt-cheap puppies. The last thing you want is to commit your time, money, and heart to a pup from a bad breeder. Be on high alert with any sellers that seem reluctant to let you visit their facility. Trustworthy breeders should have no problem with an in-person visit. Many will go so far as to require a face-to-face meeting with potential customers. Vet-certified proof of genetic testing is another must-have. Believe it or not, a lot of mixed breeds end up in shelters for different reasons. Try to check with rescues near you once a week or so. We spoke with Nico from Irvine, CA to find out more about this rare breed. His pups name is Olive. She loves to be near me and relax all day but is also a great companion for hiking and running. She is very loving and gets along with other dogs really well when playing. Some things to watch out for are: High energy Potential to be loud and snappy Stubborn streaks This breed is not easy to come by. How Are Golden-Chis Bred? One of the biggest things to know about golden retriever chihuahua mix pups is that they cannot be naturally bred; breeders of this unique mix rely on artificial insemination. In this case, the mother will always be the golden retriever, who receives the sperm from a chihuahua father. Because of the difficulty breeding this combination it will be hard to locate a breeder. Before you adopt or buy any pup, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable breeder! The best ones often have waiting lists, and they carefully breed their pooches to be the best and the healthiest. To get the most of your new golden retriever mixed with a chihuahua, look out for the signs of a good breeder before you buy. One of the best ways to learn more about a breed is to ask owners, and there are plenty of awesome golden chi parents all over the world! Many of them happen to run social media accounts for their dogs, which you can follow and check out to learn more about the breed! Here are some of our favorite golden retriever chihuahua mix pups on the internet: 1. Hermes As a Los Angeles resident, Hermes knows when to be wild and when to play it cool. This awesome pup loves to explore just as much as he loves to kick back and snuggle! Image Source: Hermesthegoldenchi 2. This little pup is the perfect example of a long-haired golden chi, and he loves to play. Image Source: loganpaws 3. This gorgeous pup is known for her silly antics, and she loves to explore with her mom! Image Source oliveacrosstheuniverse 4. Oskar Originally from Tenerife, this chihuahua-faced pup now enjoys a luxurious life in Germany. What is the best food for your dog? The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. Golden-Chi Origins The Chihuahua Chihuahuas are among the tiniest of breeds, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in temperament. This loyal companion is zealous, fearless and always down for an adventure. Even though these dogs can be clingy and bark at seemingly random intervals, these pups consistently strive to please their owners, The Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is by far one of the most delightful breeds you will ever come across! They are loyal, friendly and easy to train, making them an ideal addition to any family. With a striking golden coat and an eager-to-please attitude, there's no mistaking this breed for any other. As such, they make popular choices in many households. Not only do they get along easily with people, but also with other dogs, cats and children too. Highly intelligent and incredibly sociable, these dogs require regular exercise and human interaction. The Golden Chi The Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is one of the strangest combinations of two completely different breeds out there. Even though the origin of this mix remains a mystery, both purebreds that the pup came from are fairly popular and it's easy to understand why! Because of their significant size difference, Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers can't mate naturally - instead, it requires highly controlled artificial insemination for a successful result. The Golden Chi is not recognized by the A. Golden Chi Appearance Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas offer a stark contrast in size, weight, and appearance, with the former being one of the largest and the latter being one of the smallest pedigree dogs. While Golden Retrievers can weigh up to 75 pounds and reach heights of 25 inches when fully grown, Chihuahuas usually stay within a pound range and max out at about 9 inches tall. These differences place them on opposite ends of the canine spectrum, yet both are incredibly affectionate animals who thrive when given human interaction and attention. A Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is any dog owner's dream come true. The pup has a unique look, since it combines two different breeds that have vastly different characteristics. This delightful breed may have a range of physical characteristics due to the two distinct parent breeds combining DNA, from short and long coats to a wide range of colors and shades, but their personalities can be almost as unpredictable. Owning one of these animals could end up being a very unique experience that nobody else in your area has had yet! A post shared by Brittany Douglas brittany. Golden Retriever Chihuahua mixes have inherited the loyal nature of both parent breeds, so they tend to develop close friendships with other animals quickly and easily. However, some caution should be taken when introducing them to a new pet, as smaller animals may view the Golden Chi as too energetic or intimidating. With proper socialization though, these loving pups will be fast friends with any animal you bring into your home. As double-coated breeds, both Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers require regular maintenance to keep their coats healthy and looking their best. Chihuahua Golden Retriever mixes are not hypoallergenic. Golden Chi Health Golden Retriever Chihuahua mixes typically have a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years. While Chihuahua Golden Retriever mixes may inherit some of their physical and behavioral traits from their parent breeds, they also inherit the same health issues. Dental issues Unfortunately, Golden Chis often suffer from dental issues due to genetics and their somewhat unfavorable size ratio. The larger teeth may not fit properly in the tiny mouth, making the teeth more susceptible to overcrowding and misalignment. While veterinary care at an early age is essential for providing preventative treatments for certain dental problems, owners should also be mindful of daily teeth-brushing instructions and feeding routine in order to ensure that their pup remains healthy. Osteosarcoma Golden Retriever Chihuahuas mixes are known to suffer from an aggressive form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma that has the potential to spread to other organs and drastically reduce life expectancy. It's an incredibly heartbreaking illness for any pet, and can occur at any age so it's important for owners of Golden Chis to be aware of the risk. However, with regular trips to the vet and proactive care, it's possible to identify and manage any issues early on. Hip dysplasia The condition is actually quite common in larger dogs, but also affects small breeds too, like the Chihuahua Golden Retriever mix. It occurs when the hip joint is malformed, making it difficult for them to move around or even walk. Unfortunately, there's no single thing that can prevent it from happening, so all owners must keep an eye out for symptoms such as stiffness after exercise or difficulty getting up to their feet. Grooming As a unique combination of two beloved breeds, the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix comes with some very special grooming needs. To keep your Golden Chi's coat looking shiny, it is important to brush them at least once a week, including their legs and other areas that might be harder to reach. Bathing should also occur no more than once a month using a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Additionally, regular checks for fleas and ticks are necessary as these pesky parasites love to set up shop on this double-coated pup! Training While the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix provides loyalty and affection, unfortunately, it also includes some unwanted tendencies from the latter breed, such as being difficult to train. Despite their intelligence, proving stubbornness in this area tends to be a common problem. And while there are ways to work around this, it will take patience and consistency during training sessions for owners to get the desired results from their Golden-Chi. A post shared by Toffee Khawaja toffeethegoldenchi Feeding Feeding the perfect amount of food to a Golden Chihuahua mix can feel like a balancing act. Variables such as age, size and activity can throw off the ideal diet for your pup. Plus, even for purebred dogs, there is no cut-and-dry formula. However, you can achieve a good baseline with cups of dry food per day. Exercise Exercise is important for any pet, even more so for certain breeds. If you have a Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix, you'll need to determine which parent breed they most closely resemble when it comes to exercise requirements. Purebred Goldens usually need at least two hours of exercise per day while the tiny yet feisty Chihuahua requires just minutes. Male vs Female Golden Chi The differences between male and female Golden Retriever Chihuahua mixes may include the male being more aggressive and dominant. Also, depending on their parents' temperaments, female mixes can end up being aloof or overly clingy, while males tend to bond better with their humans. On the other hand, females can exhibit stronger loyalty and protectiveness for their humans than males. Well, a designer dog, quite simply, is the result when you breed two purebred dogs to create a new breed. What do you get when you mix a dog with one of the friendliest dispositions and is considered brilliant, loyal, and playful the Golden Retriever with a dog that is tiny in size but enormous in personality, sassy, and sometimes very stubborn the Chihuahua? A Golden Chi is a unique kind of dog! Well, sit back, and we will dive into their history, temperament, size, appearance, and more. Be prepared to fall in love with this relatively new designer dog, the Golden Chi. Therefore, it must be done through in vitro fertilization IVF or artificial insemination to create this dog breed. Since breeding is not typical, it can be difficult to find breeders. Do your research and make sure you find a reputable dog breeder — one that does it for the love of the animal and not the love of the dollar! Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Temperament Having had several dogs throughout my life, I firmly believe your pet will take on the personality of its owner. My father got me a long-haired female Chihuahua when I was 18 months old. Now, Chihuahuas were not customarily considered good pets for children, particularly toddlers. However, this puppy was the most loving gentlest dog in the world. She was my watchdog, my playmate, and most of all, my best friend. We were inseparable, and she never growled or snapped at me. Even when I accidentally broke her leg when I was holding her and running with her in the snow. However, if my mother yelled at me, this dog would growl at my mother for disciplining me. A Golden Retriever is happiest when they are with people. The Golden Chi is sure to be loving and loyal as the Golden mother and sassy and bold as the Chihuahua father. Sometimes you will be butting heads with your adorable pup if it tries to be the alpha dog! It is essential right from the start to let this dog know you are the alpha dog, as it is with any breed of dog. Dogs, by nature, are pack animals, and they all want to be the leader, but we all know the dog cannot be the leader in the household! Chihuahuas can be territorial if left to their defenses and, like a toddler, might not like to share. So it can be with the Golden Chi, and you must make sure it knows the rules right from day one. If you are planning on getting a Golden Chi as a puppy and a family dog, especially if it will be around younger children, make sure you start training from the first day. Remember, you are the alpha dog, as well as the rest of the family. Your dog should learn to take commands from all family members. Golden Chis can be very confident and playful, and you and your family can relish in and be entertained by all their fun-living and playful antics. The Golden Retriever female, on average, is 55 to 65 pounds and 21—22 inches tall, while the average male Chihuahua is 2 to 6 pounds and about 9 inches tall. You can expect an average Golden Chi to be between 15 to 30 pounds and inches tall — a lovely small to a medium-sized dog! A Golden Chi dog will reach its full adult size, usually around a year to a year and a half old. The coloring of the Golden Chihuahua mix is usually tan or golden. However, they can also be red, chocolate, white, black, fawn, or cream. All thanks to genetics. They almost always have thick fur like the Golden Retriever. And if the father was a long-haired Chihuahua, you can expect your Golden Chi to have an even denser, thicker coat of fur! Since Golden Chis are considered small to medium breed depending on their height , they are generally regarded as suitable apartment or condo dogs. However, as with most puppies, you must ensure they get plenty of outdoor exercise. The last thing you want is a bored dog, which usually leads to destructive behavior. So please make sure your dog gets adequate exercise and training. Golden Retrievers shed A LOT emitting many fibers of joy and love in addition to hair and require regular brushing and grooming. Golden chis require less brushing. While they do shed, you can get away with weekly hair brushings. It may be worthwhile to invest in a robot vacuum cleaner to keep up with any fur that they leave inside. Dental care of the Golden Chi is a different story, however. Because of the shape of their mouth, their teeth can be overcrowded, leading to plaque buildup. It is recommended to brush their teeth at least every other day. Now, remember, this breed is part Chihuahua. And Chihuahuas are known for their stubbornness. It is best to start brushing and touching their mouth at an early age. It is in your best interest to start early and often with brushing their teeth! Another challenging but necessary grooming item is nail care. Most dogs do not like getting their nails trimmed. Again, it is vital to start this at a young age, do it regularly, and make it a game. This is easier if it is done with two people — one to do the trimming and the other to do the distracting and entertaining. At a minimum, it should be done every three to four weeks. But you can tell if it needs to be done more often. When their nails feel like actual nails being hammered into your body parts, that is a sure sign that nail trimming needs to be done! It is pretty safe to say your Golden Chi will require regular daily exercise. Remember I mentioned before you do not want to have a bored dog. A bored dog is a destructive dog. A well-exercised dog leads to a happy dog and delighted dog parents! Goldens require at least two hours of daily exercise, and Chihuahuas need about 30 minutes. On average, expect your Golden Chi to require between 30 and minutes of daily exercise. A puppy chi does better with several minute exercise periods, while a mature adult chi would do fine with two minute exercise intervals. Remember, a tired dog from exercise and play is not a bored dog, and an exercised dog is a happy dog with happy parents! And speaking of exercising your Golden Chi, it is essential to socialize your Golden Chi as it is with any dog. Just remember, as I said in the beginning, I am a firm believer that a pet takes on the characteristics of its owner. So, if you are very social, your dog probably will be as well, no matter the breed. But keep in mind socialization is crucial for any dog. Introduce them to strangers, young and old, at an early age. Ensure your dog knows not to snap or snarl at someone they do not know. It is sometimes beneficial to introduce your dog to doggy daycare to learn to interact with other people and dogs. If your Golden Chi is in a household with young children, never leave a child with the dog unattended, no matter the breed. A child must learn to respect the dog, and the dog will appreciate the child. If you plan to have children sometime in the future, you should schedule times when your chi puppy can get used to youngsters. Several things must be taken into consideration. For example, is your Golden Chi closer to the lower end of nine inches tall or the higher end of twenty-four inches tall? Younger chis need more food than older ones, and more active dogs need more food than less active ones. Do they get a lot of treats throughout the day? More treats equal less food. So be careful with how many treats they get. On average, you should give your pup between one and two cups of nutritious kibble daily, ideally divided up between two feedings. As they mature, they may prefer only to eat once a day, but in the puppy stage, it is essential to eat twice a day. Treats are essential during training, but treats should happen less often once trained. If ever in doubt whether you are feeding your dog enough, consult your vet. Most vets look for a belly that is smaller than their chest, and you may be feeding them too much if they start to lose that clear indentation. Responsible pet owners take their dogs to the vet regularly, and your vet will let you know if your Golden Chi is at a good weight. Is a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix right for you? There is not much difference between a female or a male chi, and no two chis are ever precisely the same, but they share some of the best and most challenging characteristics of both breeds. Some of their best characteristics are that they are intelligent yet sassy, trainable, generally have good health, low to moderate maintenance, and make good family dogs. Some of the challenges you might encounter are that they are not easy to come by; therefore, they tend to be quite expensive. They can be high-energy dogs, so they must get regular exercise. They can be stubborn, yappy, and can be snappy if not put in their place at an early age, so they must be trained right from the beginning. The Golden Chi is a designer dog breed you did not know you wanted. Once you look into their eyes, they become irresistible. So, buyer, beware. Do your research, and make sure this breed is the breed for you. They are captivating, lovable, loyal, and deserve the best. If you cannot accommodate their needs, they can become a giant, costly mistake, and they do not deserve this. However, if this breed is an excellent match for you, they can be one of the best pets you will ever have in your life! Golden Chis can be very loyal companions. Love and train them well, and you will reap the rewards of this unique breed! Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas cannot breed naturally. The process of creating the Golden Chi hybrid breed is complex and expensive, so while this breed is still relatively uncommon and not highly sought after, puppies are expensive. Choosing this type of breed means that you will have to do a lot of research, not only to ensure that the breed matches your lifestyle and requirements but to find a reputable breeder. The cost of the puppies means that you may find some disreputable breeders passing other crossbreeds off as Golden Chi in a bid to make more money from their breeding. Because this breed is not purebred, they are not recognized by kennel clubs, nor are they recognized by hybrid kennel clubs. You will have to call breeders to locate one that is dealing with this breed. The rarity of the breed means that you are unlikely to find them in rescues or local shelters. If you do, ensure that you get as much history as possible, and meet the dog before you take him home with you. If you already have dogs, ensure that you introduce your existing dog to the Golden Chi before you take him home. They have an excellent sense of smell and they are keen tracking dogs. They love to swim, have plenty of energy, are intelligent and they like to please their humans. This combination means that they can be trained as service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Although the Golden Chi is unlikely to follow the same path, primarily because of the difficulty in breeding the line, they do retain many of these beneficial properties. Your puppy could be a keen swimmer with lots of energy and a desire to please. A purebred typically weighs around 5 lbs and is 8 inches tall. Crossing it with the Golden Retriever means that the resulting hybrid will be around three times the size, weighing a minimum of 15 lbs and standing at least 20 inches off the ground. Instead, a veterinarian has to artificially inseminate a female Golden Retriever with the sperm of a male Chihuahua. The size of the resulting breed means that it cannot be inseminated into a female chihuahua. The parents of the Golden Chi. Left: Chihuahua, Right: Golden Retriever. Expect the breed to be approximately three times the size of the Chihuahua and half the size of the Golden Retriever. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Golden Retriever is famed for being one of the best family companion pets. He is known to love people of all ages, will love to spend time playing with older children especially, and he will enjoy any time you give him outdoors. The Chihuahua, on the other hand, is not as well as suited to life with children. He can be a bit grumpy, and if your son or daughter does not yet know how to behave around dogs, it can lead to aggression from the Chihuahua breed. It is likely that your Golden Chi will fall somewhere between these two extremes. Expect it to take time for your puppy to befriend all family members and when they do, you can bet they will become an integral and loving member of the family. Similarly, whether your Golden Chi gets along with other dogs, cats, and other furry family members, will depend on whether it takes after the Retriever or the Chihuahua. He offers the perfect compromise between these two breeds, but he may not be suitable for all families and owners. Consider the following factors before welcoming one of this breed into your home. The exact amount you feed will depend on the age and size of your dog. Active dogs also require more food. You should measure the food and provide it over two meals during the day. If you use food or treats as a training aid, take this into account when calculating how much food to give. Exercise Expect to give your hybrid at least 45 minutes of exercise a day. Walks should be sufficient, although the breed may benefit from dog agility and other canine sports classes. Training Golden Chis usually adopt the loving nature of the Retriever but the stubbornness of the Chihuahua. Unfortunately, this stubbornness does tend to prevail when it comes to training. So, while you will have an intelligent hybrid breed on your hands, they can prove difficult to train. You should attend training classes because these give you the tools to further train your dog, and they also teach some of the basic commands. Early training is especially important if you want your Golden Chi to live with children. Socialization should also be considered important, otherwise, your Golden Chi could adopt the standoff nature of the Chihuahua parent breed. They have a lot of hair, and it does tend to shed profusely. It will shed but this will be less than you would experience from a purebred Retriever. Other than a weekly brush, you should only have to deal with regular maintenance. You will also have to brush their teeth three times a week. This is especially important because poor dental hygiene is an issue with smaller breeds like the Chihuahua. Health and Conditions. Long hair, brown nose, flowing long-haired tail. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. However, we can glean that it was probably the result of a recent crossbreed, likely sometime between the s and early s, when crossbreeding peaked in popularity in the United States. Major Marjoribanks was searching for a dog as a companion and a guardian of his luxury mansion. Thus, the first Golden Retriever litter was born. Golden Retrievers are fantastic dogs for just about anyone! Their friendly and loving nature makes them great family pets, though they may have a little too much energy for an elderly owner. The Golden Retriever was first bred in England in , as a result of a cross between a golden-colored street dog named Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The popularity of crossbreeding in the United States began in the s, peaking in the s and early s. Though the exact date when Golden Retrievers began to be crossbred is unknown, we can safely assume that people began to cross Goldens with other dogs during this time. The Chihuahua begins in Mexico and is a descendant of the ancient Techichi dog, a mute dog that was kept as a pet by the Toltec people, an Aztec tribe. Despite their impish size, the Chihuahua remains a moderately popular pet among Americans, with the American Kennel Club putting their popularity ranking at 37th. Given their size, the Chihuahua is a great pet for elderly people, without the strength to control a larger animal. They were a result of crossbreeding of unknown origin in Mexico, beginning as descendants of the Techihi dog, an ancient breed belonging to the Toltec Peoples, an Aztec tribe. The crossbreeding history of the Chihuahua is almost unknown, though, given their small size, not many people tend to cross-breed them, as there are numerous physiological boundaries to doing so. Therefore, their cross-breeding history is somewhat spotty. Making sure that you get a temperament match for you, your family and your potential adoptee will only make things easier once the dog arrives. The Golden Chi adopts some of the temperaments of both of its parent breeds. Expect an active and sometimes hyperactive dog with a small frame but feisty nature. Though it is loving and loyal to its owners, it may be somewhat standoffish with strangers. Despite their stubborn nature, the Golden Chi should be relatively easy to train, with some time and patience. The Golden Chi is a little heavier than your average Chi, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. Given that it has Golden Retriever genes and will likely be long-haired, you can expect a light to moderate amount of shedding throughout the year. A weekly brush will help mitigate this significantly. Despite being small, they are rather energetic dogs, requiring roughly 45 minutes of exercise per day. The average life of a Golden Chi is roughly years.
How much does an 8-week-old Golden Retriever sleep? How much exercise does your 2-month-old Golden Retriever need? Eight weeks is typically when breeders allow puppies to be taken to their new homes, but some breeders keep them for a couple of extra weeks. This shy, sleepy puppy will eventually get more comfortable with its new environment and come out of its shell in a couple of days. Socialization is important for eight-week-old golden pups. Getting your pup used to these things is a good way to avoid potential behavioral issues as the puppy matures because it allows them to learn how to feel and react to various stimuli and leaves you with a confident, well-adjusted pup. You need to reinforce the idea that your puppy is safe and gain their trust during this time period. During this time, pups will be a little more fearful of things like strangers, sounds, and certain objects. It will pass, and usually only lasts a week or so. It can be a little scary or discouraging for the owner of a golden puppy to see them go through this fear period, especially if they start exhibiting fear towards people. Goldens are known to be such friendly and social dogs, so watching them exhibit such antisocial traits can be off-putting. You can still get them outside and introduce them to new things, just remain mindful of their feelings. You need to be patient with an eight-week-old puppy. These adorable balls of energy and fluff are completely dependent on you to meet their needs and there are a LOT of needs! Check out our article on the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers so you can meet their hygiene needs! You need to be patient with them so that you can not only bond with your new pup, but also help him grow and learn about the world around him. Sometimes the puppy that was the smallest puppy in the litter can grow and quickly become the largest. And the largest puppy of the litter may not always remain the largest. As a breed, Golden Retrievers vary in size and weight. So you should enjoy that before they grow too big to pick up and cuddle! You may be surprised to learn that 8-week-old Golden puppies require about 18 hours of sleep a day. This may seem counter-intuitive because most people would assume that if a puppy is full of energy it needs to run it off, but in all actuality what they really need is sleep. You should use either pens or crates to make sure that your pup gets the optimal amount of sleep both through the night and during the day. Here are some things you can do to help your puppy nap: Adorn their crate or pen with comfortable blankets or pillows. Learn whether your pup likes to sleep on a bed or on the floor, then set their crate or pen up accordingly. Cover the crate or pen using a blanket or towel so that their visual stimulation is limited. You can use aromatherapy products for dogs to lull your pup to sleep. Get your puppy something like a stuffed Kong toy because licking and chewing are relaxing to pups. Classical or calming music can help your puppy get to sleep. You can expect that your pup should be ready for a nap after being awake for around an hour. So, you can get him to sleep easier using these tips. An 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy is largely able to know how much exercise it needs all on its own. What you should do instead is either pick them up and take them home or give them a break and see if they get a second wind. Golden Retrievers excel at playing fetch, but you need to keep games short. The running and then suddenly stopping to pick the ball or toy up and bring it back is hard on their tiny bones. People often adopt Golden Retrievers with the intent of getting a companion to exercise with running, hiking, biking, etc. Allowing your puppy to play with toys in your yard or house can be a good, safe way for your puppy to exercise. Having a yard is ideal because you can let your pup run around the yard and explore, while also burning off some excess energy. Just make sure you choose a short, easy walk that your puppy can handle. However, some days they have more energy than others, which is normal. Every Golden Retriever has varying exercise needs. Some are pretty chill and would rather lay around, while others are really hyper and active. You need to know that positive reinforcement works best for Golden Retrievers. You should avoid any sort of training that is based on punishment. There are also other training methods that can be beneficial to your pup. Group training is a good way to get your pup acquainted with other dogs and learn alongside them, while the trainer provides you with ways to better train your pup. You also have the option to hire a professional dog trainer, who will come to your house and give you customized tips to train your puppy. Before hiring any sort of trainer, ask them about the methods they use to avoid distress for puppies. They need to learn about confinement early on. Another important thing to teach your pup is their name, and to come to you when you call them. The bond with your pup is vital to any other training you do with them. For more about the training process, check out our article about Golden Retriever Puppy Training. Hey, food is good, okay? Most 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppies should be eating around half a cup of food three times a day. So, talk to your vet for a specific amount. They need high-quality puppy food. For more about what to feed your pup, check out our article about the Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers. Your golden puppy will probably quickly devour any food you place in front of them. It can be a good idea to buy a slow feeder bowl or toys that dispense food to slow them down a bit while also giving them some mental stimulation and making mealtime fun. Just as infants put things in their mouths, puppies do too. They do this to both plays and learn about their world. This can really suck for humans because puppies have sharp little teeth that feel like needles. The good news is that you can do some things to cut back on the biting and learn to deal with it. The first thing right off the bat you should do is to make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Secondly, scatter chew toys all over your house. Third, give your puppy a break if they start biting. This is as easy as going on the other side of their gate or putting them in their crate. This lets your pup know that when they start biting, the play stops, and access to you is denied. Many people suggest yelping and making loud noises when your puppy bites. But this is actually pretty counter-productive because it can make the situation worse by scaring the puppy. Other puppies can get more excited by the noise and bite harder. Biting is just something that puppies at this age do. However, remember that getting through this trying time is going to help you establish a lifelong bond with your new family member. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards. They enjoy physical activity and have many favorable traits as a gundog bred to retrieve downed game birds. They are friendly and gentle and often train as assistance or detection dogs due to their easy trainability. Apart from starting training while young, other breed-specific reasons make training a Golden Retriever puppy easy. Here are three examples: Golden Retrievers are among the smartest dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs , canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranks Goldens fourth of the brightest working dogs. So, even at just two months old, your puppy has it in his genes to learn and execute commands. To perform their original hunting job of retrieving felled ducks and other game birds in the Scottish marshland, Golden Retrievers had to be watchful, eager, and energetic. These are primary learning attributes. Golden Retrievers also have advanced skills as gundogs. They also have to excel at obedience. These are core training requirements that make your Golden Retriever easy to train. To succeed in your training mission, however, there are specific principles you need to follow. Read about these key training standards in the next section. Key Principles of Golden Retriever Puppy Training The purpose of any dog training is to have behavioral skills mastered. I explain these training requirements in my 10 key principles of successful Golden Retriever puppy training. However, they also have to handle grooming, making them feel uncomfortable. Your Golden Retriever can learn to manage this uneasiness if exposed to handling when young. In one study, puppies subjected to early gentling behaved more calmly at 8 weeks old than puppies not experiencing early handling. You can continue to hold your pup gently as soon as you arrive home. Teach Name Recognition How does your Golden Retriever puppy know you are talking to him if you only make commands? It would be best to teach him his name as this is the foundation for his future training. Say his name first, then give the command. That way, your pup knows to answer when you call. Assert Yourself as the Alpha Leader In dog training, your Golden Retriever must know that you are the boss from the start. Set rules and boundaries, and be consistent and fair. He will respect you as being top of the hierarchy. Never mistake being the alpha with punishment. It will only cause resentment. An alpha leader is calm and assertive, teaches his dog to be happily submissive, and approves of the behavior. Rewards reinforce the behavior, and you can use treats, a favorite toy, or activity, in conjunction with lots of verbal praise. Only Give a Command Once When it comes to training, you reap what you sow! Teach your pup to heed a command the first time you say it. Then make lots of eye contact. Repeat until he learns to obey the first time you give the cue. Dogs have poor short-term memory and will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes, as discovered in this experiment. However, dogs can recall your training commands through associative memory, which means they remember based on associations and not memories. For example, if you put your shoes on and grab your car keys, your Golden Retriever knows you are going out. Once your puppy has corrected his undesirable behavior with the required behavior, reward him with a high-value treat and heaps of praise. Other unacceptable confrontational methods include growling at your dog, forcefully removing an object from the mouth, withdrawing food, staring, using a shock collar, or tying your dog for hours. Your dog needs to have consistency, which means everyone else in the household. Dogs need simple training instructions, and everyone should also use the same verbal and non-verbal cues. Perform the same basic commands every day. At this young age, ten minute sessions are far better than a ten-minute session. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the desired behavior and mastered it, including in different locations and with various distractions. With these ten principles, you can now apply them to the essential areas that you need to train your 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in first. How to Socialize a Golden Retriever Puppy Dogs are social creatures, especially the Golden Retriever, who is super friendly, good-natured, and loves to be around you. To socialize a Golden Retriever, expose him to many different experiences, places, and situations. Include noises, smells, other people, children, babies, animals, cars, bicycles, objects, the weather, etc. Early socializing and training your Golden Retriever plays a significant role in developing adult dogs, as found in this exciting study. Check out these two important findings: Dogs socialized well as puppies are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games, helping them establish a real bond with their owners. Socialization will make your puppy feel confident around people and teach him to engage in his new world happily. You can teach your Golden Retriever social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. My best tips: Take one step at a time. Use positive reinforcement. I often get asked whether you can socialize your puppy before his final vaccinations. Take him to non-doggy places or carry him where necessary. To potty train an 8-week-old Golden Retriever, create a separate area where you want your puppy to go, establish a routine, and start with hourly potty breaks. Supervise your puppy at all times, learn to spot the signs, and never punish him after an accident. Give lots of rewards and praise when he goes. Many new dog owners fall for this — your puppy has to learn to tell you he needs the toilet. Make sure you take your puppy outside often enough. Stick to your schedule! It is a gradual process for him to grasp this. It may take a few weeks to master potty training, not days! Usually, puppies will need to go early in the morning, after a meal, and after a play session. Use their natural rhythm for daily poop walks. Dogs hate messing in their sleeping area, and most will usually hold it. Walk your Golden after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to poop. Do the same in the evening. Puppies need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and a short walk every hours is an ideal routine. If you crate your puppy when going out, get friends or family to help you stick to your routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new pup a pretty good idea of your expectations. To crate train a Golden Retriever puppy, get him used to the crate by letting him explore it. When he is happy to go in and out freely, introduce treats or feed inside, and close the door; that way, he associates nice things with his crate. Gradually increase the time he spends inside with the door closed. Here are seven fundamental principles when crate-training your Golden Retriever: Let your puppy sleep in the crate at night. Initiate crate training on the very first day. It will be harder to succeed if he gets accustomed to other sleeping arrangements! My puppy cried during the early hours of the first night, but then, she was just fine. A rough guideline for puppies to be left alone in a crate is one hour for each month of age, up to four hours. Keep your puppy in the crate when unsupervised. It only sends a message that he can get his way. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly associate that being quiet leads to positive things. He will quickly learn that this is his particular spot. Interesting toys and comfy bedding will offer some solace for your Golden Retriever. Dogs are denning animals, so they often go underneath tables or desks. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into it. My favorite is the MidWest Homes for Pets Dog iCrate from Amazon, as it has everything you need, including a divider and a handy removable wipe-clean plastic pan. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel check price on Amazon are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is also airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. This sends a message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth to prevent chase drive until he releases. Then, give praise and redirect the biting with a chew toy. When your puppy gets the hang of repeatedly letting go, and his bite becomes softer, this is a good sign that he is beginning to learn his bite inhibition. Helping a dog learn to curb the force of his bite is necessary to living with humans. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially began learning from their mother and siblings. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Golden Retriever puppy soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not be able to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and jaw muscles. Remember to have realistic expectations, as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his bite inhibition. Teach a leash cue, and start very short walks. Reward with a treat and praise. You can do this by letting him wear them inside the house or yard for a few minutes. I use this one as it gives you more control, is inexpensive, and comes in various colors and styles. Give a treat when your dog obeys the command. Introduce your Golden Retriever to short outside walks on his leash. Anticipate the behavior and quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is the crucial part. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. Follow the excellent training principles above and use reward-based training to train your puppy in these areas successfully. Be consistent in your commands, and always discipline at the precise moment of unwanted behavior. Are you looking for a puppy training schedule? Related Posts You May Like:. We took each puppy individually and did a rigorous eh, not really test to find out which puppies would be best suited to do service dog work. However, there were two tests that stood out: The Retrieve Test — We crumpled up a piece of paper next to our puppy to get his attention. I mentioned we performed 10 tests, but the results of the above two ended up determining which puppies would be our next service dog puppies in training. Puppy temperament testing is tiring! Liberty Berlin — While she performed about the same as all the other pups on every other test, Liberty stood out during the Umbrella Stability Test. She was the only puppy to enthusiastically approach the Umbrella. We knew from day 1 that Liberty was a confident puppy and had a good feeling that she would have no problem with the Umbrella. She lived up to our expectations boldly and playfully engaging the umbrella. Tank Bear — One of the larger puppies in the litter, Bear was our little cuddly buddy. He did not do well on the Umbrella Stability Test and neither did three of his siblings. However, Bear was a standout when it came to the Retrieve Test. Bear was the only puppy to run out, pick up, and bring back the crumpled-up piece of paper. Not only was he the only one to do it once he did it several times! Trooper Buster — Our smallest puppy by over 3 lbs. Trooper was our mini-mite. Even though he was the smallest he may have been the mightiest as he was the first of only 2 puppies Liberty was the other to climb out of the whelping box. While not exhibiting the enthusiasm of Liberty during the Umbrella Stability test Trooper had a more curious attitude towards the opened Umbrella as he approached, sniffed, and explored showing a more calm demeanor than Liberty. The response of the other puppies on the Umbrella Stability Test ranged from slowly moving away from the umbrella to cowering and running away from the umbrella. The Golden Bear Puppy — Checking out different surfaces. Day 56 — Puppy Names Since the beginning of this series, you may have noticed I listed 2 names for some of these puppies. After 8 weeks with these adorable puppies, they finally got to meet their puppy raisers. Bear stayed with us while Buster and Berlin went to new homes. Awww…Cuddly Golden Retriever puppies! Berlin — Our former first lady she was first born , Liberty first went to a puppy raiser home until she was 16 weeks old. Unfortunately, I did not have a puppy raiser to work with her for the full 18 months. As luck would have it the breeder we partnered with for this Golden litter was looking for a female puppy as a potential breeding dog. Again, we did not have a puppy raiser to train him and we looked to a service dog organization we volunteered with in the past. We contacted Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs and set up a meeting to have Buster tested, and he passed with flying colors. They fell in love with Buster on the spot and adopted him into their POOCH program where he is being trained at a prison to be a service dog. We kept our Lil Bear to train as a service dog. From the beginning, we knew he was a little softy, but he passed the retrieval test with flying colors so we had high hopes for him. We started taking him on outings to the book store, grocery stores, and shopping malls. He never showed the confidence we hoped and while he would eventually adapt to places after several visits he was always hesitant in new situations. He continued to progress and we were hopeful his confidence would grow as we exposed him to new environments and worked on his training. At the same time, an opportunity arose and we had to make a decision with Bear. Our friends had recently lost their long-time Golden Retriever, Sugar, and also tragically lost a puppy they had adopted. After discussing with my wife we decided to see if our friends were interested in adopting Bear. They said YES! And the rest is history. Heck, he has a huge following cheering for him every step of the way! Puppy Crate Training ? Once again, Happy Birthday to our Golden Litter! That concludes our 8-week journey with our Golden puppies! Just in case you missed any of the other blog posts in the series: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — This is Week 8! I hope you enjoyed our pics and insights into raising a Golden Retriever litter. Raising a litter of puppies is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Definitely not for the faint at heart. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a note in the comment section below. Are you about to bring home an 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a good starting point for learning the basics of how to raise and train a puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
They have been a Labrador Retriever state for over 20 years, with numerous Labrador Retrievers setting up in the state every year. And who can blame them? The Labrador Retriever is an awesome dog that is perfect for the family due to its calm and gentle temperament. Its high intelligence, outgoing personality, and energetic nature make it a great work dog, service dog, and hunting dog. When adopting a Labrador Retriever, helps to know the credibility of your breeder, as not all breeders are reputable. In this article, we help you make your search a little easier by recommending some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in the state of Connecticut. These breeders care for the health of the Labrador Retriever and offer good quality Labrador Retriever puppies in Connecticut. So, get a glass of something chill and do ensure you read on to the end. Founded in , Barefoot Labradors of Killingworth are strong breeders of chocolate, black, and yellow Labrador Retrievers of superb quality. All their puppies possess a gentle temperament and high intelligence. They have a robust breeding program that allows the use of top-quality breeding lines into theirs. All their Labrador Retriever sires and dams are healthy, they possess gentle dispositions and are championed AKC dogs with a decorated pedigree to show it. The puppies are raised on a acre property in Killingworth Connecticut, where they get their name. It is a large landed property with a pond so the dogs get to swim in. They are well fed with high-quality food and sleep in temperature-regulated spaces. Each puppy enjoys a bio-sensor program or Early Neurological Stimulation from day 2. They are also exposed to various sounds like NPR and other stimulating experiences. All their puppies are microchipped and health checked by a vet. They come with a month health guarantee that frees them from genetic defects of the eye and hip or elbow dysplasia. They are also AKC registered and fully dewormed and vaccinated. Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale! Raise them in Connecticut! Connecticut is certainly a perfect place to raise a labrador puppy. With the state having so many parks and recreational areas, as well as dog friendly common places, your young pup will surely grow to becoming a healthy, happy, and strong adult. Labrador colors! Labrador lovers also have the great liberty of choosing from 3 main different colors which one they like the most. The yellow labrador is often associated with guiding the blind, the black labrador with gundog work, and the chocolate labrador as pets at home or for dog shows. Ultimately however, it has been discovered that each of the different colors of the different labradors are able to excel in either of these known traits of above par performance. So perhaps it matters little. Labrador origins! Labradors bred for show are commonly known as English Labradors and are more common in the UK. Labradors bred for field trials and hunting are commonly known as American labradors and are more common in the USA. However, many American labradors enter dog shows and many English labradors compete in field trials and are used for hunting. The more important question to ask, is are you ready to be a labrador puppy owner? The Basic 6 Questions Have you got the space to raise a large dog? Even as puppies, labradors need quite a bit of space. Whether it is indoors or outdoors. For the space they need outdoors, it is pretty obvious. These puppies can run long and far and need to stretch those growing legs of theirs. Indoor space can be more of a challenge. Labrador puppies typically bounce off the walls and their long, thick tails tend to knock down decorations found on shelves as well as glasses and anything else it comes into contact with. You may have to move ornaments onto higher shelves and beware of their growing teeth. They may be small but they sure are sharp and can tear up delicate furniture as well as seats and other fabrics found around your house. Labradors also need to be potty trained and as puppies need bathroom breaks as often as every minutes. If you live in an apartment complex or building, doing this may be a challenge. Some dog owners are able to use doggie crates to help potty train them but these do take up quite a bit of space. Ideally, having a garden would be the best. It is a contained space in which your dog can not only run around but can also learn to use the bathroom. Just make sure that you have a good system for cleaning up after them. Do you have the time needed to love a dog? There are numerous sad stories that have come out of new puppy owners admitting that they are unable to balance their regular work lives with raising a puppy. Older dogs may be a bit more independent and less in need of your loving attention but puppies certainly require more of your time, patience, and love. In the end, a young dog should not be left alone for long periods of time and if this were to happen, one cannot expect the dog to behave as you would want him to. A healthy reminder is that dogs that are alone will make tons of noise and break things that he can get his teeth on. If you need to go out and work all day, it is best to have someone in the house with him to take him out for walks, bring him to the bathroom, play with him, train him not to break everything, teach him what he can and cannot bite, and give him water to drink and food to eat. These tasks may be a lot to ask of anyone, so be sure that who you leave these responsibilities with is someone who also loves your dog. Beyond the necessary early training of a puppy , there is also the long term commitment in training your dog to be able to co-exist in human society with being a complete nuisance to everyone around. This daily commitment and regular interaction is what will teach your dog to behave and ultimately be a good dog. Training a dog is not something that you need to do only weekends. If you try this, you will see that by the time the next weekend arrives, your dog would have forgotten everything you taught him the week before. Dogs do not have the attention span to concentrate for over an hour, this is why it is necessary to train him everyday, throughout the whole day. Besides all of this training, there is also the exercise your dog needs. Missing a day here and there will not be so bad, but making this an important habit is also what will keep your dog in tip top shape. What about your lifestyle? Buying a labrador puppy will also change your lifestyle, for the better of course! Also, if you are one who travels often and would have to leave your puppy at home, then perhaps it is not yet the right time for you to be a dog owner. Sleep ins on weekends may be harder to achieve as well, your dog is going to demand your attention and will need to be fed, and taken out to go to the bathroom, and played with. Will having this dog fit right in with your family? Think of your puppy as a human toddler. That is the sort of attention that they need. But if your kids are for example, over 5 years old and able to walk on their own, speak their thoughts, no longer need to be carried all the time, and are accepting that your pet dog has important needs too, then this might be a good age for them and the whole family will benefit from having this puppy around. Is a labrador really the right breed of dog for you? Labradors by nature are very playful dogs. They grow to a rather large size, eat a lot, but are also loving, intelligent, and loads of fun! If you want to have a Lab, call CT Breeder — .In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices. Located in Killingworth, Connecticut , we have been providing exceptional puppies to families in the Northeast since .We breed for sound health and good temperament. We raise our puppies in a home environment and socialize them through frequent handling and play. From their third to 16th day, we give them a series of gentle neurological stimulation The Bio Sensor Program to improve cardio vascular performance, tolerance to stress and resistance to disease. We microchip all of our puppies to help in their return to you in the event they are lost or stolen. All of our pups are examined by a Vet at days and again at 6-weeks 1st immunization. They are sold with a limited AKC registration to help protect the breed from genetic faults. They come with a month Health Guarantee for hip and elbow dysplasia, and hereditary defects of the eyes. Luna and her pups Our litters are planned well in advance. Our puppies are sold to approved families that have been placed on our waiting lists. The puppies go home when they are 8 weeks old. Occasionally, we have older or retired labs to place to suitable homes. If you would like more information about upcoming litters, please email us at barefoot barefootlabpuppies. Sorry, but we cannot respond to text or phone call requests for information. Only email inquiries, please. Autumn and her litter. How to care for your new puppy Our new puppy owners might want to check out the "Caring for your new puppy" section on the left side bar. It has a lot of valuable information and tips for taking care of your pup. Also, information about Puppy Development may be of interest. Photos of recent puppies are featured below. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Nevertheless, you always want to select a Lab breeder that is reputable and responsible with all their dogs. To help you find a new addition for your home, we have put together this list of the six best Labrador Retriever puppy breeders in Connecticut. Just by taking a quick glance at their website, you can easily see how much these breeders love and respect their dogs. This club only accepts breeders that are in good standing and treat their dogs respectfully. It is the only club of its kind in the area. Their dogs are all championship grade. They only breed chocolate or black Labrador Retrievers. This is a great breeder if you want your Lab to be both a show dog and a house dog. Cross Bay Labs only breed black and chocolate puppies, and they only breed their dogs once or twice a year. All their puppies are registered, and they are diligent in ensuring that the puppies are placed in proper homes. All their adult Labs have obedience titles or are in the process of getting it. As a result, Tanzy Labrador puppies are intelligent, hardworking, and versatile. They consistently breed puppies so that you can more reliably purchase a puppy through this breeder. All puppies are registered with the AKC. In addition to breeding puppies, Woodland Kennel also offers obedience training, advanced obedience training , and even hunting dog training. They breed all three official colors, including black, chocolate, and yellow. More so, Barefoot Labradors does a great job of creating puppies with good temperaments. All of the puppies are raised inside a home environment so that they experience thorough socialization from a young age. They also provide examinations and microchips for safety and health. These efforts make the Barefoot Labs great pets. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Stamford was known as Rippowam by the Native American inhabitants to the region, and the very first European settlers to the area also referred to it as such. The name was later changed to Stamford after a town in Lincolnshire, England. Stamford was home to a less famous witch trial than the well-known Salem witch trials, which also occurred in .The accusations were less fanatical and smaller-scale but also grew to prominence through gossip and hysterics. Starting in the late 19th century, New York residents built summer homes on the shoreline, and even back then there were some who moved to Stamford permanently and started commuting to Manhattan by train, although the practice became more popular later. Stamford incorporated as a city in .Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Questions about Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Connecticut? We have answers. What affects Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Connecticut price? Do Labrador Retriever breeders in Connecticut ship puppies out of state? Labrador breeders and businesses in the Uptown network are total pros when it comes to shipping puppies, and can send your new best friend to your nearest major airport outside of Hawaii and Alaska. And yes, your pup will be flying up in the cabin, not crammed down in the baggage hold. How do you screen Labrador Retriever breeders Connecticut? What do we look for in a partner? Peek at our Breeder Pledge for more info! We created Uptown to give great breeders a place to shine—and to give families a fast, easy, and fun way to find their dream dog. What is a puppy mill? Why are some Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Connecticut so cheap? Puppy mills are almost like puppy factories, where profit is king and the welfare of your puppy is rarely a priority. Puppy mill dogs live short lives full of behavioral issues, health problems and more—not to mention the countless, costly vet visits. Luckily, there are NO puppy mills or unethical breeders in the Uptown network. Are there any chocolate Labrador Retriever breeders Connecticut? MatchMaker is our simple but powerful method of matching customers with breeders, businesses, and puppy litters that perfectly match your preferences and expectations from your ideal puppy. Businesses and breeders in the Uptown network love puppies just as much as you do—read over some of our glowing reviews and meet our Puppy Alumni to see the difference a little love can make.
Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description Welcome to our Bearington Explore line of realistic stuffed animals ranging from favorite pets and farm friends to wild woodland, desert, savannah, and undersea creatures. Folks at museums, zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers adore these carefully crafted critters and your little nature lover will, too. Bearington plush toys are ideal for birthday and holiday gifting, imaginative play, and any day when the world would feel better with an extra hug. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: 1. This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. Measuring eleven inches long and eight inches tall, our stuffed bulldog puppy has soft and thick brown and white fur, brown puppy dog eyes, and a black button nose. This plush bulldog puppy is proud to promise that it comes completely housebroken and will never, ever, never chew up your favorite baseball glove! With Hardy the Plush Bulldog Puppy, you get to enjoy all of the cute and fun aspects of owning a bulldog puppy without having to do any of the work. As with the entire line of Douglas Cuddle Toys, this plush bulldog is made from all new child safe materials, is rigorously tested for quality assurance, and meets or exceeds both the US Government and the voluntary Toy Safety Standards. Recommended for ages two and up, this bulldog puppy stuffed animal is conveniently machine washable. Douglas is a family owned business that has been making heirloom level stuffed animals and toys since .As with all of Douglas' superb stuffed animals, only the highest quality materials and craftsmanship are used in the construction of this stuffed bulldog puppy, and each stuffed animal is thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of endearment and to give them that adorable look that clearly defines them as a Douglas Cuddle Toy. When you buy a Douglas Cuddle Toy, you can trust that you are buying quality.
Welcome to Sunshine Acres, where our Goldendoodle puppies enjoy interacting with our family throughout each day. As experienced, ethical Goldendoodle Breeders we help match many families to their wonderful Irish Goldendoodle puppy. What are you looking for in your new puppy? A walking buddy, a cheer-giver, a friend of children? In your quest for a healthy, loving Goldendoodle, we can help match you with your ideal puppy. We are available with tips and advice to make the choosing easier since we interact with each puppy daily since birth. Let us know what characteristics you are looking for in your Goldendoodle puppy so we can point you to the puppies or litter that best matches those traits. Our puppies are born here. They are lovingly raised by our family. Because of this, we know not only their individual health history and temperament, but the history of their parents. We are glad to be a source of knowledge for you, not only before your Goldendoodle puppy comes home, but for the many years after, as well. Relationships are important to us and we are interested in watching our puppies integrate into your families and your lives. Featured Puppies. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. As the smaller poodle hybrids grew in popularity and success, Golden Retriever breeders decided to breed them with the standard poodle for a larger family pet. They are extremely smart, so they learn quickly, and they love children and other pets. Discover more about our Goldendoodle puppies for sale below! Most Goldendoodles are a first-generation cross, as such, they exhibit hybrid vigor — a phenomenon in animal breeding referring to the fact that the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier and grows better than either parent line. Vigour lessens with each successive generation. The most common colors for Goldendoodles are black, brown, gray, red, white and yellow and most are light to non-shedding. A Note on Hypoallergenic Traits Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning they can supposedly be tolerated by people who have dog allergies. That being said, allergies are not caused by dogs themselves but by dander, the dead skin cells shed by all dogs and people. Goldendoodles tend to have less dander though than other breeds. Most Goldendoodles do have a low to non-shedding coat making them more tolerable for people with allergies. The Goldendoodle may shed less than a golden retriever, but the degree of shedding will vary from dog to dog. Grooming requirements are as varied as coat types, but most doodles require regular brushing to avoid matting. A dog with a coat that sheds less will require more grooming than one that sheds more often. Our Goldendoodle puppies come from responsible and reputable breeders! This is important, so you know you are getting the best hybrid puppy from healthy and happy parents. Your Goldendoodle will be a mid-sized, fluffy, cheerful canine companion who is not too high maintenance but is energetic enough to share an active lifestyle. Living Conditions The Goldendoodle is great for owners who do not want to deal with hair in their cars and homes. You can train them easily, though they are not going to do well in an apartment because they are large and full of energy. Expect fewer repetitions when training this breed. They have a wonderful, cheerful and playful temperament and they will do just fine with kids and other pets. This dog will bark and alert its owners when an intruder is present, so they make great family pets and watchdogs. Disposition Goldendoodles make marvelous family dogs. If left unattended in a crate or elsewhere for long periods of time, a Goldendoodle will become bored and lonely and may become depressed and destructive. Goldendoodles often have an uncanny ability to communicate with their people. Some have even been trained as guide dogs. Goldendoodles are active and need regular exercise. This is a great breed for kids and is known to be playful and affectionate around them. We are Cindy and Jeff Suit, and we strive to produce puppies with the very best temperaments and personalities, and the health and overall condition of our Goldendoodles are a top priority. All of our puppies come with a two-year health guarantee, have been vet-checked, have received their first shots and have been wormed on a regular basis. The care we take in breeding to create the best puppies is matched by the thorough socialization we give them after they are born. After more than two decades of producing exceptional puppies, our reputation speaks clearly about our breeding methods, the level of care we provide and, most importantly, the great love we have for these wonderfully sensitive and intelligent dogs. We take great care in matching you with the right puppy. So, if you would like more information about our puppies, please fill out the puppy application on our website. We will call you to discuss your preferences and our available litters. Available Goldendoodle Puppies The health, beauty and temperament of a Blue Ridge Goldendoodle puppy is second-to-none. This page features the stunning selection of pups we currently have available. Learn More Meet Our Dogs The secret to continually producing great puppies is to always use the very best breeding pairs. We carefully select our sires and dams for health, temperament, beauty, size and coat type. Visit this page to learn more about the exceptional dogs we use to create our second-to-none Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. They are up-to-date on shots and have been wormed regularly and thoroughly checked by our vet. We send a detailed vet record with every one. Each puppy also comes with a blanket or toy that was played with and rubbed on the mom and the siblings. This helps in the transition from our home to yours. We also test them for problems with the elbows and heart, check for patella luxation and make sure that their eyes are cleared for Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA , a degenerative vision disorder. In addition to these checks, our breeding dogs are DNA tested for a battery of genetic diseases. Blue Ridge Goldendoodles is a member and recommended breeder at Goldendoodles. About Goldendoodle Puppies Goldendoodles are the result of calculated crossbreeding between pedigreed Golden Retrievers and any of the three officially recognized Poodle varieties standard, miniature and toy. Exceptional breeders like Blue Ridge Goldendoodles are able to produce puppies with the best attributes of each lineage — physical beauty, loving and loyal personalities, high intelligence, a strong desire to please and a size range that suits apartment dwelling, farm living and everything in between. Their patience and gentle spirit make Goldendoodles especially good with small children. If acquiring a Goldendoodle is the right choice for you or your family, start by locating a top-quality breeder. All puppies should be examined and okayed, too. These exams are standard operating procedure at Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. No, all dogs shed a little, that is nature. There is low shedders and high shedders. A low shedder would have more texture of the poodle coat. Where as a high shedder would have the lab texture. Most Goldendoodles are low shedders. What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? Cindy Suit T What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? The differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles depends mostly on the breeding stock chosen for the parents. With that being said, there really is no difference between our Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Most people cannot tell the difference between the two breeds. Please feel free to look at my Doodle Hall of Fame and see if you can tell the difference. Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and motivated to please, this makes them outstanding pupils for housebreaking, crate training, learning tricks and more. What is the difference between and F1 and F1B? It depends what genes they inherit. What is an F2? Cindy Suit T What is an F2? In genetics, an F2 means a second generation cross, or a cross that is 2 generations away from the original parent breeds. There are 2 ways to get to the second generation. The second way is described above, as an F1B. So breeding an F1 Labradoodle or Goldendoodle back to a Poodle to get an F1B, is resulting in a second generation of the hybrid. Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Yes, Goldendoodles are a very adaptable breed that can thrive in all residential settings. All they need is proper love and care from you to flourish. Plus, potential owners have the option of choosing a standard, mini, toy or teacup Goldendoodle based on the ideal size fit for their living conditions. While this is an impossible question to answer with any specificity, the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is calculated to be between 10 and 15 years. Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Cindy Suit T Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Goldendoodles are extremely affectionate dogs who love to give and receive outward signs of love. They have the propensity to become more attached to one person, but their drive for attention prevents them from limiting their interactions in this way. To the dog, anyone willing to spend a few minutes giving a belly rub is worth an abundance of licking. Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Whether your canine companion is a five-pound teacup or a pound standard, they will see themselves as equally small and act accordingly. If that sounds the least unpleasant, know that new owners quickly get used to having their entire laps swallowed and grow to love these times of bonding. Still have more questions about Goldendoodles? Check out our reference pages below:.
victorian bulldog puppies - Dog Whisperer Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo This puppy shampoo uses vitamin E and Pro-V B5, organic aloe vera, and rosemary leaf extract to create a gentle shampoo that also conditions young coats. It also comes with a waterless shampoo that you can use to freshen up your pup between washes if they do manage to get into some dirty trouble. Like with all things, you will need to train your dog in terms of what is expected of them at bath time. The best approach is to use positive reinforcement training. This means showing them what you want, and then rewarding them when they comply. Each time you bathe them they will have a better understanding of what you need from them. Make sure you have a good space prepared before you get started. You might want to set yourself up inside the shower or outside, as they may make quite a bit of water mess. Make sure the water that you use is lukewarm. Not only will this be less of a shock to them, but it also minimizes the problems relating to cold and regulating body temperature. Get them completely wet, maybe pouring water over them using a cup. Then you are ready to add your chosen shampoo. Rub gently without applying too much pressure. While you want to be thorough and get the shampoo everywhere, avoid the eyes and try not to let the shampoo get into their mouth or ears. When you are done, make sure that you rinse thoroughly as shampoo residue can irritate their skin if left behind. If it is not a leave-in conditioner, make sure to rinse thoroughly again with lukewarm water. Before releasing them into the wild, you will want to get them as dry as possible. A good rub down with their own towel is usually enough to do the trick. The sound of the machine is very likely to scare your dog. You can get special dog hair dryers that are designed to make almost no noise, but unless your dog has a particularly long or thick coat, it is probably not necessary. Try to use the same process every time you bathe your dog, and do it in the same place. Your puppy will find reassurance in the routine. If you choose to bathe them somewhere different every time, it will be much harder for them to associate this bath with their previous bath and repeat the behaviors that they learned. You can find more Labrador retriever grooming tips here. FAQs Can I bathe my puppy once a week? If your puppy leads an active, outdoor lifestyle, you might feel like you want to bathe them as often as once a week. This is fine as long as you use an appropriate shampoo and monitor their coat and skin for reactions. You should only bathe them more than once a week in a mud-related emergency. Why do puppies shiver after a bath? Yep, your puppy is shivering after a bath because they are cold. As the water evaporates off their body, it cools them down significantly. Dogs will shake to remove as much water as possible and warm up more quickly, and a nice toweling down can also help. Should you give a puppy a bath when you bring them home? You might be tempted to give your puppy a bath as soon as you bring them home, but this urge is best resisted. Even if they are already of bathing age, it is better to let them settle in for two weeks before giving them a bath. Changing the scent that they are familiar with can make it more difficult for them to adjust to their new home. Plus, bath time can be a little traumatic, so you should wait until they trust you. Is it OK to let your puppy air dry? It is generally not advised to let your puppy air dry as they are likely to roll around in the grass and dirt in order to dry off and remove any shampoo smell. The result might mean that they need another bath. A good toweling down is usually enough to get your dog sufficiently dry. The biggest challenge for many new pet parents is that they are overzealous in wanting to care for their new canine friends, so they start bathing their puppy too soon and too often. Bathing your puppy too soon can put their health at risk and make it harder for them to settle into their new home. You should also wait at least two weeks after bringing them home before bathing them to make it easier for them to adjust. If you want to freshen them up a bit, best to reach for a brush. Do you have any essential bathing tips for new pups? Share them with the community in the comments section below. 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. I have a towel fluffing in a warm dryer to wrap them up in when the bath is done. I have a Kool-Dry dryer, which is really nice to use on them, as you can adust the airflow from way low, to blow-a-big dog-off-the-table-high! We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Labs have a thick, water-repellent coat that tends to be on the oily side. This coat is designed to keep the Labrador warm and dry even in fridged water conditions. Too frequent bathing can strip the oil from the coat, robbing it of its water-repellent qualities and drying out the skin. So, how often should you bathe your lab? Labradors should be bathed no more than once per month to avoid stripping their coats of natural oils and drying out their skin. If a Labrador spends most of its time inside, then the time between baths may be much longer. Since we advise bathing as infrequently as possible, there are certain things you should do beforehand to get the most out of each bath. Additionally, there are a couple things you want to avoid doing as well. I'll discuss these in detail in this article, and give some tips that will make bathing a piece of cake! In this article Things to do before bathing You won't need to bathe your Lab very often soit is important that you make the most of each bath time by thinking about whatto do before you bathe. Brushing The Labrador's coarse coat is not prone to matting, but it is still important to brush your Labrador's coat in order to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris prior to bathing. Wouldn't you rather your dog's fur end up neatly collected in the garbage bin, rather than clogging up the hair trap in your shower? A self-cleaning slicker brush is a great option for safely removing all of your Labrador's loose hair as well as for distributing the oil throughout your dog's coat. The self-cleaning feature is especially nice for the Labrador's short rough fur, which can be difficult to remove from traditional slicker brushes. Get your dog tired Most Labradors love the water. After all, swimming is what this breed is made for. While it may not be challenging to get your dog into the bath, you may have a hard time getting them to stand still instead of having a blast playing in the water. If you want a more relaxing bathing experience, it's a great idea to thoroughly wear your dog out by taking them for a long run or playing an extended game of fetch before you give them a bath. Clean your Labradors ears Labradors can be prone to dirty ears and ear infections, thanks to their oily skin and the flopped nature of the ears. It is very important to regularly clean your Labrador's ears. This can often be a messy process, as your dog may have a tendency of shaking their head and sending ear cleaner and gunk all over. It's a good idea to take care of ear cleaning before you give your dog a bath so that you can clean off the debris from the ear cleaning as well. Things to avoid before giving your dog a bath It's important to plan out your dog's bathing routine so that you can avoid bathing them at inopportune times. Here are a couple things you want to avoid doing in the days leading up to giving them a bath: Topical flea treatments If you give your dog topical flea treatment, usually by rubbing the medication between the shoulder blades, you should wait at least 24 hours before bathing. Since Labs are large dogs with thick coats, it is advisable to wait at least 48 hours after applying a topical flea treatment before you bathe your dog. Topical anti-itch treatments Unfortunately, many Labradors are prone to itchy skin. If you use a topical anti-itch cream for your dog, it is best to wait until it is nearly time to reapply before bathing so that you don't waste the topical treatment or cause an interaction between the treatment and the shampoo that you are using When should you give a Labrador puppy their first bath? As cuddly and cute as they are, Labrador puppies often find themselves getting in sticky situations. That's right. Sticky, stinky, dirty, wet - you name it. So, naturally, we will want to freshen them up and keep them as cute as possible! But when is it too early to bathe a Lab puppy? Labrador puppies should not be bathed with soap until they are at least 3 months old. Until then, warm water and a rag should be used exclusively. At 3 months, you should use sensitive soap that has been diluted during the first couple of baths to avoid skin irritation. This isn't unique to Labradors, either. The AKC recommends that all puppies follow this gradual approach. Additional guidance is that you should consult your vet to determine if any special soaps should be used. Shampoos for puppies and older Labs For most of their lives, your Labrador will do well with any high-quality shampoo. Since you don't want to strip the oils from their skin any more than necessary, it is best to choose a shampoo designed for sensitive skin. Gentle shampoo is even more important for puppies and older Labs. For your puppy, choose a shampoo made especially for puppies, ideally a shampoo that is formulated with oatmeal. Look for a shampoo that advertises being hypoallergenic and soothing for your dog's skin. It's a good idea to choose a puppy shampoo that has calming herbs such as lavender since it can be stressful as your puppy becomes accustomed to bathing. This shampoo formulated with colloidal oatmeal and lavender is a good choice for tear-free puppy baths. Older dogs Your older Labrador will benefit from an especially sensitive shampoo that moisturizes the skin. Look for a shampoo that is pH balanced so that it doesn't bother sensitive skin. Ingredients like aloe vera help to balance the levels of oil in the skin while cleaning. Avoid anything that contains alcohol or harsh chemicals. This shampoo formulated for sensitive skin which is free of soap and contains ingredients like aloe vera and almond oil to condition your older dog's coat is an excellent choice for the aging Lab. What to use if you don't have shampoo If you find yourself without shampoo when your dog has gotten into something particularly filthy don't panic. Blue Dawn dish soap is a safe and effective way to clean your dog and kill adult fleas. Blue Dawn is quite gentle, but it does contain strong cleansers and should never be used regularly. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, this is a great option. For those who go on camping trips with their Labs, you'll appreciate the ability to clean your camping dishes and your dog with the same soap. Cleaning a Lab's ears It is important for most breeds to maintain clean ears, but for the Labrador, ear cleaning is especially essential. Dogs with floppy ears, such as the Labrador, are more prone to ear infections and other ear diseases than breeds with upright ears or ears that fold over at the tip. The floppy ears paired with a Lab's oily skin means that Labradors are especially prone to ear infections. Ever wonder why Labrador ears are floppy? Don't over clean! It is important to regularly clean your dog's ears to prevent ear infections, but it is also important not to over clean, as this can lead to irritation and infections as well. Therefore, you should only clean your Labrador's ears when they need it. A healthy, clean ear is pink and has no odor. When you notice black or brown dirt or debris building up around the ear or if the ear has a stinky or yeasty smell to it, it is time to clean. Ear cleaners Choose an ear cleaner that is approved by veterinarians, is gentle, and cleans with minimum scrubbing and trauma to your dog's ears. If your dog is very prone to ear infections as many Labradors are, an ear cleaner containing hydrocortisone that is designed to combat bacterial, yeast, and viral infections may be a good option. Fill your dog's ear canal with the cleaner by holding your dog's ear canal open. Spread the cleaner around the ear canal, using your fingers to massage the base of the ear. You should be able to hear the cleaner squishing around the ear. Most dogs have an impulse to shake their heads during this process, so it is a good idea to hold your dog's head firmly while you massage the ear. Next, pour the cleaner out of your dog's ear canal or allow them to shake their head to get it out. Use cotton balls or gauze to firmly wipe the interior of your dog's ear, taking care to get into any crevices. You may need to soak a cotton ball in some more ear cleaner in order to remove any stuck-on debris. How to wash a dog's face Labradors have shorter, softer hair on their face, which means that their faces often seem more oily than the rest of their coat. If you find that your Labrador has an oily face before you're ready to give them a bath, you can use gentle wet wipes made especially for dogs to remove the excess oil and get your Lab's face smelling nice again. When bathing your Lab, take special care when washing the face to make sure that water doesn't get into the ear canals, which can make ear infections more likely. In order to avoid this, pinch the ear canal closed while wetting the face. The best way to dry off your Lab You can dry off your Labrador by rubbing them down with a towel. It's wise to use one towel to soak up most of the moisture and another to vigorously rub the coat and remove the rest of the water. Because Labradors have a water-resistant coat, they tend to shed water after a bath quite easily. Minimizing the wet dog smell Have you noticed that after giving your Labrador a bath they actually smell worse with a strong wet dog smell? The smell will go away as your dog dries, but it may take a couple of hours and leave your house smelling like dog for some time. If you really want to avoid the wet dog smell, try blow-drying your dog after a bath in order to eliminate the last bit of moisture in their coat. Things to watch out for in the days after If this is the first time that you have bathed your dog or if you are switching to a different shampoo, it is especially important to monitor them closely after their bath to make sure they don't have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the shampoo that you used. Look for dry, itchy skin, redness, or signs of lethargy or refusal to eat. Dogs often shed more right after a bath, so it's a good idea to brush your dog again after bathing and continue to brush more frequently for the next day or two until all of the shed hair has gone. Lastly, monitor their ears. Their floppy ears make them more prone to ear infections, so catching any signs of irritation at the onset may save a trip to the vet if you can clean out the ears and keep them dry! Labradors enjoy getting out while having fun and getting dirty. While labs are terrific in water, they need regular brushing and cleaning. It keeps them warm and dry. Frequent bathing can strip the natural oil production from the coat, leading to dry skin. Yes, all dogs and predominantly puppies, need bathing and grooming. However, when it comes to a lab, the minimal is better. Labradors come with a wonderfully thick water-repellent coat. But labs regularly get very messy while rolling and stomping through the dirt. Owing to this, their fur and paws catch onto dirt or other foul items. They also start smelling over time. Therefore, bathing them is necessary. Labradors have a double coat type and are heavy shedders, and a good grooming routine is a must to remove excess hair. Bathing the lab once every month should be your golden rule. Bathing your lab more often can result in them losing essential oils from the dog coat. Due to a higher activity level, Labs spend much time rolling in mud and dirt. In these cases, you should bathe them frequently. Spray them with lukewarm water or wipe them with a wet cloth. If your lab smells a lot or has skin issues, opt for frequent baths after consulting a vet. Always use a detangling spray to remove the dead hair. Take action at once against itchy skin to prevent skin irritation. How to Bathe a Labrador Labrador Retriever? The next step is to know how to regularly clean a lab. When cleaning them, you should wash their dense coat correctly and ensure you use the right products. You need to follow five steps when considering bathing your lab. Preparation First, focus on finding the right place. Washing your lab can get messy, so you must choose a place like the garden or bathroom. Also, please wear old clothes as they will get dirty. Ready all your tools, like a good gentle shampoo , dog conditioner, hair dryer, etc. Do not use human shampoo as it can affect the skin of your lab and can make them sick. For example, when you plan to bathe your dog, a comfortable water temperature is key for your pet. When you start, get their coat thoroughly wet. Their coat is water-repellant, and hence it might take a while. You should put water on your dog in parts, not all in a go. Bath your Labrador After wetting the coat, apply dog shampoo on the body and work up a lather while massaging your dog. Let the shampoo rest for a few minutes before rinsing your dog. Repeat the process multiple times if your lab is dirty. If you use a conditioner, follow the same step as shampoo. Dry your Labrador After you rinse your lab, you should start drying them using towels. Ensure it is not too close to their skin, as it might scare them and cause itchy skin. Take a cotton ball and ear cleaners and ensure no water is left in the ear canal or the ears. This is very important. Else it may lead to infections. Bath Time Cleaning a pup with shampoo until they reach three months old is not wise. Moreover, using only a shampoo approved for puppies would be best. It is dangerous for the pups to wash them before the right age as a puppy cannot regulate the temperature and can get sick. While you clean your puppies regularly, they have the habit of wandering off and being messy. Hence keeping them clean between baths is an ask. Brushing their coats regularly, at least once every week Using a dry medicated shampoo and conditioner so that the coat smells fresh Keep their dental hygiene intact Use dog wipes to keep them clean regularly how often do you bathe a puppy what are the Benefits When you Groom labrador and give them baths? Labs require low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They do not need frequent haircuts or grooming sessions. But they do need occasional baths to keep themselves clean. Labs have a double coat and shed a lot more than other breeds. Baths and brushing keep them neat and clean. If you have more than one lab, it is easier to bathe them together. Expert advice is that it is always best for you to wash them separately unless you have people who can accompany and help you in the process. If you have an older labrador or older dogs, it is possible to have pain, stiffness, or other issues that will not allow them to move as freely as they would want. For example, they cannot jump in and out of the bathtub like younger dogs and pups. In such cases, you must find a place in your home, like the shower area, where your pet can walk in and out without any hassle of jumping and climbing. No, it is not recommended. Can I bathe my labradoodle once a week? Use a gentle puppy shampoo Can you bathe a lab too much? People often mistake bathing their lab or labradoodle too many times. Labs have a double coat on their body, and their skin excretes natural oils. When you bathe your pup, the oil is washed away and replenished automatically after a few days. But if you clean them too much, they will lose the natural oils necessary for maintaining healthy skin and coats. Also, it can irritate and result in fungal or bacterial infection. Labs love water but at times some dogs can be a bit scared at first. Is it okay to take a 1-month old Labrador for a bath? No, you should not take a puppy below 3 months of age for bathing Never use shampoo or other products for such young pups. Instead, try using a wet cloth that will be good for their sensitive skin. How many times should we bathe our dog in summer? If you live in a tropical country with a middle-sized lab, bathing them once a week is OK. In non-tropical countries, once per weeks is recommended. First, they can get skin infections , rashes, and develop other diseases. They start smelling pretty bad as well. Can I use cold water for bathing my puppy? Using cold water to bathe your puppy is not advisable; always use lukewarm water. What should I keep in mind while bathing my pup? Be careful when pouring water. Keep someone at hand for help. Else it can lead to ear infections. Use a slicker brush or other tools for better grooming. No, you should not bathe a 6 week old puppy. Their immune system is developing, and they can easily get sick from bathing too soon. It is recommended to wait until your puppy is at least 8 weeks old before bathing them. Dogs lick themselves after a bath for a few reasons. One reason is to remove any dirt or debris that may still be on their fur. Another reason is to spread their scent around, which helps them to feel more secure. Finally, some dogs simply enjoy the feeling of licking themselves. You should wait at least 10 days after your puppy is born before bathing them. No, you should not wash your dog with human shampoo. It can dry out their skin and make them more susceptible to allergies. Many dog-specific shampoos are available, so be sure to use one. You should bathe your mother dog after giving birth if she is visibly dirty or has any matted fur areas. However, you should avoid bathing her too often, as this can dry out her skin and fur. Yes, you can wash your dog with cold water in summer. In fact, it is often a good idea to do so, as this can help to keep them cool. Yes, you can bathe a puppy at 7 weeks old. However, you should still be gentle with them and avoid using harsh shampoos. They are caused by the way that the skin folds around the base of the tail. However, genetics may play a role. Golden retrievers should be bathed every weeks. However, if they are getting dirty more often than that, you may need to bathe them more frequently. However, the amount a dog groomer gets paid can vary depending on their experience, location, and the type of grooming services they offer. No, you should not use dog wipes on yourself. Dog wipes are designed for use on dogs and they may contain ingredients that are not safe for humans. There are a few reasons why your dog might hate being brushed. One reason is that they may have had a bad experience with brushing. Another reason is that they may have sensitive skin that is easily irritated by brushing. Conclusion Though your furry friend might look easy to manage with a coat, it needs regular attention to ensure they stay in top condition. Ensuring regular grooming at least once every week and bathe them when they get dirty is a good idea and will help keep them clean. It ensures good health. As pet parents, you should be responsible enough to ensure the proper grooming of your lab puppy. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. Tips for keeping your Lab clean The Labrador Coat The Labrador has a double coat which means they have two layers; the topcoat is wiry and abrasive, while the undercoat is softer and lighter. Because they have a double coat, Labradors have minimal grooming needs compared to other breeds. Their coats do not grow long enough to encounter painful knots or tangles and do not require any expensive trips to the groomer for clipping. However, Labradors are heavy shedders, shedding all year round and having a complete blowout twice a year. Regular grooming and bathing can help remove excess fur and make your pet smell cleaner. Do Labradors Need Baths? Bathing followed by grooming can help minimize shedding and help those Labs with allergies. Finally, bathing allows you to look closely at your dog, checking for anything abnormal like lumps or skin infections and fleas, mites and lice. How Often Should a Labrador be Bathed? Bathing your Lab once a month is a good rule of thumb, as bathing too often removes essential oils from the coat. However, if your Lab spends a lot of time outdoors, then it is highly likely they will roll in the mud and dirt, so they may need bathing more frequently. If your Lab continuously gets dirty, you can spray them with lukewarm water from a shower or hose or wipe them with a damp cloth instead of bathing them. Excessive bathing may seem like a good idea to keep your Lab squeaky clean, but it can actually be harmful. Bathing too often strips Labradors of their natural oils, which they need for a healthy skin and coat, and can cause irritation. It also damages hair follicles, increases the risk of fungal and bacterial infections, and interferes with worming and flea treatments while leaving their coat looking dull and unhealthy. How to Bathe a Labrador When bathing a Labrador, you must clean their coat thoroughly and have the right products, so prepare beforehand. By Tom Massey Aug 30, You walk through your front door, and suddenly it hits you: Eau de dog — or, perhaps more familiarly, dog perfume. But in most cases, owners will try to beat the stink before it permeates throughout their living space. On the other hand, infrequent baths can make the scent of a dog linger. As a Labrador owner, you must find a happy medium for bathtime so your pup smells clean and fresh while maintaining its healthy, silky coat. So, how often should you bathe a dog? And more importantly, how do you comfortably bathe a large-sized dog like a Labrador Retriever? Do Labradors Like Water? Most Labs love swimming around in the water. The reason this dog breed enjoys bath time dates back to the history of the Labrador Retriever. In the s, Newfoundlander fishermen bred local working dogs with the Newfoundland breed and created a new dog breed: The St. This breed rapidly increased in popularity due to its innate ability to retrieve items from the water and swim. Later on, through additional breeding efforts, the Labrador Retriever was created. While historians have difficulty pinpointing the exact date of the Labrador breed, we know our water-loving canine friends descended from the since-extinct St. Our beloved canine pal was first introduced to the world with the Labrador name by the Earl of Malmesbury in the midth century. Everyone wanted this loyal, water-resistant, fetching dog to help with their fishing needs. In other words? The frequency in which you need to bathe a lab depends on the amount of time they spend outside and their affinity for dirt. If you have a yellow or white Lab, it will be easy to see dirt on their coat after their latest venture outside. Unless you see them rolling around in the dirt, you might not be able to tell they need a bath until the smell hits you. Typically, a Labrador Retriever should bathe once every four to six weeks. But beware: When it comes to dogs with a double coat like our Labrador friends , overbathing can cause dry skin and remove essential oils from their fur. These oils are vital since they help dogs regulate their body temperature. If you find that your Lab needs baths more frequently than the recommended four- to six-week period, consult with a licensed veterinarian about dog shampoo options. The vet can offer specific gentle shampoo recommendations that help maintain the natural oils while leaving your dog fresh and clean. Waterless baths and wipes can also assist with cleanup in between baths. The Benefits of Bathing a Lab First and foremost, one of the biggest benefits of regular Labrador bathing is eliminating the funky smell of a dirty dog. Benefit 1: Reduces Excessive Shedding from Their Double Coat Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that sheds year-round, with two major shedding seasons ahead of the summer and winter months. A regular bath will help manage the shedding by removing excess hair in a controlled space. When left untreated, dogs can become ill following a tick bite, so Labrador owners should be diligent about brushing and bathing after an extensive time outside in heavy brush. Dogs need to allow humans to touch their paws, ears, legs, and tail without becoming distressed or upset. Bathing Tips for Your Labrador Retriever If bath time feels like a chore for you, know that your dog likely feels the same. After all, some dogs would prefer a mud bath over sudsy bubbles! However, if you begin bathing your dog at a young age, it will slowly become comfortable with bath time. Just be sure that bath time is enjoyable — otherwise, your pup will loathe getting in the tub. In fact, it could even make your loveable, friendly dog wary of strangers in general. Watch for signs that your pup is anxious immediately before or after their visit to the groomer since this could mean you need to find a new shop to visit. The last thing a pet owner needs is a smelly dog that is apprehensive about bathing! Instead, they have growth plates, which are small areas of cartilage that serve as a placeholder until their bone structure grows. In severe cases, this could mean that your dog can develop an uneven limb. If your Labrador puppy slips and falls while trying to jump out of the tub, it could result in a growth plate injury. Image Source When bathtime is over, a ramp can help wet dogs get out of the tub without jumping over the side. Ramps keep dogs from injuring themselves or you — meaning no more bending over and physically picking your large pup out of the tub! Your furry friend will avoid bathing if they remember painful experiences associated with the bath and could develop frequent ear infections from excess soap. And not only will your Lab pup hate bathtime, but residue water can result in ear infections. There are also plenty of tools that help make bathtime easy for dogs and their owners. For example, a detachable showerhead allows free movement around the tub so that you can wash off the suds quickly and efficiently. Doing so will ensure that your dog is eager to take a bath. Labradors especially adore praise and positive attention. The toy should be entertaining and only obtainable during bath time. Presenting your pup with this special bath toy will strengthen their positive association with the tub and keep them occupied while you hose them down. Why is it essential to have an exclusive bath toy? Well, toys that are frequently available lose their appeal after a while. However, if your dog expects to play with a specific toy during bath time, it makes them more likely to hop in the tub. Make sure to provide them with their favorite treat, be it peanut butter or a name-brand dog snack. If this is the case with your Labrador Retriever, you may want to schedule a visit with your local veterinarian because there may be underlying medical issues causing a lingering odor to persist after a bath. Here are some of the most common reasons Labs still hold onto a nasty smell after bath time. Your dog may experience allergies and have grown an intolerance to one of the primary ingredients in its regular food. Reason 2: Compacted Anal Glands If an unpleasant smell lingers following a bath, it might be time to have a veterinarian examine their anal glands. Animals have fluid from their rectum that releases during their bowel movements, but these glands can become impacted for some pets. As plaque builds up, teeth and gum health declines, resulting in an unpleasant smell. Reason 4: Bacterial or Fungal Infections Every dog has a form of healthy yeast on its skin. However, sometimes the yeast can get out of control and cause a nasty fungal infection. An overgrowth of yeast can cause excessive skin issues like irritation, dandruff, thickened skin, or a putrid smell. Bacterial infections are often caused by underlying medical issues like parasites, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. Share on. Choosing the best products Do Labradors Need Baths? So, when this happens, they will need a bath! This might not be as regular as other breeds who have longer, or curly fur. In fact, many Labrador owners will simply wash their dogs as and when the process is needed, rather than on a set schedule. About the Labrador Coat Labradors have short, dense fur made up of two layers. This means they have relatively low grooming needs compared to many other dogs. But, they are also heavy shedders. Labs will shed moderately all year round, and heavily during their highest shedding periods. Labrador coats are also water resistant, a trait which was very useful in their original days of working alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. So, you must be very thorough when washing them to ensure all of their coat is properly cleaned and dried. By the time your Labrador puppy comes home with you at 8 weeks, some breeders may have already given them their first bath! Puppies have a fear period between 8 and 12 weeks where they should be socialized to new experiences. Bathtime should be included in this process! Labs who experience bath time as puppies will often be much happier with the process as adults! Labrador grooming needs are quite low, and this includes bathtime. Many Labs will easily be able to go months without having a bath. Often, Labrador owners prefer to use their judgement when giving their dog a bath. Since they have such short, easy coats, tangles and knots are rare. You will need to wash your Labrador when this happens. Washing a Labrador too often can strip their fur of these oils. Tips for Bathing a Labrador Adult Labs are large dogs, so washing and drying them can be quite the feat! Here are some tips that should make the entire process a little easier. Prepare all of your products and tools before bringing your Lab in. Enlist the help of someone else if possible! Make sure your Lab is used to baths from a young age. Associate the process with something great, like tasty treats. Dry your Labrador thoroughly for best results, and to avoid wet dog smell! How to Choose the Right Products Having all the right products and tools at your disposal will also make bathing a Labrador easier. So, invest in those before trying to give your Lab a bath. Take your time looking at the different dog shampoos and conditioners available. There are a lot of products out there, but some are better quality than others. You can even get an expert opinion from your local groomers.
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victorian bulldog puppies - We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.