what is cost of labrador puppy

These medium-sized dogs make wonderful family pets , but they have lots like, lots of energy and always want to be on the go. These curly crossbreeds answer to many names—you might see whoodles commonly referred to as sweatenpoos, wheatendoodles, wheatenpoos, or sweatendoodles. No matter what you call them, this hybrid has grown in popularity because of their "hypoallergenic" coat. If you're dedicated to keeping up with her ample energy and grooming needs, the whoodle could be a good friend for your family. Appearance Whoodles range from a small-sized breed think 20 pounds to medium maxing out around 45 pounds , depending on the stature of their poodle parent. Poodles come in three sizes— toy , miniature , and standard —while soft-coated wheaten terriers usually weigh 30—40 pounds. The poodle parent's specific breed will impact the size of their whoodle puppies. Their poodle parent also influences a whoodle's color. While soft-coated wheaten terriers have fur that's always shades of fawn, cream, or gold, a poodle can be practically any color. Because of this, a whoodle can have a wheat-colored coat or be anything from red to black. Speaking of the whoodle coat: This breed is known for their unusual fur that's silky, curly, and sheds less than other dogs. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the whoodle's low-shedding locks can be a good fit for families with allergies. But even with a low-allergen coat, the whoodle's fur requires a lot of upkeep. Their silky hair grows quickly and is prone to matting, so they need frequent bathing and combing. Temperament Whoodles inherit traits from two highly intelligent and energetic breeds. This makes them a wonderful pet for active families that have time to indulge their pup's need for entertainment. In addition to being highly active, the whoodle is a fast learner and can learn tricks worthy of a circus performer. But because whoodles can be rather rambunctious, owners should focus on positive reinforcement training to teach them manners. Some are motivated by treats , while others are driven by attention and lavish praise for good behavior. To prevent this, whoodle puppies should be socialized and never left home alone for too long. She's a good fit for families with children and other doggy pals. But take note: Soft-coated wheaten terriers have a high prey drive , so make sure your whoodle is introduced to smaller animals —cats, bunnies, or gerbils—during her formative puppy years to ensure a healthy cohabitation. Living Needs This medium-sized breed can live happily in apartments as long as owners give them enough daily physical activity. Whoodles desire daily activity with their humans and other animals; they love long walks , dog puzzles , swimming , or playing games with their favorite person. Though you shouldn't leave your pup alone for long, that doesn't mean they want you to just lie around the house with them! Most whoodles would prefer to join you for nearly any activity. As an extremely affectionate hybrid, they're happiest when receiving attention and as long as they're well-trained and socialized, whoodles make easy-going companions for almost any situation. While known for their smarts, whoodles can carry streaks of independence and be rather strong-willed. This enthusiasm means they're known for jumping on people for attention. Thankfully, if your whoodle is patiently trained with positive reinforcement methods and given outlets for her energy, she can learn to have good manners and be a happy, agreeable pet. Care Whoodles are adored for their curly coats that are silky soft to the touch—but those coats require a lot of upkeep. She inherits a coarse, curly double-coat from the poodle and a silky single-coat from the wheaten terrier. This combo gives her a tangle-prone coat that, at minimum, will need daily brushing and combing. Owners should also be prepared to invest in a groomer for professional bathing and coat care. Ani Corless, founder of Luxury Groomer in New York City, says bathing a whoodle should be left to professional groomers because water can add and worsen! Expect to brush and comb every day. But, if owners are ready to embrace the high-maintenance coat, these quick-to-learn dogs make devoted companions. Health This breed typically lives between 12—15 years, though miniature whoodles may have longer lifespans than those who are larger, such as the standard whoodle. As a hybrid dog, they can inherit the health problems seen in poodles and soft-coated wheaten terriers, depending on their specific genetics. Whoodle owners should be aware of the poodle's predisposition for hip dysplasia , Addison's disease , and eye problems, as well as how the wheaten terrier can suffer from protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy. Because there are no formal breeding regulations for a whoodle, aspiring owners can run into problems when they get an animal from an unlicensed breeder or a commercial dog breeding facility that can prioritize profit over the dogs' health. To avoid taking home an unhealthy dog, potential owners should only work with reputable breeders who have paired multiple generations of whoodles. It's also important that the breeders share data on health screenings, have verifiable health certificates, and allow the potential owners to meet the parent dogs. As a general rule, potential owners should avoid breeders who sell multiple mixed breeds, offer specific wait times for puppies, or are difficult to contact. History The exact origin of the whoodle is unknown. Like many poodle crossbreeds, this dog was likely developed around the s as pet owners began seeking more variations of low-allergen dogs that were part poodle, such as the goldendoodle or the Labradoodle. In the world of poodle hybrids, the whoodle remains a lesser-known breed. The man credited with the explosion of popularity around hybrid dogs, Wally Conron, actually expressed regret for developing the Labradoodle because he realized that "unethical, ruthless people" would "breed these dogs and sell them for big bucks. As a German dog breed , poodles were designed as water retrievers for duck hunters. The other genetic half of the whoodle, the soft-coated wheaten terrier, is an Irish breed who was employed as exterminators to rats on farms. Fun Facts Whoodles make wonderful service dogs and therapy dogs because of their friendly demeanor, quick-to-learn attitudes, and allergen-friendly coats. Though they're not the most popular "doodle" breed, whoodles are still making their mark on social media. Get your daily cute fix by following Kona , Moose , Meadow , and Mona. Was this page helpful? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Whoodle Highlights The Whoodle is a mixed breed dog. Whoodles are enthusiastic, intelligent, and affectionate. They need exercise and attention from their humans to stay mentally and physically healthy. Whoodle coats are silky and medium length, and they require daily brushing. They can be black, brown, red, silver grey, and cream. The coat might be solid colors or could also be spotted. Whoodles are considered hypoallergenic and may be easier for allergy sufferers than other dogs. Whoodle History The Whoodle originally hit the dog scene in the mids, which makes it a relatively new breed. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers were particularly popular in Ireland, where their natural resilience allowed them to successfully survive the potato famine. Even though the Whoodle looks like a very cute and super plush designer dog, many of them end up in shelters so consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you! Whoodle Size As a relatively newer dog breed, the Whoodle may come in both small and medium sizes. Most weigh in at 20 to 45 pounds and range in height from twelve to 20 inches. That said, your Whoodle might wind up being smaller or larger than the average range. Whoodles definitely love to be surrounded by toys, and will nearly always be up for a fun-filled play session. This is one breed that always wants to be around people and craves company. Consider the Whoodle a dog who wants to be your friend. Proper and early socialization is key when living with a Whoodle. Whoodle Health Whoodles are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although they can suffer from some common health issues. Some of the more common health problems Whoodles suffer from include: Eye infections and diseases. Mini Whoodles are considered a designer mixed breed. They often take on any combination of characteristics common to the dog breeds in the cross. Their coat, for example, will often be soft and silky, but can be either wavy, curly, or corded. They also tend to come in a variety of colors. Miniature Whoodles are fun-loving, smart, and playful. They enjoy playing with children and spending time with people. If possible, you should bring your dog to work with you, so they will stay socially stimulated throughout the day. Mini Whoodles are best-suited for a family setting, but can thrive with individuals or couples. Then, it will be more likely that they will have someone to snuggle or play with. They like to play more complex games and to be challenged. This will also reduce their interest in your new shoes or the pizza on the dining room table. By exercising them regularly and keeping their mind stimulated, you will have a happy and healthy Miniature Whoodle puppy. This dog breed needs to have food formulated for small dogs, and it can either be dry or wet. Whichever your pooch prefers will be fine. Try not to feed them too much junk food to avoid weight gain. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy as time progresses. Offering your dog a nourishing diet and staying up-to-date on vet checks will help keep them happy and safe throughout their life. The Mini Whoodle is fairly easy to train and loves to be challenged. Make sure to play plenty of games with them while training to keep them interested. Though they respond well to training, and learn quickly, you will need to remain stern and steadfast. If not, they will begin to question you and forget their training. You should always have some sort of socialization during training as well. Otherwise, your Miniature Whoodle may become shy and fearful over time. Because of the Poodle presence in this mixed breed, Miniature Whoodles tend to have a low-shedding coat, but will require some grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Professional grooming should be done when needed throughout the year to help keep your Mini Whoodle comfortable throughout the seasons, particularly if your hybrid puppy ends up with a longer coat. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from getting too long. Good doggie dental care , like using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day, can help prevent dental disease. Mini Whoodles are semi-active dogs. They need daily walks and trips to the dog park at least once a week. Every other walk, you should play a game of fetch to help them balance their energy levels. You will also want to take them swimming or hiking at least once a month. This will help your Miniature Whoodle maintain stamina and muscle tone. The Mini Whoodle usually stands between 11 and 14 inches tall and weighs 8 to 20 pounds. Miniature Whoodles generally live 12 to 15 years. Featured Mini Whoodle Article. Outback Whoodles General Information Whoodle puppies may vary in color. They can be black, gold, apricot, or be the usual cream white wheaten terrier color. Sometimes, they can also be orange or other colors because it takes them two years to develop their true shade. Whoodles love attention and are very interactive with both children and adults. They love to play, run, and rest. They become alert when they hear strange voices and noises, making them excellent watchdogs. For more information about whoodles, reach out to us today. We have loved all our dogs, but we have never had a pup in our lives that was so loving and affectionate as our Whoodles. And smart! And fun and funny! For us the size is just perfect and we love that they are non-shedding. But mostly we just love how much they love us and we love them right back. How could we help ourselves?!? Nora and Terry Our experience with Marv has been amazing. We are so lucky to have found him and his dogs. Marv arranged for us to meet one of his dogs in our area to test my allergies before making a decision. He kept in contact with us from the moment we committed to adopt by sending videos and answering ALL my questions. And even after we adopted he has been checking on us and even let me send him pictures of my puppies ears to see if I should take him to the vet. Our dog has been healthy and well behaved- his temperament is laid back, caring, and great with our kids. Marv at Outback Whoodles was wonderful to work with so much so we have two whoodles from them! He knows the personality of each puppy and they are carefully and lovingly cared for in his home. The parents live on site and they are part of their family. For our second puppy we were able to go to Bend and pick our puppy. We were there for over an hour and Marv patiently let us hold and play with all of the puppies before choosing. He could tell us something special about each puppy and share a unique personality trait. You could tell how hard it was for him to say goodbye to each puppy as they become members of their family. Marv has asked me to be a reference for prospective puppy parents in the area and I have been happy to share our stories and dealings about Outback Whoodles as well as let them meet our dogs so they can see first hand. Her exuberance, playfulness and determination brings smiles everyday. To think of that November, day in Bend, a simple twist of fate, walking along the Deschutes River and randomly running into a woman with the most adorable Whoodle ever from Outback Whoodles. Doug and Mary. While all dogs have unique personalities, a Whoodle is a great pick. Whoodles are playful, active, and friendly dogs, also known as Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, Sweatenpoo, and Sweatendoodle. This way, you can determine if your family and home environment is a good fit for a Whoodle to thrive in. So, whether you love Whoodles or are a first-time dog parent, this expert guide will help you learn everything you need to know when buying a Whoodle. This super cute canine will be a perfect addition to your family because of its friendly and smart nature. However, you have to remember that a Whoodle can also be extremely active and headstrong at times. With that disclaimer out of the way, let us learn about Whoodle and what you can expect. History of Whoodles The Whoodle breed appeared around the mids, making it a relatively newer addition to the canine kingdom. The idea was to create a dog breed with the soft coat of a Wheaten Terrier and the natural intelligence of a Poodle. On the other hand, the Wheaten Terrier has been bred since the s in Ireland, with its primary purpose being that of a herding dog. This breed craves company and wants to be in a social environment to interact with people. This canine is a confident breed and has strong leadership qualities. Training a Whoodle requires a lot of patience as they can come across acting as if they know better. A Whoodle does not like being yelled at, so you should train them with encouragement and kindness. This is key to establishing a healthy friendship with your canine. Size of Standard and Mini Whoodles Despite being a small breed, you can find Whoodles in a variety of sizes. If the Poodle parent is bigger, then you get a bigger Whoodle as well. Therefore, you will find the various types of Whoodle, which include: The standard Whoodle — standing at approximately 21 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 55 pounds The mini Whoodle — is about 18 inches tall and weighs around 35 to 40 pounds Other breeds include Toy Whoodle, Teddy Bear Whoodle, etc. An average height of both male and female Whoodle can reach up to 21 inches tall, whereas the weight may range between 20 and 60 pounds. Health of Whoodles Although healthy in general, Whoodles may suffer from some health conditions during their life. The breed inherits some of the health issues from both parent breeds. This condition causes the dog to experience seizure episodes manifesting as loss of consciousness and convulsions. However, if your dog is epileptic, you can diagnose it between the age of 1 and 5. That said, there are medications that can control the seizures and give your dog a good quality of life. You just have to remember that, like any other breed, you must take really good care of your Whoodle and take them for veterinary checkups regularly. Care Required Speaking of health and preventing illnesses in your Whoodle, you must be proactive in taking care of your canine. Keeping up with the general grooming and regular checkups with a local vet will ensure that your dog stays in good health. This practice will also help detect any signs or symptoms of a health issue in an early stage. Registering your Whoodle with a local veterinary care service will allow a vet to develop a healthcare plan to ensure that your canine member of the family always stays in good health. You must take your Whoodle out for regular walks as the breed is quite energetic and needs a considerable amount of exercise to burn that energy off. You must try to aim for a minimum one-mile walk on a daily basis. The more you can fit in, the better, but 1 hour is the bare minimum. A Whoodle is a naturally playful breed, so you can help them stay active with indoor playtime. Another aspect of care required for Whoodle is regular grooming. This is important because both parent breeds, soft-coated wheaten terrier and poodle, are high maintenance dogs. Another thing to keep in check is regular nail trimming. It would be a wise investment to buy appropriate grooming accessories to carry out the basic grooming tasks at home. If you have any health or care concerns about your Whoodle, it is best to consult your vet. Feeding A Whoodle will eat normal dog food. However, you must formulate a diet suitable for a medium-sized dog breed. If you are a first-time breeder or a seasoned dog parent buying a Whoodle for the first time, it would be best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. An expert veterinarian facility will be able to recommend the right portion of food you must feed your Whoodle every day. Therefore, you will find the coat to be silky on the touch. Speaking of the color of the coat, you can find a Whoodle with black, brown, cream, red, and silver-grey coats. Rarely, but you may also come across a Whoodle with a spotted coat. While whoodles have a medium-length coat, their silky fur requires that you brush them daily. Do you or a family member suffer from allergies? Ideal Climate Ideally, a Whoodle would prefer to live in colder weather. If you live in a hotter climate, you must take precautionary steps when taking your Whoodle for a walk. This will reduce any risks of heat exhaustion. Whoodle with other Pets Whoodle is a social breed and usually lives in harmony with other pets. Nevertheless, you must train your Whoodle to undergo appropriate socializing training from a young age to create a habit of socializing with other pets. Whoodle with Children A Whoodle is an active and playful canine and makes a good companion for your young ones. However, it would be best if you taught your children how to interact with a Whoodle responsibly. This is important because Whoodle is a headstrong breed and will not like provocation or being mishandled. You must always supervise play sessions between a Whoodle and your kids, especially during the initial months of buying a Whoodle. Pros Buying a Whoodle ensures a clean household as the breed barely sheds. This makes grooming a walk in the park. Child-friendliness is a big positive if you have young ones at home If you own an apartment, then Whoodle is a perfect breed due to its size Cons Very high energy levels; therefore need at least a mile walk every day As this is an intelligent breed, you will have to make extra efforts when training because Whoodle will act as if the dog knows better than you do. Whoodle loves socializing and does not like being left alone. Leaving the dog alone for too long may cause separation anxiety and lead to further damage. A Whoodle is a high-maintenance breed and requires a lot of attention and time. You may need to splash the cash to get the right dog food, buy toys, and book emergency vet appointments. So before you decide to buy a Whoodle, ask yourself if your wallet is ready to own one. Regular vet visits are a part of it. Take your Whoodle for regular checkups at the registered veterinary center. Ideally, a trip to the vet once a year will do the trick. Know the temperament Whoodles have a strong sense of self-assured leadership and can be an ideal breed to use as a service or working dog. However, if you are a new dog owner, you will have to be patient during the training process. Learn about any known health issues in parents, any specific groom requirements or needs, etc. Always consult the breeder and your vet about the dietary plan and frequency of health checkups. Conclusion A dog needs love, care, patience, and kindness; therefore, buying your Whoodle from a well-reputed authentic breeder is always a wise decision. Avoid mass producer breeders at all costs. If you are looking to buy an authentic Whoodle, we at Feather and Fleece are white-glove Whoodle breeders. All the breeds at the Feather and Fleece are registered, health tested, and come with authentic paperwork. Other on-site facilities that you can visit include: A veterinary care facility Training facility Grooming facility There are five different walking paths, and Feather and Fleece also train the puppies, so you can take a trained pup home and enjoy being a parent to a Whoodle right away. The average wait time to get a Whoodle at Feather and Fleece is approximately 3 to 6 months. The Whoodles are a hypoallergenic, lovable, and good-smelling breed. You can visit the large farm facility yourself and choose a Whoodle in a color that you like. The on-site training facility help with crate training, pup socializing skills, and much more. So, are you ready to bring a Whoodle home? If yes, you can take a virtual tour of the Feather and Fleece farms or contact us by visiting our website. Already made up your mind about adopting a puppy? Then start your application today! Miniature Whoodles can weigh up to 20 pounds and they usually measure up to 14 inches tall. Do mini whoodles shed? Whoodles don't shed a lot, at least not as much as other breeds. Do whoodles need grooming? Yes, whoodles will require occasional trimming to ensure that their body remains in good condition. Feathers and Fleece Farm. The intention was probably to get smaller varieties of the soft-coated wheaten terrier while maintaining its hypoallergenic coat and intelligence. Both of these are also characteristics of the poodle, but while the standard poodle is a little larger than a wheaten terrier, toy and miniature poodles offer the possibility of breeding a smaller dog. The wheaten terrier was bred in Ireland beginning in the s to be an all-purpose farm dog and they are good for herding, guarding, and hunting. Broad interest in the breed only began in the 20th century after the breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in and the UK Kennel Club in .They were also exported to the United States in the s. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was established in , and they have been popular show dogs since then. Poodles originate from Germany or France and were popular in both countries beginning in the 17th century initially as wildfowl hunters, then as circus performers, and eventually as lap dogs. They are considered to be among the most intelligent breeds , and they have thick, wiry coats that do not shed so they are sometimes referred to as hypoallergenic. Poodles come in a variety of sizes including standard, which can be as tall as 24 inches, and toy, which can measure less than 10 inches in height. Whoodle Size And Appearance Whoodles can range in size from 12 to 20 inches depending on their parent dogs. Wheaten terriers measure inches in height and weigh pounds. While standard poodles can be as large as 24 inches and weigh up to 70 pounds, toy poodles can be as small as 9. Whoodles are often bred to be at the smaller end and will weigh between 20 and 45 pounds. While poodles are known for their curly and wiry coat that is low-shedding, soft-coated wheaten terriers also have a low-shedding coat but it is soft and lightly curled. Breeders will try to promote the soft-coat feature in mixed-breed pups, but their hair will probably be curlier than a standard wheaten terrier. Wheaten terriers have distinctive coloring. While puppies are often born with dark coats in red, brown, or mahogany, this will grow out and become completely white before they grow into their adult wheaten color. At around the age of three, they will start to develop darker tips that are called guard hairs. Poodles are much more varied in color, and thanks to this, whoodles can also come in a range of colors including black, brown, red, silver, gray, and cream. Wheaten is still considered a desirable color among whoodles. Whoodles are likely to have a medium-length muzzle with long floppy ears and a black button nose. They have an athletic build, but this can sometimes be hard to make out under their luscious, curly fur. Intelligence And Temperament Both poodles and soft-coated wheaten terriers are considered highly intelligent dogs. They both like to please, which means they respond well to positive reinforcement training, but they are also good at figuring things out on their own which can result in a stubborn streak. These characteristics are passed down to whoodles, which are smart dogs that can learn tricks quickly but also like to get their own way. Whoodles are highly affectionate and will bond with their families quickly. They are good at reading social cues and so do well with children , but they do need to be socialized with animals such as cats from a young age since the wheaten adds a strong prey drive into the mix. It is also worth being aware that whoodles will probably jump up and lick when greeting people, which can be a problem with smaller children. They need plenty of love and affection to thrive. Energy Levels Whoodles are high energy pups that need lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Depending on their size, they need between 30 and 45 minutes of exercise each day. They tend to enjoy swimming and spending time in the water and this can form a great part of their exercise. Keep an eye on their temperature while exercising in the hotter months; excessive panting is often a sign that they are overheating. They also benefit from having quite a bit of space at home to move around in, but due to the relatively small size of whoodles, they do adapt well to apartment living. They also have a good understanding of their own size, so they are unlikely to accidentally break things. They should be brushed daily and have their coats cut every four to eight weeks. This can also help them to keep cool since they can have a tendency to overheat in hot weather. You should try to limit them to a bath once a month, but this can be hard if they like to play in the great outdoors. Brushing and wiping them down with a wet cloth can help prolong the time between washes since excessive washing can strip their coats of their natural oils. Their floppy ears need to be cleaned regularly, and their nails also tend to grow quickly! Should I Adopt A Whoodle? Is the whoodle the right dog for you? Whoodles adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise, and they are relatively easy to train and control, making them appropriate for first-time owners. In addition to these, there are a few other things to consider. Do you have time to spend with your whoodle? Do you have time to exercise your dog? They need at least minutes of exercise a day and will be happy with even more! Can you commit to regular grooming? Whoodles require minor daily grooming, plus regular visits to the doggy salon for an overall trim. This can be both time-consuming and expensive. Do you have cats or small children? While whoodles can do well with both, they need to be socialized from a young age and can have an unfortunate tendency to jump up in greeting, which can be a problem with smaller children. Consider your answer to these questions and then make your decision! How Much Is A Whoodle? They are highly desirable dogs, but the population is much smaller than that of other breeds such as labradoodles and goldendoodles, which accounts for the high cost. While some will show up in rescues, because they are relatively rare they are difficult to find. Want A Whoodle? Whoodles are wonderful mixed-breed dogs that are bred from mixing poodles with soft-coated wheaten terriers. The resulting breed is a relatively small dog with a silky and fluffy low-shedding coat. They are friendly and affectionate, intelligent and easy to train, and have lots of energy to burn. They make a great companion for first-time owners who have time to spend building a bond with their dog, and, of course, grooming them! Do you have a Whoodle? 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. Conclusion When it comes to choosing the perfect family pup, there are many things to consider. So if you decide to bring a Whoodle dog into your life, be prepared for an extraordinary companion and an energetic, active lifestyle. Get ready for a loyal, friendly, and intelligent family member that will bring you an endless amount of silky, curly, and cuddly fun. Now you better start looking for Whoodle dogs for sale! Featured image is of Doug the Whoodle. However, Whoodles do require frequent hair maintenance such as brushing, combing, and clipping. This keeps their coat happy and healthy while also helping them steer clear of tangles and mats. Are Whoodles good service dogs? Of course! Whoodles make for ideal candidates as either a service dog or a therapy dog. Poodles are extremely intelligent and have a great long-term memory, which makes them highly trainable. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are obedient and love to be put to work. The combination of these traits lends the Whoodle breed serious potential to be excellent service or therapy dogs. Do Whoodles bark alot? The barking tendency of a dog stems partly from its natural born traits but may also stem from a variety of environmental and situational factors such as upbringing, training, and socialization. Since the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was born to keep the farm secure, it has the capacity to bark excessively if it senses any sort of disturbance or intruder. The Poodle is rated as moderate on the barking scale, meaning it does not have an inclination to bark excessively but will bark occasionally, depending on the situation. Are Whoodles good with children? Both parent breeds have characteristics and traits that mesh well with children. Poodles are playful and energetic, which perfectly suits the needs of young, active kids. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are affectionate and also playful. Both breeds are typically not aggressive and they take pride in keeping their owners safe from outside threats. The combination of all these factors makes the Whoodle dog breed an excellent choice for families with children. What is the average lifespan of a Whoodle? Both parent breeds share the same average lifespan. Is a Whoodle a good dog? Yes, Whoodles are good dogs. They inherit a family-friendly demeanor from the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier parent. The Poodle parent contributes intelligence and athleticism. Both contributions make the Whoodle a great dog choice for families and first-time dog owners. However, like any dog, Whoodles require proper training and regular exercise. They are active dogs and need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Yes, Whoodles are a good fit for most families. Their sweet temperament and playful attitude mesh well with young children and adults. They are friendly dogs and will get along with other pets in the household. However, since their Wheaten parents are farm dogs, they may require some adjustment if your family has cats or other small animals. How big will a Whoodle get? Since Whoodles are medium-sized dogs, they usually reach sizes between pounds. However, the size of a Whoodle depends on a few factors. Gender, generation, health, and parents size contribute to the final adult size. Male Whoodles will typically be larger than female Whoodles. At what age is a Whoodle fully grown? A Whoodle will reach its full size at 24 months 2 years. How big is a standard Whoodle? On average, a standard male Whoodle will weigh around 50 pounds. A standard female Whoodle will weigh about 40 pounds. What is the difference between a Mini Whoodle and a Standard Whoodle? Often, breeders will mix a miniature Poodle and a small Wheaten Terrier to get a litter of Mini Whoodles. A Mini Whoodle may also be bred down in size from other Whoodles. The breeder will breed the smallest Whoodle from one litter with another small Whoodle to get a Mini Whoodle. The main difference between a Mini Whoodle and a Standard Whoodle is their size. Mini Whoodles are great for small apartments. What is a Toy Whoodle? Toy Whoodles are the smallest Whoodle size. They are a toy-size version of the standard Whoodle. Toy Whoodles are usually bred from Toy Poodles, which can be as small as 4 pounds. How often should you groom a Whoodle? It would be best if you groomed your Whoodle weekly. Daily brushing is ideal for keeping their coat healthy and clean. Having your Whoodle professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks would be best. Where can I buy a Whoodle puppy? There are Whoodle breeders throughout the United States. The best way to locate a Whoodle breeder near you is to search on Google or social media. Joining Whoodle groups on Facebook and connecting with other nearby owners on Instagram is a great way to find a reputable breeder nearby. Here at Floofy Doodles, I have dedicated some time to locating the best Whoodle breeders in different states. Check out my curated breeder list below:.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Anyone planning to adopt a Bernedoodle puppy knows how difficult it is to find reputable breeders. This Dood really does live up to its reputation of being a gentle giant! They make great family companions, but also excellent therapy and service dogs. So, before you choose a Bernedoodle breeder in Texas, here are some things you should look for. Although a rather costly extra step, health screening is the best way to ensure that the puppies come from healthy bloodlines, but also to minimize the risk of the puppies inheriting any serious genetic conditions. With that being said, an ethical breeder will also back their breeding program with a health guarantee. Health guarantees are usually applicable for the first one or two years from adoption, and they should cover any life altering and life threatening genetic conditions. You can find plenty of customer reviews on Google, Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , Yelp, Reddit, or on your local online forums. This exceptional breeder raises Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles in Texas. Each puppy is properly socialized and cared for before adoption. Their parent dogs are full-fledged members of the family and enjoy their life to the fullest. They even get to travel with the family! What Makes This Breeder Unique? Please contact us at mcalkins1 me. We are grateful to bring this valuable education into our Bernedoodle breeding program. Our Texas Bernedoodles breeding dogs must have a minimum of a passing hip test score and elbow score. Clearing our dogs for potential diseases not only ensures that our dogs do not have these issues prior to breeding, it also ensures that we will never produce puppies that could have these diseases. Hip and elbow testing does not guarantee that puppies will never have hip dysplasia, but it is the best method that we have to prevent producing puppies with genetic hip issues. Hip problems are often caused be environmental factors, but culling puppies for breeding purposes helps to reduce the risk of breeding bad confirmation. Temperament, coat and trainability for different types of disciplines are key in our breeding program. Our goal is to breed perfect family members, service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs and best friends and that begins with breeding the perfect parents. Years of care and experience have made us experts as Texas Bernedoodle breeders. We know how to accomplish high standards that we have learned by being diligent with ALAA standards that we have followed for almost two decades and our own personal goals for our Bernedoodle puppies. We know that a Texas Bernedoodles bred dog is the finest of our wonderful breed and we are so proud to have produced such wonderful companions and working dogs. Please see our references page for more stories and letters from our families. Bryan Griffey recommends We got our sweet Goldendoodle-puppy, Gracie, a few weeks ago and she's perfect. Four hours in the the Explorer one heavy thunderstorm and a meltdown later she was at her new home in San Antonio. Very pleasant experience! Mike Goodman Waiting on puppies Eric has been very helpful and patient with me during this process Amy Chen recommends Our experience with Hidden Acres Puppies was amazing! Eric was so helpful and kept us up to date on everything! We absolutely adore our Millie! Sally Dolan Really in love with this puppy. So glad I found Hidden Acres Puppies. Jessica Knoff Taylor Love our mini-Skyler! Recommend this breeder! Annette Wood Rollins recommends Puppies appear healthy and very well taken care of. Norma seems to really love her dogs and takes precaution to maintain their health. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for an adorable goldendoodle. Vickie Mills Kale recommends Norma is the best! She always answered my questions which there were many. I told her I would like a mini size, reddish curly hair and a girl. Her dogs are well care for and she made this purchase so pleasant. I would recommend Hidden Acre Puppies and Norma if you are looking for a doodle. Every picture that she posts of puppies that have been sold are just precious. Go to her website and get on her waiting list for your furry baby. You will not regret it! Missy Stone recommends Norma was so helpful from day one. She was so patient with all of my questions and always replied in a timely manner. She has been nothing but amazing in our first puppy owning experience. Having now met her, I can say she truly cares about each puppy and customer. About Us We are a small scale, family operated dog kennel, specializing in Mini Goldendoodles and other small designer breeds.

If you can dedicate the time to walk, exercise, and train a Standard Poodle on a daily basis they can be the perfect companion, so take some time to choose the perfect collar to compliment your standard, miniature, or toy poodle. Since leather is a natural product, it will not irritate their sensitive skin and the rounded edges of the leather will help prevent matting around the neck. Measure your Poodle's neck to determine the right size to purchase. A properly fitting collar should allow one to two fingers between the collar and the fur. Our leather collars are smooth on the inside, which means they will not break or pull the hairs around the neck. Interwoven in their ancestry are also several rough-coated water dogs such as the Barbet, which is perhaps the earliest incarnation of the Poodle being a curly-coated dog distributed in France, Russia, and Hungary. However, it is the German version that exerted most influence on the modern Poodle. If your poodle loves the water, our classic leather dog collars are completely waterproof for up to 1 hour completely submerged in water. Originally a large gun-dog, these dogs were used to pull milk carts, which explains their strong and large appearance. From both their herding and water roots, the Poodle became a talented water-hunting companion. He was also drawn into service as a military dog, guide dog, guard dog, wagon puller and as circus performers. Poodle's Physical Description The Standard Poodle who is a square-proportioned, well balanced and elegant looking breed, stands at a minimum 15 inches tall and can weigh between 45 to 75 pounds. His single profuse and curly coat which does not moult or shed comes in colours such as white, cream, apricot, brown, black, blue and silver, which if left untouched will grow to extraordinary lengths. His body moves with a light, springy, effortless stride, and he has a well-proportioned and dignified face and skull, and a tail that is often docked to half its normal length. He can be taught all manner of skills, from water-retrieving to circus tricks. He is responsive, easy to train, and a reliable companion, guard and retriever. He gets along with everyone, even children, but can be somewhat reserved with strangers. How to Upkeep your Poodle Because the poodle can be reserved with strangers, they need constant interaction with people. To maintain their amazing skills in water-retrieving or any challenging obedience session, mental and physical exercise should be part of their daily routine. Since his fur does not shed, he is the ideal dog for people who have allergies. Because of their low tolerance for the cold, no Poodle should live outdoors. Common Poodle Health Issues Like all pure breed dogs, the Standard Poodle is also susceptible to certain genetic issues including: Sebaceous Adenitis: This is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands, which causes scaly debris, hair loss, and infection on the skin. Gastric Torsion: Since the Poodle is a deep chested large dog, he is susceptible to bloat, which is basically the twisting of the stomach that traps the stomach contents and gases; it can lead to death if left untreated. If you need any assistance with finding the perfect collar for your poodle, our support team is standing by to help! Recent Articles. Some dog owners underestimate just how useful they can be and how getting the wrong collar can actually completely disrupt training. Everything you need to know about this point is outlined below for you so just read on to find out more. Those you can purchase from pet stores in person and online are perfect for Poodle training. They come in all different shapes and sizes. For example, you can get the delicate and decorative ones that are designed for use around the house and not with a lead. You can get the training choker collars or Poodle collars that give you a greater degree of control with a harness. You could also choose to use perfectly fitted regular collars. The range is huge and the choice is yours but you might want to read the next section before you choose Poodle collars because it will make a difference as to how Poodle training goes. As such, they should fit snugly without being too tight but should not allow your Poodle room to escape. When you have made sure that your Poodle collars are the right fit, you should try it with a lead. Fit the lead or harness comfortably on your Poodle and tug it gently to make sure that you have control. This should be done in the house before you take your Poodle for a walk. After checking the fit of Poodle collars, use it as a guide to know when your Poodle is pulling too much during training. As soon as your Poodle begins to pull, you should use the lead to tug the collar slightly to bring your dog back into line. It will not take long to correct this bad behaviour on the lead because the collar will do its job. If you find that a normal collar does not work then try a choker collar for a while. For example, you will not want to use a choker collar during Toy Poodle training because of how small and delicate they are. Similarly, a small and thin collar would not be any good during Standard Poodle training because it is likely to snap and leave your Poodle running wherever he or she wants to go. Make sure that you exercise a little common sense and you will find that Poodle training on the lead works far better because you will be in full control. I bet you did not know that Poodle collars were so important for training purposes, did you? Many people just think they are for decorative purposes but they are so much more than they and worth their weight in gold when it comes to keeping your Poodle under control. Just take a look next time you try training and you will soon see just how important they are. That is all for today but I really hope that you have found this information useful. The quality of this collar does not make sacrifices in comfort. OneTigris is available in a variety of sizes and colors to fit any poodle. With five adjustable points, you can totally tailor the color to your poodle. The thick nylon strap has a thick soft cushion padded inner lining. The right collar for a Poodle makes sure that the dog can be walked, trained, and marked in case it gets lost. Wide collar As hunting dogs, Poodles as a breed have extremely quick reflexes and can lunge in an instant. This puts them in danger of injury with thin collars that might dig into their necks. The right collar for a poodle should be at least 1 inch 2. Durable buckle As fast dogs with fast reflexes, Poodles can put a lot of strain on a collar buckle. Flimsy plastic tabs may break at a lunge from the dog. Built-in training handle Poodles are the second most intelligent dog in the world, and for that reason require a lot of training. There are a lot of collar options out there with training handles built in, allowing you to control your dog more humanely than with a choke leash. Some training handles even retract to minimize the risk of the dog snagging them during regular activity Distinctive and decorative Poodles are one of the most recognized breeds in the world, so their owners of course want to display their pride in their dog. Recommended Reading:. Adding to their cuteness, they have friendly personalities to match and love playing or sitting with their owners for hours. While they can be active and playful, they are also great dogs for seniors, people with mobility issues, and ideal therapy dogs. While standard, miniature, and toy poodles are all the same breed with a similar appearance, their size is a big differentiating factor. At around 10 inches tall and a weight of approximately 5 pounds, toy poodles are the smallest. Although they have a reputation for being pets of the rich and famous, they were initially bred as hunting dogs. In the late 18th century, they were featured in artwork by famous German artists and became popular as pets with the French aristocracy. Poodles are among the top ten most popular dog breeds for a good reason: They are highly intelligent, trainable, and eager to please their pet parents. Toy poodles can easily get injured if something falls on them or they accidentally get stepped on. They are also more prone to suffer from knee and hip problems as well as blood clotting disorders. Despite their smaller size, the tiny pups have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties. Their puppy teeth may sometimes stay intact after their adult teeth appear, making it necessary to pull the baby teeth if they cause trouble. Despite these health considerations, toy poodles live between 10 and 18 years, making them long-time companions. Depending on their size and age, toy poodles only need around to calories daily, and you should also ensure that they get enough exercise. Avoid carrying them around everywhere you go, as tempting as it may be, since they will start to expect this royal treatment and become a little lazy. For example, a six-pound pup can enjoy a diet of calories of protein daily in the form of 3 oz turkey breast, 6 oz chicken breast, or 3 oz salmon in addition to another calories in the form of carbs and healthy fats. Potatoes, rice, and oatmeal are generally safe options, while corn, wheat products, onions, macadamia nuts, avocados, and grapes should all be avoided as they are either toxic to dogs or are common causes of allergies. Meat, an especially salmon, already includes some healthy fats with essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. This diet recommendation should be adjusted if your pup shows signs of allergies or bloating. Allergies can manifest in the form of itchy ears, skin ailments, or a sick stomach. The small size of your toy pup means it can get lost or into trouble quite quickly. Too much pressure from collar-tugging or a front-clip harness can be harmful, causing protruding eyes, neck pain, and limited blood flow. The recommended type of harness for a small dog like a toy poodle is a V-neck, back-clip harness. This harness still gives you control and allows guidance without hurting or damaging its fragile constitution and bone structure. It also is less likely to get tangled during walks. If you want a name collar for your toy poodle, make sure it is lightweight and soft. Their small bodies feel extreme temperatures quickly, so it is vital that they have a safe, warm, and comfortable place to sleep indoors. If you need to get a crate for transport or travel, it is essential that there is enough airflow and that you get the correct size. To determine the size, measure your dog from the base of the tail to the tip of its nose and add four inches for the length. For the height, measure from the tallest point of the head to the ground and add four inches. Extra small dogs usually do well in crates between 18 and 22 inches, while small size dog crates are generally 24 inches. Soft crates are ideal for these small dogs from a comfort perspective. They are, however, difficult to clean and not as durable as plastic and metal crate types. If your pet is still a puppy, keep in mind that it will grow, so you may want to opt for a toy poodle adult-size crate to avoid needing to get another one as it grows. Some dogs instinctively curl up into a ball when they sleep to protect their organs and retain body heat. Donut-shaped beds make for a comfortable, inexpensive, and cozy option. They come in a range of different colors, sizes, and fabrics, are easy to move around and feel secure. Two other bed types suitable for older toy poodles or those with arthritis or other health problems are memory foam and orthopedic dog beds. Orthopedic beds are ideal for dogs with muscle, joint, or hip problems. Providing the right back and neck support can promote recovery at night, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. Always take into account how easy it is to clean the bed, whether the cover is removable, and if it is machine-washable. If you want one, consider the size and ensure it will provide protection and optimal temperature control. While your toy poodle is still a puppy, teething toys can help ease discomfort in its mouth as adult teeth start to appear. A teething toy will also be a beneficial distraction instead of having your furniture, or new shoes chomped. Small squeaky toys are engaging, fun, and durable. Some models allow you to fill a plastic ball with small treats, choose a difficulty level, and let your pup enjoy an interactive and engaging endeavor. Since toy poodles love having their pet parents around, leaving them home alone for hours can be distressing. A companion toy can ease anxiety as it provides your fur-baby comfort and a sense of security. Companion toys come in various designs, either as a pillow, teddy bear, or other soft toy shapes. The snuggly toy simulates the sound of a heartbeat and provides body warmth, providing your pup with a soothing companion at any time. Some designs allow you to turn either feature on or off individually and even to set a timer. This makes them great apartment pets and suitable for owners with allergies. It does mean that their coat will need a lot of brushing and grooming, however. Since poodle hair is naturally curly, it is prone to matting if not taken care of. Matting can cause skin infections which will require your furry pup to be shaved. To avoid skin issues, toy poodles should be brushed daily and need a shampoo and haircut every four to six weeks. Make sure the fur style is easy to maintain. Untended hair growth in the ear canal can result in trapped dirt and wax, which can lead to infections. Although you can just use any brush or feeding bowl, there are options designed to make life a little easier for you and more comfortable for your pup. Small-sized slicker brushes, for example, are ideal if you have a toy poodle since they make brushing out tangles easy and can be more beneficial to maintaining skin and coat health than using any old brush or comb. If you opt for a comb, pick stainless steel and antibacterial option with rounded tips for safety. If your dog is getting on in years and struggling to get up onto the couch or cannot get into the car, get a set of dog stairs or even a vehicle ramp to make it easier and safer. Even if toy poodles have joint troubles, they sometimes take the plunge off the couch or bed when they get excited—making it a little easier to get up and down can prevent further injury. If you and your furry best friend love going to the beach, going for walks, or even doing road trips together, a dog travel water bottle is a must. These water bottles have a foldable flap that allows the water to flow directly into a small bowl for your pup to drink easily while on the go — mess-free! Check out our breed hub page to learn more about small breeds like toy poodles. By Amber Dover Amber grew up having golden retrievers and will always have a special place in her heart for the breed. Her love for all things "dog" helped her become a general manager at a small kennel in Ohio for several years. Acquainting dogs and understanding both their needs and limitations have given her deep insights into the boarding process many dogs face in their lives. From consistent details to play time to food and bed time, Amber will always remember the small influences she was able to present to every pooch she cared for. You need a new poodle collar. Well, congratulations! This is why you are reading this article. Poodles are the original fancy dog, and they have fun personalities and hardy natures. Both standard and miniature poodles have a glorious, striking coat that distinguishes them from other breeds. Having the best Poodle collars is the first step in helping your dog stay safe and ensuring your dog returns to you in the event of an emergency. When choosing a collar for your poodle, there are several factors to consider: Size and Fit A collar that is too loose can slip off, while one that is too tight can cause discomfort or even injury. Ensure the collar fits snugly but not too tight. Material Collars come in various materials, including nylon, leather, neoprene, and chain. Durability A collar should be able to withstand wear and tear, especially if your poodle is active or enjoys outdoor activities. Look for collars made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. A poodle puppy should have the same type of fit as an adult. A poodle collar should be snug at first, but a harness is better for growing puppies. Some of you may think this is a silly list. Let me explain why these are all important options to consider in more detail below. Flat collars Flat collars are everyday collars. Many have leash attachments, and all should have a place to put a tag for information. They have a tag holder, like a dog tag. These collars operate on a loop and tighten every time the dog pulls. These collars are made with durable yet comfortable materials too. Smart collars Smart collars for dogs are becoming all the rage — these collars offer special features to help keep track of your dog, record activity levels or provide a helping hand with training. Choke Or Prong dogs Collars Avoid using a choke or prong collar with dogs that are not well-trained. Trainers and rehabbers who specialize in aggressive dogs may use these as a last resort, but in inexperienced hands, they could cause severe damage. Check out these 5 adorable, functional, and best Poodle collars options for your tiny fun-loving friend. It has a straightforward snap closure that keeps your dog safe, and D-rings for a leash or tags. This collar is easy to clean, comes in several colors and patterns, and uses an Ultra-weld seal to prevent tearing and fraying and withstand even enthusiastic pulling. It features cute dog bones and sturdy nickel hardware, so you can attach a leash if you want to take your pup for a walk or hike. This collar comes in several colors and sizes so you can find the one that best suits your pooch. These dog collars are available in five different designs and can be customized to fit the exact neck size of each dog. The Comfort Collar is also machine washable! Designed not only to be comfortable but also durable, allowing your pet the luxury of outdoor activities with you. This lightweight material is lined with padding that will protect his neck from chafing. It is soft for puppies, and is designed to fit dogs with different neck sizes. Made of rolled leather from soft genuine leather for maximum comfort and longevity. Rolled leather collars are the standard groomer recommendation for long-haired breeds. Plus, the comfortably rolled leather collar is thin enough to fit any name tag. Handmade leather dog collars and puppy collars are the perfect combinations of style, high quality, and comfort. These leather collars for adult dogs and puppies are comfortable, foldable, light, and elegant. This model is one of the best Poodle collars. It features reflective stitching and a quick-release plastic safety latch. The silky soft nylon is comfortable for your poodle to wear and also lightweight. We found the sharp edges annoying after a few days, but we were able to cut the edges off before our dogs complained. Finally, it is possible to tear the buckle of your dog tags if you are not careful. There are so many unique and stylish collars out there that the best comes down to your own personality and preferences. Hopefully, this article will give you a starting point for finding the collar that fits your pooch best. Have a point of view to share? Let us know! Share your training tricks below! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about purchasing a puppy, owning a dog, training, or anything else related to pets.

This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Message sent. We have litters available now. We are located in Boise, Idaho. We are a family partnership raising highly socialized, health tested, in-home quality puppies. We are not a puppy mill. We raise only litters a year in Idaho. We partner with our parents in Pittsburgh, PA who breed litters a year to diversify our lines. We import our foundation lines from Europe, and partner with each other to produce the quality we are looking for. If you choose one of our local puppies, or our puppies in Pittsburgh, PA, we can usually in-cabin hand-deliver to you. Why Us Only a short few years ago, English Cream Golden Retrievers in America were rarely entrusted to breeders when European breeders thoroughly trained and mentored them. American Golden Retriever standards are still maintained in America, and that only by a handful of breeders truly breeding to the standard. Unfortuately, like the American Goldens, The English Cream Golden Retiever lines have recently fallen into the hands of breeders that are not even remotely interested in breeding to standard. Have you ever known someone that decided to breed their dog because they thought their dog was so great, that his lines needed to be passed on. Of course, that is no reason to breed a dog. There are many health tests, pedigree analytics and breed standards to meet. English Creams in recent years have been bred to small backyard gene pools or even regional gene pools that have produced weaker genetics, non-standard coat types, colors and temperaments not to the standard. We have put years of know-how, investment and careful consideration to make sure you get a breed-standard English Cream Golden Retriever. Our family works together as a team. We have a large family where everyone uses their talents in our family business. Dad is the glue that holds us all together. Mom keeps all the wheels running in the breeding business and the kids all use their specific talents, and have become experts at their "golden" puppy jobs over many years. Our Story We had a young family and had a dog bite happen to our then youngest son. After that happened, we found the English Golden Retrievers to be the perfect family dog. We absolutely love them and know that you will enjoy them as well. How to Reach Us We know that your puppy will be your family member for life. The greatest part of our job is the magical moments that you first get to hold your English Golden Retriever puppy. It often brings tears to everyone's eyes. If you are interested in one of the puppies, please reach out. We are diligent to follow up with every inquiry. We look forward to hearing from you. Here is a great article from our friends at Canine Weekly with some simple answers. May 28, Check Out Our Blogs! In fact, we have one dam our personal pet , and the first time we bred her was in .But that is great news for you! Our puppies are born and raised in our house. When they are not sleeping or eating, they are roaming our house or our back yard with a family member watching them of course! We want you to have the best puppy possible, so in addition to all the health screenings that we do prior to breeding, we try to train your puppy as much as possible, as early as possible. If you are interested, we are always happy to talk more about our dogs and our goals in breeding and raising great puppies. Contact us any time! About Us Simply the best! We love English Golden Retrievers and would like to see more healthy examples of this breed in homes for everyone to enjoy! Our Dogs Amicus Ami is our old man: the first English Golden Retriever we purchased and who made us fall in love with the breed. He is gentle, happy, always patient with a small child poking in his mouth or ears. He loves toys with squeakers, and always finds a way to get them out! More About Ami Zoe Zoe is our sweet mama dog, always wanting someone to love and look over. You will usually find her with her head on your lap and paw gently nudging you to pet her. She loves to run especially fetching balls! Steps to owning a Boise Golden! This is an overview. See our Adoption Process page for a full description. Step 1: Application If you are interested in learning more about our dogs or reserving a puppy for an upcoming litter, please first fill out our Puppy Application. When can I pick up my puppy? That will be posted on the specific litter page. We try to have our puppy families come get them as close to 8 weeks of age as possible. Pick up day is scheduled out a week or two in advance in order of deposit received. For example, first male would come at AM, second male at AM, and so on. The schedule will also be posted to the specific litter page. Do you deliver? Delivering puppies is not a service we regularly offer. On occasion, if the situation is right, we will do our best to accommodate. This would be at the cost of the buyer which would include, but not limited to: mileage, food, and lodging reimbursements. We do deliver puppies to the Boise, Idaho airport at no cost to the buyer. Do you offer full breeding rights? All puppies go home with AKC limited registration. If the time comes where a buyer has ran the proper health screenings on the dog that was purchased through our program hips, elbows, heart, genetics and agrees to the FULL AKC contract provided by SBG, then full breeding rights will be granted. Yes, we will ship to anywhere in the United States except Hawaii. Ground shipping or air shipping, completely at the expense of the buyer. Other options to highly consider: Flight nanny - We can give you recommendations for great flight nanny services they fly in cabin with pup. Meeting you personally at the Boise, ID airport to fly in cabin with pup. Yes, we offer stud services. We have studs in every color, in multiple places throughout the Treasure Valley. We will also highly consider pick of the litter instead of stud fees.

Kid friendly and makes great gifts! I have yet to meet someone who has never heard of it. I have though met plenty of people who have had it but never made it themselves. This Puppy Chow Chex Mix is seriously one of those easy, practically fail proof recipes. I was first introduced to this confection at the lunch table in 7th grade. I was sitting there eating my random, most likely unhealthy lunch, with my hip, yet awkward pubescent friends. When we noticed someone eating this random food. We, being the curious filter free group we were, asked what they were eating. Their response. Puppy Chow. This then entailed a few gross looks, gasps of horror and many random thoughts flying through our brains. She quickly assured us it was a treat, not actually dog food and was called Puppy Chow. Her mom we all believed was a rock star after trying it. It was good. Not to mention, her rock star mom also let her bring it to school in her lunch. Seriously cool mom points right there. She loves the surprise and generally eats it first, leaving little time for anything of actual substance. However next time I make it, I want to freeze some individual sized portions that I can toss in my kids lunches or use as an after dinner dessert. That way it can last longer than just a few days! This Puppy Chow is great for school lunches, appetizers, party food and gifts. Everyone loves it and it is always a hit with kids! Nutrition information With only six ingredients, puppy chow muddy buddies is extremely quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect recipe for the busy holiday season. Puppy chow ingredients This sweet snack mix is made of six super simple ingredients! The best part? You probably have all of the ingredients on hand already. All of the ingredients are staple pantry and fridge items that all have a long shelf life. Rice chex cereal makes the base of this recipe and makes this snack mix super crunchy and addicting. Semi-sweet chocolate chips. Peanut butter gets melted together with the chocolate chips and creates an amazingly creamy mixture that coats the cereal. Use smooth peanut butter — instead of chunky — to ensure even melting. Unsalted butter. Vanilla extract. Powdered sugar. Set aside. Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter into a large microwave safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir together. Stir in the powdered sugar. Tips for making puppy chow muddy buddies There are SO many recipes for puppy chow, but I promise you, my recipe is the best, because of these tips and tricks. Use the whole box of cereal. Most recipes call for 9 cups of cereal, leaving 2 cups left in the box. What the heck are you supposed to do with 2 cups of chex?! Use the whole bag of chocolate chips. More is more in this recipe. Just throw the whole bag in. Use more powdered sugar than you think necessary. Chunks are the best part. Just trust me on this one. How to store puppy chow Puppy chow can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. It does not need to be refrigerated, but some people prefer it chilled. Puppy chow recipe substitutions If you can, I highly recommend making the recipe as is. It truly is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, chocolate-y, peanut buttery goodness. Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate? You can use dark chocolate or even milk chocolate, but semi-sweet is really gives you that perfect sweet, but not too sweet balance. Processed peanut butter — think Jiff or Skippy — works best, but sunflower seed butter should work as well. Butter is essential, but try using a vegan buttery spread instead. Do I need to use vanilla extract? No, you can omit it, but you will loose some of that cozy depth of flavor. I grew up calling it puppy chow but plenty of people call it muddy buddies. It depends on where you live. Other names:. Let me present to you how I think puppy chow should always look: Beautiful, chunky clusters. The puppy chow I grew up with was more like individual pieces of cereal that were completely coated with powdered sugar. It was served room temperature and you ate it one piece at a time. This stays true to the basics but just dials up everything good: the chocolate, the peanut butter, the butter. It gives just a little more excitement with the texture, the shape, the temperature. It makes for supremely satisfying grazing. It is one of the great Midwestern food contributions of the 80s and 90s my roots! Microwave works fine. This is the Midwest. We are not fancy. Melted chocolate goes in with the cereal. Toss with Powdered Sugar Once the cereal is coated, toss it with powdered sugar so each piece is coated and dry enough to touch. Midwestern kids of the 90s hello will agree with me that mixing the chocolate coated cereal in a paper grocery bag is the authentic and proper technique. I mean, is it really puppy chow without the paper bag? But in reality, any big bag ziplock, paper bag, even a big mixing bowl that you can toss very gently so as not to break the cereal will get the job done. I keep it in airtight containers like a lidded plastic food storage container, for example or just in a Ziplock bag. Yes, the fridge works, the counter will even work. Plus, it travels well and makes it last longer. I hope this helps you live a little more lightly in August. How long does this last? In the freezer, this can last for a few months. With this work with other nut butters? This also works well with Sun Butter. Is the paper bag necessary? Jump to Video Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. Snack mixes are one of the best party foods. How to Make Puppy Chow You can break the process down into three easy steps. Measure your cereal into a large bowl and set aside. In 1 quart sauce pan, heat semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter over low heat stirring frequently with a spatula until melted. Remove from heat and stir in a teaspoon vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into two gallon resealable plastic bags. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag and shake until well coated. Spread over waxed or parchment paper to cool. You want each piece of chex to have an ample amount of chocolaty peanut butter sauce for the sugar to stick to. If you like your mix extra saucy try reducing the Chex amount to only cups. You can also customize it to whatever holiday candy is being sold at the time. This can also be made dairy free by using the right chocolate and a butter substitute like margarine. Sunbutter, soybutter, almond butter, and cashew Butter are great substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe. You can even use Nutella instead for extra chocolatey Puppy Chow. It can stay at room temperature for up to 10 days, or kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. However, at my house it never lasts that long! Allow it to thaw before eating. This will allow it to set and dry.

That, along with our unique puppy socialization program, makes a Cabin Hill Labradoodle the perfect companion for life. We also endorse and follow the protocols of "The Puppy Culture" program to help every puppy feel safe, loved, and confident. At Cabin Hill Labradoodles, we believe in giving your puppy the best start in life. As a proud member breeder of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America we are committed to the health, well-being, and development of the Australian Labradoodle. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our families and support each puppy, dog, and family as they develop and grow. At Cabin Hill Labradoodles, all of our puppies are raised in our home as part of the family. This ensures that every puppy gets the best care, socialization, and interaction possible with lots of love and attention. All of our doodles are first and foremost members of our family that live, play, sleep, and eat in our home. We love our dogs and know that you will too! Our lists fill quickly, please contact us soon to learn more about our process and how you can bring a Cabin Hill puppy into your home! We DO have puppies that will be ready to join families very soon! Millie and Josie puppy will be ready for their new families in early September. Check out our available puppies and upcoming litters pages. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We live approximately 35 minutes from downtown Nashville. As breeders, we choose which pair to breed depending on health and temperament before anything else. Our sires and dams have to pass their full panel breed specific genetic health testing before being bred. All vaccines on parents are administered by our vet. Having healthy parents is the first step to breeding healthy pups. From the time dam is bred, she is put immediately on puppy food to get the litter off to the proper nutrition. Dam and pups are watched over throughout the whole birthing process. Pups are given supplements as soon as they would like. This helps the dam with feeding while giving the pups food to help them continue growing properly. Pups are dewormed on a regular schedule and vaccinated before leaving. Pups are litter box trained and start learning the doggie door. They are well socialized and raised around children as young as 2 years old. Play time is important for pups for early socialization skills. Because of this our fur babies play areas both have electricity with heat and air conditioning. Their play areas also have doggy doors installed to continue their house training to go outside to use the bathroom. This gets them off to a proper start for their new families. As raising new members of your household, it is just as important to us that your pup have a healthy start as it is to you. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Nashville Tennessee and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Nashville TN? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Nashville TN. Australian Labradoodles are different from American Labradoodles, which only have Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents. Australian Labradoodles have six parent breeds, and each breed was chosen to pass down specific traits. These days, many people think the Labradoodle is the ultimate family dog. Start by searching for a Labradoodle Nashville in the network, browse the litters, and find a puppy that looks perfect for you. Then just connect with your preferred business or breeder and arrange to meet your new puppy. After that, get ready to welcome your new Labradoodle puppy into your home! Of course you can, and there is nothing wrong with shelters. But many people choose to use the Uptown Network when they are looking for a very specific type of dog. For example, if you are searching for Nashville Labradoodle puppies for sale and you have a particular color in mind, it may be easier to use our network. What makes Uptown Puppies different from getting a puppy somewhere else? While lots of people want to visit the breeder in person, many cannot. We take transparency very seriously when it comes to breeding Labradoodle puppies for sale Nashville. All the Nashville Labradoodle breeders and companies in the network have been screened to ensure they meet high ethical standards of breeding. How can I meet my new Nashville Labradoodle for sale? Once you find the perfect puppy, simply connect with the breeder or company and ask them about making travel arrangements for your pup. One of the great things about all the Labradoodle breeders in Nashville in our network is that they are experts in arranging puppy travel, and they will explain the best way to proceed. Can I find cheap Labradoodle puppies in Nashville here? The Labradoodle breeders Nashville in our network do not set out to provide the cheapest pups. Instead, what you will find is Labradoodle puppies Nashville that have been bred to incredibly high standards. They all come from ethical breeders that provide a boutique experience, giving you complete peace of mind. Can I find Labradoodles for sale in Nashville available now? Start searching and see what you can find today! Are Labradoodles suitable if I have other pets already? Yes, Labradoodles get on great with most other pets, including both dogs and cats. They are known for being friendly, sociable, and playful dogs, and they tend to get on great with everyone. It always depends on the individual personality and temperament of the dog in question, but in general they are fine around other animals. Do Labradoodles need a lot of exercise? That means a good walk each day of about half an hour should be fine. They will probably be happy with more, though, because they love going out. But compared to some other breeds, they do not need too much exercise to keep them healthy.

That is not by accident. We only use the highest-quality puppy and dog food: free from corn, wheat, soy, glutens, and GMO ingredients. This strengthens your puppy's immune system and helps prepare him or her for a long and healthy life. We love sharing the joy of Goldendoodles with others, but we should not be confused with a kennel. We are a family. We raise puppies with our five children. Mom and some of the kids have pet allergies, so they are the perfect companions for us. Our dogs spend their days relaxing in the house and playing outside in safely fenced yards in sunny Southern California. Our puppies are socialized from birth to be gentle and safe for their new families, as well as in service and therapy work environments. We often have English Goldendoodle puppies for sale, medium Goldendoodle puppies for sale, F1b Goldendoodle puppies for sale, and mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale, mini Cavapoo puppies for sale and mini F1b Cavapoo puppies for sale. At Oodles O'Doodles we have been raising Poodles and Poodle-hybrids since and we are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about them! So, what does that mean? An F-1 Goldendoodle is a first-generation puppy resulting from the breeding of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These puppies usually have loose or wavy coats that may shed, some worse than others — but they will still shed less than a Golden Retriever. F-1B Goldendoodle puppies are what we breed. They are second generation Doodles and are the result of breeding a Goldendoodle with either a Standard or Mini Poodle. Because of the increase in Poodle genetics, F-1B puppies have curly or wavy coats that are low- to non-shedding. Beyond their captivating looks, these Goldendoodles come with a non-shedding coat inherited from their Poodle side, making them hypoallergenic and ideal companions for those with allergies. These dogs fall within the larger medium-size range, typically weighing between 40 lbs. Why Choose a Medium Goldendoodle Puppy? Medium Goldendoodles are that perfect in-between size: not too big and not too small. They are active dogs that have the size and stamina to accompany you on long treks, yet they're still small enough to be easily picked up. This breed also tends to be more manageable on the leash than bigger dogs. F-1B Medium Goldendoodles have a reputation for being good with children of all ages and can tolerate a vigorous play session better than a small dog. They're also a good option for families who like to travel: They won't hog up the entire back seat like a big dog, and also tend to endure longer adventures outside than a smaller goldendoodle. Considerations Because Medium Goldendoodles are a mix of Golden Retriever, Standard, and Mini Poodles, there can be quite a variation in size, appearance, and personality. For example, your neighbor's Medium Goldendoodle may be 35 pounds, while your brother's weighs 50 pounds. If you're interested in a certain size dog, your best bet is to check out the parents of your prospective puppy we have pictures on our website of all our dog parents. This will give you a good idea of how big your puppy will be when it is fully grown. We raise all our puppies in our home so that they can be surrounded by the love and attention of a family. In addition, all our dog parents are also raised in home environments. Are you interested in making one of our health-guaranteed puppies a part of your family? Then please check out our Medium Goldendoodle puppies for sale and fill out an online application. Goldendoodle Puppies: F1b vs. Both of these strains of the Goldendoodle breed come with slightly different sizes and appearances, but all will be some of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet! What is an F1b Goldendoodle? What is an F1bb Goldendoodle? This makes them .F1bb Goldendoodles are especially popular among families with moderate to severe pet allergies, as they are even less likely to shed or cause allergic irritation. They also have an even curlier, poodle-like coat and smaller body size than an F1b Goldendoodle. How big is a Medium Goldendoodle? Our F1b Goldendoodle puppies typically fall within the medium size category since they have slightly more Golden Retriever blood. Medium Goldendoodles can vary in size depending on which of the parent breed's genes are more prominent, but their size averages between: Weight: pounds These are the perfect size for families interested in a medium-sized but manageable dog! How big is a Mini Goldendoodle? Our F1bb Goldendoodle puppies typically fall within the small, or mini, size category since they have more Poodle blood. Mini Goldendoodles can vary even more in size because of the complicated mix of parent genes, but their size averages between: Weight: pounds Height: inches at the shoulder These are the perfect size for families interested in a smaller-sized dog! Goldendoodle Litters For Sale. Speak to a member of our team to learn more The Standard Poodle was originally bred as a retrieving dog specifically for the water! So Standard Poodles are quite athletic, moderately active and extremely intelligent. Retrieving is a skill that requires dutiful obedience on the part of the dog, and the standard poodle is no exception. Poodles often excel in obedience competitions and agility exercises. They are also incredibly people-oriented and sensitive and a fairly common breed in the service dog industry. Bred specifically for its small size and companionship, the Miniature Poodle tends to be more demanding of attention and can be more excitable and less laidback than their standard counterparts. It can be a bit confusing when researching breeders as different breeders sometimes have different names or definitions of the various Goldendoodle sizes. For example some breeders consider a Mini Goldendoodle to be anything smaller than a standard i. While others divide the sizes up into much smaller ranges including medium sized Goldendoodles and extra small Goldendoodles sometimes called toy or petite-minis that can be as small as lbs. For the purpose of this article, we will consider Goldendoodles in three different size ranges: mini, medium, and standard. However, please keep in mind that it is important to ask your specific breeder what the definition of their sizes are to ensure you are getting the pup of your dreams. The closer the two parents are in weight, the more reliable prediction you can make about your pup! The flexibility in the size of the Goldendoodle makes this breed an excellent choice for a variety of different families, but is important to note that there are more variations among these breeds than just weight in pounds. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to which size Goldendoodle is right for you ranging from temperament to cost of ownership. Below we compare mini goldendoodles vs medium goldendoodles vs standard goldendoodles. Standard Goldendoodles are typically gentle and laidback as both Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles tend to be a gentle, patient breed. Most are very tolerant of children. They have the stamina to keep up with you on any type of exercise for example they make excellent jogging and hiking partners. But they like to go hard for a while and then are usually content to snooze. They do not need as much constant stimulation throughout the day as a miniature doodle who may require short bursts of more frequent activity. As the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle are similarly sized dogs, a first generation cross is acceptable and often a plus for families who want to hold onto the Golden Retriever lineage as much as possible. Coming from two breeds that are both common breeds in the service dog industry, obedience competitions, etc. The Standard Goldendoodle makes an excellent choice for an owner who needs an extra trainable dog as well as one who may be a good candidate to be a therapy dog or service dog. The standard size Goldendoodle is also a good choice for families who want an element of protection when it comes to their dog. While the Goldendoodle is not a breed specifically known for its guard dog abilities, a larger framed dog with a big bark can still be intimidating to would-be offenders. Many owners like the feeling of protection and confidence that comes from walking with a larger dog on the other end of the leash. The fairly obvious disadvantage is that standard Goldendoodles take up a lot of space. This can make traveling a challenge as they might struggle to fit in both a tightly-packed car and plane one would need an extra seat and an ESA letter to be allowed to fly with a standard sized pup. A poorly trained standard Goldendoodle can be difficult to live with as they will be difficult to manage on a leash and can be a force to be reckoned with in the house as they can easily reach food on the counters or make quick work of furniture legs when it comes to chewing. Thankfully, this is one of the most trainable breeds we know of, but their size will mean that they can easily be destructive if their owner does not set boundaries. Even a well-trained Standard Goldendoodle, may unintentionally cause the occasional inconvenience as a result of their size—for example, their ever-wagging tails seem to be at the perfect height to knock off beverage glasses on most coffee tables! Be advised that they may unintentionally knock over a child while playing simply because of their larger size. In comparison, miniature goldendoodles also need exercise but can play in short bursts in a smaller area. A Standard Goldendoodle can live a happy life in an apartment, but it requires more commitment on the part of the owner to ensure they are getting enough daily exercise. Mini Goldendoodle Size, Traits and Characteristics On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Miniature Goldendoodle which most breeders consider to be under 30 lbs. The addition of the Miniature Poodle in this breed makes them a delightfully smart, fun, and spunky companion! Owners often describe their Mini Goldendoodles as almost humanlike in their wit and quirks! They are typically very devoted to their owners which can be both a pro and a con depending on your concept of personal space! The vast size difference between a Toy Poodle and a Golden Retriever means that this breed has much more variability when it comes to size and structure. Most Mini Goldendoodles have a higher percentage of Miniature Poodle than Golden Retriever in order to achieve the smaller size this is especially true of the extra tiny minis. Most lb. Mini Goldendoodles have only a very small percentage of Golden Retriever in their heritage. A first generation miniature cross is typically not recommended as the vast size different between the two parents can result in unpredictable sizes and structural abnormalities in the pups. For those owners really wanting to preserve the Golden Retriever lineage, a standard size Goldendoodle is the better option. These small versions of Goldendoodles are very portable, easy to travel with on a plane can fit in carrier under the seat. However, they are not as easy to travel with in the car as Mini Goldendoodles have a higher tendency of carsickness than their larger counterparts. The compact size of the Miniature Goldendoodle can make them more manageable for some families. They are easy to control a leash and it can be helpful for owners to be able to easily pick up their pup when it comes to bath time, getting in and out of the car, etc. Their small size also means a slight decrease in the overall cost to own them. They require less food, a smaller dose of flea prevention and even procure less of a charge at the groomer. On the downside, the smaller the Mini Goldendoodle, the less likely they are able to keep up with the family on a walk or hike. They may tire easily on longer walks. While their size may be less intimidating, we find that the more high strung nature of Mini Goldendoodles can make them fairly impatient with young children. They can become disjointed with the unpredictable actions and movements of young children and have a higher likelihood of snapping at a child. Minis tend to be high energy but lack the stamina for extended periods of exercise so may require more frequent attention throughout the day to meet their demands for mental stimulation. Medium Goldendoodle Size, Traits and Characteristics The fully grown Medium Goldendoodle is typically around lbs and is often a wonderful blend of the characteristics of both the Mini and Standard Goldendoodles. Often the medium size Goldendoodles have a parentage that includes both standard and miniature poodles so most have a blend of the mini and standard personalities. This can be a good fit for families who still want a manageable size when it comes to walking on a leash, traveling, etc. Medium Goldendoodles are our top car travel choice due to their intermediate size, as well as their higher centers of gravity that generally helps them be more comfortable in the car for short or long rides. A medium size Goldendoodle is often still able to easily be picked up. This is something to consider depending on your stature as a human. The Medium Goldendoodle is often a good compromise for the active owner who wants a companion to accompany them on jogs and other adventures but is overall a smaller person and concerned about not being able to manage or pick up a standard sized Goldendoodle. The only downside is that the medium sized Goldendoodle often comes from a blend of the Golden Retriever, Miniature Poodle and Standard Poodle so there can be a good bit of variability in their size and personalities. Overall, we find the Medium Goldendoodle to be the most versatile of the three sizes and are a good fit for most families. Finally, we always like to caution our readers that every dog does have their individual personality, quirks, etc. Our descriptions of each size our broad generalizations based on the history of the dog breed at large. But the individual family tree of a pup matters a lot, too. There are certainly Miniature Goldendoodles out there that are calm and laidback. Similarly, there are Standard Goldendoodles who are overly excitable and not a good choice for families with children. It is important to find a reputable breeder who can help guide you to the right pup for your lifestyle regardless of which size you are choosing!

How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. When considering bringing a new dog into your life, it is always important to consider how long that dog is likely to live. In this article, we will go through exactly how long you should expect your Labradoodle to live, which is largely determined by whether their poodle parent was a standard, miniature, or toy poodle. We will also go through all the different life stages of a Labradoodle and what to expect in each. What Is A Labradoodle? Labradoodles are crossbreed dogs that you get when you mix a Labrador retriever with a poodle. They are varieties that are a mix between a Lab and all the different poodle sizes including standard, miniature, and toy. They were bred because, while the temperament, intelligence, and trainability of Labrador retrievers make them excellent service dogs, they shed—a lot. This can be a huge problem when it comes to taking them into hospitals, public places such as restaurants, and even cleaning up after them at home. Poodles were chosen to crossbreed because they have a low-shedding coat. Their tight, curly coats mean that instead of leaving hair wherever they go, it gets caught up in their coat. Poodles are also highly intelligent dogs, even more intelligent than Labradors, and also very friendly, having been bred as companion animals. They are less outgoing than Labradors, but overall it was thought that they would add to, rather than subtract from, the characteristics that make Labradors excellent service dogs. You can read more about the Labradoodle coat and shedding in this article. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? All Labradoodles have a lifespan of roughly 12 to 14 years. Various factors influence where each dog is likely to fall within this scale. Labrador retrievers and standard poodles both tend to live around 12 years. So if you have a standard Labradoodle, you should probably expect them to have a slightly shorter lifespan at around the year mark. Miniature and toy poodles often live longer, as small dogs tend to live longer in general. So if you have a Lab that is mixed with one of these smaller breeds, you might expect them to live for an additional year or so. While these expectations are based on the average lifespan of their parent pups, some research suggests that crossbreed dogs live longer than their parents, by about a year or two. There are plenty of examples of Labradoodles living well into their late teens. Labradoodle Life Stages Throughout their lives, you can expect your Labradoodle to pass through five main life stages: puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior. Exactly when they will pass through each of these stages again depends on whether the Labradoodle is a standard, miniature, or toy cross. Smaller dogs tend to grow to maturity more quickly but then live longer. Conversely, larger dogs stay puppies longer but have shorter overall life expectancies. Puppyhood Labradoodles tend to be classified as puppies for the first five months of their lives. But just like with human babies, because they are growing so quickly at this time, they will pass through a number of different puppy stages. It is during this stage that you will find that littermates love to cuddle up and spend the day sleeping one on top of one another. During this stage, they are more interested in their mother and siblings than there are in people, but they do begin to learn that there is a bigger world and might start to explore a little in the later weeks. It is around this stage that they can also start to move onto dog food. This is often a necessity, as the mother will refuse to suckle them as their growing teeth cause her pain. This is a very important time, as they are also very impressionable. So they need plenty of attention, praise, and love. Training them at this stage will also teach them about action and reward, which will make them easier to train to do other things as adults. They will already understand that correct behavior can result in good things. At this stage, you can also start to expose the puppy to new people and new experiences. This is essential to the socialization process, so that they learn what to do when confronted by the unknown. This is a great time to try to take the puppy with you most everywhere you go. Essential training should continue throughout this stage. Adolescence Much like humans, during this stage Labradoodle puppies seem like they are either eating or sleeping all the time to manage big growth spurts, or getting into trouble. This period tends to last from around five or six months until about two years of age. But they also become more unpredictable as hormones start to play a role. Expect them to want to play all the time, to jump up a lot, and to do things that test your limits. Nevertheless, at this stage your Labradoodle should be fully housebroken, should have passed through that biting phase, and should be better at paying attention to you. They also lose their awkwardness around this age and seem more coordinated. Labradoodles in particular will start to show quite a bit of strength and agility at this stage. They should have all their adult teeth, but they still love to chew! This is something they inherit from the Labrador parent. Make sure to have an abundance of chew toys available to focus their otherwise destructive chewing. It is also during adolescence that territorial behavior tends to kick in. Your pup may become protective of their possessions, territorial of their home, and could start to bark at strangers. Also be aware that at some stage during adolescence—it can vary quite a bit—your dog will become sexually mature. Adulthood Depending on the particular type of Labradoodle that you have, you can expect them to settle down into adulthood at between two and three years of age. They should be about fully grown at this stage. So instead of getting bigger, you need to worry about them getting fatter! While it is natural for them to fill out a bit in the early stages of adulthood, it is important to keep an eye on their weight and their diet at this time. They will enter their physical and mental prime during this period, as they are much calmer and more tranquil. If they are being trained as a service dog, they can start working once they reach adulthood. None of this is to say that Labradoodles cannot continue to develop and learn new things at this time. Labradors and Labradoodles are very easy to train and can be taught new skills and behaviors at almost any age. Middle Age Your dog will start to enter the later stages of their life at about the ripe old age of seven years. At this point, Labradoodles still tend to be active and healthy dogs, but they do start to slow down a bit. It is also at this time that their joints might start to become stiff, and they can begin to develop more serious joint problems. You can try and alleviate this by feeding them supplements to support their joints. You can read more about joint supplements here. Senior When your Labradoodle hits nine or 10 years, they are truly senior and they will probably start to need a bit of extra care and attention. Joint pain is a common problem for Labradoodles, so you may need to make some adjustments to your home to accommodate them. Labradoodles also have a tendency to lose their eyesight in later years, and to feel the cold more intensely. Their appetite is also likely to change as this time, as is their metabolism. So again, watch their weight and what they are eating to maintain them at a healthy weight. This is especially important if they are suffering with joint issues, as excess weight will just make mobility even more challenging. Labradoodles are inclined toward a variety of health conditions, inherited from both their Labrador and poodle parents. The main Labradoodle health conditions to be aware of are: Allergies Labradoodles often develop food allergies, usually in their early years before they reach two years of age. This can often be caused by eating too much of certain foods in these formative months. But Labradoodles can also develop allergies in later life, and you might find that at age eight they are suddenly reacting to something that they have eaten their entire life. Labradoodles usually show an allergic reaction with skin itchiness and an upset stomach. If you notice these signs, visit your vet to try to identify what might be causing the problem. Ear Infections Labradoodles have floppy ears that cover the ear tracts. This means they are generally moist, dark spaces, which means breeding grounds for infections. This is also a common problem for Labradors but can be worse for Labradoodles because the curly hair in their ears can also trap moisture and foreign bodies. If they seem to have itchy ears, or if you notice smells coming from their ears, this is a sign that something is not quite right. This will mean a trip to the vet to determine the type of ear infection and the best treatment. Regular ear cleaning, especially after sleeping or bathing, is the best way to reduce the prevalence of ear infections in Labradoodles. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition, of which one of the main symptoms is seizures. Labradoodles are quite prone to this condition. There is no cure, and treatment depends on the severity of the seizures and how often they occur. If your dog rarely has seizures, your vet will probably avoid medication, as it is not worth the risk. You may need to do some things to make your home safer for your dog, making it less likely that they will accidentally hurt themselves in the event of a seizure. Joint Issues Another issue inherited from their Labrador parents, Labradoodles often develop joint issues, especially in the hips, but it can be anywhere. Over time, what was an uncomfortable twinge can develop into serious pain, arthritis, and even lameness. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Sometimes joint supplements can be enough to keep your dog comfortable, while in other cases they might need serious pain medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is a condition where a portion of the eye degenerates, eventually leading to blindness. This is quite common in Labradoodles and will usually affect both eyes, resulting in complete blindness. However, it is known to occasionally occur in puppies as well. There is no known treatment, though it is thought that a diet high in antioxidants may be able to help slow the progression of the condition. Signs of the disease include excessive bleeding and bruising where the dog is injured, but also spontaneos bleeds, for example nosebleeds, or blood in their urine or stool. This poses a risk to your Labradoodle throughout their lives, as they may need to avoid certain medications that can further thin the blood, as well as activities where they are at risk of getting injured. If they need surgery for some reason, such as when they are neutered, they will probably also require a platelet transfusion before the surgery. The Verdict When you decide to bring a Labradoodle puppy in your life, you are committing to love and care for that dog for about 12 to 14 years, which is the average lifespan of this crossbreed. During that time, they will pass through a number of different life stages, from being adorable puppies, naughty adolescents appropriately called the terrible twos , intelligent adults, and vulnerable seniors. But throughout all these life stages, a Labradoodle should give you a great deal of love and fulfilment. Do you have a Labradoodle? What is your experience living with these wonderful dogs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or via our social media. Related Article. It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. A Labradoodle puppy! Partly thanks to that gorgeous fluffy coat. When do Labradoodles Lose their Puppy Coat? It is quite a gradual process. The process typically starts around 6 months of age. But, it can take up to a year and a half to complete. This may not be great news if you or someone else in your family suffers from dog allergies. But, as long as your Labradoodle grows up to have a fleece or wool coat, you will have less shed fur to clean once the puppy coat has fully shed and the adult coat grows in. What is a Labradoodle Puppy Coat Like? The Labradoodle puppy coat is a lot different to all adult varieties. Puppy coats are always single layer. Are Labradoodle Puppy Coats Hypoallergenic? After their creation, the resulting demand for an allergy-friendly dog catapulted Labradoodles to worldwide fame. It also led to the development of many other hybrid dog breeds. The truth is, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. So, Labradoodle puppy coats cannot be hypoallergenic. So, your Labradoodle puppy coat will not catch any falling dander. Allergens could still find their way onto other objects in your home. And, their shedding puppy coats could aggravate your allergies. Adult Labradoodles can have one of three coat types: Hair coat — will shed moderately all year, and heavily during shedding seasons Fleece coat — will shed lightly to moderately, varies from one Doodle to the next Wool coat — does not shed visibly, but hair sheds into the surrounding coat, which can cause painful knots if not groomed properly Influence from Parent Breeds Labradoodles come from a long line of working dogs; primarily the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. Labrador Retrievers typically have a double coat. Their fur has an insulating under-layer and a protective outer-layer which helps them in their working roles. The Poodle, on the other hand, is one of the rare working breeds with a single layer coat. Are Adult Labradoodle Coats Hypoallergenic? The fleece type of adult Labradoodle coat will often be best for individuals that suffer from allergies. But, this will still need regular grooming to control shedding dander. And, regardless of which adult coat your Doodle has, your dog will still need to shed out their puppy coat first. Suddenly, you will find tufts and clumps of shed dog hair everywhere, where before there was none. This can start as early as six months. So, watch out for shed fur from this age. It could start anywhere from six to nine months, or even slightly outside of this range. The puppy coat has to be completely shed out to allow the adult coat to grow in. That would leave your Labradoodle defenseless against pests, the elements, and injury. Instead, their coat will shed in stages, over time. This is why it can take up to a year and a half for the puppy coat to fully shed out and the adult coat to fully grow in. Depending on the adult coat your Labradoodle inherits, these hairs may be long and straight hair coat , long and loosely curly fleece coat , or short and tightly curled wool coat. In most cases, a Labradoodle will have fully lost their puppy coat and grown into their adult one between the ages of 12 and 15 months. But, there is no exact timer that buzzes the moment this process is finished. But, some veterinarians may be happy for you to cut it short with scissors, to keep your cleaning schedule for shed fur a little more manageable. Not only will this help you to gather and remove shed fur before it goes all over your floor, but it will also familiarise your Labradoodle with the grooming process. All three types of adult Labradoodle coat require regular grooming. Are you dealing with a shedding puppy coat right now? We would love to hear about your experiences with the Labradoodle puppy coat in the comments. Related Articles. The life stages of a Labradoodle include four phases — puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and senior. Most small breeds obtain their maturity quickly and tend to live longer. Larger breeds mature slowly and generally have shorter adulthoods and senior years. Your Labradoodle is considered a medium or standard dog and should be about 50 to 65 pounds. They hopefully have an excellent range of living or from years. This phase ends when your dog is about five months old. Of course, dogs do age at different speeds, and larger dogs mature slower than smaller dogs. The stages of a puppy are: From weeks, puppies are learning submission and attention behaviors, attention, and how to get along with siblings and mom. At weeks, puppies are forming a strong bond with people and are mentally mature enough to adjust to changes. They eat dog food and no longer need the attention of mom. From weeks, your Labradoodle puppy is impressionable. They look for objects and people associations. Make sure your puppy has positive experiences with other animals, people, and new situations. Try and avoid scary experiences at this time. Unpleasant experiences should be turned into positive experiences. Praise, love, and laugh up your puppy. Do not give the human empathetic response of reassurance, even at vaccination time. At weeks, try enrolling your puppy in the training class. In class, you are taught how to train your puppy. Never punish your puppy for any reason. Expose your labradoodle puppy to new things and experiences as well as people. Keep the situation positive. Use a leash to keep your puppy under control and safe. When your puppy is between months, they are considered pre-adolescents. Labradoodle puppies gain confidence and more independence. Continue training, and do take your puppy with you everywhere. Keeping your puppy by you gives your puppy time to bond with you and understand what is expected of them. When your puppy is months, be aware that your puppy has needs for stimulation, companionship, and activity. They get bored quickly and never seem to be inactive. They will run away, chew, bark, and be generally obnoxious. Yet, at this time, Labradoodles are wonderful companions, teachable, and pleasurable. Just like a child, love your Labradoodle during this Labradoodle life stages. You will be well rewarded for your efforts. Adolescence is when your puppy starts to lose its awkward nature, and adolescent behavior driven by hormonal influences starts to emerge. Often vets will claim a dog is in the adolescent phase for years, depending on the breed. Dogs are most challenging between the age of 8 months to about 18 months. At this point, you can call your dog a teenager, and they exhibit controlling habits like: Elimination; should be potty trained, No more indiscriminate biting, Focus improves, Labradoodles begin to sense their strength and agility, Labradoodles have their adult teeth, but still, need to chew. Keep your dog from being bored, curious, or anxious, and they will not chew on everything. However, just like the teenage years in humans, your dog will be erratic and unpredictable. They will act goofy, playful one minute, and in the net instant, they will be obsessed with what is going on around them. An adolescent will be: Bolder in play, Jump on everyone and everything, Chew on random things, Tend to wander away. Having a rebellious labradoodle can be an exciting time. Labradoodle life stages of adolescence are the time these dogs show independence, territoriality, and protectiveness of possessions and food. They are interested in other dogs and strangers and may start barking. Now is the time to begin intensive training. Be aware that adolescence is the time when dogs begin to find their sexuality. Sexual maturity can happen as early as six months, or in larger breeds, this type of maturity can take as long as two years to be sexually mature. If you have had your dog since puppyhood, you are already off to a good start building bonds. Keep up the excellent work. Teething is just about done. No more teething is an awesome phase when your dog no longer chews on everything. Make sure you give your teenage dog appropriate toys to chew on — they have powerful jaws. Different sleeping schedules seem to appear. When your puppy spent more time asleep than awake, it was lovely. However, your teenage labradoodle will have an endless supply of energy. Keep up the fun training sessions and brain games and give you labradoodle plenty of exercises. Your labradoodle will likely wake up at nighttime to roam around and play. Have patience and put up with this phase! Socialize your teenage dog. You have socialized your puppy during their young age, but do not stop now. Expose your dog to different places, people, dogs, and situations. Keep different experiences positive. Do not worry if your dog appears to be fearful of things or situations he previously loved. These moments will come and go, and fears and likes will change. Your teenage Labradoodle will love going for walks. Keep them on a leash and train them well. If your labradoodle suddenly stops walking and stands very still, do not worry. Just keep walking, resist the urge to punish your labradoodle, and do not let him off-leash. Training will come and go, but although he learned to sit, lie down, and to come, and he ignores your commands, he will still remember. Right now, your teenager is having trouble accessing all the knowledge he learned. Training will return to normal if you are patient and keep up the rewarding, training, and your breathing. Males begin marking their territory and lifting their leg for the first time. Females also start marking their territory at this time. Aggression to other dogs can increase during this time of adolescence, and your labradoodle is learning to establish their territory, social status, and bonding with their family. Depending on the size, breed, and individuality of your labradoodle, adulthood starts at about three. Now your labradoodle is not growing so fast, and instead of getting longer and taller, your dog begins to fill out. Their chest and shoulders may broaden a bit. Troublesome behaviors calm down, and your labradoodle is not as excitable as when they were adolescents. Your labradoodle is maturing and gaining confidence. Labradoodles reach their physical prime in adulthood. If you have trained and socialized your labradoodle in puppyhood and adolescence, you will have a well-trained adult dog. You can take them out in public, walk them on a leash, and your dog exhibits confidence. An adult labradoodle is still capable of social development, training, and learning. They are influenced by their environment, social interactions, and by you. Keep up established routines, socialization, training, and leadership. Find new opportunities to keep your labradoodle exercised in both mind and body. Usually, a labradoodle older than seven years is considered mature. If your labradoodle is smaller, they will tend to live several more years. Mature dogs are easier to care for than puppies or adolescents, but they still need your companionship and socialization. Make sure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise to keep him active and at a healthy weight. Do not neglect vet visits. Good dental hygiene is essential as your labradoodle ages. Professional cleaning and regular brushing will prevent dental disease and decay. Use dental treats and toys if your dog will not let you brush their teeth. Mature dogs may have food issues, lack of appetite, obesity, or digestive difficulties. You may need to add fiber to their food to aid with digestion. Ask your vet about supplements to alleviate joint pain. Exercise is essential for mature dogs. Take your dog on short and easy walks and monitor breathing and gait to ensure that nothing is wrong. Play with your mature labradoodle and use age-appropriate toys to keep your dog aware. Senior Dogs Older Labradoodles need special accommodations, food, and care. If your dog has sore joints or hip dysplasia, you may need to build a walking ramp so your Labradoodle can join you on your bed or jump in the car. Keep food and water in areas where your Labradoodle can easily reach. It is a good idea to watch for vision impairment. Heated beds soothe achy joints and keep your senior dogs on a non-slip surface. Look for changes in behavior, appetite, weight loss, or gain. Taking care of a senior dog can involve more work than you gave to your Labradoodle in their younger years, but caring for your senior dog gives back the years of unconditional love they gave to you. We hope you learned a lot from this enlightening post about Labradoodle life stages. If you enjoyed reading this, then you might also enjoy these other awesome posts about Labradoodles:. When can Labradoodle puppies leave their mother? Labradoodle puppies need to stay with their mom for at least eight weeks before going to their new home with you. Some breeders may even choose to keep their puppies until 12 weeks of age. In those first two months, puppies must stay with their mom and littermates to develop properly — both physically and mentally. If you take your puppy home too early, they can be more prone to physical health issues, and to behavioral problems. As we now know, Labradoodle puppies must stay with their mom and littermates for at least eight weeks. But, some Labradoodle breeders may choose to keep their puppies for 9 , 10, or even 11 weeks. In this guide, we are going to look at exactly what a puppy will gain from spending those first 8 weeks with their mom. And, the potential consequences of leaving their mom too early. Labradoodle Puppy Development Timeline Labradoodle puppies have a packed schedule right from whelping day. Week 1 Your Labradoodle puppy comes into the world blind, deaf, toothless, and utterly helpless. So, he will spend all of his time cuddled up with his siblings and mother. As well as crying out to his mom for food. And, this is around the time that puppies will get their first worming treatment. At this age, they will still be relying on their mother for food, and their mother and siblings for warmth. Week 3 During week 3, your puppy will figure out what standing and walking are all about. Some breeders may even offer a small amount of puppy food by the end of this week. They will also be interacting with their littermates more, play growling and starting to wag their little tails. Week 4 This is when things start to get really cute. Your puppy will continue figuring out how to play and wag their tiny puppy tail. And this is when they embark on two of the big essentials of puppyhood — weaning and potty training. By the end of week four, puppies will be getting considerably more solid food. Puppies at this age will also be much braver. Week 5 This is another exciting week! At this age, the mother dog is encouraging puppy independence and teaching bite inhibition. Puppies are also building on their previous social skills with littermates and people. Puppies will roll around, run with one another, play fight, and will even enjoy playing with toys. Some Labradoodle puppies may also discover their voices at this age, which means plenty of barking. Week 6 Your six week old puppy is most likely fully weaned. Instead of relying on their mother for food, puppies will receive four or five small meals of puppy food. They usually get their second worming during this week. Your pup should also have their full set of 28 puppy teeth. Week 7 Your puppy is really starting to learn the ropes of daily life with people, now. And puppies will continue to play with one another, on top of the new experiences breeders give them. This week typically includes their first veterinary visit and their first vaccinations. Littermates are heading off to their new forever homes. Potty training and general puppy training is going full steam ahead, to be continued by you! What if a Labradoodle Puppy is Orphaned? Of course, if your Labradoodle puppy has sadly lost their mother, their first eight weeks of life will look very different to this. Your reputable breeder will have to step up their game, and will be feeding each puppy by hand, as often as every 2 hours in the first week. Puppies will also need an artificial heat source to help them keep warm. Labradoodle puppies without a mother may be slightly more hard work as they grow up. As, they have missed out on some important lessons in puppyhood. This includes bite inhibition. Labradoodle puppies will learn so much from their mother and siblings, even up to the eighth week mark when they come home with you. If they leave their mother early, they will miss out on some of these important lessons. This can lead to behavioral problems later in life. On top of this, Labradoodle puppies have a lot of growing to do, which is why time with their mom is so important. A reputable breeder will not let your Labradoodle puppy leave their mother before eight weeks. If your breeder has let you take your Doodle pup home early, at five or six weeks old for example, you must return them to their mother until eight weeks of age. Doing so will save you a lot of stress later on. Why is Week 8 So Important? If that sounds like your annual Halloween horror house excursion, it probably feels that way to your Labradoodle puppy! The first fear imprinting period will last from week eight, through to the end of week .During these three weeks, any experience your puppy has good or bad will be heightened and remembered for the rest of their life. What This Means It sounds like a lot of pressure. This is especially true during socialization with strange people and animals, including other pets. The first fear period is also why some Labradoodle breeders may choose to keep their puppies for an extra week or two before releasing them to their new homes. Whether your breeder chooses to keep your Doodle pup for an extra week or two, or is willing to rehome your pup at eight weeks, just remember this. Good, positive, loving experiences are critically important during these first few weeks of your new life together. Can I Just Skip Socialization? Studies have shown that proper socialization in puppyhood can help to reduce behavioral problems in adult dogs, including aggression and fearfulness. Instead you should carry them. This also makes it easier to slip them treats and give new experiences a positive edge! You can even invest in puppy slings if your Doodle gets too heavy for you. Scary Experiences to Watch Out For With Labradoodle Puppies So, what types of experiences could cause lifelong fear, fearful aggression, or simply socialization problems for your Labradoodle puppy later in life? Kids One of the most frequently overlooked scary things that happens to Labradoodle puppies is rough handling from children. Kids love puppies. So do adults! Puppies are cute, playful, and curious. And Labradoodle puppies look just like teddy bears! This is very different to the type of play they experienced with their siblings so far. Even playful screeching or shouting from kids can strike fear into the heart of a newly rehomed puppy. Instead, teach young children to be gentle with your Labradoodle puppy, to stroke them softly and to walk away if the puppy gets overexcited. Make sure your Labradoodle puppy has a positive experience with kids of all ages. Treats can help to make the meetings even more fun! This is often not until 12 weeks, and can be as late as 16 weeks. But, before then, known, vaccinated, well-trained, and well-behaved dogs can offer important positive socialization for your puppy. If a strange dog nips or bites your puppy, or even plays too roughly, this can cause a fear scar that will recur in the future. Often in the form of aggression towards other dogs. So, socialize your puppy with dogs you know and trust. Keep meetings short and happy. Make sure both dogs have a positive time, with lots of lovely treats. And remove your Labradoodle puppy if it looks like your older dog has had enough, to avoid the situation turning sour. Veterinary Care Puppies will need to visit their veterinarian from an early age, to get pest treatments and vaccinations. But, your Labradoodle puppy may also need to go if they are unwell, or injured in their first few weeks. But, you can be extra-vigilant to protect your new puppy from unexpected loud noises. Avoid playing outside during morning or evening rush hour, when honking, car alarms, or backfiring might startle your pup. Get your puppy an anxiety vest if a thunderstorm or noisy holiday is brewing. Choose a quiet area for crate training, naps, and overnight. You can even play very quiet noises like cars or fireworks at home, slowly increasing the volume to ensure your pup is used to them, and associates them with positive experiences. Or, take them to see a busy road or loud school yard, but start very far away, gradually moving closer as long as you know your pup is happy with the sounds. Every Labradoodle puppy has their own unique personality and temperament based on which of their parents influenced them the most, genetically. So, some Labradoodle puppies will naturally be more outgoing and adventurous. But, others will be more shy and wary. No matter how brave they are, your Labradoodle puppy will encounter lots of potentially scary experiences in the days and weeks after being rehomed. But, you can provide lots of love, soothing words, pats, cuddles, treats, and the reassurance that your puppy can always turn to you for comfort and protection. Make sure you work with your Labradoodle puppy during socialization. Move slowly when introducing new things. This could be a favorite toy or blanket. Your breeder may also give you some suggestions for puppy bedding, crate training, and potty training. As for the rest, just be sure to give your Labradoodle puppy lots and lots of love to get your new life together off to a great start. More information about your first Labradoodle. Labradoodles, are one of the most popular crossbreeds in America. All young puppies experience a period of hyperactivity. Labradoodles should calm down by around three years old. Table of Contents What age do Labradoodles calm down? Most Labradoodles reach adolescence at months old and grow to their full adult size by 12 months of age, although they can take as long as 18 months to develop fully. They take a little longer to mature mentally, and may not be emotionally mature until 3 years old. At that point they are a lot better at regulating their energy levels. That said, Doodles should remain relatively high-energy dogs as adults, well into their old age. However, being too hyper can cause problems. Signs of hyperactivity in Labradoodles Signs of hyperactivity in Doodles include fidgety movements, a short attention span, impulsiveness, attention-seeking behaviors, unprovoked snapping, aggression, and not being able to socialize well with other dogs. Why is my Labradoodles so hyper? Labradoodles are naturally high-energy, playful dogs. They are part Labrador Retriever, a very energetic breed, and part Poodle, one of the most intelligent breeds on the planet. The more intelligent a dog is, the more mental stimulation they tend to need to avoid getting bored. So, naturally, Labradoodles need a lot of exercise and play. This can result in pent-up energy and hyperactivity. It can also lead to anxious and destructive behaviors, such as pacing, panting, excessive barking, and destroying personal and household items. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need? A healthy adult Labradoodle needs around an hour of exercise every day, preferably split into two walks. Doodles enjoy walking, running, hiking, and swimming, so try to vary the location and do different activities on your walks to keep them stimulated. Labradoodle pups need to build up their exercise routine, with 5 minutes of exercise per month of their life twice a day. What do Labradoodles like to play? Dogs love playing games that exercise their natural instincts. Historically, Labradors and Poodles were both bred to hunt, and primarily in water. So, Labradoodles love games like fetch and chase, and anything involving water. Paddling pools are a good idea! Some other popular games for bright dogs include hide and seek, treasure hunt, and the cup game. To play hide and seek, ask your Labradoodle to sit and stay while you hide somewhere in your home. Then, call them to come and find you. To play the cup game, place two empty cups face down on the floor in front of your Doodle, and put a treat underneath one of them. Switch the cups around and ask your dog to find them. Toys that stimulate the senses are great, too, especially for younger Doodles. The importance of socialization Socialization is very important for dogs of all kinds, but especially super-social breeds like Labradoodles. Not only is it essential for their well-being, but it is also very stimulating and will burn up a lot of their daily energy. Try to involve your dog in your family life as much as possible, and interact with lots of friendly people and dogs on walks. This will also prevent aggressive behavior and snapping during periods of hyperactivity. Ideally your breeder will have already started some socialization and exposure with the puppy such as to different sounds and surfaces before you bring him or her home. Training a hyper Labradoodle Hyperactivity can make training a dog difficult, but not impossible. The key is to harness their energy and playfulness, rather than try to suppress it or punish them for it. Start training your Labradoodle as early on in their life as possible and try to keep your training sessions concise, consistent, regular, and fun to avoid stubbornness. How to calm down a Labradoodle? If your dog behaves badly, ignoring them by crossing your arms and turning away from them is the best response. Once they calm down, you should reward them for their calm behavior, so that they understand that this is what you want. They use naturally soothing ingredients like CBD and lavender to bring down stress levels and relax the body and mind. There are also calming collars and beds that emit calming scents and provide a sense of security. Do Labradoodles make good family dogs? Their high-energy, playful nature makes them ideal for large families, active families, and families that love to have fun and explore. However, because of their training and exercise needs, they are not ideal dogs for first-time dog owners. Is separation anxiety common in Labradoodles? Separation anxiety is fairly common in Labradoodles, especially those that are also experiencing hyperactivity. This is because the most common cause of hyperactivity in dogs also causes separation anxiety. You can do this by leaving your Doodle alone for short periods of time, and gradually building up the time that you are apart. This will create trust and understanding with your dog that you will always come back. This lets them know that there is something to look forward to the next time you leave. You can also relieve some anticipatory anxiety by doing some of the things you commonly do before leaving the house, such as grabbing your keys or turning off the TV, and then not leaving to remove the association. If your dog is destructive at first, try putting them in a crate or confining them to a safe area of the home with a dog gate. Can Labradoodles be low-energy? Labradoodles are generally high-energy dogs. Several health conditions can cause low energy in dogs, including infections, diseases, allergies, and hormonal disorders. As long as you can meet their needs, the lovely Labradoodle makes a wonderful companion and a great family pet! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.