akc french bulldog puppies

While we humans are designed to require around hours of sleep per night, adult French Bulldogs generally need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily. Frenchie puppies can sometimes sleep for even longer, anywhere from 18 to 19 hours of sleep per day, only waking up for an hour or so after a few hours of rest. The truth is that the amount of sleep your dog need really depends on these four factors 1. Age As previously stated, Frenchie puppies are going to require much more sleep than their adult counterparts. As they age into seniorhood, your Frenchie is also likely to require more sleep during this time of their life as they tire easier. Activity Level Does your Frenchie live a sedentary lifestyle? Unlike breeds that are bred to perform specific activities such as sniffing out bombs and drugs, assisting a patient with their medical problems, or other service animal needs, Frenchies are best at just hanging around keeping you company. Life Changes Has your dog been going through any major life changes, such as but not limited to the following? Current State of Health Is your Frenchie suddenly sleeping more than usual? Do you think your dog is sleeping a bit too much? There might be a reason why… Sure, as your dog ages they will tire more quickly and require more sleep. But does something just seem a bit off about their sleeping habits? There could be a few reasons why your Frenchie is sleeping excessively… Cancer. How many hours do the French Bulldogs sleep? On average, you can expect French bulldogs to sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, and another hours at night. French bulldog puppies and older Frenchies might sleep even longer, ranging between 18 to 19 hours a day. Why do French bulldogs sleep so much? Known as REM or rapid eye movement. You might have heard that term before as humans need REM sleep too. You might have observed your French bulldog twitching their tails or rapidly moving their eyeballs with eyes closed, well this is maybe their deep sleep phase. Most of the sleeping habits of your French bulldogs are the same as that of humans. You will see a puppy between 0 to 18 months sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day. Young bulldog puppies are full of energy and you will always find them running around in the house and creating havoc. They need a good amount of sleeping time to recover from all the activity. Additionally, your French bulldog puppies are constantly growing. And a lot of sleep is required during this period of growth. Sleeping at this age helps your Frenchie grow into a well-developed adult. The next phase of their life is adulthood, between the age groups of 3 and 6 years, you will find them sleeping between 12 to 14 hours a day. They will usually sleep during the nights for full 6 to 7 hours and scattered sleep sessions throughout the day. Generally, adult French bulldog divides their day into 3 periods. When your French bulldog gets older and is between the age of 7 to 8 years, they will return to similar sleeping habits to when they were puppies. Like humans, as your French bulldog is aging it will need more rest. Hence, you will find them lazing around, napping or sleeping around most of the time when they become senior citizens. What times of the day do French Bulldogs sleep? You will find French bulldogs sleeping their longest sessions during the nights. The remaining 5 to 7 hours of sleep is done throughout the day in the form of frequent naps. When to be concerned with their sleeping habits? It might be the onset of something serious so better get your dog examined. Some symptoms such as change or loss of appetite, Coughing and Sneezing, Vomiting and diarrhea, drinking either too much or too little water, overall general lethargy might be a sign your French bulldog has an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. Conclusion French Bulldogs are endearing and lovable dogs. When they enter your home, they become a part of your family. Make sure you provide this special member of your family with everything it needs. The most important of all being, its sleep and rest. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea because of obesity How do identify abnormal sleeping habits As a serious pet owner monitoring your Frenchie sleeping habits should be a top priority as abnormal sleeping habits could be a sign that your pooch has fallen sick. Here are a few symptoms we recommend you to look for: Continuous rapid breathing while sleeping. Staying awake for 10 hours or more. Unexpected convulsions with frequent eye-rolling indicating possible seizures. Unusual sleep cycles Trouble waking them up even after sleeping for a good amount of time. Do Frenchies sleep through the night? While some adult Frenchies comfortably sleep at night, in most cases young Frenchies have trouble sleeping at night, but this improves as they age. Besides that, if you move to a new house, your pooch may have challenges sleeping as he tries to adapt to the new environment. You can help your Frenchie adapt to the new environment by allowing him to sleep with you for a few days. Your Frenchie may also struggle to sleep at night if he has been resting the entire day. If that is the case, he may struggle to close his eyes when it is time to sleep. Taking time to play with your pooch around the house for a few hours before sleep can help him sleep throughout the night well. Make your Frenchie comfortable Frenchies rely on their owners to live a comfortable life. So, you should try as much as possible to provide him with a good environment. To help your dog nap more comfortably, we recommend you find a soft Frenchie bed filled with memory foam. It is also vital to teach your Frenchie how to crate as this can prevent him from suffering from separation anxiety in the near future. Keep your Frenchie fit It is obvious your pooch will gain weight for spending most of the time indoors and lounging quite a bit. You can prevent your Frenchie from obesity by keeping him entertained. For example, get your Frenchie some cool toys to play with. Alternatively, take your Frenchie for a minute walk and remember not to do this in warm weather as Frenchies are prone to overheating. Wrapping up While French Bulldogs tend to nap quite a bit than other dogs, it is good to be mindful of abnormal sleeping habits as they may be a cause of concern. Immediately your notice any irregular sleep pattern makes sure to keep a close eye and to consult your vet in case that change persists. Written by jay kang. Search Close this search box. This is understandable, they nap their way throughout the day. Since sleep is crucial to their health, you should know what habits are odd for your furry companion. Table of Contents French Bulldogs are big sleepy heads. They have personalities that shine even in their weird sleeping positions. But their long sleep hours can concern even dog lovers. Most of the time, it is nothing to worry about. What is more worrying is that even in their sleep, they want to be beside you. So to help them get the quality sleep they need, read on. Do French Bulldogs Love to Sleep? When they say that a tired Frenchie is a happy Frenchie, it is because they can sleep comfortably. Their love for sleep is what makes them perfect apartment dogs. They are content with lounging and napping the day away until you come home. Age Depending on their age, Frenchies will sleep more or less. Puppies tend to sleep more than adults. And once your Frenchie becomes a senior, they will go back to sleeping more Lifestyle Frenchies who are more active may need to nap more to recharge their energy level. Those who have a more sedentary lifestyle may not nap as much. This can lead to unwanted behaviors if they get bored while awake. Environmental Changes Frenchies may sleep less in response to changes in the household. Moving houses, a new family member, and death are a few things that can stress them out. Also, Frenchies who have separation anxiety may sleep much less. Older Frenchies are more susceptible to developing these, so they sleep more. The following are a few health issues that can cause excessive sleepiness: Canine Depression Hypothyroidism Sleep Apnea Due to Obesity There are a lot more other illnesses that can make your Frenchie sleep more than usual. Do French Bulldogs Nap a Lot? Many people regard Frenchies as a lazy breed, but that is because they love napping a lot. And it may surprise you that when they are awake, they can get pretty hyper. They make the most out of their energy while awake, so they will play and run around when they can. But since they are a low-energy breed, this energy can wear out fast. That is why they need constant naps throughout the day to recharge. It is alarming if your Frenchie is wide awake for 10 hours or more in a day. This is not a normal sleeping habit for them since they have to nap a lot. When a Frenchie is sleep-deprived, their immune system becomes weak. This makes them prone to getting sick and developing serious health issues. So if you notice that your Frenchie is not napping as much anymore, take them to the vet for a check-up. Adult Frenchies sleep anywhere between 10 to 14 hours a day. While older Frenchies need to sleep at around 15 to 18 hours a day since they easily get tired. This is why older Frenchies go back to sleeping like puppies. Another reason is that Frenchies become prone to health issues as they age. Their bodies are working so much, so it needs to recover with sleep. Both short-term and long-term illnesses have this effect on Frenchies. Frenchies can sleep 7 hours at night uninterrupted, but this can vary. While some can sleep as long as you do during the night, others cannot. The most common reason for this is that they have slept enough during the day. So when it is bedtime, they do not feel tired enough. This is why you should provide your Frenchie with means to keep themselves active during the day. If you cannot play with them because you are at work, interactive toys will do. And if your Frenchie has other furry companions, they will keep each other active while you are away. Older Frenchies may find it hard to sleep through the night. They cannot hold their bladders as well as they used to. So they may take frequent trips to the bathroom at night. This can also be true for younger or adult Frenchies. Stress, health issues, and medications can make them pee more than usual. You may think that your Frenchie is sleeping too much, but it is normal for them to spend most of the day sleeping. They are only awake for about 30 percent of the day. For a breed that can sleep as much as 20 hours a day, it is not unusual to ask yourself if there is something wrong with them. But do not expect them to sleep as long as you do, as they have different sleeping patterns. Frenchies only get about 10 percent of REM sleep whenever they are snoozing. While humans get 25 percent of REM sleep to compare. This means that they can nap whenever they feel like it and wake up completely alert. But that would mean that they need to sleep more to make up for the incomplete REM sleep that they had. As long as your Frenchie sleeps within the normal range hours per day , you should not worry. If they are sleeping more than usual, it can be due to stress or underlying health problems. Frenchies spend half of their day sleeping because they need a lot of rest. It is because of their love for sleep that many regard Frenchies as a lazy breed. If your Frenchie naps a lot throughout the day, this is their normal sleeping habit so you should not worry. You should only worry when your Frenchie presents abnormal sleeping habits. Frenchies can regulate their sleep times on their own, relying on their body clock. As long as they are healthy, they should get the right amount of sleep themselves. For adult Frenchies, this would be around 10 to 14 hours per day. While puppies and older Frenchies need more, at around 15 to 19 hours a day. Some can even sleep as much as 20 hours per day. Of course, this will also depend on factors other than age. Especially if your Frenchie has a health issue. If your Frenchie does have one, it is best to talk to your vet about this. If your Frenchie is not tired before bedtime, they will not sleep and you may not be able to as well. So play with them right before your bedtime! This releases all the energy that they have accumulated with naps throughout the day. It does not even have to be a long playtime, 10 to 20 minutes will do for their low energy. Other than that, there are other ways that you can help your Frenchie to sleep through the night. Below are a few of them. Crate Training To your Frenchie, their crates are like their own rooms. This is where they are most comfortable and where they feel protected. Having their safe space to go to is one of their canine instincts. The first step in this is to make their crates appealing to them. A quiet and cozy place of their own will help them to sleep at night. Comfortable Dog Bed You should not underestimate the magic that a cozy dog bed can do. If you want a soft bed for yourself, your Frenchie also wants one. But cotton-filled beds are the best to start with. If your Frenchie is older, you may want to invest in orthopedic dog beds. Especially if they have arthritis or joint pains. This will make sleeping more comfortable for them as it eases their pain, even a bit. With a routine, they will know exactly what is going to happen and when. And with an intelligent breed like Frenchies , they will quickly learn this. So schedule their bedtime and figure out what you can do before going to bed. You can insert playtime as part of your night rituals, which is effective in tiring them out. Comfort Toys As a clingy breed , Frenchies can get attached to anything that brings them comfort, even if it is a stuffed toy. Having their comfort toy beside them as they sleep will help to ease their anxiety. This can help you and your Frenchie to sleep uninterrupted at night. Sleep Beside Them This is especially helpful for Frenchies with anxiety. As their fur parent, you are their greatest source of comfort. Being able to feel your warmth and cuddle with you at night should bring them ease. Frenchie puppies sleep way more than adults. Having more energy means that they are spending more time playing. This leads to more and longer naps throughout the day for them to recharge. Puppies can sleep for hours and hours and this is necessary for their growth and immune system. So you should not worry about their sleeping habits. Relish the moment while they are asleep because it will get rowdy when they wake up. As puppies, it is normal for Frenchies to sleep around 18 to 19 hours per day. This unusual sleeping behavior is necessary for a rapidly growing pup. Other than that, puppies have too much energy for their bodies to handle. So they may be playing with their toys one minute, then sleep without you noticing it. When your Frenchie pup is awake, they take up a lot of energy too. Other than playing, they also use energy to explore the world. Constantly analyzing new sounds, smells, and sights take a toll on them. If you are trying to socialize your puppy, all the information they take in can be overwhelming for them. And at this young age is when most of the training should happen. They have to learn from you, all the behaviors you want and do not want. With all that they go through during their waking hours, they need to sleep. Not only to recharge but also to process all that has happened during the day. This is when they can store all that they have learned in their brains. So if you think your Frenchie puppy is sleeping too much, they are probably not. You will know if they sleep too much when they have no energy after waking up from a nap. They should be happy and playful after snoozing. You need to wear down your Frenchie pup before bedtime since they have weird sleep cycles. Puppies find it hard to sleep through the night, but you can train them to. As they grow older, their sleep will sync with yours. Play Before Bedtime Spend some time playing with your Frenchie throughout the evening. At least 10 minutes will do to for their short attention spans. For dinner, you can use a puzzle feeder or a slow feeder bowl. Making it tricky for them to eat their meals will get them to work their brains. But make sure that this is not too difficult as they may give up trying. You can also play with your Frenchie right before bedtime. One last release of excess energy will make them want to snooze right away. Give Them a Comfort Blanket Puppies used to sleep with their litter and mothers. So this may be the reason why your Frenchie cannot sleep at night. You can give your pup a fluffy blanket to mimic the sensation of sleeping beside them. Lights in your home, even from your phone, can affect the release of this hormone. So having a crave cover for your Frenchie can prevent this from happening. Potty Break Before Bed Frenchie pups have small bladders , so they may need to go on frequent trips to the toilet. To help prevent this, take them for a potty break before you sleep. Calming Bedtime Ritual Canine behaviors like sniffing, chewing, and licking are all soothing to your Frenchie. You can use this to your advantage and calm them down before bedtime. Freezing their meals will make your Frenchie lick their food more. But you can also use a licking mat and their favorite treat for this. You can get creative and see what works! Use White Noise There are many playlists online made to lull your Frenchie to sleep. This can also help to distract them from other noises in the house, some of which may scare them. Frenchie puppies will start to sleep uninterrupted at night at around 4 months old. This will depend on your Frenchie. But you can speed up the process if you start training them at an early age. There are areas that your Frenchie may nap in more than others, like your sofa. As a breed who loves to sleep, Frenchies have certain places in your home that they love to snooze on, but why? Below are common places that Frenchies go for a nap and why they like them. On Soft Surfaces Frenchies love to lie down in soft places as humans do. So they will hop on your bed or sofa to get a good nap. Close to the Heater or Aircon As a brachycephalic breed, Frenchies cannot regulate their body temperature well. So during the winter, you will find them nestled near the heater for warmth. And during hotter seasons, they will nap near the aircon or fan to cool down. Frenchie puppies should have a soft and cozy place to sleep in a quiet place. You can even have sleep beside you if you want them to. No matter where your Frenchie sleeps, it should be in a cozy and quiet place to make them comfortable. They should have a soft and cuddly bed to lie down on too that is slightly elevated. If your puppy has a crate, you should keep these in mind It will also help if you leave them comfort toys and a piece of your used clothing. This will make them feel at ease since they can smell you while they are off to dreamland. But a lot of puppies will also want to sleep beside you. They are still getting used to sleeping away from their mothers and littermates. Having you, their fur parent, beside them will ease their distress. Since Frenchies are companion dogs, it is natural for them to desire to sleep beside you. They are very affectionate so they will want to cuddle with you and feel your warmth while sleeping. And if you have been showing them lots of love, they will want to sleep beside you even more. Another reason is that they see you as the leader of their pack. Their instinct is to seek protection as sleeping is when they are vulnerable. They know that you are their protector, so they will snuggle up to you for this. According to experts, you can let your Frenchie sleep beside you if you want to. It is a great way to bond with your Frenchie and it can have a positive impact on your mental health. As long as you do not run over them while you are sleeping, they can sleep in your bed without problems. Having your Frenchie sleep in bed with you is a matter of preference. You can if you want to and having them sleep beside you is comforting. Especially if you have issues with your mental health or sleep disorders. But of course, it is not that simple. To help you decide, here are the factors that you should consider. But they cannot help it, their deformed face shape restricts their airflow. If you are a light sleeper, this may not be a good idea. They Fart A Lot Frenchies are prone to flatulence. This can be due to their sensitive stomachs or it can be due to the way they eat. Chances are, you will wake up because of their stinky farts. They Invade Your Space It may surprise you that they take up much of your bed space even if they are not that big. Frenchies love to stretch when they are asleep, leaving you less bed space. Another thing to consider is your personal space. They will push themselves into your face whether you like it or not. This can be an issue if you sleep with your partner. They Can Trigger Allergies If you are an allergy sufferer, keep in mind that Frenchies are not hypoallergenic. They shed quite a bit, leaving dander all over your bed. And even if you are not allergic to dogs, their fur can trap pollen, dirt, or dust that can trigger your allergies. They Can Get Hot While this is great for winter, sleeping with your Frenchie in the summertime is a nightmare. They can get very warm, which can disrupt your sleep. They Can Get Harmed Both you and your Frenchie move around when asleep, so they can get physically hurt if you share a bed with them. You can roll over them at night without you noticing. Or they can get caught in the sheets when they roll around, injuring themselves. They Get Too Attached Once your Frenchie gets so used to sleeping with you, they may get separation problems. An over-attachment to you can lead to separation anxiety. And this is the cause of many unwanted behaviors in Frenchies, including aggression. It is not the best idea to let your Frenchie puppy sleep with you. As tempting as it is, this does not help in teaching them to be independent. If your puppy gets used to sleeping with you, it will be hard to get them to sleep in their dog bed as adults. Also, they will grow up to struggle whenever you are away. Like adults, this can lead to separation anxiety, which can be crippling for your Frenchie. Making your Frenchie sleep in their beds needs a lot of your effort and time. It can be hard, but with consistency, your affectionate companion will get there. Below are the necessary steps to take to teach them how to sleep alone. Get a dog bed that is right for their size and is soft to tempt them to get in. Throw in some stuffed toys and a fluffy blanket for comfort and this will make their bed more appealing. Pick the Best Sleeping Spot You should place their dog bed near yours, so they feel at ease sleeping alone. Once you have chosen a spot, do not move it anymore. Their own space makes them feel secure and relaxed, so moving it will make them feel insecure. Prepare for Sleep Timing is everything, so make sure they had enough time to digest their dinner before going to sleep. This way, you can take them for a potty break before they sleep. A routine like this will help them know what to expect, so they are more open to your commands. Use Verbal Commands Tell your Frenchie to go to their beds before bedtime every night. Make sure to reward them if they listen so they will have a positive association with their beds. Do this at around the same time at night for them to learn their night routine. This will help if your Frenchie is afraid of sleeping in their beds alone. While they would prefer to sleep beside you, Frenchies can learn to like sleeping in their beds. This requires consistent and repetitive training. There is no cut-and-dry answer to this. The best dog bed for your Frenchie will depend on their needs and their likes. It is up to you and your companion to figure out what works best. But not any dog bed will do. Frenchies like to stretch and change positions, so this is important. For them, the best dog bed is an orthopedic bed which eases their joint pains. Make sure their bed can withstand their bites. Cleaning The Bed: For messy Frenchies, their beds can easily get dirty. There are beds with removable covers to help cut down your cleaning time. Bed Style: You can opt for dog beds that are covered if your Frenchie likes enclosed spaces. What Size Bed for a French Bulldog? For a standard-sized French Bulldog , a medium bed size will work. Keep in mind that male Frenchies are larger than females, so you may need to size up or down depending on their sex. Can French Bulldogs Sleep Outside? Frenchies are indoor dogs so they should not sleep outside under any circumstances. Even keeping them outside for a long time is not a good idea. The main concern is that they cannot handle hot or cold weather well. They have short furs that do not provide them enough insulation for the cold. And they have restricted airways that will not help them cool down efficiently when it is hot. Another concern is that this companion breed will get depressed when left outdoors a lot. They thrive on human interactions so depriving your Frenchie is cruel. Frenchies will sleep on their backs when it is hot so they can cool down. You will see them do this more often during the summer when it gets too warm. The only sweat glands dogs have are in their paws. Also, the fur on their bellies is thinner and sparser. So by lying down on their backs, they expose their paws and bellies to the air. This maximizes their way of cooling down. Any dog breed will do this, but this is especially important for Frenchies. A consequence of being a brachycephalic breed is that they cannot cool down properly. Other dogs do this better by breathing, but Frenchies have inefficient airflow. Also, Frenchies are prone to obesity. Dogs with excess weight have trouble cooling off since they have too much fluff in the way. Another reason for this position is that they feel safe in their surroundings. Leaving their internal organs exposed is dangerous if they are in an unsafe place. They cannot get up quick enough to protect themselves. But they will do this in a safe environment with people and other furry companions that they trust. So if you see your Frenchie exposing their belly to you, take it as a compliment. Lying down on their backs is a good way for your Frenchie to regulate their body temperature. Most dogs do this without risks. The only issue is if they sleep on their backs in an unfamiliar place. They will not be able to spring into action when there is some threat. But they are smart enough not to do this, so you should not worry about this. Digging beds is a presleep ritual that dogs do to make their bed more comfortable. There are various reasons behind this behavior including the following: Regulating Their Body Temperature Depending on the weather, your Frenchie will look for a cooler or warmer spot to rest. Their ancestors did this in the wild to protect themselves from other animals. While your Frenchie does not need to do this, their instincts are still strong. So when they are pawing at their bed, they are trying to spread this to claim their spot. This reason is likely for households with many dogs. Nesting If your Frenchie is pregnant , they are trying to prepare for their babies. They create a nest using their bed and blanket so that their puppies have a comfortable place to sleep in. Fluffing Their Bed Frenchies will also try to fluff their beds as humans do with their pillows. Once they have the arrangement that they like, they will circle around and then lie down to snooze. Frenchies will burrow themselves under the covers for protection. This is because sleeping is when your Frenchie is most vulnerable. It can also be because it is chilly and they are trying to keep themselves warm. If your Frenchie is sleeping under your covers, it is because they feel safe with you. You are the leader of their pack, after all, so they seek protection whilst asleep beside you. This is family and dinner time. We all spend time in the lounge. Awake for 3 hours. In the evening he comes upstairs. Sleeps on our bed whilst we watch TV. Asleep for 3 hours. We than take him downstairs. Before he beds down for the night he goes outside. Sniffs about for a while doing his business in the garden. Awake for 1 hour. He then goes back into the kitchen. He sleeps with our cat for the night. Asleep for 7 hours. Total hours a day asleep: 14 hours average. How these hours of sleep look over a 24 hour daily period I also put a graph together below which shows you what this sleep schedule looks like pictorially, running from 7am in the morning, through a 24 hour period. Not every day is the same, but the above is a pretty decent stab at what you might expect on average. Occasionally he will also have a mini-nap around mid-morning. Important: Dogs sleep for more hours in a day than they actually are awake. How many hours a day does a 3-month old French bulldog sleep? French bulldog puppies are a different case altogether, as just like human babies, they will sleep for hours and hours. French bulldog puppy sleeping habits are certainly different to adult dogs. If your puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old or 3 months old, he could be sleeping for as much as 18 hours a day. This is Claude as a puppy, catching up on some sleep. Notice that he was sleeping with his eyes open! I know that the temptation will be to wake him, as they are so much fun at this age. Does my French bulldog sleep too much? The answer to this question is probably no. As a breed, French bulldogs tend to be a sleepier breed than your average dog. However, there can be some health issues to keep an eye on, if you feel that your Frenchie is exhibiting unusual sleep patterns and sleeping habits. Claude will come sleep on our bed for a few hours before he goes down to his own bed. Increased sleeping hours. Not sleeping well and out of sync, particularly staying awake at night. French Bulldog sleeping habits Below are some of the more common questions I see people asking on Facebook about their French Bulldog sleeping habits and schedules. Why does my French bulldog sleep with his eyes open? Sometimes French Bulldogs will sleep with their eyes open. When Claude falls asleep, often it will be with his eyes half open. I did some research online into why dogs and Frenchies sleep with their eyes open and found that this can be traced back to their ancestors. Sleeping with their eyes open was a defense mechanism which would let them keep safe from predators whilst resting. However, do keep watch on him, as if he is twitching in his sleep it could be the sign of a seizure if it gets to be violent movements, so look for any unusual behaviour. The most likely reason your Frenchie is sleeping with twitching legs and eyes will be because he is having a dream. Why does my French Bulldog sleep on his back? For example, a Frenchie who sleeps on his back will help him keep cool. This is because sleeping with an exposed tummy will let heat escape, letting him keep cool and happy on a warmer night. Why does my French bulldog is make puffing noises in his sleep? The physical make-up of a Frenchie is commonly known to lead to breathing issues. As brachiocephalic dogs they have short snouts. They will make a lot of strange noises in their sleep, puffing be just one of them. Similar to rapid breathing which I will come onto next. Claude as a puppy again. Sometimes French bulldogs will sleep on their backs. Why does my French bulldog have rapid breathing in his sleep? Rapid breathing is a common issue during Frenchie sleep too, most of which is related to their snout and airwaves not being as free as other dog breeds. But there are some signs that you should look out for. If your dog has rapid breathing in his sleep that seems unusual to him as a individual it could be a signal that: He is hot and his body temperature has increased. If you are worried, wake him up and see if he still has laboured breathing. If he is also sitting up in an unusual posture or his chest is moving irregularly it could be the sign of something serious. In fact, YouTube has plenty of videos showcasing this cute and funny behaviour. The following symptoms will often be seen in conjunction with hanging tongue syndrome. His tongue looks dry, rough, sore, with possible patches or spots. His tongue looks paler than normal and could be swollen. His breath smells worse than normal. His drinking has become less and loss of appetite. Final thoughts French bulldogs are adorable. The need their beauty sleep after all! But do be prepared, as once they wake up they will want your undivided attention! Handy Hint: Another guide you might find helpful is recommendations on how far and how often you should walk your French Bulldog puppy based on my own personal experiences. May 20, No comments The amount a French Bulldog sleeps is a topic of interest for many new Frenchie owners. It makes sense, because it would be concerning to see your dog sleeping all day if you were unfamiliar with the amount of sleep dogs typically need. The thing is, Frenchies vary in types , personalities , and family history which means each individual pup will have slightly different sleeping patterns. It may be in the nature of some Frenchies to sleep more than others, just like it is for humans. But, of course, there are some hard and fast rules you should be aware of. How much do French Bulldogs sleep? The simple answer is — French Bulldogs require a lot of sleep. Most adult Frenchies sleep approximately hours a day. However, for French Bulldog puppies or elderly dogs, this average can go as high as hours per day. Although Frenchies are avid sleepers, it is vital to note that they are also flexible sleepers. They can routinely change their pattern according to your schedule. Just like other dogs, Frenchies wake easily if there is a sudden knock at the door or another abrupt sound — their instincts are always ready to protect their owners. Is your French Bulldog sleeping too much? Wrap Frenchies are the perfect apartment-living dog given their small size, tendency to sleep long hours in the day, and small appetite for exercise. French bulldogs require quite a bit of sleep. Puppies tend to need hours a day. Adults require hours a day. I know the numbers of hours they sleep seem high, but my eight-month-old puppy is constantly sleeping. Does your Frenchie snore a lot? This includes snoring while sleeping. If the snoring becomes abnormal, you should check for an obstruction or see your veterinarian. My Frenchie snores so loud. And the deeper the sleep the louder it gets. How long will it take your new French Bulldog puppy to acclimate to your home? The AKC says it takes a new puppy about three weeks to become settled in their new environment. By three weeks, they understand the lay of the land and who is in their new family. Our puppy seemed comfortable and had picked her favorite my daughter after the first week in our home. But she was still spooked by seeing a random item down the hall or around the corner until about three weeks in. However, it will take closer to three months to learn their new routines and feel completely comfortable. There could be many reasons for your dog crying in the middle of the night. It needs to go potty It may be in physical pain It has separation anxiety A recent move A new pet has entered the home We did have crying outbursts when dex was a pup so we tried the Furhaven and this was an absolute game-changer, so relaxed and comfortable. How long can your dog wait to potty? There is a standard rule of thumb for how often you should let your French bulldog out. They can generally hold it for the same about of hours as months they are old. So, if your puppy is 3 months old and is whining after about hours since the last time they went outside, they may need to potty. So worth the money. Is your dog in pain? French Bulldogs are bred to be lap dogs that hang out with you on the couch. So, if they have a day where you took them on an especially long walk or the kids you had overplayed with your Frenchie a lot, then your dog may be pretty sore that night making it difficult for them to sleep. You can check for the pain by rubbing and touching their body to see if they wince or yelp. Also, check for stiffness or muscles that feel especially hard. I like to give our girl a little massage to help her muscles not hurt as much later. She loves her little rubs, it is a great bonding session for her and me, and it helps ensure ill be able to sleep that night. Do French Bulldogs get separation anxiety? Your dog may be distressed from being alone. They also get extreme anxiety when first brought to your home and leaving everything they knew behind. My poor girl suffers quite a bit from separation anxiety. She always wants to be around someone, or she is extremely uncomfortable. Here are some of the best crates for separation anxiety. Will moving into a new home effect your French Bulldog? French Bulldogs like to have consistency. When you move to a new home your dog may suffer from anxiety. She really hates change and I imagine she will have anxiety if we move. The addition of a new pet or baby into your house will most likely stress out your French Bulldog. The uneasiness your dog is feeling could possibly affect their ability to sleep. When we brought home our new baby, our Frenchie was so bad. It was like we betrayed her, and she was going to get us back for it. And you had better believe that sleep was out of the question, completely off the table until she became comfortable again. How can I help your French Bulldog sleep through the night? Play with them right before bedtime Since your French Bulldog sleeps so much during the day, it may disrupt their sleep at night. Play with your dog for minutes before bedtime to wear them out. It really works! Crate train your French Bulldog Kennel training your dog will give them a comfortable space that is their own for them to feel protected. Your Frenchie will appreciate having their own room to go to. I believe so heavily in kennel training your dogs. It is a place where they feel safe, secure, and have their stuff. Give them a comfortable place to lay Your French Bulldog, just like you or I, wants a comfortable place to lay. If you give them a comfortable bed filled with cotton or memory foam, your Frenchie will be stoked. I went through three beds before we found the one she loves. Now, she prefers her bed over any other place to lay down, even the couch. Let them sleep with you If your Frenchie seems like they are suffering from anxiety, you should let them sleep with you for the night. Your French Bulldogs sometimes just need the comfort of their human being next to them. But as a person who also suffers from anxiety, it breaks my heart when she is going through it. Make sure Your Frenchie is on a schedule Your dog, just like kids, needs a sleeping schedule to help regulate their internal clock. Knowing what time everything is supposed to happen will help their anxiety and depression greatly. Give them a comfort toy French Bulldogs can grow attached to an object, just like their attachment to you. If you give them their favorite stuffed animal or blanket when they sleep, it will help them be comfortable and assist with their anxiety. It is totally his security toy and there is nothing cuter than a French bulldog next to a Stich stuffy Final Thoughts Getting your French Bulldog should not be a super difficult task for you to manage, but it will take some time, training, and dedication from both you and your dog. If your French Bulldog is like mine, they may believe you are her servant. So, I suggest using treats as a positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow your direction to ensure they will start sleeping through the night. Latest posts. New born puppies are very helpless. They are born blind and deaf and unable to regulate their body temperatures, so we have to use an external heat source when the puppies are not in direct contact with mom. During this time period, their mothers have to stimulate them in order for them to urinate and have bowel movements. This is a very busy time for us and we are usually very sleep deprived because we assist the mothers every 3 hours around the clock to make sure that all puppies are latching on well, growing, and being stimulated to urinate and defecate. It is a critical time in which the puppies are so small that an unaware Frenchie mother could accidentally smother one or more of her pups, so we monitor them very closely. Lacey takes a video of each litter at 3 weeks of age and posts them on our website under New Puppies so that our clients near the top of the list, as well as other clients and prospective clients, can get a early look at them. They continue to gain weight rapidly over the next several months of their lives. At two weeks age their ears open and they are able to hear, and another big part of their new world opens up. Prior to this event, about all they do is grunt or mew, but afterward their vocabulary includes yelps, whines, and even little barks. At three weeks of age the more advanced puppies start taking their first shaky steps; prior to this their basic mode of transportation is basic army crawling. They are now able to urinate and defecate on their own and will move away from their sleeping area to do so. Up to this point it is strictly the mothers and us Donna, Lacey, and Bick who have handled the pups with lots of hand sanitizing before and after and they have been kept in their kennel. Even though it is hard on the kids, we do not let them or their friends handle them until 4 weeks of age. At four weeks we start introducing them to solid food initially crushed and moistened. By the end of the 4th week they are eating their crushed puppy food, with no water added, three times a day. Because they are not nursing as long or as often, we provide fresh water for them at all times. The kids are allowed to hold them now closely monitored and with clean hands and we allow the puppies to run around and explore our large main room in the house. At 5 weeks of age they are starting to run around all over the place when they are let out to play, and, when they are in their kennels, they play sometimes rather roughly with litter mates. It is during this time when some of their adult personalities will start coming out. By the end of this week their puppy teeth are all in, and they love to chew on things, including fingers if you let them. However, even at this age, they will spend most of their time sleeping, probably close to 20 hours per day, with only short times between naps when they are alert and active. By the end of the 6th week they are completely weaned from their moms and eating solid food well. We frequently take them out of their kennels to scamper around. They are full of energy and love to play with their litter-mates and the kids. This is the time that we really focus on socializing them and we even start their paper training. By 7 weeks they have already passed through most of their puppy milestones and are continuing to grow rapidly; they are generally in the 4 to 6 pound range. This is when their personalities really start coming out! It is so fun to watch them play with the kids and their litter-mates and observe their new fascination with toys. They have become somewhat accustomed to going potty on pee pads so that when they are out running around the room they often recognize them on the floor and will go potty on them. Though they are fast, active, playful little puppies at this point in their lives, they still are like babies and require lots of sleep probably over 18 hours per day and are still quite fragile. This video will show the color and conformation of each puppy, in addition to its personality. Their their third DAPP and 2nd Bordetella vaccinations are given at 12 weeks and then a yearly booster thereafter. The rabies shot can also be given at 12 weeks no later than 16 weeks. They are also regularly de-wormed and given a medication for the prevention of coccidia and giardia. Occasionally we hold onto puppies a little longer if we do not feel they are quite ready to go to their new homes. Our clients are encouraged to come to our home to meet their fur babies if this is feasible. When this is not possible, we arrange for one of our responsible puppy chaperones to hand deliver our puppies to meet their new owners at their nearest major airport. In fact, even as adults they will sleep at least half of the day in a series of long naps, and probably closer to 14 hours per day. Have More Questions?

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bernedoodles make amazing family companions, or even excellent service or therapy dogs. Thanks to its sweet temperament and low-shedding coat, the Bernedoodle has become one of the most popular Doodle breeds. Unfortunately, many people are still getting scammed by puppy mills that are well-known for their unethical breeding practices. An ethical breeder will be transparent with any of their documentation. In addition to that, they back their promises with genetic health guarantees that are usually applicable from one to three years from adoption. As they proudly say, they treat their dogs as family members first and breeding partners second, and each puppy is raised in a safe family environment. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Illinois, Central Illinois Doodles screens all of their parent dogs for various genetic conditions and orthopedic health. In addition to that, they only breed temperament-tested dogs with loving personalities. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They begin socializing the puppies from day one, and they introduce the pups to different stimulating activities and exercises. Testimonials Hollie Mable is a very sociable, sweet, and well mannered doodle. She loves all other dogs and people too. She is always up for hiking in the mountains or snuggling on the couch. She does very well on and off leash and she is non-shedding. She is the perfect dog and so happy to have her as part of my family. Purchasing Dakota could not have gone any smoother. It was a very easy transaction, and Erin supplied me with a folder of information about Dakota including his shots record and a health guarantee. While waiting to get Dakota, Erin was great about sending me pictures of him and his siblings. She would regularly give me updates on how he was doing, and I felt like I knew him before I met him. It was obvious when I did get Dakota how loved and cared for he was. He was a very happy and social puppy from day one. He transitioned beautifully into our home with my kids and other dog. He is three now and still the happiest and sweetest dog! I have had absolutely no issues with his health or temperament. I would absolutely get another dog from Pecan Hill Puppies again! The Brownings Piper is the best dog ever. She is energetic, playful, and very smart. She loves to be by my side whether that is cuddling on the couch or taking a trip to town for ice cream. Piper has brought a lot of love and laughter into our lives. Contact Us. Learn more Island Grove is based on an acre farm in beautiful countryside. Here, the family has been breeding Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles for over nine years and has established a good reputation as a reliable breeder. The Poodle and Bernese Mountain dog parent dogs are all health-screened for the genetic conditions that can affect the breeds, so you know that your pup will enjoy a problem-free future. What Influences Bernedoodle Prices? Curly coats are also the best option for you if you hate vacuuming! However, those qualities push the price of those puppies right up, and you can expect to pay top dollar for one of those cute tiny Teddies. Some coat colors are also worth more, especially if the puppies have unusual markings. Breeder Reputation Generally, a breeder with an excellent reputation will charge more for their pups than a new breeder who has yet to make their mark on the industry. Puppies whose parents are health-screened for the most common genetic diseases are usually pricier than those not. We strongly recommend that you only consider buying a puppy from a breeder that can prove their breeding dogs are clear of congenital health conditions that could be passed on to their offspring. Beware Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders! Unfortunately, the demand for designer dogs has pushed up the price of puppies to eyewatering levels. That demand has also seen the emergence of unscrupulous operations known as puppy mills or puppy farms. Puppy farms produce as many puppies as quickly as possible to catch the current designer breed trend. By this time, the backyard breeder has long disappeared. Puppy Mill Red Flags There are lots of puppy mills that advertise their puppies online. Even the savviest puppy hunter can fall victim to a scammer, especially when confronted by a pair of gorgeous, cute puppy eyes! But how do you spot a backyard breeder or puppy mill? Here are some glaring red flags to be alert to! Cut and Paste Puppy mills often use the same advertisements. Look out for ads with the exact text used to advertise multiple breeds. Puppies should be eight weeks old before they can be vaccinated. So, if the advert says that the pups are younger than that and have been vaccinated, the advertiser is probably a puppy mill. Too Cheap As previously mentioned, designer puppies are pretty pricey. So, if you find an advert for a puppy that appears extremely cheap, the chances are the breeder is a puppy mill. Where To Meet Backyard breeders typically expect you to meet them somewhere random, such as in a deserted parking lot or even in a gas station. Photoshop A common ploy used by puppy farms is to use videos and photos of random puppies on their websites. No Waiting! Most reputable breeders have a waiting list for their puppies, often for years or even longer. Health Screening Certificates A premier Doodle breeder will be glad to produce health screening certificates for both the parent dogs. Those certificates should show that the puppies will be free from any genetic disorders associated with the parent breeds. You should also receive vaccination documentation, deworming, and flea and tick prevention paperwork. Insist on seeing the puppies with their mom and watching how the pups behave around her. On arrival, my friend asked if they could see the puppies with their mom and meet the dad, too. Dad was apparently away from the kennels on stud duties elsewhere! When I was puppy hunting some years ago, I spotted a likely advert on the net and phoned the breeder to ask for more information about the puppies and arrange to go and view them. The reply was dismissive, and I was told that I would have no trouble selling the puppy to someone else as it was super cute and very well-bred! Needless to say, I walked away. Contract Of Sale A reputable breeder usually insists that buyers of their pups sign a formal contract of sale. The report has a list of backyard breeders and puppy mills that have been shut down or sued for malpractice. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Illinois. If you found the article helpful, please remember to share it. If possible, go for a breeder that offers a two-year health guarantee. Did you find a beautiful Bernedoodle through one of the Illinois breeders we featured here? Tell us your story in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Available Bernedoodles Everyone wants the perfect puppy. You are looking for the puppy you can love, and the one who will love you back with unconditional puppy love. We understand and will help you find the puppy that is just right for you and your family! Our family raises adorable Tiny, Mini, and Standard Bernedoodle puppies. We provide our puppies with loving care from day 1 and ensure the puppies stay healthy, allowing us to present you with a happy, active puppy dog pal. We are best at producing Tri-colored Mini and Standard Bernedoodles and our puppies make great companions and playmates. Browse our website to see photos of Bernedoodle puppies for sale. We also picture many of the puppies who have found their forever homes. Learn about our family, our puppies and their parents, and how you can become the proud owner of a new puppy! Our puppies go to their forever home with the following: Prepaid ICA Registration Health certificate from our vet Up to date on vaccinations Up to date on dewormers Micro chipped 2 year genetic health guarantee Dew claws removed. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. Very healthy with no serious illnesses due to hybrid genes Long lifespan of years Very loyal, gentle, docile creatures Great family dogs Great with children, people, and other dogs Highly intelligent - Bernedoodles rank among the smartest dogs Easy to train and eager to please Enjoy spending time with humans, making them excellent companions Low-to-no shedding! One of the few larger dog breeds that hardly shed Allergy-friendly coats Make excellent service animals or emotional support dogs - Bernedoodles can be trained for conditions like PTSD and anxiety disorders Bernedoodle Sizes You may mistakenly assume that all Bernedoodles are very large animals. This is not the case, as Mini Bernedoodle puppies can come in a range of sizes depending on the size of their parents. Here are the sizes of our Bernedoodles. The curlier their coats, the more allergy-friendly they will be. Typically, F1 Bernedoodles are suitable if you have a mild allergy. Some will have wavy hair with loose curls very similar to F1 Bernedoodle puppies and will be very low to non-shedding. The others will have curlier hair like their poodle fathers and also be non-shedding. By two to three weeks of age, the different coat types can be properly identified. Curly coated F1B Bernedoodles are best for people with moderate or severe allergies. Also, the Bernedoodle is low to non-shedding, making it a good choice of breed if you suffer from allergies. Bernedoodles are loyal dogs, with fun-loving, gentle, and often goofy personalities. Due to their nature, Bernedoodles make great guard dogs and are very attached to their owners and families. Bernedoodles are also highly intelligent and therefore are very easy to train. Bernedoodles are good with children and excellent family dogs. Bernedoodles need less exercise and are overall more docile and less energetic than Aussiedoodles, but they still enjoy walking and playing outdoors. You should choose a Bernedoodle if you have a slightly less active lifestyle and love a dog with a gentle, calm demeanor that requires less exercise. If you suffer from allergies, Bernedoodles may be a great option, as their Poodle parents make their coats allergy-friendly. Bernedoodles also shed much less than their Bernese Mountain Dog parents, which is a huge bonus for most people. The curlier the coat, the less shedding and the more allergy-friendly they will be. Bernedoodle puppies are easy to train because they are highly intelligent and are often used as service or emotional support dogs. Bernedoodles enjoy learning new things and are generally happy, easy-going, and eager to please their owners. When it comes to new tricks, Bernedoodle puppies will learn fast and will be able to keep up with you, making training a breeze. Their calm, affectionate demeanor and generally adaptable sensibilities make them highly resilient creatures who adjust well to changes in the family such as new children or new living environments. Bernedoodle puppies tend to take their cues from their owners about new situations and people. The Bernedoodle is a healthy breed and they do not suffer from any life-threatening diseases as long as they are given the proper nutrition and exercise. Bernedoodle puppies are a great choice for people with more active lifestyles or children.

Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. Subscribe to get news on litters! We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. We moved to Florida in .Throughout my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My Boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. Made in America. All of our puppies are proudly made in America. All the food and everything we use to raise up our puppies is made in America. All products in our kennels are made in America. God bless our troops. Proud to be American citizens. Jesus is Lord! He is featured on our MALE page. To have our boxers be everything they are meant to be we knew we must start with a good foundation. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. AKC Boxer Breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC Boxer puppy. Looking forward to working with you. Enjoy the journey! Files coming soon. A new look for: americanboxerpuppies. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Through my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the boxer. For their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. God bless our troop! Listons Boxers. AKC Boxer breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC boxer puppy. Our web site americanboxerpuppies. They have areas to exercise and play. We have top of the line breeding. Our boxers are related to one of the top boxers in the US. From our home to yours we strive to have you bring home a healthy and well balanced puppy. A Furever Friend Boxers are fun loving, playful and ready for a venture. They love to snuggle and great with children. Email Address. Boxers make great pets for both families and individuals, with their energetic and loyal traits. Adopting a puppy requires a lot of time and research to find a breeder that is best for you. While there are many to choose from, how do you make a decision? To give you some options, here are 5 Boxer Breeders in Florida to help you find your new furry friend and loyal companion. They are based in the Northeast Ocala area of Florida. Our goal at Shoquest is to produce puppies of the highest quality that will bring a lifetime of joy to their families. For more information, you can send them an email at shoquestboxers gmail. Our Boxers are raised inside with us and are part of our family. We do not have a kennel. The puppies are also raised inside, along with my children, and are well socialized. They come pre-spoiled. Their puppies are socialized from the day they are born and until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, have their 1st set of vaccinations, a Florida Health Certificate and their AKC registration form. To learn more and get in touch, you can visit their website here. We could not be happier with our puppy and the process itself from start to finish. We will definitely be using the JCS Boxers again for our next puppy. They follow a meticulous diet for their puppies, with all of it starting with the health of the mom. Additionally, they plan their litters responsibly. Currently, their next litter is for January and you can view their gallery of puppies on their website here. In order to stay in touch about upcoming litters or to answer any questions you may have, you can send them an email at info jcsboxers. They are located in Central Florida and have been in business since .Boxers are our passion and ours are part of our family, living beside us inside our house because that is where they belong. We have owned Boxers as far back as I can remember. They are a very special breed but they are not for everyone. They require little grooming but they do need daily exercise. Boxers are very intelligent and loving.They are also very playful and have plenty of energy. They are great with children but need proper early training. They are all AKC, will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, vaccinations and health certificates before you take them home. And, they require an application before placing their puppies with you as they want to make sure they are going to loving, forever families. To get in touch about their next litter, you can contact them on their website here. They pride themselves on having a business that focuses on American production including all of the food and everything they use to raise their puppies. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. Their puppies are a part of their family, they have areas to exercise and play and have the best quality care. Currently, they have one boxer from their litter that is available. To keep in touch with their future litters, you can visit their puppies page here. And, to learn more or get in touch you can call them at .With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. One puppy was not enough for me, so I ended up with 3 and that's when Listons Boxers began. Throughout the years we have been fortunate to attain Championships on several Boxers each and every year. Including multiple offspring earning their championships within each litter. We urge you to meet some of the dogs through this website starting with our foundation and Best In Show dog "Buck". Along with producing Champion German short-haired pointers and Beagles, in the past, we have now embarked on a new breed: The French Bulldog. Petersburg, FL. View our Frenchies. We are located in central Florida. We are Florida's Premier Show Kennel. There we enjoy our Boxers, horses, birds, etc. We are true animal lovers! Some are standing at Stud others are available via Artificial Insemination or by frozen semen. Our stud dogs have some of the most famous pedigrees in Boxer history. Some of our stud dogs have earned the Sire of Merit Status. The Bloodlines are from notable and prolific sires and dams that produce many champions and wonderful pets.

Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Texas A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. The good news is that there are also a lot of breed-specific rescues to help German Shepherds in this state. They primarily rescue from rural shelters and places that do not have a lot of adoptions. This rescue is entirely volunteer-run. Dogs are usually housed in foster homes until they can be adopted. They have four shepherds of their own and hate the thought of any shepherds being mistreated, neglected, or euthanized in county shelters. They work full-time, but strive to save shepherds in their spare time. They believe that finding the perfect match for the dogs in their care is essential, so they are not in a rush to find homes for dogs, but rather take their time to make sure that the right dog ends up in the right home. German Shepherd Rescue of Texas is always seeking out fosters to help them rescue more dogs. They provide foster homes with everything they need to give superb care to the dogs in the rescue. Foster homes are given a crate, training support, and training strategies customized to each dog. If you would like to adopt a dog from German Shepherd Rescue of Texas, you can expect your application to be approved within about five business days. German Shepherd Rescue of Texas requires that dogs be allowed to live inside with the family, rather than being kept outside in a dog house. They save dogs from very difficult situations where they may have been neglected, abused, or euthanized in a shelter. They make the important distinction that rather than selling dogs, they adopt sensitive creatures into new homes where they will be valued as they deserve. This is a foster-based rescue, which means that dogs live in a foster home until they can be adopted. Foster homes are provided with food, medical care, and whatever else dogs may need. If you are interested in adopting but not ready to make a commitment yet, fostering through German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas is a great solution. You can see beautiful high quality pictures of the dogs right on their home page so you will fall in love before you know it. German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas strives to keep bonded pairs together, so you may be encouraged to adopt two dogs instead of just one if you are interested in one of the bonded dogs. Rescue and Adoption Details. Dogs in our program are in foster homes private homes of volunteers and treated like one of our own. We do NOT have a shelter. The advantages of having our rescued GSDs in private homes is that we interact with them frequently and have insight into the personalities and likes and dislikes. Our volunteers give freely of their time, money, and affection to save these animals. Please keep in mind that they are ALL volunteers - no one gets paid, and we all have full-time jobs, families, and lives too. Please be patient if we cannot answer you immediately - we do strive to respond within hours to all inquiries. German Shepherds GSDs are loving and loyal companions, who provide comfort and security to those privileged enough to share their friendship and love. All of our rescued GSDs are spayed or neutered, are current on vaccinations, and are tested for heartworms, lyme disease, and ehrlichia. All of our animals are on heartworm preventative. Your assistance will allow us to keep saving these wonderful canine companions. We couldn't do it without you. Fortunately, many rescue groups in Texas can help. For example, German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas, an all-volunteer organization, relies on private foster homes for its rescue dogs. The group provides veterinary care and ongoing preventive care for their animals, which includes food and proper training. Before adopting a dog, German Shepherds are neutered and microchipped. Because of the high demand for these dogs, the rescue organization only accepts the best-behaved dogs. To get the best possible chance of finding a healthy German Shepherd, consider a volunteer organization. The German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas uses private foster homes to raise and rehabilitate puppies. These organizations provide vaccinations and other preventive care, including spaying and neutering. The dogs are also microchipped before adoption to make sure they are healthy and happy. You can also find German Shepherd puppies for free at your local animal shelter. The shelter has a large selection of German Shepherd pups, and they are a great way to find a dog that is right for you. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds, and the breed is growing in popularity. However, the best place to find German Shepherd Puppies is at your local animal shelter. These shelters are full of animals that have been given up for some reason. While these pups are adorable and friendly, they will need to be trained to behave properly in public. Most shelters will give you the pup for free, and they usually come with vaccinations and a microchip. Another good place to find free German shepherd puppies is at shelters. These shelters usually have German Shepherds available for adoption. You can also visit a local rescue group to adopt a German Shepherd. Another great option for free German Shepherd puppies is a rescue shelter. There are many other ways to find a free German sheepdog. You can visit a rescue in your area and meet the other dogs. While you may be tempted to adopt a German shepherd puppy from an individual shelter, you should be aware that these dogs are not always suitable for households with children. They are not the best pets for families with small children, so it is important to make sure you have the space for a dog. During the training process, you can help the dogs adjust to their new environment. Many dog rescue groups have listings on the internet. These organizations will often have multiple dogs for adoption, and you can often find one that meets your needs. Adoption requires time and effort, and you need to learn how to train and control your dog. This organization is located in Central, Texas, and the application process is simple. The German Shepherds will be spayed or neutered after adoption, and their vet bills will be covered. The German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas is a nonprofit organization that relies on private foster homes to provide medical care and ongoing preventive care for dogs. They also give the dogs nutritious food and vaccinations. Before adoption, all of the dogs at the rescue center are neutered, microchipped, and tested for heartworms and fleas. Their mission is to provide a loving, safe home for every German shepherd that comes into their care. Although free German shepherd puppies in Texas are a great option for new owners, it is also important to be wary of scams. Be aware of the different breeds that advertise on the internet. These breeds are known for their fierce loyalty and high energy level. Buying from a breeder means supporting the operation of the mill and keeping puppies like this alive. A good place to find free German shepherd puppies is the local animal shelter. These shelters house dogs that were surrendered by their owners or turned in for some other reason. The older the dog, the better the quality of life it will have. But the best place to find a free dog is the shelter you find near your home. Moreover, it has a good reputation for being very active and playful. The dogs at the shelter spend half of their time doing activities and exercise. They are very active and need lots of space to keep their muscles toned. These dogs are very healthy and friendly and need a good home. The costs will vary, but the German shepherd will be in a foster home. In Texas, free German shepherd puppies are available on the internet. There are free German shepherd puppies in Texas. Some breeds are more expensive than others. Share this:.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Calories need kcal per day It is important that puppies replace the calories they are using. Three-month-old puppies should be fed between and kcal a day. Feeding amounts 1. Feeding correct amounts will help keep them on a good schedule and encourage good eating habits. On average, a 3-month-old puppy will need between 1. You can also check your food label for feeding guidelines. Feeding frequency 3 times a day A 3-month-old GSD puppy should get fed three times a day. Providing them with portions multiple times a day helps to maintain good digestion. Establishing a good schedule around eating a few times a day is excellent and can help with training. Create a plan that you can be consistent in doing. Mealtime length 15 minutes max. Food should not be left out all the time, even if they did not eat it. Removing the food after its being left out for 15 minutes. This will help to limit them from becoming picky eaters or not finishing their meals when they can. It will also encourage your pup to eat multiple times a day when it is available. It is a necessary time to make sure they are getting proper nutrition. Feeding them well at three months will help them grow strong muscles and healthy teeth. They will also have healthy skin and a shiny coat. Protein is an essential nutrient that has many benefits for growing puppies! It gives them optimum muscle development and can help to repair muscle tissues. It helps to promote a healthy coat and skin as well. Fats also play a role in your dog having healthy skin and coat. Fat will also help your puppy to absorb other vitamins and minerals. Excessive fat can cause digestion upset, but in the right amount, it is a vital part of their diet. Carbohydrates There is no set amount of carbohydrates a puppy should have, but it needs to be in their diet. Carbohydrates are essential as they are an energy source. They are also a great source of dietary fiber for your dog. Other essential nutrients e. Meat is essential and should be the primary protein source, but fruits and vegetables are also necessary. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus help to support bone health. Vitamins like Vitamin A help to support the immune system. How much should a 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy eat in a day? There are some factors to consider when determining how much to feed your GSD puppy. Activity, age, and health are all considerations that can impact how much you should feed your dog. Activity If a dog burns a lot of calories through activity, they need the calories to compensate for that. A puppy can be very active, and they need to replace that lost energy with calories. Age A 3-month-old puppy will need more calories per pound compared to an adult German Shepherd. This is why food for puppies will usually have more calories per cup. Puppies need more calories because of their activity level and how much they are growing. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is your golden retriever struggling with some behavior problems? Welcome to the life of a golden retriever parent! Have you ever been around a baby late at night? There are also physical and mental stimulation needs. Golden retrievers were originally bred to retrieve gunned down birds for their owners. They had to work all day running through fields, streams, and marshes… It required a lot of energy to do all of that work, so being full of energy and desiring a job to do is in their genes! Can you see how your golden might be bored and looking for an outlet for all of their energy? So the question is, how do you mentally and physically exercise your golden? Here are seven ways to do that: 1. Give them puzzle toys My golden retriever, Oliver, has a ton of energy, so we give him a lot of puzzle toys. We give him frozen kongs often, which is where we take some of his food , soak it in water for ten minutes, stuff it in a kong , then freeze it. It takes him anywhere from minutes to get all of the food out and he absolutely loves them. Plus, they use up a ton of mental energy. We have a rubber ball that we put his food in and he has to roll it around to get his meals out. Teach them to love chew toys Dogs naturally love to chew and it releases feel-good endorphins. If your golden is anxious or has a lot of pent-up energy, getting them to go to town on a chew toy will do wonders for them. You can play tug or fetch, or especially if you have a mouthy puppy you can use a flirt pole to play with them. Take them on walks Taking your golden retriever on a walk will allow them to sniff, which will help with the mental stimulation, as well as get a little physical exercise. Usually, with Oliver, we go on walks and sprinkle in some training throughout. Train them Challenging your golden retriever by teaching them new things and making them earn treats and praise is a great way to burn off some of their mental energy. Plus, when you challenge them and they overcome those challenges, that will help build confidence and give them a sense of satisfaction both of which will help decrease bad behaviors. Check out this article to learn how to train your golden retriever. Set up doggy play dates Most goldens love playing with other dogs, so if you have a friend who has a dog, or you meet some people in an online dog group, that could be a great way for them to get some exercise. We recently attended a local golden retriever meetup and Oliver absolutely loved playing with all of the other goldens. Take your golden to daycare A few times a month, Oliver goes to doggy daycare and he has a blast. Whenever we pull up to the building he realizes where we are and he gets so excited. One of the workers there even told me he has a girlfriend! Remove The Temptation One day, seemingly out of the blue, Oliver developed the bad habit of digging into the trash can in the office. He would grab Post-it notes, tissues, crumpled up paper, anything… Then he would run around the house and try to get us to chase him to get it back. Eventually, we got fed up with it, so we moved the trash can on top of the desk for a few weeks. He got out of the habit, and now we can use the trash can in peace again. Are there any temptations for your dog that you can remove, either temporarily or permanently? Can you put your shoes in the closet so your dog will stop chewing them? Can you not give them a certain toy that they become aggressive or possessive over? If your puppy is biting you, leave the room. This is called redirection. You give them pets and tell them how much you love them. They pull on the leash and you let them go up to the smelly smell, which makes them happy because they get to check it out. Are you accidentally rewarding and positively reinforcing this bad behavior? If you are, that could be adding to your problem. You have to kindly and patiently teach them what you want them to do. Puppies also love to have fun. Be sure to not give in to their games and accidentally reinforce bad behavior like stealing socks. Another thing is puppy biting. You can learn more about the golden retriever puppy timeline here. Common Golden Retriever Behavior Problems Here are several common golden retriever behavior problems: jumping on people. Key Takeaways About Golden Retriever Health Problems The Golden Retrievers breed is usually healthy, but they can have some health problems, especially as they get older. Golden Retrievers can get allergies, which can make them itchy, give them skin problems, and tummy troubles. As Golden Retrievers get older, they may have problems like arthritis, joint disease, trouble with their memory, dental issues, and their eyes and ears may not work as well. Golden Retrievers should see the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up, and older dogs or those with health problems may need to go more often. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: When disco moves and funny bones become a challenge for Golden Retrievers Hip dysplasia is a common Golden Retriever health issue. Symptoms include difficulty in walking, stiffness, and lameness. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper breeding practices can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that affects Golden Retrievers. It occurs when the elbow joint develops abnormally, causing pain, lameness, and limited mobility. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. It gradually leads to the degeneration of the retina, resulting in progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Regular eye check-ups and genetic testing can help detect PRA early on. It leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone production, causing symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues. Medication and dietary management can help manage hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers. Allergy symptoms include itching, skin irritation, ear infections, and digestive issues. Identifying and avoiding allergens, along with medication and proper grooming, can ease allergy symptoms. One type is Osteosarcoma. This is a type of bone cancer that tends to affect large and giant breeds, including Golden Retrievers. It often develops in the long bones and can cause lameness, swelling, and pain. Treatment options may include amputation, chemotherapy, and palliative care. Symptoms of ear infection include itching, redness, odor, and discharge. Regular ear cleaning and drying, along with prompt treatment of infections, can help prevent recurring ear issues. Heart Disease: Matters of the heart, because Golden Retrievers have so much love to give Heart disease, including conditions like cardiomyopathy and valve disorders, can affect Golden Retrievers. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fainting. Regular veterinary exams, a balanced diet, exercise, and medication can help manage heart disease in Golden Retrievers. It can lead to various other health issues, including joint problems, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. A balanced diet, portion control, regular exercise, and weight management are crucial for preventing and managing obesity. It is a condition that requires careful attention and understanding. These seizures can range in severity and unpredictability, posing challenges for both the affected dogs and their devoted owners. Managing epilepsy in Golden Retrievers involves a comprehensive approach, including regular veterinary care, adherence to prescribed medications, and creating a safe and supportive environment. Golden Retriever Health Problems Related to Aging Golden Retrievers, like all living beings, experience certain health issues related to aging as they grow older. While individual dogs may age differently, some common health problems that can arise in aging Golden Retrievers include: Arthritis: As Golden Retrievers age, they may develop arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This can affect their mobility and overall quality of life. Degenerative Joint Disease: Along with arthritis, degenerative joint disease can occur in aging Golden Retrievers. This condition involves the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Symptoms may include disorientation, confusion, memory loss, changes in sleep patterns, and decreased responsiveness. Dental Issues: Dental problems, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay, become more common in older Golden Retrievers. Regular dental care and professional cleanings are essential to maintain oral health. Vision and Hearing Loss: Golden Retrievers may experience age-related vision and hearing loss as they get older. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help check and address any issues. Cancer: While cancer can occur at any age, the risk of developing cancer increases as Golden Retrievers age. Regular veterinary examinations and early detection are vital for managing and treating cancer effectively. Heart and Kidney Diseases: Age-related heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, and kidney diseases can affect older Golden Retrievers. Monitoring their heart and kidney function through regular check-ups is crucial for early detection and management. Weakening Immune System: As Golden Retrievers age, their immune system may weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can help support their immune system. Early detection of health problems and appropriate management can help improve the quality of life for aging Golden Retrievers and ensure their well-being in their senior years. Are Golden Retrievers Healthy Dogs? Golden Retrievers, like any other breed, are not exempt from health issues. While they do have some specific health concerns that are more prevalent within the golden retriever breed, it is important to understand their health status in comparison to other dog breeds too. When considering the dog breeds and broader spectrum of canine health, here are a few other factors to keep in mind about Golden Retrievers: Moderate Prone to Health Problems: Golden Retrievers can be considered moderately prone to certain health problems in comparison to other breeds. Breed-Specific Conditions: Golden Retrievers have their fair share of breed-specific health concerns, as mentioned in the previous section. These conditions, while more common in Golden Retrievers, may not be as prevalent in other breeds. Overall Health Variability: It is essential to note that individual Golden Retrievers can vary significantly in their overall health. Responsible breeding and proactive health management can greatly influence the health outcomes for individual dogs. In summary, while Golden Retrievers have some breed-specific health problems, they can be considered moderately prone to health issues compared to other breeds. The breeder you pick has a big impact on how healthy and well-behaved your furry friend will be. Ensuring Genetic Health A good Golden Retriever breeder cares a lot about the health and well-being of their dogs. They make sure to check the health of their breeding dogs and do genetic tests to reduce the chances of the puppies getting inherited diseases or health problems. By carefully choosing dogs with clean health records to be parents, they can lower the risk of passing on genetic conditions to the puppies. Health Guarantees and Support Good breeders often give health guarantees for their puppies , which means they promise that the puppy you get is free from any known genetic defects or health issues. They are also there to help and support you as your puppy grows up. When a breeder shows this level of commitment and support, it means they are responsible and want to make sure you and your puppy have a happy and healthy life together. Proper Socialization and Early Development A responsible breeder understands how important it is for puppies to have positive experiences and learn social skills from a young age. They create a safe and stimulating environment for the puppies, where they can see and hear different things and have new experiences. Good breeders also take good care of the puppies by making sure they get their vaccinations, deworming, and regular check-ups with the vet. This helps the puppies start their lives in the best possible health. When you pick a breeder who cares about health and breeding responsibly, you are helping to improve the overall quality of the breed. Responsible breeders work to keep the good qualities of Golden Retrievers, reduce genetic diseases, and make sure they live long and healthy lives. When you pick a reputable breeder, you can feel confident knowing that your new furry friend comes from a good family, has been taken care of properly, and has a better chance of being healthy. Outlined below are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep your Golden Retriever at an optimal weight to reduce the strain on their joints and lower the risk of obesity-related conditions. Provide a balanced diet and regular exercise tailored to their needs. Keep hazardous foods, plants, and objects out of their reach to prevent accidents and potential health issues. Use veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solutions and gently remove dirt or debris. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal to prevent injury. Moisture trapped in their fur can lead to skin irritations and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of health issues in your Golden Retriever and promote their overall well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper grooming, a nutritious diet, and a safe environment will contribute to a long and healthy life for your beloved furry canine companion. A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of Golden Retrievers, and it can contribute to the prevention of certain health issues. Providing your Golden Retriever with a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, tailored to their specific needs, can support their immune system, promote healthy weight management, and provide the necessary nutrients for optimal bodily functions. Additionally, certain supplements may have potential benefits in preventing or managing specific health issues in Golden Retrievers. Different illnesses prevent different signs and symptoms, as the above conditions highlight. Any deviation from this could be considered a sign that your dog is unhealthy and needs to visit a vet. There are more than a few ways you can do this, with proper care and love being the most notable. Take them for regular walks, give them mental stimulation, and get them checked by a doctor when they show signs of getting sick. What are the warning signs your dog is crying for help? There are quite a few warning signs for this, with changes in appetite, differences in breathing, changes in sleeping habits, and a lack of energy being some of the more notable. How long can I leave a Golden Retriever alone? Golden Retrievers are social dogs that thrive on human and dog companionship, and it is generally not recommended to leave them alone for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time. 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. Are they at risk for cancer? The playful and adventurous Golden Retriever is among the most popular breeds among families and sportsmen alike. When bred responsibly, these robust and warm-hearted dogs can live long, active and healthy lives. With any dog breed, there are health risks that are more prevalent among Goldens than among other breeds. Here are a few common health problems to watch for in your Golden Retriever. Hip Dysplasia Among the most common health problems seen in Golden Retrievers is hip dysplasia. As in humans, the canine hip is a ball-in-socket joint, where the head of the femur thigh bone rotates smoothly within the socket of the pelvis. These large bones are held in place by powerful ligaments. Deformation of either the hip socket or femoral head can cause uneven bone wear and can unduly stress the attached ligaments. Advanced cases are characterized by joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and degeneration of the bone itself. Dogs with symptomatic hip dysplasia will often have trouble performing simple tasks like climbing stairs or jumping onto a chair. Your vet can use imaging technology to assess the severity of the dysplasia and can prescribe symptom relief. Cancer The cancer rate among Golden Retrievers is unfortunately among all dog breeds. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive and fast-growing form of cancer seen in dogs overall and in Goldens in particular. It arises from the blood vessels and can be diagnosed microscopically in its early stages. Other forms of cancer often seen in Golden Retrievers include Lymphosarcoma, Osteosarcoma , and Mastocytoma. The key to prevention and successful management of these conditions is vigilance. As with all cancers, improved outcomes are associated with early detection. Cardio and Respiratory Conditions Like other large breeds, Golden Retrievers are at risk for a variety of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and circulation. Among the most common and most damaging is [subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS —a narrowing of the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Narrowing or partial blockage of the aorta causes the heart to work harder than it should and can have serious effects, including death. If your pet shows signs of lethargy, weakness, or difficulty breathing, see your vet immediately to rule out SAS. Skin Conditions Golden Retrievers tend to have a dense undercoat of insulating fur covered by a longer outer coat. This created an ideal environment for potentially harmful bacteria to grow and thrive. They are also at risk for allergic skin reactions—and the presence of mites, ticks, and other parasites can exacerbate existing skin reactions or produce new ones. Regular bathing, grooming, and parasite prevention can help lower the incidence of skin problems in your Golden. Also, be aware that your pet may have a contact sensitivity to certain molds, dust, or other environmental agent. Goldens are also susceptible to granulomas granular non-cancerous tumors , sebaceous cysts inflamed oil glands in the skin , and lipomas fatty, usually benign tumors beneath the skin. Regular vet visits can help to diagnose these conditions and to determine the best course of management. Other Conditions Golden Retrievers are at risk for several other conditions not mentioned above. These include: Cataracts a white or yellow film that clouds the eye and impairs vision Hypothyroidism low thyroid activity Bloat gas of fluid buildup in the stomach, causing pressure on other organs Ear Infections Cecily Kellogg is a pet lover who definitely has crazy cat lady leanings. Her pets are all shelter rescues, including the dog, who is scared of the cats. She spent eight years working as a Veterinary Technician before becoming a writer. Today she writes all over the web, including here at Figo. Your Pet's Type. The bottom line As perfect as we would all like our retrievers to be, there are some factors you should consider regarding their temperament before choosing to adopt or buy one of your own. Getting to know your retriever: the basics What falls under the normal behavioral categories for dogs may be a blur to some, especially for new dog owners. So, here are the fundamentals you need to know. Now, like all dogs, Goldens jump, bark as a form of expressing their emotions, such as being happy, or scared in specific scenarios, digging around, and loving to chase small animals like chipmunks or squirrels. All of which are natural and normal. Retrievers are also highly sociable and energetic dogs, as they are called retrievers, after all. These then develop into behaviors, which can either be good or bad. With that being said, read on to learn more about common behavioral issues in retrievers. People-jumping Golden retrievers naturally love everyone they meet, even if it happens to be someone they have not met before. But sometimes, they may get a little too friendly. One particular way retrievers typically greet people is by jumping on people to say hello. And yes, these breeds were meant to be hunters the good kind with the everflowing energy they have within. A primary reason this happens is a lack of physical and mental stimulation through exercises or activities such as puzzle toys or dispensing toys to meet their physical and mental needs. Because of this, they tend to find their own way to meet these needs, some of which may not be pleasant. These destructive means may include chewing up socks or the furniture and even sneaking to rob your food on the counter! It could be your long-sleeved clothing, your arm, or a random twig they found at the park. No matter how gentle your retriever may be, when they hold you with their mouths, it might develop into a rather irritating habit, and may even hurt someone, if left unaddressed. A joy that Golden retrievers are more than eager to pursue. When out and about, retrievers tend to go on tunnel vision on where they want to go, such as an empty and open field just a few feet away. In doing so, they may pull on your leash and can sometimes topple you over with that sudden sprint as you get pulled down. This may also lead to breaking free off the leash and may cause your dog to get injured or lost. Needy for attention Goldens are undoubtedly and naturally friendly. Because of it, this means wanting to be in the spotlight of attention and care. This is why retrievers are suitable for and found in many family homes. Some ways they demand your attention can be through barking, grabbing, and nudging your arm to establish their presence, to name a few. Though each retriever may vary individually, there may be instances where how they get attention becomes negative. Such as stealing off your gloves from the table when you want to go grocery shopping. Over-the-roof energy levels When you walk by any golden retriever you see, there seems to be an overflow of energy through their smile as they pant or their wagging tails as they walk. Though this sounds fun to be around outdoors, it is not the case when being indoors. With energy to spare, retrievers will find anything they can do to use that energy. In most cases, it may be unwanted things or activities. These include running around and knowing over objects in the living room, biting or chewing off pillows, and leaving feathers all over the house. Separation anxiety The fact that they are sociable, loving, and family-oriented dogs, also makes them prone to separation anxiety. This may be when you have to leave the house to watch the movies or do some groceries. In fact, Golden retrievers tend to suffer separation anxiety at a higher rate than other dog breeds. The severity of their separation anxiety may range from mild to severe, which may be indicated by distinct symptoms. For retrievers with mild separation anxiety, they may pace, whine, drool, walk around frantically, or any other distress-related behavior. When the anxiety becomes severe, this may cause them to engage in destructive behavior such as digging at windows or doors or anything to get them outside. In doing so, they may be susceptible to unwanted injuries, especially when they dig at windows. Puppy biting Like all breeds, it only comes naturally for puppies to bite anything they can get their paws on, and yes, that means retrievers do too. It is crucial at this stage to train and teach golden pups how to inhibit biting. If this progresses without interference, it may lead to harmful injuries such as biting through the skin. Digging Digging is innate in all dogs, no matter what breed, size, or shape. This may be an issue, especially when they start digging objects at homes such as window frames, doors, or the fridge, as they may cause damage over time. This may result from being deprived of exercise and mental stimulation, which causes them to turn to digging as their way to cope and fulfill their physical and mental requirements. A great way to handle this is by either turning their attention with a pet toy or a simple game of fetch. Alternatively, you can also provide a safe outlet for them to do their personal digging, such as a dog-friendly sandbox. There are several factors or reasons why this may be the case for the rare few that do have aggressive tendencies. They include physical punishment from their past, a poor breeder, or a lack of socialization with other dogs or humans. At this point, resolving them simply comes by avoiding these factors in the first place, by choosing a reputable breeder, never physically punishing them for bad behavior, and ensuring they get socialized and introduced to other family members they meet from time to time. The bottom line The Golden retriever is a great dog breed for anyone, including individuals, couples, and especially families. Like all social beings, retrievers, too, naturally develop their sets of behavior as they are a hunting breed are innately set to retrieve things in their mouth. These include lack of physical exercise, mental stimulation , socialization, bad breeders, and lack of training on the rights and wrongs. Some of the best ways to combat them are by addressing these factors, that is by finding a reputable breeder, ensuring they get introduced to other dogs and humans to get familiarized, giving them puzzle toys for mental stimulation, taking them out on dog walks for physical exercise, and teach them how to properly greet strangers without jumping on them without any physical punishment. More Behavior. Going through life with a badly behaved dog can be very demanding and stressful, usually resulting in a lower quality of life for both dog and owner alike. The list of articles will be growing all the time to cover everything from understanding what natural personality characteristics of a Golden Retriever are, why they act the way do, what behavior issues are, how they can develop and how to solve common Golden Retriever behavior problems. I think every owner has a duty to learn what makes a dog tick. They have different instincts, drives and needs that fuel their temperament. The key to raising a well balanced and well obedient dog is first understanding what these different behavioral needs are, then finding acceptable ways to satisfy those needs. This opens up a whole new level of communication because you can then adjust how you behave toward your dog and what you ask of them depending on their state of mind. And this impacts every aspect of your lives together. These next few articles will help you to understand your Golden Retriever:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers are such great family dogs. And they tend to have some behavior problems because of their great characteristics. Most goldens want to be near their people. And they love to be petted and get attention. They may jump, grab our hand or arm, or engage in some destructive behaviors. Many of these are normal dog behaviors that can be modified through training and exercise. Normal Dog Behaviors Versus Abnormal Behaviors Dogs naturally dig, bark, express fear in certain situations, mark territory, chase small animals, and jump. They may steal food. Or want to be with us all the time. Goldens were bred to be sociable, high-energy dogs. My rescued golden Spencer almost always had to carry something in his mouth. So I made sure there were safe toys for him to happily tote around. Unfortunately, many dogs are given up to shelters because of behaviors that can be modified. To have a great companion takes a lot of work, patience, and time. And to meet those needs. These should be dealt with by behavior specialists who can evaluate the individual dog and determine the best behavior modification plan. These abnormal behaviors include aggression to those around the dog, obsessive-compulsive disorders, shutting down, and severe separation anxiety. Why Behavior Problems Develop There is no one reason why some behavior problems occur. Unfortunately, goldens are so popular—the third-popular breed ranked by the American Kennel Club—they are often poorly bred. There are too many back-yard and puppy mill dogs who are more likely to not be the examples of what the breed should be. Jumping on People Golden retrievers usually love everyone and never met a stranger. Goldens are the greeting committee of the dog world. Many dogs want to jump on people when greeting them. The golden can, of course, unintentionally injure someone, knocking them over in his exuberant greeting. Engaging in Destructive Behavior In addition to friendliness, goldens were bred to hunt. They have energy to spare. And they were bred to retrieve and have something in their mouths. They may dig up the garden. Or chew up our furniture. Or they may steal the food on the counter. And the food they eat may be toxic, such as chocolate or raisins. Or they may get a blockage from ingesting a towel or sock. A bored, under-exercised golden can get very creative in meeting his needs. They often need to have something in their mouths. That is, he may constantly try to hold our clothes, arm, or hand in his mouth. Biting is a natural canine behavior. But puppies should be taught bite-inhibition. And it can be dangerous. Someone can be badly bruised or even pulled down. Pulling on the Leash Goldens love to go places and greet all their new admirers. But they want to get there sooner rather than later. Many dogs pull on a leash, but not all are as friendly as goldens are known to be. And they can be lazer-focused on getting where they want to go. Being a rather large dog, a golden pulling on a leash can injure someone. An owner can be pulled down and get injured. Or the dog himself can get free and get lost or injured—or worse. Demanding Attention Because of their natural friendliness, goldens may want to be the center of attention. They are so family-oriented, they love to be with us. Some goldens may bark at you for attention. They may nudge you and grab your arm to be recognized. Some may even engage in unwanted behaviors like taking something off the table. Even negative attention is attention. Hyperactivity Some goldens seemingly bounce off the walls. They are like a hurricane passing through the living room. Tables are cleared of bric a brac. Pillows are shredded and on the floor. But your happy golden is furiously wagging his tail, looking for the next item he can use to help expel his excess energy. Separation Anxiety Because of their innate friendly, family-oriented behavior, goldens may suffer from separation anxiety at a higher rate than some other breeds. Their need to be with us can lead to some unwanted behaviors. Dogs with mild separation anxiety may drool, pace, whine, and generally behave in a distressed manner. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may become very destructive. They may try to get out of doors and windows, feverishly digging at door and window frames. They may even severely harm themselves in their attempts to get free. Dogs with separation anxiety may need professional behavioral help. We owe it to our goldens to do all that we can do to meet their natural needs. A bored, untrained, under-exercised, unsupervised golden is going to develop some problem behaviors. Some of the tips below will even help your golden from developing any of the potential problems cited above. I wrote the ways to help fix a problem separately from the problems because it will probably take more than one item to successfully change an unwanted behavior. All of the favorable interactions we have with our goldens also help further our bond with them. Physical Exercise Goldens were bred to hunt. They are highly-energetic dogs. Walks, fetching, jogging, agility, and swimming can all be great ways to physically exercise your golden. A vet check-up is advisable prior to starting any exercise program. Physical exercise can help decrease or eliminate the above-named problems. Of course, you want to exercise your dog enough but not over-tire them. Dogs who have been sufficiently exercised are less likely to jump or engage in destructive activities such as digging or chewing. Also, dogs who are exercised and calm before we leave are less likely to develop separation anxiety. Obedience Training Obedience training helps us communicate with our dogs and informs them what behaviors are desired. So we can teach them to sit before they receive attention. Or to lie down next to us and settle. And we can show him what toys he can put in his mouth rather than destroying items or turning us into his chew toy. Redirection works. And we can teach them to not pull on a leash and to walk on a loose leash. Part of the training should include how to leave your dog alone. This will help prevent separation anxiety from developing. Start with short sessions. Make leaving a happy opportunity—when great things appear. Leave a frozen, stuffed Extreme Kong with him as you leave. If your dog has already shown signs of separation distress, get the help of a qualified behavior specialists. As far as your golden inappropriately seeking attention is concerned, you can ignore your dog. Turn away or get up and leave. But do give him the attention he needs on your terms by calling him over to you occasionally. Pet him. Have him do a command or trick. Praise, pet, and treat. You should also play games with him. Teach him to tug a toy like a rope or long fleece to and give. You can have him play fetch. You can play hide-and-seek where you go and hide and call him to you. Make a big deal when he reaches you YES! Good boy! And not at all with a dog who has separation anxiety. But, to goldens, this is what they often enjoy most. Everyone is a potential friend. Goldens will thrive if they are fed the same times each day, are exercised as needed routinely, and receive attention from their people every day. No dog should be just put aside like a statue. Goldens especially need attention through positive daily interactions—play, training, exercise. If ignored, their sweet, golden personality will wilt. Final Thoughts Golden retrievers are such happy, affable, family dogs. But they are prone more than some breeds to certain problem behaviors because of their genetic purpose to retrieve and their desire to be with people. By doing so, their lives—as well as ours—will be full and happy. Does your golden engage in any unwanted behaviors? How have you handled them? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Related Article:. They are warm-hearted, and they even know how to help us in emergencies. Bonding with both dogs and humans is no problem for them! Despite being so faithful and passionate, golden retrievers require a lot of attention from us to stay healthy. If you are looking to adopt a golden retriever or you already have one, please watch out for the following health and behavioral problems: 1. Cancer Golden Retrievers have a high chance of getting cancer. In the 's, their lifespan was between 16 and 17 years old, and now they live until 9 or 10 years old. We recommend taking your Golden to the vet at least twice a year to make sure everything is ok. You can treat cancer in time! Your dog's touch and love can heal your pain, and your care and affection can heal your dog's pain. It's all an exchange of optimism. Why do golden retrievers get cancer? The good news is that researchers are always looking for more information about cancer and are involved in trying to answer this very question. Golden retriever cancer rates have become higher in the past several decades, meaning the cancer predisposition may be the result of a genetic mutation that emerged recently. It is also possible that hormones present in all dogs work differently in certain breeds, affecting their tendency for cancer. Genetics also plays a role. If two dog parents have cancer, their puppies may also have a predisposition to the condition. As greater numbers of golden retrievers get cancer, there is also a greater chance that at least one parent of golden retriever puppies will be vulnerable to the disease. This is another reason to purchase only from reputable breeders or sources. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia If you notice your dog having trouble getting up, favoring one leg, or having stiff and slow movements, please take your dog to the vet immediately. Your Golden is lively and jolly, always ready to run freely on a grass field. Even if they are in pain, they will still try to play because they are such radiant souls. The best thing to do is to prevent your doggie's condition from getting worse. Their playful personality will always keep them optimistic and bubbly. Epilepsy Epilepsy can manifest in your Golden Retriever as a seizure. If your dog is having a seizure, immediately clear away any dangerous objects around your dog; they can hurt themselves. The good news is, that you don't need to put anything in their mouth because dogs don't have a choking hazard in a seizure as humans do. They don't understand what is going on with their body and they rely on you to guide them. Put yourself in their shoes and help them relax. Separation Anxiety Golden Retrievers are loyal and courageous. They'd jump on any chance to play with you, and they are always willing to make new friends. Leaving the house breaks their heart, so they share their feelings of sadness through barking. Your golden needs a lot of exercise and hugs. As hard as this sounds, don't be super agitated and overjoyed when you leave or come back home; this can make your dog's anxiety worst. Instead, share your enthusiasm throughout the day, listen and reach out to your dog when they least expect it. Every dog breed has specific health problems, and despite all the issues mentioned above, Golden Retrievers fill our hearts with warmth and joy. We need to help them stay healthy and happy. Would you like to adopt one too? We understand how much responsibility it takes to raise a dog, and being always by their side makes a huge difference in raising an adventurous and healthy doggie. Through Furbo , you don't have to worry about separation anxiety! You can talk to your dog anytime, calm him or her down, and make sure everything is ok. Also,if your dog is obedient and considerate, you can fill their tummy with their favorite treats! Furbo features a bark alert, which can be especially useful for dogs with separation anxiety. Bark alert can bring you peace of mind, helping you address potential problems and train your dog not to bark if they're feeling separation anxiety. With audio filtering technology, Furbo filters out neutral noises, ensuring a lower risk of false alerts. Being prepared for potential golden retriever issues can also help you determine whether this type of canine companion is right for you. Understanding the most health problems with golden retrievers also lets you be more proactive. You can test for the most common conditions, so cancers such as melanoma, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma — as well as other conditions — can be detected early. The prognosis for dogs is better with early detection and treatment. If you understand the golden retriever health issues that are most common, you can also take steps to prevent them. Understanding golden retriever health problems also let you be more alert for early signs of hip dysplasia and other problems so your dog does not remain in pain needlessly. Some health problems in golden retrievers are quite common. Genetic predispositions can mean retrievers are more likely than other breeds to get certain medical conditions. All dogs are predisposed to some health concerns, and this breed is no different. Knowing about the risks lets you be a better dog parent by helping you take action to keep your canine friend healthy.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome to Russford Labradors! We strive to produce healthy, even tempered, and beautiful companions that families can be proud to own. Our dogs are true to their breed standard - in both conformation and in temperament often called "English" labs. Our versatile puppies are suitable as both family members and hunting companions, and we spend many weekends traveling around the country to AKC shows competing in conformation, rally, and obedience. We are a family made up of 4 adult daughters, plus mom and dad - we each have a Russford Lab or two or three in our homes, so that they can live like the spoiled pets they deserve to be. While puppies are raised at the family home in Bath, some of our adult dogs live with our daughters in different areas of New York State. We keep a small number of breeding dogs, usually between 2 and 4 adults, and we occasionally have puppies available to select homes. Our dogs have DNA, hips, elbows, hearts, and eyes tested at a minimum to prevent genetic diseases. Our puppies are raised in our home utilizing the Puppy Culture Program for rearing and socializing, and they are placed into loving pet homes on AKC limited registration. We typically have homes waiting for our puppies before they are born; if you are interested in our plans for future litters, please watch our Facebook and Instagram pages and contact us for more information when a litter is coming up. Thank you for visiting our site. During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies. They train their puppies at home to ensure good social skills. If you want the first pick of the litter, make a reservation with them. Several members of their family and volunteers assist them in raising and training the lab puppies. They are dedicated to carefully breeding Labrador Retrievers that are clever, genetically sound, and family-friendly. Until they are given to their new families, their puppies receive all the love and attention they need for a good upbringing. They breed AKC-registered puppies. All of their pups have had full PawPrints Labrador Retriever panels. Prospective owners can view the results on the PawPrints website, which is open to the public. Address: Mount Morris — Nunda Rd. They breed their lab retrievers for all-around personalities. All puppies are given their first vaccinations. Also, they have their dewclaws removed, and are given an AKC hip guarantee and registration paperwork. Their goal is to provide you with a high-quality puppy. They have been in this business for over 22 years. Some of their puppies are used as canine companions and pet therapy. Dairy Hill Labrador Retrievers provide a PetEd class for new puppy adopters to help the family deal with the many initial hardships of puppy ownership. They have been breeding and displaying exceptional Labrador Retrievers since .All puppies receive essential medical attention. Each puppy will arrive with its first vaccination and deworming. In addition, they provide various other services as well. Their dogs get along well with children of all ages. But finding a breeder is a bigger one. Hopefully, our list of some of the best Labrador breeders in New York helps you find a credible breeder and helps you bring home a trusted companion.

The effect is producing a sociable and friendly pet for everyone. Their dog breeding program started in , where the grandmother showed Scottish and Manchester Terriers. Right now, they are breeding fawn and black pugs that abide by the AKC standards. All their pups are raised indoors, so they are friendly to people. They are sociable and capable of joining dog shows. In fact, the majority of their pugs are still joining dog shows in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Northwest America. As a reputable pug dog club, they train all their dogs before adoption. They have different pug breed available for you to choose from. Some of these are black pugs and fawn. As a member of the American Kennel Club, all pugs evaluated are of the highest quality. They are sociable and friendly to people. All pets are vaccinated, spayed, and groomed. All pugs are litter box trained as well. Hoskins Pugs have been breeding quality AKC registered pugs for around fifteen years. Their pride pugs are one of the best in Washington and Oregon. Visit their website to get more information about them. C Pride Pugs prioritizes the quality of Chinese pugs they are selling in Washington. All their pups abide by the AKC standards, so you can expect they are vaccinated, spayed, and inserted with microchips for easy tracing. All their pug breeds stay in a family-like place, this is to make them sociable to children. You can have them as your best friend since they have good social skills. These pups are as sociable as poodles, so having them as part of the family is great. It helps them give early medical treatment for any diseases on their dogs. If you want to know more about them and their programs, visit their website. You can also call their office for inquiries. We give fully trained service dogs to veterans coming home with PTSD. We are looking for volunteer families to foster our puppies for a short time. If interested please contact Mary with SPW at .Yakima, WA. More These double doodles are ready to go to their furever home. They are up to date with shots and dewormer. Pupps are hypoallergenic and kid friendly. Available 3 females, 4 males, 8 weeks old. Pupps will grow inches tall. Call or text .Grandparents registered. Sire's straight backed, lb. GSD trusted with kittens, cats, small dogs, goats, horses, children. Smart, friendly, gentle guardians ready now for your home, livestock, children. Pasco WA. Delivery available. More Chocolate male Yorkie available! This fun loving little guy is ready for his forever family. He is 6-months-old, vaccinated, wormed, his tail is docked, and dewclaw removed. Housebroken and doggie door trained. Good with kids, he's a great companion. Text or call for more information: .Tri Cities, WA. Call or email to catsadopt popptricities. Videos, photos, FaceTime or video calls are available. Serious inquiries only. Email: Nalina. Pasco, WA. Hypoallergenic, friendly, and adorable. Sire is a AKC Bichon. Dam is a Carin Terrier. Full grown size will be pounds. If interested, please call or text .Both parents on site. Raised on a farm with kids. Great guardian dogs. Willing to deliver.

These lovable pups are wildly popular and the perfect match for many families. They come in a wide variety of colors and coats, including all white—which is relatively rare. Here are just a few white Pugs whose humans share their lives on Instagram. Sometimes, he gets both! Sugar Sugar is a five-year-old white Pug who has an all-black Pug sister named Pepper! Why the Controversy? White Pugs are usually the result of a genetic mutation, but some breeders have attempted to produce white Pugs through selectively breeding dogs with genetic predispositions for albinism and leucism. Albinism is an inherited disorder that affects melanin production. Pugs with albinism produce zero melanin, and will have fully white fur, pale pink skin, and pale pinkish eyes. Leucism reduces but does not fully eliminate melanin production, and leucistic Pugs will typically have white or cream fur and light blue or brown eyes. Albinism and in some cases, leucism can cause vision impairments and blindness, sun sensitivity, and increased susceptibility to certain cancers. When breeders pair dogs that carry the genetic markers for albinism, they risk producing puppies with serious health issues and special needs that require additional care both financially and physically from their families. The controversy is based purely on the fact that it is unethical to purposefully produce dogs that are likely to have physical disabilities and health risks. Breeders eager to make profits prey on unsuspecting dog lovers and use the power of scarcity and exoticism to sell white Pugs. Unfortunately, many of these pugs find themselves in homes that are not prepared to support their special needs, putting them at risk of abandonment and neglect. White Pug Basic Info White Pugs are purebred Pugs displaying a specific phenotype of a genetic mutation, and will share all the same general characteristics of typical fawn and black Pugs. Here are some of the basics about this breed. In truth, white Pugs are typically albino or leucistic, though some may be mixed breed dogs whose parentage includes breeds known to typically have white coats. But as the breed was bred, these were seen as desirable characteristics and so they were brought forward to what the modern day Pug looks like. White Pugs can be bred, and their coloration is always a genetic mutation. White purebred Pugs are always albino or leucistic, and there is no evidence to suggest that any reputable breeders have managed to produce white Pugs without the albino or leucistic gene. Pugs are outgoing, goofy, stubborn, and sensitive. White Pugs, who are prone to vision problems may have additional needs due to their special needs. White Pug Size Purebred Pugs are typically inches tall, and should weigh between pounds. White Pug Health Pugs are brachycephalic, meaning they have short, squashed faces. The squashed-face look is a purposeful aesthetic choice developed over decades of careful selective breeding. Because of this, Teacup Pugs can reach high prices. Some breeders work to produce smaller and smaller puppies, which is done by breeding with toy breeds or breeding the runts. Unfortunately, this means breeders are selecting for size rather than health or temperament, so you could have a puppy that grows into an adult with behavioral or health issues. This unofficial term is more of a cute buzzword that highlights the novelty of these tiny dogs, which can often literally fit within a teacup. A toy breed, on the other hand, is an official term for small versions of standard breeds. Image Credit: kikkian, Shutterstock 3. They were favored as the impish companion of Chinese emperors and became the beloved mascot of the royal House of Orange in Holland. They make excellent companions and enjoy playing with their owners, including young children. Be sure to always supervise interactions, however, particularly if you have large dogs that can easily injure a miniature pup like a Teacup Pug. Puppies should be on high-quality puppy food for the first year. Then they can transition onto a quality adult formula. Small, stocky dogs like a Pug can suffer from health problems if they become obese. Still, Pugs are playful and lively, so they will engage in some exercise to stay fit. Short-faced breeds like Teacup Pugs and standard Pugs often struggle to cool themselves in hot and humid weather, however, so be sure to limit exercise in the heat. Early socialization is important for keeping Pugs friendly and tolerant of other pets and people. Regular brushing will remove loose hair and prevent shed hair from building up. They also benefit from occasional baths, and their nails should be trimmed regularly. Allowing the nails to grow too much could cause discomfort and, in severe cases, arthritis. Because these dogs are sometimes selected for their small size rather than good health, they can be more susceptible to common Pug health issues. Eye problems often occur, as well as ear issues, skin allergies, mange, and skinfold infections. Like other short-faced breeds, Pugs struggle with breathing conditions. Minor Conditions. What Is a Teacup Pug? Do Teacup Pugs Really Exist? Teacup Pugs are tiny versions of the already small Pug breed. Instead, they are described as a designer breed. Typically described to weigh about three pounds, teacup Pugs are known to the world for their uniquely cute features and sweet nature. Although enchanting, there are a lot of things that you need to know first before you attempt to contact a reputable breeder and purchase one. The appearance, genetic makeup, lifespan, and all other information you may need to use as a guide to fully understand teacup Pugs will be discussed more below. Like every other normal Pug, teacup Pugs have distinctive features that nobody can miss even from a mile away. They have the same compact, mini-muscular, square frame, but just a lot tinier. Their distinct short and flat facial features include their deep facial folds, large round heads, big dark eyes, and wrinkled brows. Interestingly, teacup Pugs can also come in a variety of coat colors! For Pug enthusiasts, it is common knowledge that the only purebred Pug colors recognized by different kennel clubs are black and fawn. These two colors are also exhibited by teacup puppies, but other shades and color combinations exist. Here are the various coat colors you can choose from these tiny bundles of joy: Fawn Teacup Pug Photo from lolatheteacuppug IG Fawn teacup Pugs are the most common and popular coat color among dog owners. Black Teacup Pug Photo from peggie. This coat color has recently been getting more popular since they shed way less than fawn-colored ones due to having a single coat instead of the regular double-coat. Although this coat can be very common among other dog breeds like Chihuahua, Pit Bull, and American Bulldog, brindle teacup Pugs are quite difficult to achieve. This rare variety requires selective breeding and some of the brindle markings make teacup Pugs look more like a striped dog. White Teacup Pug Photo from bosshogthepug IG White is the rarest coat a Pug can have, and this is probably because white is seen as a problematic color that comes with many health issues. Do these coat colors change over time? Their natural brown eyes can range from a medium to dark brown. Some may develop a rich brown color that they can almost appear as black eyes. Regardless of how they look, teacup Pugs will have their own unique and charming traits. Miniature Pug vs. Are you confused between teacup Pugs and miniature Pugs? Most websites would use these words interchangeably, but are they right? Pug enthusiasts confuse the two as the same variety, but they are quite different from one another. This toy dog, although smaller than a regular Pug, is heavier than teacups. When full-grown, they can stand at about 6 to 12 inches tall and weigh about 10 to 20 pounds. Their clownish trait can also be reduced to a certain level if they get more sassy traits from their Chihuahua parent. Teacup Pug Photo from peggie. However, you have to be aware that Chugs can look so much like a teacup Pug at birth, so some breeders sell them saying that they are teacups. Also, the average full-grown size of a teacup Pug can weigh only about two to five pounds due to its dwarf-like stature. They are visibly tinier at birth than regular-sized Pugs, and most will stay as dwarf-sized even when they reach their maturity. In fact, fully-grown teacup Pugs can be as small as six inches tall and they weigh about three to five pounds. They are relatively smaller than regular-sized Pugs, weighing between 13 and 20 pounds and standing at about 10 to 14 inches. The teacup Pugs weight classification is even smaller than that of any toy group dogs recognized by kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club AKC. So, how do teacup Pugs get this small? This feature contributes to the likelihood that they develop breathing difficulties and eye injuries. And just like standard Pugs, teacups also inherited this predisposition to some health issues. As mentioned earlier, teacup Pugs are created from either breeding a standard-sized Pug to a smaller-sized one or breeding two runts of the litters together. This is the reason why most teacup Pugs have a genetic and hereditary condition called dwarfism. This technique is highly discouraged among reputable breeders because everyone knows that it can be dangerous for any animal. As for the exact year where they first existed, there are no documents that can prove or explain such. The hunch of many canine scholars is that they have been long existing naturally, but breeders only started purposefully producing them at the turn of the century. Breeding two undersized Pugs will greatly increase any chance of complications. For instance, there will be an extra risk for female Pugs when they whelp about a couple of puppies given their already small size. Some unethical breeders are also facing issues of fraud due to producing mini-Pugs and labeling them as teacups. There are also some teacups that are products of abusive breeding. Many animal rights groups are still fighting to eradicate this illegal business, but unfortunately, they are still thriving because many pet owners patronize them. No teacup variation of any breed is recognized and accepted by kennel clubs and other major dog breed clubs. According to these kennel clubs, the Chihuahua is the tiniest dog breed that they recognize, weighing only six pounds. Remember that teacup Pugs were primarily created for the convenience they bring to their pet owners and are not meant to pass kennel clubs standards. Despite this, their sweet nature and good humor will not change. Their temperament. Teacup Pugs really make good family pets. For overall temperament and behavior, they are very versatile and they can live easily anywhere. In any case, you can have a happy teacup Pug as long as you regularly feed them, engage them in exercise playtime, and give them enough love and attention. As adorable as they may look, the size of a teacup Pug poses a major risk to their health. This is why their average lifespan is only between 6 to 10 years. I would suggest that before you get yourself a teacup Pug, you get to know all of these possible health issues that can come with them: Entropion: It is common for all Pug varieties to develop an inward rolling of the inner part of their lower eyelid. At worst, the damage to their corneas can lead to blindness. Hyperthyroidism: One common symptom of this is their slowing metabolism that virtually impacts every other organ in their body. This causes slow heart rates, high blood cholesterol, and even gain fat deposits into the corneas of their eyes. Hip Dysplasia: Although rare, teacup Pugs can still be prone to this genetic disease that involves an abnormal hip and joint socket. If not treated, this makes them more prone to arthritis. Pug Myelopathy: Unique to pugs, this spinal condition can gradually progress to paralysis of their rear limbs due to complex lesions. Hypoglycemia: With poor blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia can be considered an underlying health issue for Pugs that can cause further medical problems to ensue. They also have trouble keeping themselves warm in cold areas. Due to their shortened jaws, their teeth can be overcrowded and cause your dog to develop dental and gum problems. As you can see, teacup Pug comes with a long list of major health risks that can easily cost you thousands of dollars for medical bills. This is why you should be aware of these possible health issues before you decide to get one. This is why it can be easy for any new buyer to get doped by illegal breeders. As for other expenses, caring for a teacup Pug can actually cost you way less in the long run given their small stature. However, you should also expect high veterinary bills that can cost you thousands of dollars if ever they catch any major health problem because their small size also makes it more difficult for vets to treat. Their puppies come with a two to four-year health guarantee with their health record, veterinary well check sheet, sample dog food, chew bone, and full puppy care instructions. Posh Pocket Pups — This is an online boutique that can deliver you true and high quality micro teacup pups. They also offer a one-year puppy health guarantee that ensures you either get a new teacup Pug or get a full refund if your teacup Pup develops any health problem in their first year of your care. There are times that they have available teacup Pugs that are up for adoption. What does this mean? Here are four tips that can teach you ways to care for your new small-sized dog like the teacup Pug: Plan their fiber-rich diet. Veggies, fruits, eggs, and chickens are the best options when choosing their food. Look for ingredients that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and contain Karo syrup, which is an ingredient that helps prevent low blood sugar. Ensure that you take your teacup Pug for daily minute short walks, around six miles a week. Give them additional attention. Teacup doggies require more attention than their bigger counterparts. Spend more time playing with them and make sure that you give them enough love and attention by giving them treats or holding them closer to you more often. If you have children, be cautious about the way your teacup is being handled. With their fragile nature, it can be quite difficult to care for them since they will require more attention than larger dogs. Children under eight years of age can also pose a big problem so be cautious of children when handling teacup Pugs as they can easily suffer from bone breakage. Kennel clubs do not classify miniature Pugs and teacup Pugs as hypoallergenic. Do Teacup Pugs Shed? Teacup Pugs shed heavily. As year-round shedders, they can leave pieces of their coat that can go anywhere from your clothes, floors, and other places they went to. This can be reduced by feeding them healthy foods and regular grooming. Do Teacup Pugs Bark a Lot? Another issue with teacup Pugs is their excessive barking, but you can train them to minimize this habit early on in their life. However, some owners may still find this behavior irritating. At most, they can weigh up to five pounds. Teacup Pugs are bred to get this extreme trait of staying small forever even as they go through adulthood. Teacup Pugs are real and they are too fragile for this world. They have such a long list of possible major health risks and caring for them can take a toll on you since they require much attention and eyeing. They can also get very expensive! Also, only get a teacup Pug from a reputable breeder to ensure that they can live healthy during most of their lifespan. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Do you love puppies? Are you looking for puppies and get reached your doorstep? Here at Petla Pug Puppies, you will choose all the pug while staying at their home. We are the ones who always assist our customers regarding selecting the best and the most affordable pug for them. While you will choose our exclusive pug services, you can get all the things at a sale price. Now, you do not need to go for any other platform to purchase your favourite white teacup pug as we are the only reputed and trustworthy services provider all across the regions of the United States of America. Starting from the order of your pug to the delivery of your pug, we are the one who always available to assist our customers in every purchase of their micro teacup pug. Petla Pug Puppies — The only answer for all your micro teacup pugs for sale near me Queries Petla Pug Puppies is the only answer to all your problems related to the micro Teacup pugs near me searches. We are the only ones who always ranked on the top position among all the searches related to the micro Teacup pugs near me. No matter where ever you are, our services are always all across the major and minor areas of the USA. Shopping or placing an order along with us is very much easy, as you only need to call or email to us to have our amazing services for micro teacup pugs for sale near me. Whether you are going to adopt the puppies or you want to purchase them as a gift purpose, you can easily get all such things only from our Petla Pug Puppies. We offer Secure and Safe Payment While you are choosing us for getting White pugs for sale near me, then you do not need to worry about the payments as all our modes of payments are secure and safe. Moreover, we accept payments in multiple ways, whether it is Google Pay or any credit or debit card. So, try our amazing White pugs for sale near me services and process your payment via any of the modes. Readout our testimonials before having our White pugs for sale near me services As we are the only one who have all the 5-star customers from across the regions. If you are still having any doubt about our services, you can also check out our testimonials section to have a better idea before getting an advantage from our micro teacup pugs for sale. Related products. Our Teacup Pug puppies come from reputable breeders who have years of experience in breeding and caring for Pugs. We make sure that our Teacup Pug puppies are given the best care possible, including regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and proper nutrition. What are Teacup Pug puppies? Teacup Pugs are a smaller version of the classic Pug breed, with all the same great characteristics and personality traits. They are loyal, affectionate, and playful, making them a great companion for individuals and families alike. We also offer shipping options for those who live outside of our local area, so you can still bring home your new furry friend. Temperament of pugs teacup pug puppies for sale are a small, short and stocky breed of about lbs. This furry little bundle of joy is a good choice for new urban dog owners because the Pug will require less exercise than other breeds and makes a great watch companion. Pugs are also popular with seniors who enjoy their gentle personality. This pugs temperament allows them to live as long with humans as they might need. Whether you want choose your next best friend, or just want to find an adorable update to your home decor, this Australian breed is one that should be on top of your list when looking for that perfect pup! Although they can get along with children and adults, this is not an ideal family pet. Well, hello there! It is a pleasure to meet you. I am looking for the perfect family for me. I love being the center of attention and making my friends and family laugh. Just put on a good movie and I will be there curled up right next to you before you know it. I promise to come home up to date on my puppy vaccinations and pre-spoiled. Reviews There are no reviews yet. What is a teacup dog? How are teacup dogs made? Teacup versions of already small dog breeds include Pugs, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, amongst others. Puppies are often photographed sitting inside of teacups, to showcase their small size. But how are these teacup versions made? There are a few ways. Teacup dogs are usually produced by breeding runts together to create the smallest version of the dog possible. Unfortunately the small dogs chosen to breed are sometimes also not the healthiest. They may be small because of a birth defect or other medical condition, and that can then be passed on to their offspring. Health risks for tiny versions of dogs can be significant, and breeders often take these risks because they want to rake in the big bucks. Another way a teacup dog might be bred is by mixing smaller breeds. For example, a teacup pug might have a small amount of chihuahua in them, to ensure a smaller size. What is a Teacup Pug, or a Toy Pug? What is the pug breed standard? Glad you asked. What is a very small pug called? In the United States and Canada, the pug breed standard only has one classification — standard. However, people do use certain words to describe purebred pugs that happen to be on the small side. They often just have one goal: to breed smaller and smaller dogs. Common health risks that come with breeding small versions of dogs include: Hydrocephalus: also known as water on the brain, hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain. Hypoglycemia: a condition where the blood sugar glucose level is lower than normal. Collapsing Trachea: Tracheal collapse is when rings of cartilage in the trachea begin to flatten out, making it difficult for air to get to the lungs. Patella Luxation: or sliding kneecap, is a condition where the knee cap rides outside the femoral groove when the knee is flexed. They can also be prone to seizures, respiratory issues, and liver shunts. These health issues and complications result in higher vet bills, and dogs with shorter life spans. Share your comments below. Pin for later!