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About Us For the Love of Golden Retrievers We are a family of 8, my husband and I have 6 children, 2 daughter-in-laws, 2 grandchildren, and 10 golden retrievers. Aside from being golden retriever dog breeders, my husband and I also have full-time occupations. My husband is a carpenter and runs his own business serving others in our community and I am a nurse. She immediately had us all loving her and her smile. Although Sammy passed in , she is the reason we fell in love with goldens and wanted others to experience the love and companionship that they have to share. Dog breeding has become so much more than a business to us. It is another opportunity for us to serve others; whether it be by creating a lasting memory for your family, developing friendships, or referring you to another breeder that would better meet your needs. Happy, Healthy Golden Retrievers Our golden retriever breeding business is built on integrity, quality breeding, friendship, and creating lasting memories. We value trust and understand that life happens. Therefore, we do not accept any money from our buyers until the puppy is delivered to them. We are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America and do health and genetic testing on all of our dogs to ensure ethical breeding and to ease the minds of our buyers. Following these standards and guidelines ensures that we are doing everything in our power to produce quality golden retriever puppies while providing the best care to our adult golden retrievers. Completing these health and genetic tests helps us reduce the chances of having golden retriever puppies with genetic diseases or disorders and allows us to facilitate the best health and qualities in our golden retriever puppies. We also believe everyone should experience the love of a golden retriever! If we are unable to meet your needs or timeline, we are not above referring you to another breeder. Our Philosophy At Hakman's Golden Retrievers--Illinois, we believe that breeding goldens is not just a business; it's a passion. We are dedicated to breeding dogs that are not only healthy and happy but also reflect the unique personality and character of the breed. Our commitment to our dogs and our customers is unwavering, and we strive to provide the best possible experience for everyone involved. There have become more and more breeders who do not follow the recommended or ethical guidelines when it comes to breeding dogs. We have even rescued a few dogs from breeders who do not follow these higher standards. We want to share the checklist below to help educate and assist others in their search for a healthy, quality golden retriever puppy. It is a great resource to use when vetting other breeders. Feel free to use the checklist in your own search for your "furever friend"! Our Dogs Our golden retrievers live in our home, run our grounds, swim in ponds, run in fields, and are pampered with professional grooming and veterinary care. In addition to regular veterinary exams and check-ups, our golden retrievers receive monthly Interceptor Plus and quarterly Bravecto per standard recommendations. While they live the life of a golden retriever, they also are pampered like a toy poodle. They sleep at the foot of our bed occasionally sneak on our bed and eat their meals in the house. Stud: Bubba. Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever is a great dog for anyone who is looking for a high-energy dog that also has an excellent and well-rounded temperament. These qualities have made the Golden Retriever one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. When getting a Golden Retriever puppy it is important that you get one from a reputable and ethical source. This means that you will need to do your homework to ensure that a Golden Retriever breeder is reputable and ethical when it comes to breeding their dogs. This helps to preserve the Golden Retriever breed and promotes the breeding of mentally stable and healthy dogs. When getting a Golden Retriever puppy there may be some other things that prospective owners may want to consider before getting their puppy though. These include things like if they would like a male or female Golden Retriever and if maybe a smaller, Miniature Golden Retriever may be a better fit for their lifestyle. Luckily, there are many good Golden Retriever breeders to choose from in Illinois. Here is a list of our favorite 15 Golden Retriever breeders in Illinois. Of course, it is still always a good idea to do your own research into a breeder in addition to your own to ensure that the breeder will make a good fit for your needs. They also have a lot of room to play and run around outside. To ensure the health of their puppies, most of their adult dogs have received DNA testing and health clearances through the OFA that are recommended for Golden Retrievers. This breeder also recognizes the importance of socialization when it comes to raising young puppies. As a result, this breeder uses early neurological stimulation techniques from when puppies are 3 to 16 days old. Socialization does not end there though. Puppies continue to be socialized up until they leave for their new homes to ensure that the transition goes smoothly. Every puppy from Gingerich Goldens will be kept up to date with their deworming and age-appropriate vaccinations. All puppies go home with a bag of goodies and a 2-year health guarantee as well. When getting a puppy from Gingerich Goldens you know that you are getting a puppy from a family that cares about every one of their dogs deeply, and for this reason, they offer their puppies and their new owners a lifetime of support. Name of Owner. Quality Goldens for family companions, obedience, and show. I breed Golden Retrievers that have been carefully chosen to produce family companions with excellent temperaments, good conformation and that are intelligent and easy to train. At Carriage Hill we believe in striving to produce the best goldens we can therefore we breed to produce the breed standard and all of our golden's have clearances from OFA on their hips, elbows and heart as well as testing on their eyes by an ophthalmologist. At Carriage Hill we specialize in helping you to pick a puppy that will be a match for your family, and providing support on how to care for your new family member. I feel the most important part of pet ownership is that you train your puppy, I will show you how to use everyday games to prepare your puppy for training and to help establish yourself as the Alfa in the family. You should plan on taking your puppy to a minimum of two training sessions, first the puppy obedience class when they are 12 weeks old and then beginners obedience. Each of these classes are usually once a week for 8 weeks and are a essential part of responsible pet ownership. I sell all of my pet puppies with a limited registration from AKC, this means that you will need to get your pet either spayed or neutered. All of our golden puppies are socialized with our family, have had their first set of puppy shots, are wormedtwice, and their dew claws are removed. We usually plan 2 - 3 litters a year. Browse through the rest to see pictures and information about Stormy and Bode our males, and our Golden Girls. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Illinois Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Illinois? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Illinois? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

They are a gorgeous breed that has intelligent eyes that miss nothing. Their large pointy ears are even more alert and can hear the slightest sound. They are athletic, agile, and their form is easy to identify, no matter the color of their beautiful coat. German Shepherd Coat Types German shepherds have a double coat in medium length. Their fur is thick and sits close to the body. Some dogs may have more wiry fur, while others have a soft a wavy coat. German shepherds can also have a longer, silky coat. While a standard coat is shorter, long coats have longer fur that is somewhat wavy. The fur is caused by a recessive gene and one must carry the gene to produce a long haired puppy. Long haired German shepherds have a thicker top coat and thinner undercoat than standard coated dogs, but they do have an undercoat. They can be recognized by their longer wavy fur, thicker mane-like fur around the neck, with longer tufts of fur around their ears and legs. Some are silkier, and softer in appearance while others are bushier and have thicker tails. You will hear long haired German Shepherds are also called plushies, coaties, coated, long coat, long stock hair, long stock coat, and long stock hair, and long stock hair with undercoat. Colors of the German Shepherd: German shepherds come in many colors. According to the breed standard, dark, rich colors are more desirable than pale washed out colors in the show ring. Their muzzle should also be predominately black. Although some breeders deliberately produce pretty dogs in shades of liver or blue, the colors are considered a fault by the AKC standard. The different colors of the German shepherd coat include: Solid black A stunning solid black German shepherd may have a few red or tan hairs on their toes or a small white patch on their chest. They should not be confused with a bi-color shepherd. Black and red Black and red German shepherds can come in saddle, blanket, or bi-color. They are noted by their deep, rich red pigment rather than tan. Black and tan Black and tan shepherds are probably the most popular. They come in saddle, blanket, bi-color or sable. The tan can be very pale, almost silver, or more red hued. Black and silver A black and silver shepherd is black with very pale creaming tan that looks light silvery blond. The contrast in colors is dramatic and they come in sable, blanket, saddle or bi-color. Red and black sable A sable with rich red and black fur. Tan and black sable A sable with tan and black fur. Silver and black sable Light to dark silver or gray fur with black. Liver Solid brown German shepherd identified by its brown nose, rather than black. Not a breed standard. Liver and tan Tan that liver rather than black markings on a blanket, saddle, or bi color patterns. They may also have lighter or amber eyes. Steel blue Blue, gray fur identified by their gray, blue eyes rather than brown, black. Steel blue and tan Tan with blue rather than black markings on a blanket, saddle, or bi color. Golden tan Solid tan shepherd with a dark muzzle and black nose. White A solid white German shepherd is not an albino. There white coat is caused by a recessive gene and they have dark eyes and a black nose. Panda Black, white and brown shepherd that contains a gene mutation. These coat patterns include: Solid -solid black. Bi-color-predominately solid black with tan or red on their feet. Their heels should be black or tarheel. They may have trace amounts of tan or red on their ears or face. The lower leg and stomach are usually tan or red. Saddle back-has a black saddle from the shoulders to the rear and the chest, hips and legs are tan or red. Sable-each individual hair is two-toned or banded with black tips. They can range from light to dark and include black, silver, gray, tan and red. We hope that you enjoyed these German shepherd coat descriptions. Please feel free to share with your family and friends. Post category: German Shepherd Blanket Back German Shepherd The blanket back German shepherd is one of the most common types of dog breeds, with many owners using this type of dog. It is usually described as being a heavier, larger dog, with a head that is heavily covered in fur and a long body. These dogs are also known for their ability to be very devoted to their owners and to obey their every command. The blanket back type of dog has often been used in rescue organizations because it is a very sociable dog. This breed of dog is generally very obedient , but is not the best choice for an inexperienced owner, because of its tendency to be stubborn. If you own this type of dog, you will need to devote a lot of time to socialize your dog. If you are an experienced owner, you should be able to find a suitable place for your dog to live or can even adopt out a puppy to a friend. A great part of being a good owner is showing the dog love and affection because your dog will crave this attention when he is young. The blanket back German shepherd has the ability to bond with a family member, especially if the family is close together. Because of their herd mentality, they will bond with their family or pack of friends. One reason why the blanket back German shepherd is so popular is that it is such a loyal companion. They will often remain with the owner through thick and thin and will willingly remain with you, even if the rest of the family decides to leave for work. If you own a German shepherd, you should expect him to be a very aggressive dog, especially if he has not been trained properly. He is used to being under the control of a large pack, so when he is left alone, he can become very aggressive. The aggressive nature of this breed of dog will make it important to ensure that you will teach your dog the proper commands to keep him from becoming destructive. As stated above, the blanket back German shepherd is normally a larger dog, so he needs a lot of room to run and play. You can purchase a large dog house, but you should still allow your dog to run free. A large dog house is more suitable for smaller breeds of dogs, as the larger breed can knock over a table. They are also more susceptible to sores, as well as being easier to jump on. If you own a dog that is a blanket back German shepherd, you should be aware that it will still have more hair than the majority of other breeds of dog. As well, you should also consider the fact that this breed of dog cannot shed much. Because of this, your dog will typically develop bad breath, which can be a major problem if you have asthma. These days, blanket back German shepherd mixes are becoming increasingly popular as a family pet. These dogs are just as intelligent as their larger counterparts, and they require a lot less care. This breed of dog does not require a lot of space to live in, and they do not have the need to be kept in a kennel. For most owners, it would be a mistake to choose a blanket back German shepherd mix over a larger dog. But if you feel that you will need a large dog, this is an ideal choice. A Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy is a wonderful dog to have in the family. As a puppy, he will need lots of love and care. Here are some things you need to know about Blanket Back German Shepherd puppies and what you should be doing with the puppies when they are babies. The Blanket Back German Shepherd puppies should be well cared for before they become a puppy. You want to make sure that he is always comfortable and warm in the house. A Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy should not be left alone for long periods of time. He should be in a home environment where he can see and hear his family members and other animals. You need to keep a close eye on him. As soon as the Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy is well cared for and you have been able to get a feel for his personality, you will be able to introduce him to other people. When the time comes, you will be able to get your Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy to socialize with other people and make friends. The Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy needs to have regular trips to the vet. You should have plenty of toys for the Blankets Back German Shepherd puppy to play with. You will be able to keep a close eye on him. The Blankets Back German Shepherd puppies should never be allowed to have access to other pets. As a puppy, he will be aggressive with other animals and will probably start biting and digging. You will need to train him to be more friendly with other people. Puppies will also be more destructive when they are firstborn. They will want to scratch and bite at things. They will also need to be potty trained and need to learn that if they do not do it right they will get a bad scolding. It is important that they are never scolded too harshly. Puppies like to have playtime with other people as well. You can teach them to play with you. This is a great way for them to socialize with other people. Once they become more comfortable around people and learn how to use a litter box, you can get them used to sleeping in the same room with you and then the Blankets Back German Shepherd puppies. Share this:. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. More often than not most people envision the traditional black and tan, saddle back pattern dog whenever they picture the German Shepherd dog in their mind or try to describe this dog breed to someone else. It is true, however, that there are a number of German shepherd coat colors and a variety of coat patterns. The final color of a young dog can only be ascertained when the outer coat has developed. Because of that we'll do our best to provide photo examples of each of the German Shepherd coat patterns to make it easier for you to visualize. So here we go.German Shepherd Saddle Back pattern - considered the 'classic' look German Shepherd Blanket Back pattern - notice the extra large "saddle" that covers most of the body German Shepherd Bi-color pattern - notice the lighter color only on lower limbs German Shepherd Solid pattern - one predominant color on the entire body of the dog German Shepherd Sable pattern - multi-color bands appear on each individual hair Many factors such as health and temperament should always be much more important than the search for a specific coat color. Coat color should always be below structure, gait, type, and character and should never take precedence over the working or companionship abilities of the dog itself. The color of the German Shepherd is one of the less important factors to consider whenever choosing a GSD puppy. As long as the colors are strong and well pigmented what does it really matter anyway since the dog will change in color as it matures unless it is a solid colored dog anyhow? German Shepherd coat patterns are all beautiful - remember, after all there is much more to the dog than coat color alone. Return from German Shepherd coat patterns to GSD Breed Standard "Like dogs in a wheel, birds in a cage, or squirrels in a chain, ambitious men still climb and climb, with great labor, and incessant anxiety, but never reach the top. According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America the coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out off-colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. Black and Tan and Sable are seen mostly in Working Lines. Solid black dog with classic recessive black genetics is typically a working line, there are however, Solid Black dogs with dominant black genetics seen in Show line. This would be the most common color of this breed. Most of the time this is the type of dog that you would see in the movies or television or even the advertising of this breed. I would venture to say that b-tmore dogs of this color than any other color of this breed does the most winning in the conformation shows. In fact some judges have a hard time putting up some dogs of other colors like the black dog, the bi-color or even the sable dog. For some of them, this is not a color that they prefer. Of course the best structured dog with the most desirable temperament should be the dog that wins. However, it is a known fact that some judges just do not favor other coat colors besides the black and tan variation. West German Show Line The blanket type of coat is where the saddle part of the dog extends approximately to the elbow of the dog. There are no tan markings on this dog. However, sometimes this dog may appear to have a reddish undercoat. Most of the time that is due to the dog being out in the sun too long. Also I have seen a totally black dog have a white splash on their chest. The solid black is a recessive gene meaning that both parents must carry this color gene. Even with a sable, you can see variances in the color of the pigment. Sometimes you will hear people say they own a red sable. Sometimes you will hear them say that they own a gray. So you can find black sables, tan sables silver sables or red sables. This is how much the coat of a sable can vary. Vom Geliebten Haus.

Ready for a good home, very energetic fun loving dogs, good with children. Boxer Puppies for s. They are Kennel Club registered and have many champions in their blood. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham AL. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Alabama Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We have beautiful puppies of good colors, conformation and personalities. They have great temperament towards people and gets along with big dogs and pets at home even children, They are registered. We now have two Boxer puppies ready to leave to loving homes and caring families. Americanlisted has classifieds in Birmingham, Alabama for dogs and cats. They love to be entertained and amused with their silly dances and fun-loving attitude towards life. KC reg, come with 5 weeks free kennel club David A. Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Please text or wendypamelaconti gmail. The American Boxer Club was established in .He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. We've connected loving homes to reputable. Before you buy from any Alabama Yorkie breeder, be sure to ask about the terms of their health guarantees so that you know exactly what you are getting. Rayne Flashy reverse brindle x Dexter classic sealed brindle pups! Newborn pictures. Puppies For Sale in .Big Mac Boxers — For work, play, or show! Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Birmingham, AL Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to. Boxer, Alabama ». This pet. I can ship my puppies to you. Puppies for Sale near Birmingham, Alabama. A good dog breeder will have confidence in their puppies and will be willing to stand behind them with a guarantee that ensures your new pet stays healthy. If there is one thing a Boxer is not, it is a couch potato. Cute Boxer Puppies available. Birmingham 4. Only Text xxx-xxx-xxxx alabama, birmingham. Puppies for Sale near Birmingham, Alabama Your search returned the following puppies for sale. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Boxer mixed with pit roszebroadnax.Find Boxer puppies for sale Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Alabama, Mobile, .All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. To see more adoptable Boxers in Birmingham, Alabama, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Akc Registered Boxer Shepherd. Browse these Borzoi rescues and shelters below. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppy for sale in Birmingham, AL. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. Greet our Boxer puppies available in Birmingham, AL. Birmingham, Alabama Learn more Get Notified Receive an email alert when additional puppies are added. Intelligent, loving, witty and beautiful little clowns that will keep you laughing. It's easy and free! Boxer puppies for sale from trusted breeders. AKC boxer puppies available to pet and show homes. Description: Parents are onsite and AKC-registered. Boxer For Sale in Birmingham .Home Raised Boxer Puppies. We are raising high quality, healthy AKC boxer puppies for family dogs, companions, Our family adores the breed and we have been raising Boxers for years. There are no health issues and all puppies have their certificates of health and all shots. To see more adoptable Boxers in Birmingham, Alabama, use the search tool below to. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. This ad was posted with the eBay Classifieds mobile app. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Alabama. He was then imported to the United States in .Breeders who register their litters must. Most Popular Boxer Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Boxer names for after analyzing Boxer puppies for sale. Browse search results for free boxer Pets and Animals for sale in Alabama. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We are not intere cute boxer puppies. Our family adores the breed and we have been raising Boxers. Boxer, Alabama » Birmingham. Call for more information and pedigrees asking Pets and Animals. These pups are in Birmingham, Alabama too! Come with cage and leash!!!!! Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham AL The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. If you are looking for a healthy, family-friendly Boxer pup, with nice bloodlines, and you are ready to make the lifetime commitment that a puppy requires, Laymani Boxers is the right place for. They are well trained, socialized, diaper. Boxer For Sale in Alabama .If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Transportation to Birmingham, AL available. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Birmingham, AL Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We strive to produce healthy loving and playful companions. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Birmingham, AL. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama from trusted breeders. Boxer Male, 4 years, 26 weeks Birmingham, Alabama. Parents on premises,Dew claws and tails docked. They are health active and up to date on their shots. Cleveland, AL. We are a family owned kennel located on a Cattle farm in North Alabama. Vet checked, dewormed , ready with first. Search Location: Raleigh, NC change. Boxer Puppies for sale in Alabama Select a Breed. Text us at : xxx-xxx-xxxx for more information. Our goal is to provide our customers with a pup they can be proud of, and one that will bring years of companionship and joy to their family. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL from trusted. We raise long leg and short leg Jack Russell Terriers. Boxer mixed with pit alabama, birmingham. Imaginative We are very proud to have an absolutely beautiful litter of boxer puppies for sale. They are very beautiful, 10 weeks old. Boxer puppies and dogs in Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham. Pet Info Breed Info Boxer If you have a liking for a fearless, energetic yet devoted pet then the boxer breed of dogs should form your list of preferred choices. As the 9th most recognized and popular dog breed in the world, whether the brindle fur colored, white or fawn, a boxer is a delight to look at and a fabulous companion around. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below! History From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. Temperament One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. Environment If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Exercises Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Grooming Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Boxer puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Boxer puppies. Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years. Also, they come with a one-year health guarantee against congenital diseases; contingent on if you keep them up to date on their shots. These Boxers are available for adoption close to Madison, Alabama. Boxer puppies in Tuscaloosa, AL. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Beautiful AKC Boxer puppies for sale! AKC boxer puppies available to pet and show homes. She deserves the absolute best home full of love and exercise and care. Orla is 4 years old, high energy, snuggle loving girl who just happens to not get along with her sister. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Puppies for Sale near Birmingham, Alabama. Pet Breeder in Bryant, Alabama. Please send message for more infor. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham AL. Boxers for Sale in Huntsville, AL. We are raising high quality, healthy AKC boxer puppies for family dogs, AKC Boxer Puppies. We are located in Alabama and have been raising our boxers for almost eight years now, in which, we are starting to sell our puppies from our three AKC registered females. Boxers for Sale in Dothan, AL. Fun loving, and a total goofball that loves to play in the grass. All puppies come with their 2,4,6 week deworming complete and along with their 6 week shots. Text xxx xxx-xxxx if interested. Boxer puppies in Huntsville, AL. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. His unusual looks make him a standout. To see more adoptable Boxers in Huntsville, Alabama, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Near Birmingham, AL Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. They have accommodated over two hundred thousand puppies in caring homes. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Huntsville, Alabama. Our beautiful puppies have great personalities, conformation and colors. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Alabama. Boxer Mixed Breed Medium Female, 3 yrs 7 mos. They are family raised with kids and other pets at home, loved by children, and. We have beautiful puppies of good colors, conformation and personalities. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Alabama. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Alabama. Best Boxers Kennel Puppies for sale today. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Alabama. We raise high quality , healthy AKC boxer puppies for companions, family dogs and watch dogs. Look at pictures of Boxer puppies in Alabama who need a home. We raise high quality AKC boxers for companions, family dogs and watch dogs. Jameson's adoption fee covers his vetting, vaccinations, neuter, and microchipping. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL from trusted breeders. Boxer puppy for sale in Alabama. Boxer dogs were originally bred to be medium-size guard dogs. Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. Located in Northeast Alabama. While they may be considered "Working Dogs" by the AKC, they often find homes as loving companions and family pets. Boxer puppies in Montgomery, AL. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. We are a responsible boxer breeder that cares about our boxers and our boxer puppies. Petland Montgomery has Boxer puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the Boxer? Check out our breed information page! We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. Flip through the pages and enjoy your stay at Best Boxers Kennel. She is the only girl in her litter! Ariel is red with white on her neck. AL Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Alabama Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Ckc boxer puppies for Sale in Cullman, Alabama Classified. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. He loves walking the volunteers, which usually end with Porter getting a belly rub, which he also loves. Boxer For Sale in Alabama .The puppies will have their vaccines and dewormings. However, pet stores will often sell lower-quality puppies for less than this. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Boxer puppies sale Mobile AL. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. Sign in to your account to message breeders and set alerts for your searches! Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL from trusted. Boxer puppies and dogs in Huntsville, Alabama. Boxer Breeders in Alabama AL. Boxer puppies for sale Birmingham, Alabama Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. It would be wise to go with a breeder if you want to get the best possible dog because the parents will have the highest standards of temperament and health. You can expect that boxer breeders in Alabama are more professional because. Boxer puppies in Mobile, AL. To see the older available pup. Boxer Mixed Breed Medium Female, 3 yrs 9 mos. Boxer puppies for sale Birmingham, Alabama. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Alabama Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. Or, how about these Boxers in cities near Madison, Alabama. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Alabama Puppies. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. We take our responsibilities very seriously and strive to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all our pets. Boxers for Sale in Anniston, AL. Tail docked, dew claws removed. Boxer Breeders in Alabama with Puppies for Sale. Boxer puppies in Birmingham, AL. The American Boxer Club was established in .You will find anyone with a boxer puppy for. Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama with Price. Puppies for sale today is a website that connects you with breeders Worldwide and helps you find the perfect fit. Boxer, Alabama » Gadsden Boxer puppies sharpeiloove Beautiful male and female puppies. Will come with vet records of all shots to give t… more. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. They are health active and up to date on their shots. It's easy and free! Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama from trusted breeders. Why buy a Boxer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? ZIP or Canadian postal code in the box below and then click or tap. Ready for a good home, very energetic fun loving dogs, good with children. Boxer Puppies for s. They are Kennel Club registered and have many champions in their blood. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham AL. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Alabama Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We have beautiful puppies of good colors, conformation and personalities. They have great temperament towards people and gets along with big dogs and pets at home even children, They are registered. We now have two Boxer puppies ready to leave to loving homes and caring families. Americanlisted has classifieds in Birmingham, Alabama for dogs and cats. They love to be entertained and amused with their silly dances and fun-loving attitude towards life. KC reg, come with 5 weeks free kennel club David A. Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Please text or wendypamelaconti gmail. The American Boxer Club was established in .He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. We've connected loving homes to reputable. Before you buy from any Alabama Yorkie breeder, be sure to ask about the terms of their health guarantees so that you know exactly what you are getting. Rayne Flashy reverse brindle x Dexter classic sealed brindle pups! Newborn pictures. Puppies For Sale in .Big Mac Boxers — For work, play, or show! Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Birmingham, AL Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to. Boxer, Alabama ». This pet. I can ship my puppies to you. Puppies for Sale near Birmingham, Alabama. A good dog breeder will have confidence in their puppies and will be willing to stand behind them with a guarantee that ensures your new pet stays healthy. If there is one thing a Boxer is not, it is a couch potato. Cute Boxer Puppies available. Birmingham 4. Only Text xxx-xxx-xxxx alabama, birmingham. Puppies for Sale near Birmingham, Alabama Your search returned the following puppies for sale. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Boxer mixed with pit roszebroadnax.Find Boxer puppies for sale Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Alabama, Mobile, .All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. To see more adoptable Boxers in Birmingham, Alabama, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Akc Registered Boxer Shepherd. Browse these Borzoi rescues and shelters below. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppy for sale in Birmingham, AL. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. Greet our Boxer puppies available in Birmingham, AL. Birmingham, Alabama Learn more Get Notified Receive an email alert when additional puppies are added. Intelligent, loving, witty and beautiful little clowns that will keep you laughing. It's easy and free! Boxer puppies for sale from trusted breeders. AKC boxer puppies available to pet and show homes. Description: Parents are onsite and AKC-registered. Boxer For Sale in Birmingham .Home Raised Boxer Puppies. We are raising high quality, healthy AKC boxer puppies for family dogs, companions, Our family adores the breed and we have been raising Boxers for years. There are no health issues and all puppies have their certificates of health and all shots. To see more adoptable Boxers in Birmingham, Alabama, use the search tool below to. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. This ad was posted with the eBay Classifieds mobile app. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Alabama. He was then imported to the United States in .Breeders who register their litters must. Most Popular Boxer Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Boxer names for after analyzing Boxer puppies for sale. Browse search results for free boxer Pets and Animals for sale in Alabama. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We are not intere cute boxer puppies. Our family adores the breed and we have been raising Boxers. Boxer, Alabama » Birmingham. Call for more information and pedigrees asking Pets and Animals. These pups are in Birmingham, Alabama too! Come with cage and leash!!!!! Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham AL The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. If you are looking for a healthy, family-friendly Boxer pup, with nice bloodlines, and you are ready to make the lifetime commitment that a puppy requires, Laymani Boxers is the right place for. They are well trained, socialized, diaper. Boxer For Sale in Alabama .If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Transportation to Birmingham, AL available. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Birmingham, AL Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We strive to produce healthy loving and playful companions. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Birmingham, AL. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama from trusted breeders. Boxer Male, 4 years, 26 weeks Birmingham, Alabama. Parents on premises,Dew claws and tails docked. They are health active and up to date on their shots. Cleveland, AL. We are a family owned kennel located on a Cattle farm in North Alabama. Vet checked, dewormed , ready with first. Search Location: Raleigh, NC change. Boxer Puppies for sale in Alabama Select a Breed. Text us at : xxx-xxx-xxxx for more information. Our goal is to provide our customers with a pup they can be proud of, and one that will bring years of companionship and joy to their family. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL from trusted. We raise long leg and short leg Jack Russell Terriers. Boxer mixed with pit alabama, birmingham. Imaginative We are very proud to have an absolutely beautiful litter of boxer puppies for sale. They are very beautiful, 10 weeks old. Boxer puppies and dogs in Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham. Jameson's adoption fee covers his vetting, vaccinations, neuter, and microchipping. Boxer Breeders in Alabama with Puppies for Sale. You can expect that boxer breeders in Alabama are more professional because. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Boxer puppies for sale Birmingham, Alabama Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. His unusual looks make him a standout. Boxer puppies in Birmingham, AL. Boxer puppies in Huntsville, AL. Please send message for more infor. Or, how about these Boxers in cities near Madison, Alabama. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. She is the only girl in her litter! Ariel is red with white on her neck. We raise high quality AKC boxers for companions, family dogs and watch dogs. It would be wise to go with a breeder if you want to get the best possible dog because the parents will have the highest standards of temperament and health. They have accommodated over two hundred thousand puppies in caring homes. AKC boxer puppies available to pet and show homes. Beautiful AKC Boxer puppies for sale! He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham AL. Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama with Price. Boxer, Alabama » Gadsden Boxer puppies sharpeiloove Beautiful male and female puppies. We have beautiful puppies of good colors, conformation and personalities. Tail docked, dew claws removed. AKC Boxer Puppies. However, pet stores will often sell lower-quality puppies for less than this. Petland Montgomery has Boxer puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the Boxer? Check out our breed information page! Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. ZIP or Canadian postal code in the box below and then click or tap. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Alabama Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. Boxer puppies sale Mobile AL. Boxer Mixed Breed Medium Female, 3 yrs 9 mos. We raise high quality , healthy AKC boxer puppies for companions, family dogs and watch dogs. Boxer Breeders in Alabama AL. All puppies come with their 2,4,6 week deworming complete and along with their 6 week shots. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Alabama. AL Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Alabama Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Orla is 4 years old, high energy, snuggle loving girl who just happens to not get along with her sister. Boxer puppy for sale in Alabama. Will come with vet records of all shots to give t… more. The puppies will have their vaccines and dewormings. Best Boxers Kennel Puppies for sale today. We take our responsibilities very seriously and strive to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all our pets. Ckc boxer puppies for Sale in Cullman, Alabama Classified. You will find anyone with a boxer puppy for. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. They are family raised with kids and other pets at home, loved by children, and. His main purpose is for hunting large game. He loves walking the volunteers, which usually end with Porter getting a belly rub, which he also loves. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL from trusted breeders. While they may be considered "Working Dogs" by the AKC, they often find homes as loving companions and family pets. Boxer puppies in Tuscaloosa, AL. Text xxx xxx-xxxx if interested. Puppies for Sale near Birmingham, Alabama. Boxer puppies for sale in Birmingham, AL from trusted. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. They are health active and up to date on their shots. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Huntsville, Alabama. We are raising high quality, healthy AKC boxer puppies for family dogs, Puppies for sale today is a website that connects you with breeders Worldwide and helps you find the perfect fit. We are located in Alabama and have been raising our boxers for almost eight years now, in which, we are starting to sell our puppies from our three AKC registered females. It's easy and free! We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. She deserves the absolute best home full of love and exercise and care. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Boxer puppies in Montgomery, AL. Boxer puppies and dogs in Huntsville, Alabama. Pet Breeder in Bryant, Alabama. Flip through the pages and enjoy your stay at Best Boxers Kennel. Why buy a Boxer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Boxer puppies in Alabama who need a home. Boxers for Sale in Huntsville, AL. Boxer Mixed Breed Medium Female, 3 yrs 7 mos. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Alabama Puppies. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Alabama. Boxers for Sale in Dothan, AL. Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies for sale Birmingham, Alabama. Boxers for Sale in Knoxville. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. Boxer puppies in Mobile, AL. Our beautiful puppies have great personalities, conformation and colors. Also, they come with a one-year health guarantee against congenital diseases; contingent on if you keep them up to date on their shots. Boxer dogs were originally bred to be medium-size guard dogs. Near Birmingham, AL Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Located in Northeast Alabama. Boxers for Sale in Anniston, AL. Fun loving, and a total goofball that loves to play in the grass. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Alabama. The American Boxer Club was established in .Sign in to your account to message breeders and set alerts for your searches! Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Alabama. To see the older available pup. Boxer For Sale in Alabama .We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. These Boxers are available for adoption close to Madison, Alabama.

It all started when we became empty-nesters and purchased our first lab, since then our Lab family has continued to grow. We strive to breed for great all around family Labradors that are healthy, calm, intelligent, and are of the beautiful English type Labs stocky bodies, square, blocky heads. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting! Healthy Parents We welcome litters a year with the goal of producing healthy family dogs, all purpose Labradors placed in loving homes. We strive for good temperament, structurally sound, intelligence and to improve the breed. Our Labs are sweet, intelligent, easily trained, and so eager to please. Our Labrador Retrievers have superior pedigrees with champion bloodlines from traditional English lines. We do recommended Genetic health testing. The puppies are also dewormed at recommended times. We keep puppies until 8 weeks of age. Labs take 2 to 3 years to develop mentally and physically, training is an important part of the development of your Lab. We strongly recommend you locate a Beginner puppy class, enroll and take several classes. Labs are very intelligent and require socializing, training and exercise. Labs do not socialize themselves. Commitment to the welfare of your dog is extremely important. This puppy will be with you the next years. It's important our puppies are placed in homes where they receive the type of care Lab puppies need. Striving for excellent quality with emphasis on temperament, conformation, intelligence and all around health. Our dogs come from top pedigree, filled with champion lines. Our goal is to produce calm, intelligent "English" Labradors who will provide wonderful companions to you and your family. We are a small kennel, located outside of Alliance, Ohio and believe in producing the utmost quality in our pups. Therefore, we are able to make sure all of our breeding stock and pups receive lots of attention and care. We believe that Labs are at their best when they are in the companionship of people, and where they have freedom to run and play. We take great pride in the quality of the pups we produce emphasizing temperament, conformation and all around health. Our dogs have great pedigrees, filled with champions, from traditional English lines. Our pups are in homes throughout the United States and have proven to be accomplished service dogs, therapy dogs, hunters and companions to many families. You can see many, many years of our dogs, growing from pups to seniors, as well as testimonials from puppy families, on our Facebook page at Maple Creek Labradors. Our Labradors are the 'English' type, meaning they have a square or 'blocky' head, a well muscled body and thick bone. Their soft, kind expression make them instantly lovable. They are not separate color genes. We do not breed dilutes, nor do we support them.

Keep calm! German Shepherd puppy training is fun and a great time to bond with your new dog! Instead… Follow these puppy training tips to break down your training into manageable steps that are easy to teach and train. German Shepherd puppies are brilliant! And as they grow, they become the most loyal canine friends. Teach Them Handling Skills While your dog may enjoy gentle caresses and hugs from you they will also need to learn other important handling skills. Think about the grooming your dog will need and how the vet might handle your pup in the future. These are all areas where they will be touched in the future. Handling skills involve intentional, purposeful touch that acclimates your dog to uneasy situations in the near future. Ignoring fear and stress signals such as cowering, lip their lips multiple times, turning their head away, even shaking will only teach your dog to fear that object. Fear can cause your dog to become aggressive or suffer from anxiety. Never, ever try to become the alpha! Instead, learn to become their favorite teacher and speak their language. It also prevents undesired behaviors. Think of positive training in terms of showing, teaching, influencing, and trusting. These terms build trust. Focus on the Good Things Some puppy owners all too often think about punishment and discipline as their first steps in training. What you want is to focus on catching your dog behaving well — and reward that! If you see your puppy chewing on the right chew toy, then praise them. When you see them look at you, offer them a treat for paying attention. When you find your dog lying down being quiet and calm, pet them gently and offer them verbal praise. The more you focus on the good things, the less your dog concerns itself with doing bad things. Call them to you or offer them a better option that is what you prefer, then praise them for choosing the right thing. Pick one skill at a time to practice, and build upon their success. Think of the easiest way for your dog to understand the command and stick to the same word. You can begin basic German Shepherd obedience commands from your own home, even! Small bits of training, spread out in multiple sessions throughout the day, is better than an hour-long session. Aim for the 5-minutes worth of training using 4 to 5 sessions daily. This is where brain games and brain training come into play. You can make up your own brain games for their mental exercise or, even better… Signup for an online course that teaches fun Brain Training for Dogs using that positive, reward-based training you read about earlier. Using the unique intelligence of your German Shepherd puppy this brain training program helps your dog to learn not only their basic commands but also to play fun games that work on good behavior. Training games help your dog to learn impulse control, basic commands, and to watch and listen to you. What games do you play with a young dog? Try these great German Shepherd puppy training games to give your 8-week-old puppy a head start! Include different games throughout the day in between your training sessions to give your dog a break and have fun with them! There are 5 critical focus areas in which you must train your 8-week old German Shepherd appropriately. Here is the most important training that you need to teach your new puppy so they enjoy a successful life with you. Keep in mind, your young dog is unable to hold its bladder for more than a couple of hours at 8-weeks-old. They simply lack the muscle control to hold their bladders any longer. Instead, opt to train your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy using positive methods and watching for the natural times that your dog chooses to eliminate. Adjust the times as necessary to avoid any accidents in your house and help keep your puppy to their unique schedule. Early morning: Let your pup outside first thing every morning to let them relieve themselves. After breakfast: After its morning breakfast meal let your dog back outside. Let them walk around and sniff to help encourage them to explore and let them stretch their legs. Before and after lunch: Let your puppy outside before and after their lunchtime meal. Eating stimulates the bowels and your puppy needs to got outside at least every 2 hours. Before and after dinner: Remember that eating stimulates the response for your puppy to eliminate. So, before and after every mealtime your puppy should be let outside for a walk and sniff. Before bedtime: Your puppy needs to relieve themself before they settle down for the nighttime. This is a good time to let them have a long sniffing exploration and to really explore a safe area. During the night: Yes, your puppy will probably need to go potty during the night. You might hear them whine and cry to get your attention. Remember, they cannot hold their bladders for more than 2 hours! After naptime: Take your puppy out for a potty break after naptime, as soon as they wake up. Keep repeating the same routine. Your puppy will soon catch on, but this generally takes weeks or even months. The more diligent you are about preventing accidents the quicker your puppy will learn housetraining. Never, ever punish your puppy or rub their nose in it for punishment. This may stress them out and cause even more accidents. Socializing your 8-week-old German Shepherd means that you must provide your dog with interesting and positive interactions where they feel safe. This helps give your young dog confidence in its environment. German Shepherd Dogs are extremely loyal and have a tendency of apprehensiveness with strangers. Socialization helps ensure that your puppy not only grows a strong bond with you without developing over-protectiveness but also learns to trust that you have their best interest in mind and will keep their experiences as positive as possible. German Shepherd puppy socialization training tips: Without their full set of vaccinations, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases. However, consider taking your young dog to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized. This reduces the risk of becoming sick and helps your German Shepherd become a confident, well-adjusted, and friendly dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization source , even before your dog receives its full set of vaccines, as lack of socialization is detrimental long-term. Every new interaction or must be followed with a reward — a tasty treat! This ensures your puppy has positive associations with new experiences, people, and other dogs. With the proper socialization training, your puppy should become eager to explore new places and meet new people and animals. Taking your German Shepherd puppy to new places exposes them to different people, dogs, sights, and sounds. As a puppy, you can help teach your German Shepherd important social skills through intentional training moments that are positive and allow your puppy to develop their confidence in social situations. This is where bite inhibition comes in useful. Bite inhibition helps your puppy to not only control what they bite but also how hard or soft they close their jaws. It teaches your dog how to properly apply force with its mouth without hurting you or anyone else. How to Teach Your Puppy to Bite Without Hurting You To teach your puppy not to hurt you with their nipping and biting do your best to not let them get to this energy level. If you know your puppy tends to bite you when you play with them too long, then cut your playtime short. If they tend to bite and nip you when they are tired, then have them go to their nap area sooner to rest. Puppies also tend to bite you when they are cranky from not eating soon enough or when they want attention. You can get up and leave the play area for a few moments. Return once they are calm. Never use only your hands for play. You should have a few puppy-safe chew toys around to grab quickly to offer your puppy during play. If your puppy nips or bites any of these areas, the game is immediately over. Get up slowly and calmly and leave. Only return when they are calm again. Offer your puppy their chew toy when they are too excited to play softly with you. Encourage them to find their toys and bite them instead of you. Never yell or punish your puppy for play-biting and nipping. Doing so can lead to anxiety, aggression, or your puppy fearing you. Even though German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs, learning and teaching bite inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. You might even walk to walk around with one of their toys in your pocket to help reinforce the right behavior offering them the chew toy when they decide to nip your ankles or bite your legs. Continue with your bite-inhibition training as long as it takes for your dog to learn to use its soft mouth. This could take months, but soon they will master the art of a soft bite. But, crate training your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy can improve the speed of their house training and accustom them to times they may need to be in their crate such as during travel or at the vets and groomers. Crates are also a useful area for your dog to have their own private space when they want alone time or are stressed and need some quiet. Choose a crate that gives your dog enough room to turn completely around, stand comfortably, sit upright, and lie down easily on their side with their legs stretched for rest. The best crates grow with your German Shepherd and allow you to partition the space off to suit their size. Offer them a treat or even their meal in their crate to help them develop positive associations with it. Start closing the door when they are inside for just a few seconds at first. Then, open the door and let them out calmly. Continue to increase the time your puppy stays inside the crate, working up to longer and longer times. This may only encourage them to cry and whine harder and louder when they want out. Instead, wait just a couple of seconds for them to be quiet, and let them out only when they are not crying and whining. If they appear too stressed or panicked, let them out immediately! This also encourages your dog to seek out the crate when they want their private space and time alone, as they will know where to find their crate. Avoid placing a blanket over the crate since puppies chew and are extremely active. Your pup could accidentally pull the blanket inside and hurt themselves by either wrapping it around their neck or choking on it. Place the crate in an area away from drafts and out of the direct sun so they get too cold or too warm. The best way to do this is to practice leash skills at home first. After they are comfortable wearing their leash around the house, you can work on the skill in the backyard, front yard, or on the sidewalk outside. A good time is during their favorite meal. Only leave them on your dog for a short time to gauge their reaction. If they seem fine, place your puppy into the harness and attach the leash. Offer them praise and a reward for letting you leash them. Now, let your puppy drag the leash around the house so they know how it feels to wear it. You can play with them a bit, or even better have them follow you around which simulates an outdoor walk but indoors. Remove the harness and leash if your GSD puppy becomes too upset and agitated! Keep it upbeat and positive! Now, introduce your puppy to a short walk outdoors in the safety of your backyard. Let your puppy wander around while you hold the leash. They may begin to pull. Get their attention by calling their name and showing them a treat to lure them back to you gently. Reward them every time they come to you while on the leash. Should they ignore you then offer them the treat to lure them to you after giving the command. Try kneeling or squatting down to get on their level when you give them the command. It seems to get their attention better. You can even slap your leg or clap your hands to entice them back to you. Always ensure that your puppy is not stressed by their new harness and leash. Some owners prefer to use a collar for leash training. If this is your choice then only choose life-saving break-away collars since your puppy could get hung up and seriously injure themselves if their collar catches on something during their outside walk. Your dog can learn the basic commands with a bit of training. If you have time to train basic commands and are still focusing on the core areas of raising your German Shepherd puppy, then follow these helpful articles that will put your puppy on the right track to obedience training. This also means that you will have to care for the puppy even more than ever. Proper medical attention, regular walks, etc. But how exactly do you care for such a puppy? The weight of a male German Shepherd increases at a very high rate, about 1 kg 2 lbs per week, and thus at the age of 9 weeks, it would weigh 9 to 10 kg 18 — 20 lbs. As for the female counterpart, the weight is slightly smaller by 2 kg, or 4 lbs. At this point, both dog genders should be 12 to 15 inches in height. With that said, a puppy that weighs 3 to 4 kg 6 to 8 lbs less than expected is probably not fed correctly, the same goes for the other side. Training If you are wondering, you indeed can train such a young puppy, although it can learn much fewer tricks than an adult dog would. Mainly what you want to focus on is bite inhibition, as random biting is an extremely often problem throughout all individual German Shepherds. Other tricks may include: The give paw command. Quite easy to teach and simple to learn, especially for a German Shepherd. It would be a good idea to teach a puppy these tricks, as they may be necessary for further training in the future. Without it, the dog may be overly aggressive in the future. So be careful. It is obvious, that leaving a dog without care would be equal to abandoning it. So, it is fully up to you to feed, groom, heal and play with that German Shepherd of yours. On the bright side of things, the said puppy is much more independent than before and will help you care for itself. Pay attention! Analise that information and fix the diet if needed. The amount of things you have to worry about is increased. Additionally, the pet at this point actively learns from its environment. And, finally, good luck with your 9 week old German Shepherd, and thank you for reading!

The socket is where the femoral head fits and also articulates. In unaffected dogs, the femoral head fits tightly into properly formed sockets. In severe cases of hip dysplasia in golden retrievers, there can be partial dislocation and bone spurs present on the rims of the sockets and the femoral heads themselves. So are all golden retrievers likely to get hip dysplasia? This survey has been tracking the prevalence of hip dysplasia since and allows you to examine the severity and frequency of hip abnormalities over time. We do know that golden retrievers are among other large breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards as being dogs that are primarily affected by hip dysplasia due to their size and breed characteristics. But there are some environmental factors that contribute to the likelihood of a golden retriever with hip dysplasia as well. Excessive, quick growth, too much exercise, the wrong nutrition, and injuries to their joints are all factors that will determine if and how much golden retriever hip dysplasia could affect your pup. Golden Retriever Hip Dysplasia Prevention Tips Your golden retriever is your family, and no one wants to see someone they love in pain. Prevents further breakdown in the joints. Reduce pain and inflammation in their hips. Improve the lubrication of the hip joints. Adding a joint supplement also helps your golden retriever with hip dysplasia to avoid further pain, so even if your golden has already developed this condition, supplements can offer tremendous benefits. But making sure you know how to read a supplement label is important so you can pick the right joint supplement for your beloved pet. Low Strain Exercises via GIPHY That means they love to get outside when possible and are just a little extra prone to excited zoomies around the house. But you have to be careful with your pup — getting the right amount and type of exercise is important if you are looking to prevent golden retriever hip dysplasia. Giving your puppy too much hard exercise like jogging, bike riding, agility, or hiking can further increase their risk of hip dysplasia. Plus, young and clumsy puppies are more prone to injuries, and more injury to the joints may mean an increased likelihood of developing golden retriever hip dysplasia. Instead of sporadic, intense exercise, your pup needs exercise that is: Consistent and low-impact Allows them to stay on a leash Promotes the stretching of hip joints Not sure where to start? Type of Exercise. Updated On: September 23, Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are fun, loving, and smart. Overall, this is a relatively healthy breed. Yet, there are some diseases that are prevalent in Golden Retrievers. They were bred for hunting and retrieving waterfowl. In many ways, the Golden Retriever resembles the Labrador Retriever, which is another sporting and waterfowl breed. They are actually very similarly sized breeds and live approximately years. Golden Retrievers do have some differences with Labs. The most obvious difference is in their appearance. Golden Retrievers have a characteristically golden coat. Labs come in brown, black, or yellow colors. Golden Retrievers can also have either long or short costs. Golden Retrievers tend to be quieter than labs. Also, Golden Retrievers have a few more health issues. Because they were bred as a sporting and hunting dog, Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercise. Without the stimulation they need, they can become destructive. If you want a couch potato dog, then the Golden Retriever may not be for you. However, if you enjoy swimming, playing catch, walking and running, and many other outside activities, you and your Golden Retriever will get along just fine. Golden Retrievers are fairly healthy on average, but there are a few common health concerns: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia As with many large breeds, elbow and hip dysplasia are both common in Golden Retrievers. It is a genetic condition that causes the femoral head to partially dislocate. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia can cause stiff and painful joints. You will notice your dog struggling to stand or having an unusual gait with this condition. Most responsible breeders will ensure that they do not breed dogs with Hip or Elbow Dysplasia. If your dog has the disease, your veterinarian can help you create a treatment plan. Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. It may range from pain medication and therapy to surgery. Cancer Unfortunately, cancer is very common among Golden Retrievers. That is a huge occurrence of the disease in this breed. As with humans, cancer is spread genetically. There are actually far more cases of cancer in Golden Retrievers than there were in the s. That is good news because it may point to a new genetic mutation in the breed. Researchers are looking for a reason for the recent rise in Golden Retriever cancer rates. The good news is, cancer in Golden Retrievers may be treatable depending on the type. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition common in dogs and Golden Retrievers are no different. They are prone to this disease. You can suspect that your Golden Retriever has epilepsy if they have involuntary seizures or lose consciousness often. If you notice these symptoms, take your Golden Retriever to your vet immediately. Epilepsy can be treated through the use of medication. The two most common are phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Research is ongoing into more modern anticonvulsants. Allergies More than many other breeds, Golden Retrievers are prone to allergies. Their allergies can cause skin problems like lick granulomas or hot spots. Wheat allergies are common with this breed, as are environmental allergies. Most allergies can be controlled. Otherwise, you can help them by treating the symptoms of their allergies. Take them to the vet if they excessively lick or scratch at an area. Also, removing the allergen as much as possible can help control symptoms. Golden Retriever Mobility Loss Joint conditions like hip dysplasia are the tip of mobility problems impacting Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers are active dogs, making them prone to injuries like ACL tears. It is devastating when a previously active dog can no longer walk. A dog wheelchair can help your senior Golden Retriever to walk again. If your Golden Retriever struggles to move, a dog wheelchair might be precisely what they need! Buddy the Golden Retriever and His Wheelchair Two days ago Buddy lost use of his hips from displacement and arthritis. Early this morning I felt there was no other option but to put our family member Buddy down. He had not gone to the bathroom for almost 2 days. But then, I found your optional rear end harness! It is absolutely perfect for the manual transport to and from house, car, etc. I found you on the Internet this morning, drove to your office. Now my family and I have more time with our beloved Buddy. Thank you! However, the increase in cancer rates in the breed is worrying. Regular vet checkups and constant love and handling can help you catch any health problems before they get out of control. Make sure you are aware of the health issues before deciding on a Golden Retriever. That knowledge ensures you help your beloved Golden live a long and healthy life. Related Articles:.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Log In About us 15 years ago I first looked for my ideal dog, like you are now, I trawled through the internet cooing over beautiful pictures not sure where to go or who to speak too. I spoke to friends, family and generally accosted lovely dog-owning people in the street to discuss their pets. I also have allergies to light weight, fly away fur, and also oily fur, so I was looking for a low to non-shedding dog with the right coat to suit me. After a long conversation I discovered this happy-go-lucky pup was a labradoodle!! Having never heard of the breed before I went away to research further, and since that day my head was honestly and truly turned. So why am I breeding Australian Labradoodles? It appeared to be a choice of kennel environment bred dogs with health tests, or home bred with minimal or no health tests. Full details and explanations can be found on my Health Tests page. My breeding dogs are pets first and foremost, and either live in my home or in my fantastic guardian home program. The time and effort I invest in my puppies is reflected in their fine natures and ability to settle into new homes. I run my small home breeding programme to the highest professional standards and with a dedication and passion for the longevity of the breed. Tango Wool Labradoodles is located in the hinterlands of Western Massachusetts in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire mountains, close to the borders of New York, Connecticut, and Vermont, where I have lived with my two daughters for over 38 years. Animals have always been one of my greatest loves and I feel blessed to have been part of the dog world for most of my life. My work with dogs eventually led me to become a hobby breeder, raising English Labradors of the highest caliber, all from champion lines and bred for the best possible health and temperament. It was a wonderful venture, and now I am applying all that I have learned to breeding what I believe are some of the healthiest, happiest, and most beautiful Labradoodles anywhere. My interest in the breed was sparked when I heard of their allergy-friendly qualities a few years ago, at a time when my own grandson was having a hard time dealing with his allergies. Thus began my quest to acquire the best Labradoodle I could find. I wanted one that could measure up to the same standards as my Labradors, with thoroughly health-tested parents and grandparents and a gentle, loving, and trainable temperament. After a year of doing my homework I bought a gorgeous Labradoodle from a breeder who I thought had incredible dogs, and introduced her into my home. We were thrilled.I put my labs into guardian homes and only had my Labradoodle at home. .I was sold on Labradoodles! No sneezing! Not only was my grandson not allergic, the dog herself was amazingly smart, kind, gentle and athletic. We could play all day and when it was time to come home and chill out she could switch gears effortlessly. I continued my experiment and had every test done on her required by the Goldendoodle-Labradoodle Premium Breeders List of which we are now a proud member , and found she passed every tests with flying colors, in fact, with some of the best hip scores Tufts University had ever seen. That piece of advice convinced me to follow the path I've been on ever since, and resulted in the birth of Tango Wool Labradoodles. My dogs live in the house with me or outside in our beautiful fenced-in backyard, using the kennel actually a mini-apartment inside the main house only occasionally if I need to be away for the day. Some of my dogs are also placed in Guardian Homes where they get plenty of love and attention, only coming back to Tango Wool to have their puppies. We breed beautiful Australian lines and gorgeous American lines! Please go to our Facebook Tango Wool Labradoodles where you can see our reviews, people's comments, and a lot of the fun stuff we do! Please enjoy! Tango Wool is a small operation, and it's going to stay that way.I intend to continue to hike, swim, kayak, and love my dogs! Please feel free to call or email me with any questions you might have; I can be reached 7 days a week from 9 a. EST or any time via email! Thanks for visiting!

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world. Labrador Retrievers, with their affectionate nature, boundless energy, and unwavering loyalty, have earned a special place in the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Known for their friendly, loving temperament and their extraordinary intelligence, Labs make excellent family pets, guide dogs, service dogs, and even skilled workers in fields like search, rescue, hunting, and law enforcement. So, how did the Labrador Retriever, or Lab for short, go from their humble beginnings as hardworking fishing companions in Newfoundland, Canada to one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide? Labrador Retriever History Although the name might suggest Labrador Retrievers came from Labrador, Canada, this well-known dog breed originated from nearby Newfoundland in the s. At the time, small water dogs were bred with larger Newfoundlands to create a breed called the St. These dogs were raised by fishermen to help retrieve fish and nets from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The new breed was perfect for jobs like these because their thick coats repelled water and their webbed paws made them excellent swimmers. Labrador Retrievers Grow in Popularity Labrador Retrievers continued to live exclusively in Newfoundland until the early s when they eventually made their way to Poole, England. The Earl of Malmesbury, a British nobleman and sports enthusiast, had seen the breed in action and immediately brought them home to England. By , Labradors were officially recognized by the English Kennel Club. By , the American Kennel Club recognized Labrador Retrievers as an official breed and they quickly became a loving pet to families across the country. Is a Labrador Retriever Right for You? Today, Labrador Retrievers are as ready as ever to work and please their pet parents. When determining if a Labrador Retriever is the right dog for you, it will require careful consideration of your lifestyle and preferences. Labs thrive in active households that can provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They are also highly social, affectionate, and outgoing so they do best in families with children and other pets. If you're prepared to invest time, effort, and love into their care, Labrador Retrievers can become a central member of your family, bringing you joy, laughter, and endless fun. Learn about other popular dog breeds with our Breed Library! Get more information when you join our Best Friends Club! Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family.

As they got acquainted by e-mails, Hovan was impressed that Bultman wanted to be sure that Hovan would not require her to neuter or spay the dog at an early age. The possible health effects of early spaying and neutering is a topic Hovan, the research facilitator for the Golden Retriever Club of America, holds close to her heart. I'd look at them and wonder how they got so tall. Those sold to families as companion animals, or pets, were routinely neutered. Hovan, like most breeders, requires pet owners to spay and neuter dogs. She began noticing that the age at which dogs were spayed or neutered played a role in the way they looked as adults. Following the guidance of her mother, a board-certified canine and feline practitioner with a large number of Golden Retriever clients, Bultman presented her concerns to Hovan. The junior handler explained that early spay and neuter surgeries may contribute to cruciate ligament and other orthopedic injuries. Her mother, Terri Hartung, D. Then, people began neutering young puppies, and now most people seem to have settled on the age of 6 months for neutering or spaying. A balance needs to be established about what is best for an individual dog. However, recent findings give breeders reasons to think twice about the age recommendations they give puppy buyers for spaying and neutering pets. Among the concerns associated with spaying or neutering prior to sexual maturity are increased risks of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments, possibly decreased life span, some evidence for increased incidence of hypothyroidism, hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma. On the flip side is concern that intact bitches are at risk for mammary cancer. Beyond Behavioral Changes The health effects of neutering and spaying on Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers has been the focus of a recent study. Comparing data on disease incidence and a dog's reproductive status, the researchers have documented correlations that go beyond behavioral changes. The data analysis continues, with publication in a peer-reviewed journal expected in .Lead investigator Benjamin Hart, D. There is much misconception related to the impact neutering has on an animal and whether the age of neutering makes a difference. The veterinary database at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital provided information about diagnoses and tests performed on Golden Retrievers and 2, Labrador Retrievers. The comprehensive questionnaire gathered information from club members via mailed surveys, with the results posted on the parent club website www. The database included information about 1, Golden Retrievers from respondents. A clinical animal behaviorist, Hart has devoted his career to studying the behavioral effects of castration on dogs, cats and horses. Only about 25 to 30 percent of the dogs we studied show a major change in behavior after neutering. She estimates that among her clients with large breeds, about 75 percent of male dogs are neutered after 1 year of age and 50 percent of bitches after their first heat. For these clients, I emphasize the important of practicing obesity prevention. In countries where most bitches are left unspayed, the statistics are clear that intact bitches are at increased risk for mammary cancer. The question is how does spaying at 12 months, which is very different from leaving a bitch intact throughout life, alter the risk? I advise people to wait. After researching the topic, Hovan wrote a reference-supported article, titled "Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever," which she shares with puppy buyers and suggests that they share with their veterinarians. More research is needed to document the health effects of early spaying and neutering, Hartung says. If for some reason or another that wait is too long then please wait until your puppy is at least 12 months old if possible. It is very important keep the weight off your pup at any age but especially when they are young and still growing! When a dog gets fixed, especially early on in its life, it becomes easier for them to gain weight faster. Overweight dogs are a lot more prone to issues such as OCD, hip dysplasia, diabetes, cancer, lower immune system, etc. The study, which examined the health records of golden retrievers, found a surprising doubling of hip dysplasia among male dogs neutered before one year of age. This and other results were published Feb. While results of the new study are revealing, Hart said the relationship between neutering and disease-risk remains a complex issue. Dog owners in the United States are overwhelmingly choosing to neuter their dogs, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation or avoid unwanted behaviors. In the U. In Europe, however, neutering is generally avoided by owners and trainers and not promoted by animal health authorities, Hart said. During the past decade, some studies have indicated that neutering can have several adverse health effects for certain dog breeds. Those studies examined individual diseases using data drawn from one breed or pooled from several breeds. Against that backdrop, Hart and colleagues launched their study, using a single hospital database. The study was designed to examine the effects of neutering on the risks of several diseases in the same breed, distinguishing between males and females and between early or late neutering and non-neutering. The researchers chose to focus on the golden retriever because it is one of the most popular breeds in the U. The breed also is favored for work as a service dog. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for two joint disorders and three cancers: hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor. The dogs were classified as intact not neutered , neutered early before 12 months age , or neutered late at or after 12 months age. The study revealed that, for all five diseases analyzed, the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were neutered either early or late compared with intact non-neutered dogs. Specifically, early neutering was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and lymphosarcoma in males and of cranial cruciate ligament tear in females. Late neutering was associated with the subsequent occurrence of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma in females. In most areas, the findings of this study were consistent with earlier studies, suggesting similar increases in disease risks. The new study, however, was the first to specifically report an increased risk of late neutering for mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma. Furthermore, the new study showed a surprising percent increase, or doubling, of the incidence of hip dysplasia among early-neutered males. Earlier studies had reported a 17 percent increase among all neutered dogs compared to all non-neutered dogs, indicating the importance of the new study in making gender and age-of-neutering comparisons. About UC Davis For more than years, UC Davis has been one place where people are bettering humanity and our natural world while seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It seems that the more research I do, the more confused I become. It is VERY controversial. The biggest problem I run into is that most veterinarians are very strong on their stance and unwavering in their opinion. Because of this. I personally have a much stronger opinion on when to spay a female than when to neuter a male. From most veterinarians and multiple websites, I believe that a female should be spayed prior to having her first heat. Again, some veterinarians believe you should wait until the first heat, but the majority of theriogenologists reproductive veterinarians and practicing veterinarians agree that it should be done before the first heat. The reason for this is that studies have shown that females who are spayed prior to a heat have almost little to no chance of many types of reproductive cancers. For example, breast cancer Mammary neoplasia is very common in female Golden Retrievers. In fact, it is the most common tumor type in female dogs. Female dogs that are spayed prior to going into their first heat have a 0. Female English Golden Retrievers typically go into their first heat between months old. Our average English Golden Retriever goes into heat closer to months of age. Our recommendation is to have a female spayed between months of age. They are not themselves. They will do whatever they can do to get to the female, even if that means breaking out of their enclosure. If there is an intact female anywhere near where you live and she goes into full estrus, then beware because your male will do whatever he can to get to her. That could obviously be very dangerous, because he could get run over, stolen or produce a litter of pups. But most clients are actually quite surprised at how fast their dog recovers from the surgery. I am always amazed by how tough Golden Retrievers are. Usually they recover in a few short days. As pet owners, we want to make sure that our furry friends are healthy and happy! Key Takeaways Timing of spaying or neutering should be personalized based on factors like age, gender, and individual health. There are alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, such as vasectomy and hysterectomy. What Are Spaying And Neutering? Spaying and neutering are common treatments that can help keep our furry friend healthy and happy and keeps them from reproducing! Spaying female dogs involves removing the ovaries and uterus while neutering male dogs involves removing the testicles. These operations are frequently performed by a veterinarian while the dog is anesthetized. The timing of when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into consideration various factors. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever: Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian is your best source of guidance. Consider Age: Traditionally, many dogs were spayed or neutered at a very young age, often around six months old. However, recent research suggests that for larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, it may be beneficial to wait until they are older months to allow for proper growth and development. Gender Matters: The ideal timing can vary between males and females. Male Golden Retrievers can typically be neutered around six to nine months of age, but consult your vet for the best timing. Your vet can help you weigh the pros and cons. If you intend to breed, consult with a professional breeder for guidance on the best timing. Behavioral Considerations: Spaying or neutering can have an impact on certain behaviors like aggression or marking. Discuss these concerns with your vet. Local Regulations: In some areas, spaying or neutering may be required by law. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations. Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering Spaying and neutering our pets can provide numerous benefits, such as population control, improved behavior, cost savings, and the promotion of excellent health. Potential Health Benefits of Spaying for Female Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Elimination of the risk of uterine infections pyometra Reduced risk of mammary gland tumors Decreased likelihood of ovarian and cervical cancers Potential Health Benefits of Neutering for Male Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Reduced risk of testicular cancer Lower incidence of prostate problems Diminished chances of certain behavioral issues related to intact males However, each dog is unique, and the benefits of spaying or neutering may vary depending on the breed, age, and overall health of the particular dog, so it is vital to consult with a veterinarian. The costs of spaying and neutering your Golden Retriever can vary significantly based on factors like location and the age and size of your dog. Keep in mind that actual costs may differ depending on your specific circumstances and geographic region. The risk of problems is normally low, but as with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications such as bleeding, infection, or severe responses to anesthesia. When it comes to spaying or neutering, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind, just as with any surgery. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Anesthetic risks: Your dog will be sedated throughout the procedure, and issues such as breathing difficulties, allergic responses, or unpleasant reactions to the anesthesia are possible. Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site following surgery. Your veterinarian will use sterile techniques and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics to reduce this danger. Bleeding: There is a small danger of bleeding with any procedure. During the surgery, your veterinarian will take efforts to reduce any bleeding and will follow your dog afterward. Pain: Some dogs may experience pain or discomfort following the operation. Your veterinarian will provide pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. Unpleasant reactions: Some dogs may have an adverse reaction to the surgery, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, in rare situations. Your veterinarian will take precautions to reduce dangers and will provide you with post-operative instructions to promote good healing and recovery. Tips After the Procedure Following a spay or neuter procedure, it is critical to provide your pet with extra TLC to aid in its recovery. Here are some things to remember: Allow your dog to relax and confine him to a small, quiet area for the time indicated by your veterinarian. This will keep them from getting overly enthusiastic and running around, which will slow down the healing process. Give it exactly as advised, and notify your vet if you discover your dog is still in pain. Keep their incision clean and dry, and keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge. Gradually increase their activity: During the healing phase, your dog should be restricted from strenuous activity, but you can gradually raise their activity level as directed by your veterinarian. Check-in with your veterinarian. Keep an eye out for them. Remember that each dog is unique, and healing times can vary. Most importantly, provide them with love and affection during their recuperation. There are a few spaying and neutering options, but they are not as extensively used or as effective as traditional spaying and neutering. Consider the following alternatives: 1. Vasectomy for males : Purpose: A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents a male dog from fathering puppies without removing the testicles. Procedure: During a vasectomy, the vasa deferentia tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are cut or blocked. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation but allows the male dog to maintain sexual behaviors and characteristics. Reversibility: Vasectomies are often considered reversible, but success rates may vary. Reversal surgery can attempt to restore fertility by reconnecting the vasa deferentia. Hysterectomy for females : Purpose: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus womb in female dogs while preserving the ovaries. This prevents pregnancy and eliminates the risk of uterine infections pyometra and certain reproductive cancers. Procedure: During a hysterectomy, the uterus is surgically removed, while the ovaries are left intact. This allows the female dog to maintain her hormonal balance and prevents pregnancy. Reversibility: Unlike spaying ovariohysterectomy , a hysterectomy is not reversible because the uterus is removed. However, the dog retains her ovaries and hormonal functions. Both vasectomy and hysterectomy offer alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, allowing dogs to keep some of their natural hormone balance and behaviors while preventing reproduction. Conclusion Deciding whether to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever involves weighing the pros and cons carefully. Alternative options are also worth exploring. Neutering may help reduce some behaviors associated with mating instincts, but individual Golden Retrievers may still remain playful and energetic. Do female dogs behave better after being spayed? Spaying can potentially reduce certain behaviors related to the estrus cycle, but improvements in behavior vary among individual dogs. What to expect after spaying a golden retriever? After spaying, expect some mild discomfort and restlessness in your Golden Retriever for a few days, but recovery is generally smooth. How do I comfort my dog after being spayed? Are dogs still playful after being spayed? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. These procedures were typically performed before the dog reached six months of agethe accepted standard in the veterinary profession. The decision was never risk free, of course. By eliminating the dog's reproductive capacity you're also shutting down the production of hormones that affect metabolismthe reason spayed and neutered dogs are at higher risk for becoming obese. Still, the long-term health implications were believed to be overwhelmingly positive. In recent years, however, this picture has begun to change. Benjamin L. They tracked the histories of numerous other breeds as well. Specifically, they looked at the incidence of three joint disorders hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injury and four cancers hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. They also looked at the incidence of mammary cancer in females. What they discovered was surprising. In males neutered before six months of age, however, the incidence of joint disorders jumps to 23 percent, and in males neutered between six months and one year to 11 percent. The percentage of joint disorders for female goldens spayed in those time frames is about the same. The risk increases to 13 percent for males neutered before six months and to 12 percent for males neutered between six months and their first birthday. Based on these findings, the suggested guideline for golden retriever males is to delay neutering until they're beyond one year of age. Given these findings, Hart strongly recommends leaving female goldens intact or, if that's not possible, delaying spaying until after the one-year threshold and, in his words, "remaining vigilant for cancers. This preserves the hormonal "factory" while eliminating the possibility of pregnancy and the discharge associated with estrus. However, fewer veterinarians are qualified to perform this procedure than are qualified to perform a traditional spay. For Labs, there is good news in one respect. Hart and his team found no correlation between spaying or neutering and increased risk of cancers, regardless of when the procedures are performed. But while intact Labs of either sex have a 6 percent risk for joint disorders, the risk for males neutered before six months jumps to 9 percent and for females spayed any time before their first birthday to 11 percent. The obvious conclusion is to delay neutering until after six months, and spaying until after one year. And what of the conventional wisdom that spaying sharply reduces the risk of mammary cancer? The incidence of mammary cancers in intact females of both breeds is only about 1 percent. The hope is that our research will help to extend the working lives of Labs and goldens and promote their basic comfort. Still, every owner should make the decision to spay or neuter not only in light of our findings but in consultation with his or her veterinarian. Shelters often perform the procedure to help reduce the number of homeless dogs. Some pet parents also do it to control aggressive or highly sexualized behavior, or to protect a dog from repeated and unwanted pregnancies. But while the procedure is common, it is not without risk. In particular, fixing your dog when they are too young can predispose them to a variety of serious health conditions in the future. Spaying is the process for female dogs and involves an operation that removes their reproductive organs. Neutering is the process for male dogs and involves removing their testicles. Dogs that have not been fixed are referred to as intact. When should I spay a female golden retriever and neuter a male golden retriever? Doing it earlier than this cuts off access to hormones that they need for healthy development and can lead to joint problems and hypothyroidism in both male and female golden retrievers, and a predisposition to various forms of cancer in female golden retrievers. Traditional advice has always been that dogs should be spayed or neutered before six months of age to diminish the chances of them developing uterine infections. But research now suggests that for at least some dog breeds, fixing operations should be delayed because doing it too soon can cause other health issues. Golden retrievers are one of the breeds that certainly should not be fixed before six months of age, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least a year old. Many vets are now also recommending not to spay female golden retrievers at all unless it is absolutely necessary. As we have already said, there are a variety of reasons you might choose to put your dog through this process. It protects against overpopulation in general and unwanted pregnancy on a specific level. It can help diminish behavior issues such as territorial behavior and humping. It can also help protect against certain health issues. For example, it significantly decreases the risk of testicular and pancreatic cancer in male dogs. You can learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering here. You should always speak to your vet to decide whether spaying or neutering is the right choice for you and your dog. What are the risks of fixing your Golden Retriever too soon? Joint Issues Research suggests that fixing any dog before the age of six months can lead to serious joint issues. They are four to six times more likely to develop joint problems such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears. Hip dysplasia is when the femur thigh bone does not fit together with the pelvis in the way that it should. It can cause both pain and difficulty when moving, which is likely to increase over time for your dog. Cranial cruciate ligaments are the main ligaments active in the knee joint, and these can be prone to tearing in dogs. The result is a lot of pain, and they may be unable to bear their weight on the affected leg. In the long term, this condition can increase the chances of arthritis in the knee. The theory is that sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of healthy joints, and therefore cutting off access too soon can undermine healthy development. This problem is a particular concern with certain breeds, such as golden retrievers and also Labrador retrievers, as they are already predisposed toward joint issues. So, spaying or neutering too soon significantly increases their risks. Hypothyroidism Another potential issue for all dogs when they are fixed too soon is the development of hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid is underactive, and therefore, slows down bodily functions. It often manifests in unhealthy skin and coat, lethargy, and weight gain. If they develop this condition, they are likely to need an operation and ongoing medication to manage it. Fixing before one year of age increases the risk of hypothyroidism in all dogs. Cancer Neutering male dogs significantly reduces their risk of the most common cancers for them, which are testicular and pancreatic cancer. But spaying female dogs have the opposite effect. Spayed female dogs are three to four times more likely to develop a form of cancer. The most common types are lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. The risks are high no matter what age your female dog is fixed, which is why many vets are now recommending only spaying female dogs if necessary, especially since it is not as necessary for controlling highly sexualized behavior as it can be in some male dogs. If spaying is necessary, delaying the procedure for as long as possible can help to reduce the risks slightly. By the way, we have this great article about dog pregnancy you might be interested in! FAQs Is spaying or neutering surgery dangerous? While both spaying and neutering are common operations, they are considered major, and therefore, your dog is put under with a general anesthesia. An anesthetic always comes with the risk of serious complications that could result in the death of your dog. Modern medications and monitoring equipment mean that the risks are relatively low, but they certainly exist. How long will my dog be in pain after a fixing operation? That is except for the discomfort of wearing a cone and not being able to jump around. They should be prevented from damaging their stitches for at least two weeks after the operations. Do dogs get depressed after being spayed or neutered? You should expect changes in behavior when your dog returns home from fixing surgery, both resulting from the trauma of the surgery and the changes in their hormone levels. Exactly how their behavior will be different varies greatly. You can expect aggression, or anxiety and clinginess. But this should only last for a few weeks as they adjust. Do spayed and neutered dogs get fat? Spaying or neutering your dog does not mean they will get fat! How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog? Exactly how much these operations cost depends on where you are and the type of surgery you go with. Neutering can help prevent excessive territorial behavior in male dogs and also reduce their risk for common cancers. But for female dogs, the benefits are far less clear, and the process can also significantly increase their chances of developing cancer, so you may choose not to spay at all. If you are neutering or spaying a golden retriever, you can significantly reduce the risks by making sure you do it at the right time. Wait at least a year before the operation so they have enough time to develop in a normal hormonal state. Of course, every dog is different, so always consult your vet. Do you have a fixed golden retriever? Do you have any advice for other golden parents? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article. Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever Faera Rhonda Hovan A focus on the serious issues of pet overpopulation and unwanted puppies has led to the common practice of neutering dogs prior to sexual maturity, often near the age of six months. While this clearly helps reduce unplanned breedings and thereby may serve the public interest, research is increasingly showing that it may not be in the best health interests of an individual dog with a responsible owner. Breeds of dogs vary considerably with regard to their rate of maturity and risk for specific diseases, and the interaction of these factors with natural hormones should properly be taken into consideration when deciding whether and when to neuter a dog. However, appropriately tailoring neutering recommendations to a breed requires awareness of the ways in which neutering and the age of neutering affect specific breeds, and it may be impossible for veterinarians to know this in detail for every breed. In some cases the findings have been substantiated across many breeds, but relative risk is also defined specifically for Goldens. Please note that there are both health benefits and detriments associated with neutering and various neutering ages, so decisions will need to balance these complex factors. It is relevant to consider what diseases are more and less common in the breed, and also what diseases have greater or lesser consequences to the dog, so that information is also provided. Health Consequences Associated with Neutering and the Age of Neutering Neutered dogs have a higher incidence of hypothyroidism than do intact dogs. Hypothyroidism is a common but treatable disease in the breed. Neutered dogs have a greater incidence of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments than intact dogs, and there is some evidence to suggest that this risk is most pronounced in dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity. Hip dysplasia is common in Goldens, and torn cruciate ligaments are less common but not rare. Both of these diseases can be treated surgically, but treatment is costly and success is variable depending on many factors. There is some evidence that the incidence of cardiac hemangiosarcoma is greatly increased times in neutered dogs, and that the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma may also be increased in neutered dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer in the breed, causing the death of approximately 1 in 5 Goldens. Most of these tumors occur in the spleen, with fewer but still a substantial number in the heart. This is a rapidly progressing and incurable cancer. Several studies indicate that the incidence of osteosarcoma bone cancer is significantly higher in neutered dogs than in intact dogs, but there is some evidence that this increase is not as great when neutering occurs after sexual maturity. Dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity grow taller than their natural genetic potential, and their bone structure is altered toward a more narrow, lanky appearance. Taller Goldens have shorter life spans than shorter Goldens. Among male Goldens, the shortest males live 2. Neutered females have a greatly increased risk of urinary incontinence as compared to those not neutered, but there is some evidence that this increased risk is less significant for dogs neutered after sexual maturity. Urinary incontinence is neither common nor rare in Goldens, and can often but not always be treated successfully. If detected early through regular mammary exams, most but not all mammary cancers can be treated successfully with surgery and sometimes additional therapies. Males with one or more testicles located in the abdomen cryptorchidism are at high risk for testicular cancer and should be neutered prior to 15 months of age, which eliminates this risk. It is not necessary to neuter these dogs prior to sexually maturity to avoid testicular cancer. Females that remain intact are exposed to a significant risk for pyometra a life threatening uterine infection that rises with every heat cycle, particularly after the age of five years. Pyometra is a common and rapidly progressing disease in Goldens that must be diagnosed promptly to be successfully treated. Males that remain intact frequently develop an enlarged prostate gland benign prostatic hyperplasia as they age, particularly over the age of seven years. This is not a serious disease, and while it can sometimes be managed medically, neutering affected dogs is curative. This is not to be confused with prostate cancer which is uncommon in the breed, although more common in neutered males than intact males. Taking all of the above factors into consideration, there is good evidence to support that it is in the best overall health interests of the dog to neuter female Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. This typically allows a female to have one heat cycle but not two, which keeps the risk of mammary cancer low while still providing her with some important health benefits gained by maturing with natural hormones. Of course, the female must be kept on leash or securely fenced away from males for the full three weeks of her heat cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancy, so this should not be undertaken unless the owner is able to be certain that there is no possibility of an accidental breeding. If a male is going to be neutered, there is good evidence to support that it is in the overall best health interests of the dog to neuter male Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. Neutering a male after two years of age has less impact on behavior, so if behavioral considerations are important to the owner, neutering should be done prior to the age of two. References Arnold S. Urinary incontinence in castrated bitches. Part I. Significance, clinical aspects and etiopathogenesis. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd ;.Development of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. Pros ;.A population study of neutering status as a risk factor for canine prostate cancer. Endogenous gonadal hormone exposure and bone sarcoma risk. Canc Epidemiol Biomark Prev ;.Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease. J Amer Vet Med Assoc ;.Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden. 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Canine mammary gland tumors. Vet Clin NA ;.Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs. Mol Cell Endo ;.Incidence, risk factors, and heritability estimates of hind limb lameness cause by hip dysplasia in a birth cohort of boxers. Am J Vet Res. Verstegen J, Onclin K. Etiopathogeny, classification and prognosis of mammary tumors in the canine and feline species. Proceedings, Society for Theriogenology, .Cardiac tumors in dogs: