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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located on a 40 acre farm east of Denver, Colorado we have plenty of space for our dogs to run around and get exercise. Unlike typical breeders we do not confine our golden retrievers to small kennels, but instead let them run and play as much as their hearts desire. Health Guarantee To ensure the health of our golden retrievers we make sure they are always up-to-date on: Health Checkups Shots Health Screenings - OFA certification for hips, elbows, and thyroids We also focus on the mental health of our dogs by keeping them happy interacting with people and other dogs on a daily basis. This ensures excellent temperaments, great dispositions, and that they are extremely well mannered. Before they are sent to their new homes each puppy gets a health checkup from the vet and their first round of shots. We also offer to microchip your puppy when you pick them up to keep them safe. In addition to all of this, we offer a health guarantee protecting against many hereditary problems. At birth: We help the mama clean the puppies so they are introduced to human scent from birth. Birth - 4 weeks old: We bottle feed the puppies in supplement to their mother's milk to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Handled from birth to get used to human scent Free time outside their kennel so they can explore their surroundings. Introduced to our pet cat and other dogs to become comfortable around all kinds of animals. All of the things mentioned above are part of how we ensure that our puppies are happy, healthy, and playful when they are ready to go to their forever homes. To see information about available golden retriever puppies and to see pictures from past litters click the links below. Deposits are being accepted. We are expecting litters of puppies in the middle of June. Please call Lynn so we may reserve a puppy for you! We are a small hobby breeder located in the Littleton, Colorado area. We pride ourselves in the careful, thoughtful choices in each of our breeding's to ensure the best in health, beauty and even temperament. Our puppies are affectionately raised with our family to provide proper socialization and the finest in family and child companions. Learn more here! They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size, famous for the dense, lustrous coat of gold that gives the breed its name. The broad head, with its friendly and intelligent eyes, short ears, and straight muzzle, is a breed hallmark. In motion, Goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a 'merry action. These records were released to public notice in Country Life in , when Lord Tweedmouth's great-nephew, the sixth Earl of Ilchester, historian and sportsman, published material that had been left by his ancestor. They provided factual confirmation to the stories that had been handed down through generations. Goldens are outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please family dogs, and relatively easy to train. They take a joyous and playful approach to life and maintain this puppyish behavior into adulthood. These energetic, powerful gundogs enjoy outdoor play. For a breed built to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, swimming and fetching are natural pastimes. Contact Us! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Colorado Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Colorado? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Colorado? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Congratulations to Striker for being in the top ten historical producing sires again in .Congratulations to Amos for being in the top ten current producing sires for the fourth year in .Congratulation to Ruger for being in the top ten current producing sires for the first year in .Our dogs live with us on a five acre ranch. A canal runs through it and they enjoy running and swimming for plenty of exercise. They also enjoy getting in our truck and going to a near by pond or river for a few marks on water or land as part of their training process. They have proved to be very eager retrievers and excel in the hunting field. They make great hunters along with being excellent companions and family pets! Our professional breeding program of golden retriever puppies consists of over 28 years of intensive work to provide top quality puppies. They are bred for temperament, standards of the breed, and we strive for top quality and beautiful puppies! Our golden retriever pups are guaranteed for two years for eyes, hips, elbows and heart with a written guarantee! All our breeding dogs are cleared before we breed them. We also provide support to our puppy buyers and general advice! It is a big responsibility and commitment in raising a golden retriever pup but it is a wonderful experience! When our girls were small, we got our first golden. He soon became so much a part of our family! He was an excellent hunter and we didn't really have to train him. He had a lot of natural ability, was a great companion, hunter, obedience and all around kind of a dog. We were hooked on Golden Retrievers after owning this one. We have since had several and have found the breed to be exceptional. Since when we bred our first litter, we have learned as much as possible about breeding and training them. Hunter's Goldstrike Golden Retrievers has a goal to strive for good breeding practices along with clearances, appearances, and temperament. We also belong to the Platte Valley Hunting retriever club and have served on the board for many years in various offices. This is a huge accomplishment for him. We plan to do some Striker pups in the future as we have some frozen semen on him. Hunter's Goldstrike Golden Retrievers thanks you for looking at our website! Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever.
Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:.
Website: snugglepugs. They make sure that when they post about pug puppies in Michigan, the perfect puppy is ready to be released to their new owners. This means that they make sure the puppies are in good health, had their first shots, and are vet checked. They cater and serve to all locations in the vicinity of Michigan, Check them out for pug puppies for sale. Here is their contact information: Marshall, MI Email: sfjmercado yahoo. Breeders have a major responsibility to build from the healthiest dogs on their family pedigree. They should focus on the breeding quality not on quantity if they wish to be in business for a long time. They have to take into account the various health problems and genetic medical condition traits to ensure that the puppy lives a long life. Always do your diligent research on breeders and find those who value pet parents and dog owners who are responsible. Filter your leads to those who are more likely certified pugs for sale Michigan listers. Pug Puppies for Sale: How much does a baby pug cost in Michigan? High prices will come from popular breeders or other reputed breeders. This is the reason why one needs to check if the current finances are able to support another pet family member. Tell me the average price of Pug Puppies in Michigan? Conclusion Pug puppies are among the most adorable pups out there. They are energetic in their early years and they love to play. However, as they grow older, they tend to spend most of their sleeping in comfy spots at home. It is always the best choice to purchase pug puppies from breeders, adoption houses, rescue organizations, and other pet shops that have earned a good, solid reputation in the local community and would provide a health guarantee. You also need to consider the needs of the pugs before actually bringing them to your home. Aside from making your home puppy proof, make sure that you have the time to provide the attention they need. They also need to be constantly groomed. Keep an eye on the areas between the folds on their faces and always check its unique pug tail. Brush their coat at least once a week to control their shedding. You should try which shampoo helps with the shedding as well. Take light walks outside on the cooler parts of the day. This will help them cool down easier. Responsible Dog breeders are a gem. Here are some of the other topics we have created to help you search pugs for sale by location. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states.
How much does a C-section cost for a French bulldog Breeding French Bulldogs Before discussing the litter size of the French Bulldog, we need to talk about dog breeding in general. While we discuss different dog breeds here regularly, it is important to know there are still many issues involved in breeding. While loving a particular breed and enjoying its ideal traits is not wrong, there is a problem with population numbers. Shelter systems around the world are overrun with abandoned and stray dogs, rescued from circumstances which often cause psychological trauma and physical harm. The reasons so many dogs enter the shelter system are varied, but they often come from negligent owners who cannot meet the responsibility of dog guardianship. While you yourself may be a responsible dog guardian, finding the same for all of the puppies in a French Bulldog's litter may not be an easy task. Due to canine overpopulation, there are more dogs than homes to accommodate them. Shelter systems work hard to rehome and care for abandoned dogs, but many do not have the resources to do so. The difficulties from which many of these dogs suffer often means they are shuffled back and forth or are directly euthanized. Another worrying aspect is the presence of unscrupulous breeders. The popularity of French Bulldogs began with professional and legally registered breeders. They not only guarantee that the characteristics of the breed are maintained, but they look after the dog's welfare and give them the best chance to be happy and healthy adult dogs. Unscrupulous breeders only want to make money. They will house dogs in inhumane conditions, not give them proper socialization, neglect their health needs and may be involved in abuse. Keeping dogs in puppy farms means the mothers are often used solely for breeding and are not given a happy existence. Keeping so many dogs in close proximity can also promote many diseases, parasitical infections, skin disorders and more. Even if the dog is physically healthy, they may suffer from serious behavioral problems. Another reason for taking care when breeding French Bulldogs is due to their particular health issues. Although French Bulldogs are wonderful animals which can lead happy lives, they are also a product of certain breeding practices. In a desire to have certain physical characteristics, French Bulldogs have a particular morphology. Their snout is shortened and their stature is very stocky. The result is that these breeds are prone to certain disorders such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Studies show that many Bulldog owners are not even aware of the condition [1] , but it can lead to severe respiratory problems and a significant decrease in quality of life. Other health problems common to the French Bulldog include eye problems, entropion , invertebral disc disease, cleft palate and more. For the above reasons, it is not advised you breed your French Bulldog. You will be contributing to an overpopulation of dogs which means dogs already in need are often overlooked. Veterinarians recommend sterilization for both female and male dogs not only for the larger dog population, but for the individual dog. It helps avoid certain physical and behavioral disorders which can make their care difficult. After a French Bulldog gives birth to their litter, they will be able to become pregnant again as soon as they reach their next heat cycle. If your French Bulldog has become pregnant and you are wondering how many puppies they will have in their litter, you should consider spaying the dog as soon as they have been able to wean the puppies and are ready to be separated from their mother. Average number of puppies in a French Bulldog litter If you do not take our advice or your French Bulldog is already pregnant , you will want to know how many puppies are in a French Bulldog litter. In doing so, you will know how many homes you will need to find for each puppy or if it is possible an adopter will take in more than one puppy. The average size of a French Bulldog litter is 3 puppies. It is not abnormal for a French Bulldog to have 4 puppies in a litter, but anything over 5 puppies is unusual. While we will not be able to tell how many puppies a French Bulldog will be able to have early on, we need to carry out checkups with the veterinarian. How to know how many puppies a French Bulldog will have While we may know how many French Bulldog puppies are likely to be born, many people will want to know an exact amount. This can be a difficult to determine, especially in the early stages. Apart from determining the health of mother and fetuses, the veterinarian can help to determine how many puppies will be in a litter. Palpations will be used initially to determine pregnancy. The vet will press and tap the French Bulldog's abdomen to look for the presence of fluid sacs which contain the fetuses. These can only be felt after a minimum of 3 weeks after conception. Even during this time, it will not be possible to know how many fetuses are present. An x-ray is a better way to determine the amount of puppies in a French Bulldog litter, but not until later in the gestation. The reason is that the x-ray needs to pick out the spine and skull in the fetus, which don't develop until at least day 42, but even then it may not be easy to determine exactly how many fetuses are in the litter. Perhaps the best method of determining how many puppies are in a litter is with an ultrasound. This should be carried between the third and fourth week of pregnancy and then again further into the gestation. An ultrasound will not only help to determine the amount of fetuses present, but they will also be able to find out if they are alive. Earlier in the pregnancy, a miscarried fetus will be absorbed into the mother's body, but this will not happen if it has developed sufficiently. An x-ray can tell if the fetus is present, but an ultrasound will let us to know if there is a heartbeat. Complications in French Bulldog pregnancy As we state above, the French Bulldog has certain health issues which affect them as adults. The same problems will affect a French Bulldog's pregnancy. As the Bulldog's hips are narrow, giving birth normally becomes more difficult. Another aspect is the fact that French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs. The shape of their head can lead to various problems, particularly with respiration. A mother dog which is giving birth to multiple puppies may struggle to get enough oxygen. If they already have other health issues during their pregnancy, this can exacerbate them. Not only is it problematic for the French Bulldog mother to have complications, but the shape of this breed's head means it can be difficult for the puppies to pass through the birth canal. The word for problems during labor is dystocia and recent reviews have highlighted the specific problems faced by brachycephalic dog breeds. Firstly, French Bulldogs are .It is important to monitor your dog's pregnancy, regardless of breed. With French Bulldogs it is imperative. How much does a C-section cost for a French bulldog As we have seen, regardless of how many puppies a French bulldog can have, a caesarean section is likely. This is regardless of whether it has been scheduled by the veterinarian or if it has to occur due to obvious complications in the birth. The caesarean section is a type of abdominal surgery which involves the veterinarian cutting into successive layers. Once they are in far enough, they will reach the uterus which they open with a scalpel. The puppies are then extracted from the abdomen and their amniotic sacs pierced so they can breathe air. The French Bulldog dam will be anesthetized during the procedure, but this needs to happen just before otherwise further complications such as hypotension may occur [5]. Another reason the anesthetic needs to have short duration is the fact that the puppies will need to start feeding almost immediately. The veterinarian will dry the puppies after the c-section and keep them warm until all the puppies are birthed and the mother regains consciousness. The price of this procedure will depend on various factors: Time of the operation: if the c-section is an emergency and is performed outside of clinic hours, it will normally cost more. Complications: if there are any issues during the operation which require the dog to have extra medical care, this will add to the bills. This is particularly the case if the dog needs to stay in for observation. Weight: if the dog is particularly large, they may need more drugs or procedures to carry it out safely. The same goes if they have related medical conditions. Place: different countries, regions and individual clinics will have varying prices. For the above reasons, we cannot give you the exact price of a c-section for a French Bulldog. You will have to discuss pricing with your veterinarian as you go on checkups during the pregnancy. While this may be expensive, we are paying for the expertise of the veterinary health professional, the materials required during the procedure and various other factors. If you want to read similar articles to How many puppies can a French bulldog have? References 1. Liu, N. February 2, This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. French bulldogs are a breed of dogs that have gained popularity over the past few decades. Most importantly, French bulldogs, like all brachycephalic breeds, suffer from many health issues due to their physical characteristics. The lifespan for a French bulldog can be a short as years since they often die prematurely due to breathing difficulties such as collapsed lungs which can be caused by their flat faces. A well-bred French Bulldog can live the full years assuming they do not have the brachycephalic dog syndrome or other diseases causing a premature death. While the grunting noises may sound silly, they really can be interpreted wrongly by other dogs. That being said, it should be clear that all dogs need socialization. A good breeder will have taken measures to ensure that the puppies do not have any problems, which includes a good breeding program and health testing. French bulldogs, like all breeds of dogs, are subject to a wide variety of health problems. Photo by MirasWonderland on Shutterstock There is no one cause of death for the majority of French bulldogs. They just seem to be more prone to certain types of diseases or conditions which can lead to their early death. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. And that includes undesirable health issues. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic diseases in dogs, French Bulldogs are no exception. There are a few things you should know about this condition before getting your rescue checked out by a vet. Symptoms include difficulty standing up from a sitting position, difficulty walking or running, inability to climb stairs without assistance, an arched back posture indicating that weight is being shifted onto the front legs , and reluctance or refusal to go on walks or play fetch. Entropion French Bulldogs are a breed of dogs that require careful attention to their eyes. Photo by Ivonne Wierink on Shutterstock Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing discomfort and irritation. The dog may rub his eye with one or both paws because of the constant irritation. If not treated, this condition can lead to ulceration or corneal abrasion. If you notice your french bulldog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it may be entropion and should be treated as soon as possible by a veterinarian. A vet can prescribe topical ointment or eye drops that will help ease discomfort. IVDD When it comes to dog health, there are many common conditions that can affect your pup. One of the most serious is IVDD. This condition often affects dogs who are over 50 lbs and have a long back. What does IVDD stand for? The spine can be injured or damaged in many ways, including from cancer, trauma, infections, congenital defects and IVDD. These discs act as cushions between the bones to absorb shocks during movement. Rupturing of these discs can cause severe pain. When these discs break down they may begin to leak fluid which compresses nearby nerves causing pain and loss of control over muscles in the legs with varying degrees of paralysis depending on how badly these structures are damaged. Brachycephalic Frenchies A major issue for Frenchies are brachycephalic respiratory problems. Do not buy poorly bred puppies with this issue, no matter how cute they may look. This is a condition that affects dogs with short noses and makes it difficult for them to breathe. The problem stems from their anatomy, which includes a shortened nasal passage and an elongated soft palate. These anatomical differences make it difficult for these animals to cool themselves when they pant because the air has trouble passing through the nose, causing them to overheat quickly. It also causes difficulty in regulating breathing as well as changes in the shape of their faces. Also, would you like not being able to cool off or not having sufficient airflow? Dogs regulate a lot through their breathing and one of the symptoms of poorly bred French Bulldogs is the fact that they never close their mouth and lie down to cool down instead of just pant. Heart Failure Dog owners often face the difficult decision of whether or not to euthanize their pet when they are diagnosed with heart failure, so do your best to not let it get so far. What are some signs my dog may have heart failure? If left untreated, it can lead to congestive heart failure, which will cause them to develop symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and increased thirst. Dogs that have been diagnosed with heart failure should not be allowed to exercise strenuously, or at all in some cases. Some medications may help slow the progression of heart damage from high blood pressure or diabetes as well. Having a healthy Frenchie can actually save you money. Remember what I told you above about the health conditions? A major pet health insurance has collected data on what their claims have cost in the past. Health condition. Epidemiology Abstract A life table is a tabulated expression of life expectancy and mortality-related information at specified ages in a given population. This study utilised VetCompass data to develop life tables for the UK companion dog population and broken down by sex, Kennel Club breed group, and common breeds. Among 30, dogs that died between 1st January and 31st July , life expectancy at age 0 was .Female dogs .Life tables varied widely between breeds. Jack Russell Terrier .Life tables generated by the current study allow a deeper understanding of the varied life trajectory across many types of dogs and offer novel insights and applications to improve canine health and welfare. The current study helps promote further understanding of life expectancy, which will benefit pet owners and the veterinary profession, along with many other sectors. Introduction A deeper understanding of life expectancies at different ages within the United Kingdom UK companion dog population, further categorised by sex and breed, is critical to the improvement of canine welfare and health management 1 , 2. For example, existing and potential dog owners can develop realistic expectations for the typical remaining life period of their dogs through the knowledge of life expectancy. To date, much of the research on dog life expectancy has focused on reporting average overall ages at death in dogs that have been selected using referral or first opinion veterinary caseloads 1 , 3 , insurance databases 4 or owner questionnaires 5 , 6. Among companion dogs died between and in the UK, the median age at death was estimated to be .Instead of offering a single value for the average age of at death, a life table is a tabulated expression of life expectancy and probability of death at different age groups of a given population. A life table provides much more detailed information and inference than a single summary average age at death across all ages 7. There are two main types of life tables: a a cohort life table, which summarises the actual mortality experience of a group of individuals the cohort from the birth of the first to the death of the last member of the cohort, and b a current life table, which provides cross-sectional mortality and survival experience of a population during a single or few current years 8. Cohort life tables have also been constructed using a hypothetical i. Both types of life tables have their importance. Cohort life tables can inform the mortality situation of cohorts, but the data for current life tables are generally easier to be collected 8. Human life tables are routinely constructed for countries, or sub-populations within a country, as a proxy indicator of the general health of the population. A decrease in life expectancy implies that events leading to mortality occur, on average, earlier and is, therefore, suggestive of a generally less healthy population .Thus, life tables can be used to monitor changes in the general health of a population over time, as well as to identify vulnerable sub- populations, promoting targeted investigation into the reasons for the observed reduction in life expectancy 11 , .Human life tables are considered an essential tool for effective public planning and policy-making 13 , e. In the UK, a national current life table for humans is generated every three years whereas there is an update every year in the United States 12 , .National life tables are usually constructed for the population overall, per sex, and may include ethnic groups in some countries .Despite their usefulness for the management of human populations, life tables are rarely built for companion animals. Two life table studies for dogs were recently conducted in Japan 10 , 17 ; the first created current life tables for dogs in general, along with estimates for differing sizes, using pet insurance data, whilst the other created a hypothetical cohort life table using pet cemetery data. These life tables have advanced the knowledge of dog life trajectory 18 and have been applied in studies that required information on the life expectancy of dogs of different ages, such as a quantitative risk assessment of the introduction of rabies 19 and the quantification of welfare impact caused by diseases 2. However, given that the breed structure of dog populations can vary widely between countries, the international generalisability of lifetables needs to be considered carefully. In addition, the average lifespan and mortality profiles of individual breeds may differ among national dog populations for a wide range of genetic and healthcare reasons. For instance, on average, Labrador Retrievers lived .The construction of a life table for companion dogs in the UK could facilitate the understanding of the life expectancy and health of the UK companion dog population in a similar way to the application of such life tables in human populations 12 , .A reliable canine life table can enhance our understanding of the life expectancy at different ages, as it demonstrates that life expectancy at each age is not the same as the average lifespan minus that age. There are practical implications when life expectancy is not understood correctly. For example, canine adoption centres may underestimate the typical remaining lifespan of adult dogs being rehomed if predictions about their age at death are based on their current age and the average lifespan. This could lead to a longer length of ownership than the adopting family had originally expected. Moreover, more complex forms of life table modelling can be used to support studies that quantify the burden of diseases on dog health and welfare 2 , .When a disease leads to the death of a dog, this dog foregoes the potential remaining lifespan that it would have lived without that disease. Thus, the burden of the disease increases when a longer period of remaining life lost is caused by a disease, and this information about the life lost can be supplied by a dog life table. The current study aimed to develop the first life tables for the UK companion dog population and dogs of different traits, including sex and some breeds. The resulting life tables could improve our understanding of longevity-related demographics of the dog population in the UK, whilst ultimately contributing to the improved health and welfare of dogs worldwide. The candidate cases were randomly ordered and the clinical notes of a subset of candidates were manually reviewed in detail to evaluate for case inclusion. Case inclusion criteria as a confirmed death required evidence in the EPR that the dog had died at any date from January 1st to July 31st .Animals without information about sex were excluded from the final sample. After descriptive statistics for summarising the demographics of the sample were conducted, a hypothetical cohort life table for the UK companion dog population was constructed with all dogs in the dataset 8. Life tables for subpopulations mentioned below were also built: all life tables needed to have a minimum of 3 dogs in each given year interval and 11 dogs at the last year interval. A minimum of 3 dogs in each given year interval was decided to ensure a sample variance that takes the advantage of averaging i. Thus, we only set the number limit of dogs for the last year interval. Based on the criteria, life tables were also constructed for a male and female dogs, b neutered and entire dogs for both sexes c dogs of different KC breed groups Gundog, Hound, Pastoral, Terrier, Toy, Utility, Working, and non-KC recognised , and d crossbred and 18 breeds of dogs. All the life tables were complete life tables i. Table 1 presents the parameters in the life table and their definition and equations. The life expectancy at age 0 equates to the mean age at death of dogs across all ages. Table 1 Parameters used in a life table. Full size table Data cleaning including removal of dogs a died before January 1st or after July 31st , b with negative lifespan, c without birth or mortality information, d without sex information and management were performed in Microsoft Excel Microsoft Corp. No human data were included in the current study. The geographic spread of the clinics with available postcode data included England .Initial screening identified 97, candidate death cases at any date from 1st January to 31st July .Following a manual review of 32, .The success rate of the combined search terms to correctly identify deceased dogs was .Among the 30, dogs, 14, .There were 17, .There were 23, .Among 23, dogs of KC-recognised breeds, there were .The number and percentage of each breed is in Supplementary File 1. There were 18 breeds included in the life table analyses, accounted for .There were .Life table Table 2 shows the overall life table for the UK companion dog population. The life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion dogs was .The probability of death at each year interval increased with age with an exception of year interval 1—2 0. The probability of death within each year interval remained at or below 0. Table 2 Cohort life table of dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Full size table Female dogs .This trend towards greater annual female life expectancy persisted until individuals were 12 years of age, after which the life expectancy of both sexes became similar. When adding neuter status into consideration, a substantially higher probability of death in entire female year 10 and before and male year 4 and before than their neutered counterparts was observed Tables S3 to S6 in Supplementary File 2. Entire females .Full size image Among the KC breed groups and dogs of breeds not recognised by the KC, Terrier had the longest life expectancy at age 0 at .However, comparative patterns of life expectancy between the breed groups at age 0 were not necessarily maintained later into life. For instance, Hound and Toy groups had a similar life expectancy at age 0 but diverged soon after this to reach a difference of 0. The life table of Hound ended at year 17 with a life expectancy of 0. Supplementary File 2 Tables S7 to S14 contains the life tables for the breed groups. Full size image Life tables for the 18 breeds and crossbred varied widely Table 3 and can be found in Supplementary File 2 Tables S15 to S.Jack Russell Terrier had the greatest life expectancy at age 0 at .Compared to other breeds, many brachycephalic breeds i. To explore the longevity of the dogs of different breeds, we examined the earliest age at which the life expectancy dropped below 1. The life expectancy dropping below 1. English Bulldog was the earliest to reach the life expectancy of 1. Table 3 Key statistics extracted from the life tables of 18 individual dog breeds and of crossbred, including the life expectancy at age 0 and at the last age, using the data of dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Full size table Figure 3 Relation between the life expectancy at year 0 and year interval in which the life expectancy became 1. Full size image The probability of death was lower in year 0—1 than year 1—2 in most breeds [American Bulldog 0. Some breeds, including American Bulldog, Chihuahua, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Husky and Pug had a probability of death before reaching adulthood before year 2 30 much higher than the overall dogs 0. Discussion This study presents the first cohort life tables for the UK dog population and dogs of different characteristics, including sex, neuter status, KC grouping and 18 breeds and crossbred dogs. These tables offer information about annual life expectancy and annual probability of death, which has been unavailable from conventional longevity studies in UK companion dogs to date. With the ongoing accumulation and accessibility of death information from Big Data resources such as VetCompass in the future, the construction of life tables for increasing numbers of breeds of dogs and also for other companion animal species should expand. Based on the mathematical and biological plausibility, a valid life table should exhibit the highest life expectancy at age 0 which decreases with age 8 , 15 , .The probability of death may be higher in infancy as the immune system continues to mature in the postnatal period, for both humans and dogs .In dogs, the immune system takes approximately one year for full maturity .In the most recent life tables of humans in the UK, Australia and the US, the probability of death appeared the lowest in ages of 7—11 years i. Some life tables constructed in the current study did not follow this trend in the probability of death, for example, the life tables for neutered males and females. These life tables will be discussed below. The life expectancy at age 0 reported in the current study for dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK in was .Differing data sources for the study populations might partially contribute to this substantial variation. Insured dogs may represent a subset of dogs that live longer than those without insurance, as they may receive more or additional veterinary care, due to alleviated economic constraints on the owners 35 , .Moreover, dog breeds of high disease risk such as brachycephalic breeds might be under-represented in some insurance data than the general population due to the elevated cost to insure and special rules of reimbursement applied to these breeds in some insurance companies 37 , .Breed demographics are likely to differ between these two counties. Breeds of toy or small size have a longer life expectancy than larger-sized dogs and are more common in Japan than in the UK 1 , 5 , 10 , .In contrast, breeds of large and medium sizes, as well as brachycephalic dogs, are more popular in the UK 39 , which present shorter life expectancies. These demographic differences will influence country-level life expectancy estimates at age 0. Variation in estimates may be partly due to sampling effort, as the life expectancy tables from Japan were created using a smaller sample size. While female dogs .Entire animals of both sexes showed similar trajectories of life expectancy from age 0 onwards. However, neutering was associated with an elevated life expectancy at age 0 for both sexes compared to their entire counterparts, and this longevity advantage from neutering was higher in female dogs than in male dogs. A similar survival advantage for neutered animals has been reported in several studies 1 , 40 , 41 , but most data, including the current study, generated these results by dichotomising dogs into neutered or entire without taking into account the duration of gonadal hormone exposure before the neutering. Neutered animals in these cited studies would have already lived to the age of neutering, biasing their life expectancy towards greater length, highlighted by the lowered probability of death at year 0—1 in neutered dogs. As veterinarians may often recommend early neutering for female dogs, sometimes before the start of the oestrus cycle 42 or soon after the first cycle 43 , neutering of females may occur earlier in life than neutering for males .Therefore, the gap of true life expectancy between the sexes due to neutering might be even wider than reported here. Neutering may also act as a proxy for stronger owner responsibility and better care, as it is often considered responsible dog ownership. Thus, neutered animals may benefit from additional survival advantages related to enhanced owner care .Neutering may directly affect the risks of various health conditions and therefore shift life expectancy as a result .Neutering is linked to a reduced risk of tumours within reproductive organs and various cardiovascular diseases, but an increased risk of joint disorders and several types of tumours such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, especially in females .Due to the complexity stated above, our life tables for neutered dogs should be interpreted with great caution. For the 18 breeds and the crossbred category, the number of years contained in the tables, life expectancy and the probability of death at different ages varied widely. Relatively shorter life expectancy at specific year points can be taken as evidence that events and processes eventually leading to mortality are occurring earlier in life in these populations than some other populations, so these populations may have generally poorer health than some other populations 30 , .If the distribution of external factors that may lead to differences in the life expectancy and the probability of death e. Breed predisposition to particular disorders is a well-identified phenomenon .Breeds that show high levels of potentially life-threatening predispositions that start early in life are likely to have a higher probability of death at younger ages and therefore a decreased life expectancy. Indeed, four brachycephalic breeds French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug and American Bulldog that showed the shortest life expectancy at year 0 of all 18 breeds in our results are also reported with several predispositions to life-limiting disorders that occur early in life, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, spinal disease and dystocia 48 , 49 , 50 , .Lifespan variations between breeds were explored by examining the association between the breed life expectancy at age 0 and the year interval at which the life expectancy reached 1. Generally, life expectancy at age 0 and the year interval in which the life expectancy became 1. However, although Chihuahuas showed a life expectancy at age 0 of only 7. A lowered life expectancy at age 0 suggests an increase in mortality of younger-aged dogs whose mortality is usually low , and the life expectancy becoming 1. In our results, the probability of death before year 13—14 was higher and much higher before year 4 in Chihuahua than for dogs overall, which became lower after that. It was also observed in French Bulldogs that a low life expectancy at age 0 4. The number of KC registered French Bulldogs in the UK rose steeply from in to 39, in 39 , suggesting that the population of French Bulldogs and other breeds sharing a similar rising trend in popularity in our dataset are biased towards younger dogs that contribute proportionately more deaths in younger ages in the life table. In contrast, breeds with a decreasing trend in popularity may have an underestimated probability of death at younger ages, resulting in overestimated life expectancy. Previous studies have also shown the rising popularity of certain breeds and the association of rising popularity with lower median age 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , .Hypothetical cohort life tables are more susceptible to the influence of population instability, which is common in dogs due to sudden and dramatic fad-like changes in breed popularity .This can be avoided by implementing current or real cohort life tables instead if such data were available. Thirteen of the 18 breeds had a lower probability of death in year 0—1 than year 1—2 in the life tables, some slightly and others substantially. This finding goes against the evidence that mortality is higher in puppy 0—26 weeks and juvenile 27—52 weeks periods than young adult period 1—2 years and empirical results in human life tables 15 , 33 , .This may, in part, be due to substantial puppy mortality occurring before individuals can be registered to a primary veterinary clinic resulting in these deaths not appearing in the current dataset. A more accurate estimation of life expectancy from birth would be possible if all the currently unavailable puppy mortality information could be recovered. Life tables in companion animals offer extensive applications. Similar to a common application for human life table studies, comparison between life tables can support deeper insight into the health of dogs of differing demographics such as sex and breed over time and space 62 , .When life tables are generated periodically for a specific population, changes in the life expectancy and the probability of death at specific ages can indicate changes in the general health and welfare of the population. Comparison of life tables among the populations of different traits such as breed or conformation can also identify less healthy or more vulnerable populations 62 , as demonstrated in our study especially for breeds. Advanced life table modelling can offer useful information allowing the quantification of disease burden on health and welfare in human and companion animals 2 , 64 , .Quantification of disease burden is important because it can assist with the prioritisation of health conditions for targeted reform 66 , 67 , .Coupling these findings with cost-effective analysis on disease prevention and control can assist to allocate resources to priority health conditions and achieve efficient improvements in the health and welfare of the overall population .The value of disease burden quantification has been demonstrated by the Global Burden of Disease project of the World Health Organization to improve human health .The Global Burden of Disease uses the Disability-Adjusted Life Year framework that incorporates life tables as part of the methodology to quantify the burden of many diseases diseases and injuries in 64 , .The WALY constitutes two elements, a years lived with impaired welfare, which is the years having a certain disease weighted by its severity and b years of life lost due to the premature death caused by the disease or resulting assisted death. Future life table modelling that accounts for comorbidity and demographics of dogs can offer information about years of life lost based upon the life expectancy at the age of death for the individual animal affected. Life tables highlight the value of interpreting life expectancy annually, especially at older ages, where differences in life expectancy between ages become narrower. Thus, the current authors propose that life table literacy is important for veterinary professionals, shelter staff, and dog owners because it can optimise decision-making and subsequently can positively impact dog welfare. Life table literacy will promote realistic expectations for the life expectancy of dogs at different ages, helping to make treatment plans for illness and end of life decisions. Shelters and charities can also incorporate this information in the adoption process ensuring that potential dog owners understand the expected length of ownership commitment required for dogs of different breeds, ages, and neuter status. With the foundations for canine life table science built by the current work, we hope to generate further examples of life tables for both dogs and cats using the VetCompass data in the future. The current study provides a proof of concept that can support future research looking to construct life tables for dogs and cats as a periodic recurring endeavour. Consequently, changes in the life expectancy, mortality, and health of companion dogs and cats can be tracked similarly to how it is in human demography 15 , .For future life table construction, we hope to incorporate other sources of information such as KC annual registry data and dog insurance data with further modelling, which will help to produce even more accurate life tables .This study had some additional limitations to those discussed above. Firstly, the high frequency of euthanasia in companion dogs highlights the potentially underestimated life expectancy compared to unassisted death .This is especially biased by euthanasia undertaken for non-life-threatening reasons such as undesirable behaviours, economic reasons or convenience 35 , .Consequently, differing cultures between countries for euthanasia in dogs might substantially influence national life tables. Another limitation is the sole inclusion of primary veterinary practice-attending dogs. Thus, our results might be less representative of unowned dogs or dogs not attending veterinary clinics. Also, some dogs that died at home or in emergency out-of-hours clinics might be excluded from the current data, although the data did capture all deaths away from the clinics that were reported by owners to the veterinary clinics at any time. Lastly, the sample sizes for some of the 18 breeds e. Conclusion The current study has produced the first life tables for dogs in the UK, reporting annual life expectancy and probability of death for the UK companion dog population, dogs of different sex and neuter status, breed groups and also for 18 breeds and crossbred dogs. We report an elevated life expectancy in neutered dogs compared to entire dogs and wide variation in life expectancy between breeds, with Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier having the highest and some brachycephalic breeds showing the lowest life expectancy at age 0. The construction and application of life tables offers great potential for companion animal health and welfare sciences but is still in its infancy. Life tables generated in the current study promote not only a better understanding of the life trajectory of dogs but also offer several applications for the veterinary profession and research to improve the health and welfare of dogs. These deformities are associated with a host of health problems. Respiratory problems Every French Bulldog suffers from some degree of brachycephalic syndrome, which causes all kinds of respiratory problems. Many French Bulldogs snort and snuffle as they struggle to pull in air through a windpipe and nostrils that are malformed. In hot weather, Frenchies should be kept in an air conditioned home and supervised during outside activity so they don't suffer heatstroke. Bone and joint diseases The French Bulldog Club conducted a health survey in which 1 out of every 4 French Bulldogs had one or more bone or joint problems — especially intervertebral disk disease and hemivertebrae. Let's talk about intervertebral disk disease and hemivertebrae in French Bulldogs. Hemivertebrae is an orthopedic disease in which at least one of the bones in your French Bulldog's backbone is deformed into an abnormal shape called hemi. Fortunately, hemivertebrae don't harm the tail, but if they also occur in the backbone.A single deformed vertebra in the backbone can still be okay. But multiple hemivertebrae in the backbone or a single one in the wrong place can compress the spinal cord. At months old, an affected puppy will start experiencing discomfort when you press on his back, or even loss of sensation weak hind legs. Mild symptoms can be relieved by acupuncture, but most puppies with severe symptoms are put to sleep before a year of age, because major surgery would typically put the puppy through a lot of pain for nothing. Hemivertebrae occur in French Bulldogs more than any other breed. In my opinion, any anatomical structure that compromises a dog's health in this way should be changed by breeders — most certainly not "preserved. That's appalling. A more serious hip disease that occurs in Frenchies is Legg-Calve-Pethes. If the knee pops out frequently, or if it pops out and won't go back into its socket.Per leg. Eye diseases Eye diseases in Frenchies include corneal ulcers, retinal dysplasia, cherry eye, entropion, and eyelash abnormalities. At months old, cataracts can appear and can progress to blindness. Frenchies are prone to a number of serious eye diseases. The scariest one is inherited cataracts, which can appear at 6 to 24 months old and often progresses to blindness. A French Bulldog with large, prominent eyes is vulnerable to corneal scratches and ulcers. Heart disease Heart disease is a current concern in French Bulldogs, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonic stenosis. Skin diseases Skin diseases occur regularly in the loose folds of skin that provide a hiding place for bacteria and fungi. Frenchies are very susceptible to chronic allergies and itchy skin. Young French Bulldogs are prone to demodectic mange, which may be mild or severe. Neurological diseases The French Bulldog is vulnerable to epilepsy, and a devastating disease of the central nervous system called degenerative myelopathy, which can progress to total rear-end paralysis. Blood-clotting diseases Blood-clotting diseases include von Willebrand's, factor II deficiency, hemophilia A, and the more serious hemophilia B. Miscellaneous Colitis inflamed digestive tract and inherited deafness also occur with some regularity in French Bulldogs. Virtually all French Bulldog puppies are born by C-section, birth defects are common, and the puppy mortality rate is high. Clearly Mother Nature is trying to tell us something here. Preventing health problems Some health problems are inherited. For example, if your dog inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it. But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog. Become your dog's health care champion! An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. Create your pet's best life. Inspiring people to have happier pets since .Answers to your dog behaviour and cat behaviour questions. Photos: left, Irina Kozorog; right, Dmussman. Because pedigree dogs are bred from a closed genetic pool, they can develop health issues related to the breed. As well, of course, any dog can be affected by various canine conditions. The studies are based on health records for .Having a better understanding of how common different disorders are in particular breeds means that breeders and Kennel Clubs can make plans to improve the health of those breeds. As well, it means that dog owners have a better idea of the questions to ask a breeder, and veterinarians can keep an eye out for the conditions that are most common in those breeds. When the overall numbers of a breed in the database are small, when the numbers of that breed are growing rapidly, or when the average age of the dogs in the database is young, the data may not reflect all the issues affecting the breed, some of which tend to appear as dogs age. This applies to French Bulldogs in the sample. So which health issues tend to affect French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers? French Bulldogs Number of dogs in the database: Median age at time of study: 1. However, given the young age of dogs in the sample, this may change as the dogs age as they are not old enough for many diseases associated with old age. Most common conditions: .Other common conditions were the nails being too long and skin-fold dermatitis. In this sample, 2. These rates are much lower than other studies, likely due to the young age of the dogs and one-year time-scale of the study. Behaviour: Surprisingly, 2. Colours: The most common colours were brindle and fawn. Population growth: The rise in popularity of French Bulldogs is astounding. The paper reports that in , French Bulldogs made up only 0. It may be that some issues typical of the breed would be more likely to appear as the dogs get older, and that breeding practices change as a result of the increased demand e. URT [upper respiratory tract] disease and ophthalmological conditions , the increasing popularity of this breed is not necessarily a benign phenomenon. Median age at time of study: 4. Most common causes of death: Musculoskeletal disorders and tumours were the most common causes of death. Lameness and periodontal disease were the next most common disorders. Chocolate labs were more likely to have ear and skin diseases than black and yellow Labs. Behaviour: In contrast to French Bulldogs, aggression did not feature in the list of the 20 most common conditions. Undesirable behaviour was listed for 1. Colours: Labrador Retrievers come in black, chocolate, and yellow. The most common colour was black, followed by yellow. Other info: The number of Labrador Retrievers in the UK dropped significantly from until when the data for this study was collected. Male dogs weighed more than female ones, and while for females, spaying was not associated with overweight, for male dogs neutering was associated with the dog being overweight or obese. It is possible that a more restricted population gene pool has a higher carriage rate of the disease risk genes involved in ear and skin conditions. The finding that chocolate Labs tend to live less long and are more likely to be affected by certain conditions are interesting. Other research has suggested personality differences between chocolate Labs vs yellow and black Labs , at least according to owner reports. Because the sample of French Bulldogs was so young, they may not yet have been diagnosed with congenital conditions associated with the breed. Research shows that French Bulldog owners typically choose the breed because of it's appearance and personality , but many people are concerned about the health of this and other brachycephalic breeds. Here are some suggestions if you love French Bulldogs but want to consider alternatives too. Modern Dog magazine calls it "The must-have guide to improving your dog's life. She is the creator of the popular blog, Companion Animal Psychology, writes The Pawsitive Post premium newsletter, and also has a column at Psychology Today. Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats. Useful links:. Read Articles Written by Patricia Wuest Due to its adorable personality and good looks, the French bulldog has soared in popularity in both the U. New research examines the cost to the mothers and puppies. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. The results of the research, presented in two papers, were published in the official journal of the British Veterinary Association, Veterinary Record. The studies also found that among the female dogs that had problems giving birth, French bulldogs were 2. This compared to brachycephalic dogs in general, which the RVC researchers found are 1. The researchers examined the records of 20, female dogs that required emergency treatment at 50 Vets Now veterinary clinics between and .French bulldogs are among the most popular breeds of dogs in the UK. An earlier study by RVC researchers found that the most common health issues in French bulldogs were ear infections, diarrhea and conjunctivitis. The original PhD aimed to use these data to understand the epidemiology of health and disease in cats and dogs in the UK with a specific focus on breed-associated issues. I set up VetCompass as a legacy program that would live on indefinitely after the original PhD period and this is now leading to a vast array of other studies. In addition to French bulldogs, other pure breeds, such as Boston terriers, chihuahuas and pugs, are also at risk of suffering birthing problems. Compared to crossbred female dogs, Boston terriers are .The results of our study that led to two peer-reviewed publications in the Vet Record now show that there are well-defined factors that predisposed bitches to dystocia. Understanding the risk factors offers a route to an evidence-based set of actions by breeders, breed clubs, kennel clubs, veterinarians and even prospective owners to reduce this welfare cost. Of the dystocic cases, .Of these surgical cases. Of the bitches that were already dystocic, .Bulldogs are 7. In , they were listed as the fourth-most popular breed; in , they were ranked 11th. So, despite the high risks shown in our studies, we may still have substantially underreported the true risks to the overall breeds. We are working closely with the Brachycephalic Working Group in the UK [a collaborative of academia, breeders and breed clubs, the veterinary profession, The Kennel Club, animal charities and owners] to translate our findings into meaningful and positive change for predisposed breeds. Much of the health issues relating to dog breeds stems less from the dogs themselves and more from the humans associated with these breeds: it is only by joined-up thinking and efforts from all these humans that we can really make the lives of our dogs better. Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in .Editor's Picks. This is how you can ensure a happy and long life to your Frenchie 1. Only they can guarantee that you receive a healthy and strong puppy from a quality bloodline. We at TomKings are extremely selective about the breeding parents, we know the bloodlines for generations and exclude any Frenchie that shows any possibility of carrying a health issue. Check out the average French Bulldog Price at a reputable breeder. Focus on the right diet Keeping your Frenchie on a healthy and balanced diet also has a large impact on their lifespan. You should always aim for a high-quality dog food which has all the necessary nutrients. Choosing a grain-free food is a great option as it has more protein, meat and animal fats with a lower level of carbohydrates. Read our guide on how to choose the perfect dog food for your Frenchie. A raw meat diet like B. Wynter, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Another thing to keep in mind is that Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can unfortunately lead to some unwanted health issues like back problems, high blood pressure, problems with insulin and so on. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies 3. Good veterinarian, regular checkup Finding a really good vet and taking your Frenchie to regular checkups is absolutely necessary to ensure a long and healthy life. They will not only make sure that your puppy stays up to date with the yearly vaccinations, but will also do blood panels to see if there are any abnormalities or maybe some vitamins or supplements are needed. Minor skin problems can be treated at home but for example lethargy and lack of appetite are two common symptoms that mean your puppy requires immediate medical attention. Accidents can always happen so having pet insurance is an absolutely must for Frenchie parents! The importance of training and exercise Frenchies are companion dogs so they hugely depend on human interaction. Similarly to humans, stress has a large impact on health and their lifespan as well. French Bulldog mommy — TomKings Puppies Owning a Frenchie means that you need to carve out a considerable amount of time of your day to train them and make sure they are getting enough exercise. A short walk in the morning and the afternoon with a couple of training or playing sessions throughout the day are ideal and will tire your Frenchie enough both physically and mentally. If you ask us, playtime is by far the best form of exercise that you can do with your dog whether indoors or outdoors! Ultimate Guide. September 29, Are you thinking about breeding your French Bulldog? If so, the first question on your mind is probably, how many puppies can a french bulldog have? And how many times can a french bulldog have puppies? If you do, you could put her health at risk. French Bulldogs are small dogs and have around 3 puppies in each litter. French Bulldog puppies must be delivered through a Caesarean section aka C-Section. Since French Bulldogs are very small and small-boned, the mothers have an average of just three puppies per litter. Anything beyond five is very unusual for frenchies and seven is the dead maximum. Most Frenchie litters are born by c-section. Because of their high health risks, Frenchie pregnancies must be closely monitored by a skilled veterinarian. Even so, determining the exact number is very difficult. Many use x-rays to try to determine the number of puppies approximately 43 days into the pregnancy. The good news is that many veterinarian facilities do have sonograms. They are the best at telling the number of fetuses and, as a bonus, whether their hearts are still beating. It sounds gross but a lot of things in nature are. Aside from being small-boned, female Frenchies also have narrow hips. As a result, more than three puppies in a litter can result in them being underweight at birth as well as other health complications. On average, most can have about four litters without risking their health. Many breeders impregnate their Frenchies by artificial insemination. Her French Bulldog litter size should be the second question on your mind. Frenchie moms-to-be go through a variety of stages during the pregnancy. The First Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy Up to the seventh day after mating or insemination, the embryos are traveling up the uteran horn. After that, they start to embed themselves on the uterine lining. On the 22nd day, they will start to form their actual shapes. Their heartbeats can be detected on the sonogram on about the 29th or 30th day. She may start to become more affectionate than usual and eat more than usual. Her nipples will start to enlarge. She may even show signs of morning sickness and vaginal discharge during the fourth week. However, not all Frenchie moms-to-be show those signs. The claws usually show up on the 40th day followed by their skeletons and coats on the 45th. Day 50 is usually when the fetuses can be distinguished. Day 58 is when your Frenchie mom-to-be will likely start looking for a nesting place. You can help her by designating a very safe and comfortable area for her and the puppies to come home to. Most Frenchie moms-to-be start eating less around the 45th day. Her belly will start to firm up at that same time. On the 50th day, you may even be able to see the fetuses moving. Her weight increases up to 50 percent more. She will have a lot of vaginal discharge and need to urinate much more than usual. The Third Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy Day 58 is when the fetuses start moving toward the birth canal so the labor can start anywhere between day 58 and .At this time, you will need to keep a very close eye on her to watch for early signs of labor. Be prepared to rush her to an emergency veterinarian if she starts showing signs of labor a little earlier than expected. She will probably not have much of an appetite during the last few days. She may be restless and agitated. She will probably start to show some nesting behaviors such as digging and pacing. During the last two weeks, she may be more affectionate and calm with you but shut out contact with other dogs. She will probably eat a lot. Female Frenchies usually first go into heat at five months. The females are typically in heat also called estrus or oestrus for nine days at a time. Some go into heat every two years. Beware that five months is the equivalent of a young teenager for Frenchies. As a result, if you start breeding them that young, you put both her and the potential puppies at risk. Most Frenchies reach full maturity at the age of two. That sperm also tends not to be as lively at a young age. Frenchies are one of the breeds that are more likely to have a complication called dystocia. Dystocia is when the labor progresses slowly or not at all due to the fetus being abnormally positioned. In French Bulldogs, the mortality rate of the moms is about one percent and 20 percent for the puppies. Frenchies are at a 15 percent higher risk than other breeds. Also, many Frenchie moms are known to have trouble getting the proper amount of oxygen during the pregnancy. This often worsens during labor. After a Frenchie mom has had a litter, she will need at least 18 months to recover before having another. Any less than that and she could have all kinds of mental and physical struggles. Their uteruses and surrounding muscles need time to regrow. They are also known to lose patches of fur during the pregnancy. As a result, those need time to grow back as well. Putting a Frenchie mom through too many cesarean sections is also very dangerous. As a result, she could interpret it as an act of aggression and become aggressive afterward. There is also a high risk of medical issues. These could include hemorrhaging, blood clotting, wound infections and allergies to the anesthesia. On top of that, not all c-sections are successful and not all puppies survive. Many wonder why are French Bulldogs so expensive? The medical attention required in responsible breeding has a lot to do with the price of a French Bulldog. If you are serious about being a French Bulldog breeder please speak to experienced breeders, talk to a qualified veterinarian, and please do your homework. It is not something you should take lightly. Otherwise, you could end up contributing to the overpopulation in shelters. Many are euthanized as a result. Others end up having genetic issues due in large part to improper breeding practices. Yes, animal abuse is rampant but most that end up in shelters are actually neglect cases. You will also need to spare time and money for the care. If any of the above is currently not an option for you, spaying is your best option. Breeding French Bulldogs is very high maintenance work and care. It should be done with the best of intentions and your whole heart. Since over 80 percent of the puppies are born by c-section, it requires close medical supervision. PS — Want to see some adorable photos of super cute French Bulldog puppies? Share on facebook. French bulldogs more prone to birthing problems than other breeds Published: 04 Feb Last Updated: 06 Feb French bulldog bitches are .And, among female dogs that had problems giving birth, French bulldog bitches are then 2. Once they have birthing problems, flat-faced brachycephalic female dogs overall are 1. The academics studied 20, bitches that required emergency treatment at 50 Vet Now veterinary clinics between and .Their findings, published in two papers in The Veterinary Record, highlight the substantial risks that bitches and their puppies face during the birthing process. According to the first paper, 3. Alongside French bulldogs, other pure breeds such as Boston terriers, chihuahuas and pugs, are also particularly at risk of birthing problems. Compared to crossbred bitches, Boston terriers are .Apart from the risk of death, problem births also mean that many bitches have to undergo painful and invasive surgery, with .Bulldogs also known as British Bulldogs , border terriers and golden retrievers were the top three breeds at risk of caesarean section once they have difficulty giving birth. Bulldogs are 7. We all need to fall back in love with dog-shaped dogs and move away from the current fascination with extreme-shaped dogs. The Kennel Club recognises the rewarding experience of breeding a litter of puppies successfully, nevertheless breeding dogs comes with a fundamental responsibility for supporting the bitch and her puppies throughout the breeding process and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. The links to the papers can be found here: O'Neill, D. O'Neill, D.
Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Suffice to say that the dog has come a long way from its herding roots. Part of that perfect picture we have of these pups is the erect position of their ears. It gives them the qualities we associate with the breed, such as intelligence and confidence. Floppy ears strike us as a disconnect. These dogs have a dense coat that puts a lot of weight on their ears, relatively speaking. Also, large breeds like the German Shepherd mature more slowly than smaller dogs. It could just be a matter of time. That fact will come into play with the availability and price of the dog. It may have a disqualifying trait , such as floppy ears. This characteristic has a genetic component. Injury or Trauma Damaged the Cartilage Puppies sometimes play rough. They bite at each other, and sometimes the ears get the brunt of it. That often translates into slower healing times. Some manufactures produce tailor-made foods for specific breeds , such as the German Shepherd. That can go a long way to helping your dog recovering from an injury. It can interfere with air circulation in the ear canals, setting up the perfect storm for infections or mites. These conditions are horribly uncomfortable for your pup. Left untreated, it can cause a hematoma or swelling. This condition requires veterinary treatment. Several options exist, from aspirating or draining it to surgery. The best prevention is avoiding the conditions that caused the ear discomfort in the first place. All German Shepherds have floppy ears as puppies. The difference depends on when they start to change and stand up into their adult position. It can take several months. However, the number of adult dogs with floppy ears is about one in five. That may get its ears standing upright quicker. Taping the ears is usually part of the healing process when dogs get their ears cropped. The other concern is doing the procedure correctly. That could lead to ear trauma or a bowel obstruction if it swallows the materials. We suggest that you have your veterinarian do the job if you want to go this route. Final Thoughts The upright ears are an essential feature of the striking pose of the German Shepherd. Nature often has her plan for when that will happen in a puppy. Sometimes, it takes longer in pups with thicker fur or large ears. Healthy nutritional support will help the cartilage develop stronger and quicker. In the meantime, patience is the key. See also:. A common misconception that many people have is that German Shepherds have cropped ears that account for their erect posture. It often surprises some people to learn that the AKC standard calls for naturally erect, not cropped ears. GSD puppies are born with floppy ears set against the side of the head. As puppies mature, their ears usually start to stand up naturally. However, for various reasons, some dogs have ears that stay floppy. You can reasonably expect erect ears by around eight months old. This is because calcium that would generally nourish the ears is reallocated to the teeth during this time. You can expect the ears to become erect after the teething stops , around 20 weeks. After a puppy is no longer teething, they will start retaining enough cartilage in the ears to help hold them up. GSDs ears are heavier than they appear, and the cartilage must be sufficient to help keep that position. A sign of ears likely to stay erect are ears that become pointy once they start to stand. If your puppy reaches four or five months without any sign of the ears standing up, you might need to give them some help. When the ears are not erect by around seven or eight months, they will more than likely retain a floppy position. It is not something that is going to happen overnight. If you notice that your pup can prick their ears up or even just the tips of their ears by the time they are four to five months old, the chances are that the ears are developing normally and should become pointed without any intervention. The best thing to do is to keep your hands off their ears and avoid bending, rubbing, or folding their ears. If you notice that your German Shepherd is shaking their head a lot or scratching at their ears, it may be their attempt to relieve some kind of minor itchiness or irritation. However, if you notice that the head-shaking persists, then you should be concerned, especially as your pup grows. Any trauma to their ears before they reach four to five months of age can affect the cartilage and cause the ears to remain floppy rather than erect. Aural Haematoma: this is a blood blister found on the outer skin of the ear and can appear swollen. This condition is often the result of trauma due to vigorous ear shaking or a dog fight. However, if they are more serious, they will need to be removed surgically, and this can sometimes include the removal of part or all of the ear canal. If not, your pup will continue shaking their head and scratching, which can cause further injury and trauma to their ears. Skin Allergies: The head shaking and scratching may also be due to an allergy. For this, you may have to use antibiotics, antihistamines, or put your pup on a low allergy diet to treat their ears. For more information on avoiding dog ear infections and what to look for regarding causes and treatments, visit AKC. One of the more recognizable features of the German Shepherd dog breed is their large, erect ears and stoic expression. However, a lesser-known fact is that a German Shepherd puppy is born with floppy ears. So, how do you know what kind of ears your German Shepherd will have? The ears should also be pointed. If you got your German Shepherd from a reputable dog breeder, you could expect that their ears will stand erect after they are done teething. However, if you acquired your puppy from a puppy mill or there were less than desirable breeding practices or health problems, then your adult dog may end up with droopy ears. German Shepherd Ears Chart Although there is an official breed standard, in reality, German Shepherds have different types of ears, from ears that are set too high or too low to ears that are too large, asymmetrical, or too small. Some dogs even have ears pointing outwards or inwards or tilting one way. Overall, as you can see in our German Shepherd Ears Chart , there are at least 12 different types of German Shepherd ear shapes. Blood flow into the cartilage will likely increase when you do this, helping the ears keep their shape. Proper cleaning will help prevent infections that can be painful and costly to treat. Make sure you have a towel handy as you drop the ear cleaner into their ear. The towel can be used to clean up any mess as well as massage the ear cleaner solution in and around the ears. You can then use a cotton ball to remove any dirt or excess liquid. Chew Toys Sturdy chew toys will not only help keep your puppy busy but can also play a role in exercising the muscles supporting both the ears and jaws. Chewing helps with teething while also exercising their jaw and neck, and head muscles. Quality Diet The food that you feed your puppy should have high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Foods free from both wheat and corn are some of the best choices. You should also discuss supplementation with your veterinarian. Glucosamine, for example, helps to lubricate joints and supports healthy cartilage. For example, hearing certain noises that attract their attention or hearing their name can make them prick up their ears. Take advantage of this situation by praising them and providing a treat when they prick up their ears in response to this type of stimulus. They will associate pricking their ears up with getting a reward. Regularly Check for Parasites You also want to regularly check your dog out for parasites and ear mites. In addition, tapeworms and roundworms take away the essential nutrients your German Shepherd pup needs, which can ultimately cause poor health and other deficiencies. An ear mite infection can also cause your dog to itch, which causes them to shake their head excessively. Cartilage is extremely fragile and is prone to damage. If the cartilage becomes damaged, it can prove impossible for the ears to stand erect. However, keep in mind, this is invasive and does require your dog to go under anesthesia. They will also require pain medication following the surgery, and there will be a lengthy recovery time. Discuss Options with Your Vet You may want to consider having your vet make sure nothing is going on, like an ear infection. Some German Shepherds come from lines that carry genes that lead to floppier ears. Unfortunately, when genetics is the cause, there is little that owners can do aside from being more conscientious about ear health, which is a more significant concern in floppy-eared dogs. Many dogs from show lines, in particular, have larger ears that require more cartilage while the dog is growing to help support a more upright position. In many cases, these dogs will not have ears that stay upright. Broken Ear Cartilage German Shepherds can also end up with permanently floppy ears as a result of broken ear cartilage. This can happen in GSDs for a variety of reasons, including: Injuries. Well, there are a few different possible explanations. Causes can vary from age-related to genetic and medical issues. All puppies are born with soft, floppy ears. This is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears have not developed yet. Although some breeds, like Spaniels and Poodles, always have floppy ears, others, like most Shepherd breeds , almost always have pointy, pricked, upright ones. In such breeds, their ears should start to stand up between weeks of age as the bones and muscles in their bodies develop and strengthen. Are they both floppy — or is only one of them drooping whilst the other stands up normally? Teething Several young puppies experience floppy ears during teething. Teething is a period that all infant mammals go through, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. It starts at around three weeks old and ends at months of age, although it can take longer. So, their bodies may draw calcium out of other areas, such as the ears, weakening their skeletal structure and making them flop. You may even notice that their ears look different every day during this period. They might be up-right one day, then floppy the next, or even change throughout the day depending on their mood. Their ears will return back to their original shape as soon as their hormones calm down. Although most German Shepherds have up-right ears, some can have floppy or semi-pricked ones. Judges of dog shows and competitions also often look for large ears in the breed. Poor nutrition during puppyhood As mentioned above, calcium is needed to develop and strengthen the cartilage in the ears in order for them to stand up. Vitamin D is also needed to keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially common in rescue dogs that come from puppy farms, homelessness, and neglectful backgrounds. Always buy from reputable breeders! Other symptoms of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies include muscle spasms and joint issues. If severe, nutrient deficiencies can be deadly. Both conditions require urgent veterinary attention, and treatments will likely include special diets and supplements. Similar to malnutrition, this is common in dogs that come from a background of neglect or homelessness. A build-up of wax, debris, or dirt can make the ears heavy and cause them to droop. Poor hygiene As we mentioned above, poor ear hygiene can lead to drooping of the ears. It can also lead to smelliness and infection. All dogs have self-cleaning mechanisms in their ears. However, allergies and hormone imbalances can cause disruptions to the mechanisms, meaning they require some extra care. Dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaning products, and foods like wheat and dairy. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, and stomach upsets. Each has different symptoms, but they often include drastic changes in energy, coat, thirst, appetite, and weight. German Shepherds are also particularly prone to experiencing hormonal disorders. Ear mites Another cause of ear drooping in German Shepherds is ear mites. Ear mites can be picked up outdoors, or from coming into contact with another animal with the condition. The inflammation from the infestation can cause droopiness in the affected ear. Other symptoms include excessive itchiness, and redness, bleeding, and swelling from the constant scratching. If left untreated, the infestation can cause disease, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Infection Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they can affect both the inner or outer ear. They are most often picked up after exposure to water, and the inflammation can cause the affected ear to droop. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, irritation, discharge, and excessive head shaking or scratching at the ear. Vets can treat ear infections with antibacterial or antifungal medications, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause permanent damage. Trauma Physical trauma to the ears can also cause them to droop. The most common trauma that causes changes to the shape of the ears in German Shepherds are bites from fighting with other dogs. If your dog has a visible injury to their ear, you should take them to see their vet to check it over and dress any wounds to prevent infection. Make sure to brush your GSD regularly, also around the head and ears — these dogs shed heavily! You can get these over-the-counter at your vet, online, or in a pet store. You can also use a few drops of olive oil for wax build-up, but not too much. To administer, get a towel and ask your dog to lie down in a comfortable place in the home. Then, massage the mase of their ears for around 30 seconds to help it loosen any wax or dirt. Finally, allow your dog to shake their head and use the towel to catch what comes out. That said, if they have particularly problem ears, you should ask your vet and do it however often they suggest, which could be weekly or monthly. However, this is very controversial. It is not yet illegal in the USA, but it is also not something that we would recommend outside of medical necessity, as it can be unnecessarily stressful and painful for dogs. The method known as taping is done by placing something, usually tape, inside the ear to make it stand up straight and grow into that position permanently. It can be effective when done during puppyhood and usually takes weeks to work. As we mentioned above, nutritional deficiencies can cause the ears to flop. Puppies should eat nutritionally complete and balanced food that is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for healthy bone and brain development, as well as high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish for strong muscles, and tasty, fiber-rich fruits and veggies. All puppies should have a handful of strong, hardy chew toys to avoid being destroyed during teething, but they can also help the ears to stand up. This is because the ears are connected to the jaw. So, strong jaw muscles means stronger ears, too! Finally, you should avoid playing too rough with your pup and interacting with boisterous dogs to prevent accidents and traumas, which, as we mentioned above, could damage or change the shape of their ears. Dogs communicate with us owners in many ways; they bark, they growl, and they use their bodies. Body language is a key part of understanding how your dog is feeling. Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate; including their tails, their eyes, and their ears! This often happens when a suspicious stranger or an unknown or unfriendly dog is approaching, or when there is a strange noise inside the home. When their ears go back or downwards, it could simply mean that they are listening, or it could indicate either excitement or anxiety. Excited dogs may whine, wag their tails very quickly, and run towards what they are excited about. This happens a lot when dogs are greeting a loved one. An anxious dog, on the other hand, may lower their head and cower their bodies away from what is causing their anxiety. If they are frightened, they may also tremble and whine, and if they are feeling angry or threatened, they may show their teeth and growl. This can happen when a dog is exposed to a phobia or an aggressive dog. It can be difficult to determine exactly how a mixed dog will look. Different pups from the same litter can also present with different traits from their siblings. That said, certain traits, like short hair, for example, are genetically dominant and therefore will be passed on over others, like long hair, which is genetically recessive. Dominant traits are those that require only one copy of a specific gene for the trait to be passed down to a pup. Recessive traits, on the other hand, need two copies; one from each parent. So, which is dominant; pricked or floppy ears? The answer is — floppy ears! Floppy ears are genetically dominant to pricked ears in dogs. That said, different ear shapes in dogs does tend to reflect their original working purpose. For example, the Spaniel, a gun dog, has floppy ears that gather and hold scent particles. This helped them track down what they were looking for much faster back in the day. German Shepherds, on the other hand, along with other wolf-like breeds, such as the Siberian Husky , have pricked, pointed ears. This is thought to aid their hearing during guard work, keep their body temperature under control during strenuous hunts, and give them an alert look to ward off predators. This may be why people are statistically more likely to perceive dogs with pricked ears as more threatening, according to research conducted by James Madison University, USA, in .This is not necessarily true, however, as any dog lover will know. It is likely down to something old and instinctual, as they also discovered that people perceived coat colors differently, too. The type of ears that a dog has can affect their hearing. Whether a dog has pricked ears or floppy ears, they have 18 different muscles that control them to funnel sounds from all different directions. A healthy-hearing dog of any kind can still hear from 40 to 60, hertz, which is more than double what human ears can hear! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
With over 40 years of experience, Shawn trains people to properly establish and maintain leadership roles with their canine companions. Shawn has trained with several acclaimed canine experts and refined The Dog Way training methods through experience and observation of dogs' natural interactions within their groups. Deciding you want to purchase a pug puppy is exciting. However, you want to make sure you find the right puppy for you. Make sure you seek out reputable breeders so your puppy does not come with any health problems. Visit the puppies in person and choose the one that suits your needs. Ask the breeder plenty of questions about the puppy's current health and pedigree. Before bringing your new friend home, make sure your house is puppy proofed. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Pug puppies come with a unique set of needs. Puppies in general require more care than an adult dog. Before embarking on your journey to find a pug puppy, consider whether you can accommodate one at the moment. Make sure you have time for a puppy. Puppies need extra feeding, as well socialization and training. If you have a very busy schedule, you may want to wait for things to settle down before getting a puppy. Pugs, as a pet, require some maintenance. The folds in their faces need regular cleaning, and they're also prone to a great deal of shedding. Make sure you can live with frequent grooming, and accept the fact your house will never quite be hair-free. Like all breeds, pugs are prone to certain health problems. While a good breeder is adept at breeding out such problems, there are certain problems that are hard to breed out. These are usually simply due to how a pug is built. Learn the risks associated with pugs and make sure you're prepared to deal with them down the road. All pugs, regardless of breeding, are prone to eye problems. Pug's distinctive, bulging eyes expose a large area of their corneas, which puts their eyes at risk of drying out or forming ulcers. You may have to deal with frequent vet visits to deal with eye issues. Pugs are very prone to overheating because their flattened faces makes it hard for them to breathe. This problem can be even worse in hot weather, and overheating can cause serious health issues for a pug. Behaviorally, pugs are a more social breed. They are more prone to separation anxiety issues than other breeds. If you're gone a lot, a pug may not be the right dog for you. When searching for a breeder, there are a few places to scratch off your list right away. Puppy mills and very obviously bad breeders should be avoided. You're more likely to get a pug with existing health problems, or the risk of developing health problems down the road. In general, do not trust a breeder who simply sells dogs online from any given buyer. A breeder who does not ask any questions is probably not a good breeder. Responsible breeders want to make sure their dogs go to good homes. Puppy mills sometimes sell puppies to pet stores, so avoid buying a pug from a pet store. Puppy mills may also sell pugs online. If you can simply look at a picture of a puppy and purchase it, this is probably a puppy mill. Start your search locally. If you're lucky, you will be able to find a breeder who lives nearby. Look for ads in the newspaper, online, at local pet stores and veterinary clinics, and at any local pet clubs. A breeder in your area is convenient, as you will not have to travel far to see the puppies. Just because someone is a local breeder, do not assume they are an ethical one. Make sure to visit any breeder in person and look at the puppies physically before purchasing one. Unfortunately, not all areas have pug breeders close by. In some cases, you may have to travel to meet and select a puppy. There are many places you can look online to locate the nearest pug breeder. The Pug Dog Club keeps a list of reputable breeders online. You can search for the closest breeder there. The American Kennel Club also has a database of dog breeders. You can search there by breed. Remember to have patience. Even if you find a good breeder relatively close to you, they may not have puppies available for a while. You may have to wait a few months before taking home your pug puppy. Call a few breeders during your search. Pay close attention to your interactions. Learn the signs of a good breeder. Only work with breeders who are responsible and care about their dogs. Their facilities should be clean and spacious. They will be flexible in scheduling a time for you to see the puppies. A solid breeder will usually only breed one type of dog, or only a few types of dogs. The breeder should be very knowledgeable of pugs. During your initial conversation, the breeder will want to go over some basic pug care information with you. Good breeders do not have anything to hide. Not only will the be willing to let you see the dog's pedigree and meet their parents, they will actually encourage this. When you select a breeder to meet up with, make sure to ask a variety of questions. You want to make sure their puppies are a good match for you and your home. You also want to make sure the breeder is responsible and that the puppies are in good health. Interacting with a dog's mother and father can give you a sense of your puppy's future temperament. Ask questions about the breeder's credentials. Ask how long they've been breeding pugs. A more experienced breeder is more likely to produce healthier puppies. Ask about the puppy's parents. Make sure the parents do not have any inheritable diseases. Ask if you can see the health certificates for the parents on request. You should also ask about what treatment the puppies have received. Have they been vaccinated or de-wormed? Have they been spayed or neutered yet? When you get a chance to interact with the puppies, look closely at the puppy's you like. Pugs are prone to certain abnormalities. You can detect a potential issue by examining the dog's eyes, as well as how it breathes and moves. Watery eyes, squinted eyes, or glazed over eyes are signs of poor health. Hold the puppy close to you to hear it breathe. Raspy, labored breathing is generally a bad sign. Watch the puppy moving and at rest. It's not uncommon for pugs to breathe through their mouths when running around. However, a resting puppy should be able to comfortably breathe through its nose. There should be no signs of limping or an uneven gain if the puppies are old enough to walk. If you notice a puppy walking funny, listen for a clicking noise from the hips. This indicates the dog may develop hip problems later in life. As you interact with the puppies, aim for one with a good temperament. You want a puppy that's not too shy, but also one that's not overly rambunctious. You want a puppy that allows you to pick it up without squirming. A very aggressive or very standoffish puppy can be a problem. Once you've selected two or three pugs you like, request one-on-one time with them. You want a puppy that is friendly away from its litter. A friendly puppy will wag its tail, allow you to pet it, and look at you when you talk. A good breeder will be as scrutinizing of you as you are of them. Breeders want to make sure their dogs go to good homes, so don't be put off if a breeder asks you a lot of questions. This is a good sign. The breeder wants to make sure you will take good care of the puppy. They will also want to know about your general lifestyle and how you plan to care for the dog. If this is your first pug, don't panic. A breeder is unlikely to reject you simply because you don't have specific experience with pugs. As long as you've done some research on the breed, the breeder will probably be willing to sell to you if you're responsible. A good breeder will always be willing to provide this information. After selecting the puppy you want, ask for its pedigree as well as a certificate of health. These papers should assure you the puppy is in good health, and that its family tree is relatively free of inheritable conditions. Puppies need frequent vet visits. You should have a certification on hand showing what vaccinations and other treatments your dog has already received. As you prepare to bring your puppy home, make sure you're ready. Your puppy should enter your home with all the supplies it needs to thrive ready. You will need the following: [7] X Research source A crate to transport your puppy home and for crate training later Bedding Collar, leash, and identification tag Toys Grooming supplies i. Before bringing your dog home, you will need to pug proof your house. Pugs are inquisitive animals and prone to getting into things. You want to make sure your pug cannot get into any dangerous substances or places. Make sure all electrical wires are covered or out of reach. Keep things like household cleaners and detergents out of reach. Place them in high kitchen cabinets. Prevent access to staircases, as young pugs can easily slip and fall on the stairs. A good breeder will present you with a contract prior to purchase. This outlines your basic responsibilities and the breeder's return policy. Read the contract carefully before signing. If there's anything you don't understand, ask the breeder. You want the option of returning a dog in the event it has a health problem you cannot afford to treat. Once the contract is signed and your home is ready, you can bring your new friend home. You can now enjoy your pug puppy, and begin the process of training and caring for your new lifelong friend. Now, I have to decide which Pug puppy to bring home. I'm so nervous that I'll choose the wrong dog. How can I possibly know I am choosing a Pug puppy that is the best one for me? They're all going to be so cute! Answer: Hi Ashley. We agree that all of the puppies are going to be adorable and cute! However, there are definitely some guidelines that you can follow when you are trying to pick out the perfect Pug pup. We are not sure if it matters to you if you have a male or female. There are not that many differences, despite what others may say. While potential health problems may not be visible, there are 3 things that everyone should do: Check the eyes, breathing and gait. The Eyes: The eyes are not only the window to the soul, they can also give you a clue about the health of the dog. Watering, squinting or a glazed film on the eyes is a sign of health issues. Breathing: Hold the puppy close to your ear and listen carefully. Do you hear rattling and rasping? This is a sign of a breathing problem. Does the puppy have to breath through his or her mouth? If the puppy is at rest, they should be able to breath fine with their mouth closed this can be a stenotic nare issue, which often needs to be corrected with a surgical procedure. Watch the puppy walk: While young pups under the age of 6 weeks may still be gaining their footing, take note of any limping or odd gait issues. If you do notice an odd gait, listen for any clicking noises coming from the hip area. This sort of issue may be caused by underdeveloped hip bones joint and socket , a health problem not uncommon with the Pug breed. Interaction and Activity Some people will tell you that you should pick the puppy that comes right over to you first. This is not the best advice. Puppies that are very bold like that may be harder to train. Their enthusiasm may be great fun for a while, but keeping up with and trying to train such a puppy may turn out to be stressful. When you are choosing a Pug puppy, it is usually best to choose one who is quiet and calm. However, you most certainly need to make sure that the pug is not too quite due to an illness or extreme shyness. You don't want to bring home an ill pup and choosing a dog that is overly shy may make for a pet that is afraid of everything and will be in need of extensive of socialization training. It is recommended to have a close look at several puppies that stay in the background. If a Pug puppy is laying listless without any energy at all, this is a warning sign that the dog may be unhealthy. A calm Pug that does respond to you when picked up is what you should be looking for. Listen to the breathing for any signs of labored breathing or rasps. If the breathing is clear, take a look at the eyes. They should be bright and clear without an excessive discharge. With 2 or 3 puppies now left for you to decide on, take a look at how each one responds to you and how they respond to each other. Wiggle a toy in front of a puppy or whistle to him or her and see if the pup shows natural curiosity. The one for you should come over to you to investigate. Allow the whole litter to play with a toy. Take notice of the ones that seem to be bossy and the ones that seem to play fair. Take note of the ones who cower in the corner if the others fight for the toys. You will want to choose a Pug puppy who falls somewhere in the middle. This will ensure you have one that has a calm, yet curious personality. Finally, when you have it narrowed down to 2, do not feel rushed. Take time to sit down with each and talk to them. Does the pup look at you when you talk? Does he or she keep their tail high or wag the tail to express happiness? At this point, you should get a good feeling about which puppy is the one that is meant for you. Please remember, that just because you have an appointment to pick up a dog does not mean that you must go home with one. If the litter seems ill, all of the dogs seem aggressive or you do not feel a bond with any of the puppies it is absolutely acceptable to relay this to the breeder. While you may be very disappointed at first, in the long run you will be happy that you waited. When you are holding the Pug puppy that is right for you, you will know it. And what a lucky guy or girl that will be! Ready to begin his or her new journey as part of your family! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Should I buy a pug puppy at a pet store? Before you start: Before you start looking for pug breeders, there are a few things you should do to improve your experience. Understand breed standards — Not all pugs are created equal. Some are show quality and bred to match breed standards, while others may be off on a few aesthetic details. Have patience — The process of finding a pug breeder, waiting for a litter and bringing your puppy home can take months! How to find pug breeders Finding breeders to reach out to is step one. There are a number of ways of find reputable breeders: Reach out to friends — Have a friend or acquaintance with a pug? Reach out to them about their experience and breeder info. Slide into their DMs and ask about their breeder. Attend one to get the low down on litters. More on this below. Be prepared to do your research and ask lots of questions. Here are questions the breeder should be prepared to answer: What requirements do you have of people looking to take home one of your puppies? Breeders should be as interested in you as you are in them. They should ask about you, your family and your household. Can I meet the parents? Plus, seeing the parents will give you an idea of what their puppies will be like both in terms of temperament and looks. Have health tests been performed on the parents? This will ensure both parents are healthy and free of genetic diseases common to the pug breed. How long have you been breeding and what is your experience with this breed? Breeders should have a deep understanding of the breed and a history that includes either showing dogs or being part of a breed club. How do you socialize your puppies? Puppies should be well socialized in a home environment so they grow to be well-adjusted dogs. When will I be able to take the puppy home? Responsible breeders will not allow puppies to be taken home until they are at least ten weeks old. Puppies should be up-to-date on vaccinations and come with a health guarantee and contract for you to sign. Many breeders will also require you to agree to spay or neuter the dog, unless you plan to show them. A breeder should welcome back any dog that you can no longer care for. Can we speak to references and your vet? The breeder should be willing to provide references from others who have purchased their puppies, as well as the contact information for their veterinarian. Are you available as a resource after I take the puppy home? They should provide care instructions and be available as a resource. Reputable breeders are interested in you, your family and your household. Pug puppy scams Puppy scams are rampant all across the internet. In many cases, the puppy advertised never even existed. According to the Better Business Bureau, 3. You can learn ways to avoid puppy scams by checking for the following breeder red flags. Pug breeder red flags If you pay attention, you can avoid puppy scams and backyard breeders. If the pug breeder does any of the following things, run the other way. Absolutely not. Pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills, commercial dog breeding facilities that keeps dogs in cruel and unsafe conditions. Remember those sad dog commercials with the Sarah McLaughlin music? Those are puppy mills. There are an estimated 10, puppy mills in the United States. All they care about is money and churning out puppies. Dogs are kept in horrid conditions, receive no veterinary care, and are often sick and underfed. The majority of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. Click here to learn more about pug prices. Click here to learn more about pug stuff. Pin for later! Finding a reputable breeder is one of the most important steps in your Pug adoption journey. Not all breeders are made equal. Here are some key criteria to consider when looking for a Pug breeder. Seek out reputable breeders Chances are your first port of call is going to be Google. Start your search locally by checking local classifieds online. You may also want to ask around in your local area. Friends, newspaper ads, the local veterinarian are all great options. A reputable breeder will include details and pictures of their pups and dam. They will also provide ample information and include details of health testing, conformation, and any after-sales policies. Check to see how many litters they have produced in the last 12 months or so. Good breeders breed less. Sometimes your gut instinct is the best way to find a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be happy to answer any and all of your questions and have ample knowledge of the Pug breed. If they seem defensive, secretive, or callous, then walk the other way. Do they follow breeder best practices? When it comes to your first visit, be vigilant. Make sure that your breeder is following breeder best practices. Breeder best practices coverage, health, conformation, and after sales policy. Your breeder should not let their puppies go to new homes before 8 weeks of age. You should never buy a Pug younger than this. Your breeder should provide proof of relevant health checks, conformation, and provide you with an after-sales policy. Beware puppy scams and red flags Unfortunately, the world is full of puppy scams. Some people who claim to be dog breeders are after one thing and one thing only. Your money. Key signs that your alleged breeder is a scam artist: They promise a free puppy They promise a highly discounted puppy They sell sob stories They keep asking you for more money They are very far away 6. Even if you feel sorry for the puppies in these mills, the best way to stop this practice is not to fund it by purchasing a puppy from them. Puppy mills are large-scale breeders who breed pups in poor conditions. Oftentimes pups from puppy mills develop physical and behavioral health issues later in life. We also recommend avoiding purchasing puppies from pet stores. Not all health conditions are visible or immediately obvious. But nonetheless, there are some basic checks you can observe to ensure that your Pug is in top-notch condition. Cloudiness, redness, gunk, and discharge are all signs of ill health. Likewise, a Pug with watery, squinted eyes may also be unwell. If her eyes are also glazed over or irritated then this could be a sign of a hereditary ocular disease. These are all causes for concern. Your puppy should be able to breathe comfortably when at rest. Any uncalled for raspiness or breathing difficulties are signs of ill health. Coat Pug puppies should have super shiny, clean coats. Frame Pups should be slightly plump with a well-proportioned frame. Shorter than average legs are a sign of a genetic condition called Dwarfism. Unfortunately, Pug Dwarfism is a serious issue and often leads to a myriad of health issues and a short life expectancy. Look for signs of limping or unsteadiness. Listen out for any clicking sounds from the hips. These are all signs of future joint problems. Since puppies come in a litter, oftentimes there will be more than one to choose from. Try to pick a pup with a well-balanced temperament. Not too shy and not too crazy. Think about what kind of character will fit best with your home life. Is your household mellow and quiet or busy and noisy? Do you have kids? Do you have other pets? No problem. Remember, a reputable breeder will be happy to answer any of these questions and be adequately knowledgeable. Even that is a bit excessive. Overbreeding is a serious problem and can lead to health issues for both mom and pups in the long run. Your breeder should be able to provide you with proof of any relevant health checks and notify you of any hereditary issues. This is because some genetic health issues do not show up until later in life usually after approximately three years of age. It is wholly in your right to ask to see the parents in person. In fact, the pups should all be with their mother until at least 8 weeks. Ask where the puppies are living and ask to see them A good breeder will keep their pups in the home. They will be more than happy to show you around. If the pups are in a dark, cold, isolated area such as a garage or yard — or if the breeder refuses your request to visit- then this is a big red flag. Ask if the puppies have been regularly handled Make sure that your puppy has been well socialized with people. In the best-case scenario, your pup will have had contact with people of various ages and possibly even other dogs and animals. Adequate socializing is super important for preventing any behavioral issues later in life. A good breeder will be able to give you a detailed medical history for each pup. All puppies should have been checked by a vet before being homed. Ask for references or to speak to a previous buyer Good breeders will be happy to provide references. If people have had a good experience with them in the past, they will be more than happy to offer a reference. If your breeder refuses to offer you a reference then this is a big warning sign. Ask for a contract Make sure you and the breeder sign a contract before you take your new pup home. A good breeder will always present new owners with a contract prior to purchase. The contract should include all breeder and owner responsibilities and any details of a returns policy. Some breeders will even offer a year health guarantee against genetic defects. In order to avoid scam artists, there are a few tell-tale signs that you can look out for. These are major red flags. Reputable breeders who love their Pugs will never do these things. Signs of a puppy scam include: Promises of a free puppy Promises of a highly discounted puppy Asking for money just to complete paperwork Offering long-distance puppy delivery Sob stories are a huge red flag. If you come across an advert selling you a pup on the basis of a tragic life event e. Whilst this is not always a scam, puppy scam artists do like to use this method. Usually, if somebody can no longer look after their beloved dog, they will not ask for a lot of money to rehome them. In fact, oftentimes, the dog will be offered to a loving home for free. Bring Your Pugs Home! Sourcing your new Pug pup can be a lengthy process. Now you know what to look for when buying a Pug puppy, and the tips and tricks to filter the right Pug breeders.
Vomiting How to Prevent Dog Motion Sickness If you adopt a Jack Russell puppy, expect a ball of energy and lots of play they are one of the most athletic small dogs Here are a few tips to alleviate motion sickness while driving. The first is to keep the temperature in the car cool. Like with humans, the cooler the air, which helps soothe feelings of nausea and dizziness. In the same token, you should try to lower the windows to allow for as much fresh air as possible. You also may want to limit how much food and water your dog consumes before the trip. A full stomach can only increase the feeling of nausea. Plus, if your dog does have an accident, this means less cleanup. Before the trip, you may want to exercise your dog. Large amounts of exercise can help decrease stress but also if you exercise them enough, you may make them tired enough to fall asleep during the trip. How To Alleviate Dog Anxiety While preventing motion sickness is all about taking steps before the car ride, helping curb dog anxiety is all about what you do during the ride itself. Some dogs like to sleep under a bed because to them it feels like a den. The key to soothing dog anxiety is all about retraining. To start, you should keep treats in the car whenever your dog accomplishes something that gives them anxiety. If they become anxious by just seeing the car, walk them out to the driveway and give them treats for just being near the vehicle. Slowly build your way up until your dog can comfortably ride in the car with you. They should always enter the vehicle on their own terms once they feel comfortable. Going from being near the car to actually entering the car may be a long process. Make sure to treat your dog with patience and kindness as they work through this issue. Dogs are very sensitive creatures and are attuned to our emotions; if they sense you feeling upset or impatient, this will be detrimental to the entire process. Once your dog feels safe in the car, you can begin by taking small trips around the neighborhood. Most dogs have anxiety when it comes to bumpy roads, speed bumps, or rumble strips. Make sure to anticipate these areas in the road and detour around them at first if your dog is really struggling. In addition to treats, it also is a good idea to keep something familiar in the car, like an old blanket or favorite toys. You can also have other family members keep your dog calm during the first few trips. Eventually, if you take things slow, your dog should become more accustomed to driving in the car. Medical Solutions A cute puppy enjoying a Vet visit Sometimes dogs need help beyond simply rolling down windows or using treats to help with anxiety. If you need to take it a step further, you can reach out to your vet for assistance. If your dog has severe motion sickness, there are a few medications that your vet can prescribe to help soothe some of their symptoms. Interestingly enough, dog pheromones have also been known to help alleviate anxiety in some cases. A dog appeasing pheromone is secreted from their glands can have calming effects on not only young dogs but also older dogs. In fact, dog-appeasing pheromones have been reported to reduce separation-induced anxiety, general anxiety for puppies placed in new environments, anxiety during transportation and car rides, stress from being in a public shelter, stress from police training, and stress from puppies who are learning how to socialize. You can purchase these pheromones in a variety of forms. If you think your dog is struggling from severe anxiety, talk to your vet about trying this option. If your vet thinks it can help, you can spray the inside of your vehicle before your trip to have a smooth car ride from start to finish. Some breeds are also genetically disposed to having a better time in cars. For example, breeds who have a more challenging time breathing than other breeds such as dogs with short snouts can suffer from motion sickness more than breeds with longer noses. Additionally, if your dog is too small and gets bounced around the car during sharp turns, this also can contribute to them having more car sickness than breeds that are a bit more sturdy. If you own a smaller breed, you may want to buckle them into a harness or dog seat to reduce the amount that they are thrown around in the car. On the opposite end of the spectrum, larger dogs can be uncomfortable in cars, too. Huge dogs like Great Danes may have difficulty finding a comfortable position in your vehicle. Comparing a Labradoodle vs Labrador to see which breed is best for your family In short, every dog is different, and every dog presents their own unique challenges and hurdles. If you think your dog is suffering from motion sickness, you can try to roll down the windows or medicate them to try to alleviate the nauseousness. If your dog has anxiety, it may take a while, but retraining your dogs with treats and positive rewards is generally a successful method. But if your dog has serious fears of cars, you may want to take your dog to the vet to get them some prescribed medication. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Reviewed by Jennifer Coates Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, is an accomplished veterinarian and writer with more than 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and conservation. If it has no fear and loves a road trip, chances are it will jump right in. On the other hand, if it's afraid, it may struggle with you as you're trying to get it safely inside the car and whine or act up the whole way. Although this is a common dog phobia , it can be discouraging, distracting, and a potentially unsafe way to drive. Fortunately, most people are able to help their dogs overcome this fear and become comfortable during car rides. The key is to gradually introduce your dog to the experience while associating the car with good experiences, including lots of positive reinforcement. There are several reasons your dog may be scared of riding in your car. Your first move is determining which one is affecting your dog so you can figure out what to do next. Car Sickness Just as people do, some dogs get car sick. They may feel nauseated or even vomit during car rides. If this sounds like your dog, that queasy, sick feeling may have conditioned your pet to become fearful of riding in cars. An Unfamiliar Feeling Dogs that aren't used to going on car rides may be disturbed by the odd feeling of riding in a car. Cars usually have their own smell, and there's also the sound of the engine, the vibrations of the floor, and seeing everything whizzing past at a fast speed. Any or all of these things may make for a very frightening experience for your dog. Negative Experiences Some dogs associate the car with negative experiences, which can easily develop into a fear. If your dog has negative feelings about going to the vet , those feelings may transfer to car rides. If you adopted a shelter dog , the likelihood of its having had traumatic experiences that you don't know about increases. It's possible that the dog's only encounters with car rides were the trip to the shelter or to a spot where it was abandoned and the car ride to a new home. These frightening experiences could also account for a car phobia. Similarly, a dog that's been involved in a car accident or hit by a car may have long-lasting fears about cars in general. The 6 Best Dog Car Seats and Restraints of , Tested and Reviewed Next Steps If your dog's fear of the car is related to car sickness, there's a fairly easy fix as dogs are able to take some over-the-counter medications to ease motion sickness. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper brand and dosage and whether this is a good option for your dog. It may also help to avoid car rides soon after your dog has had a meal. If your dog's fear of car rides stems from more than motion sickness, chances are you'll have to put a bit more time and effort into getting rid of its phobia. By slowly introducing your dog to the car and creating a positive association with the experience, you can help your dog enjoy car rides. Begin by enticing your dog to the car rather than forcing it to approach. Many dogs with this fear start putting on the brakes as soon as the car comes into view. Instead of dragging your dog to the car, slowly lure it closer using lots of treats and praise. For a mild car phobia, you may be able to get your dog to walk up to the car in a few short training sessions. For more severe phobias, it may require several sessions. To make it worth your dog's while, use valuable, delicious treats or its favorite toys. Continue using positive reinforcement to lure the dog inside. Start by opening up all the doors so your dog won't feel trapped once inside. Use treats and praise to coax your dog into the car. This often works better if two of the dog's favorite people work as a team. One can hold the dog on a leash on one side of the car while the other lies across a seat from the other side, using treats and a happy tone of voice to encourage the dog to get inside. Have some special bonding time with your dog inside the car. Don't rush to slam the doors shut and start the engine the minute your dog finally hops inside. Instead, leave the doors open and spend some time snuggling. Slowly work your way up to sitting in the car with the doors closed. Depending on the level of your dog's fear, this part of the process can take as long as a few weeks or more. Make sure to put a dog seat cover on the seat to protect it from dog hair, muddy paws, and drool. Start your engine. When your dog has become fairly comfortable hanging out with you in the car, start it up. As soon as the car is running, give your dog some treats and talk to it in an encouraging tone of voice; then turn off the engine. Repeat this several times until your dog is completely comfortable sitting in the car with the engine running. Begin with small trips. Don't make your dog's first car ride a long road trip. The first few times out of the driveway should probably be no farther than around the block, with your helper giving your dog treats the whole way. Gradually work your way up to longer distances. Take your dog to fun destinations. Your dog's first long car ride should not be to the veterinarian. Instead, take it someplace fun such as the dog park, the beach, or to a drive-thru for a small bite of hamburger. Your dog will soon associate these fun times with going for a ride in the car. Keep things positive and end each session before your dog has a chance to go into full-blown fear mode. All dogs are different, and depending on the degree to which your dog is afraid, you can expect it to take a while for your canine buddy to conquer its fear. You may even need to go back a few steps if your dog unexpectedly reverts to fearful behaviors, which is okay, too. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Categories Dogs Tags dog health , dog tips , older dogs , traveling with dogs Photo via orvis. Your dog might hate car rides for several reasons, including anxiety or motion sickness—or he may simply sense your stress and react to it. A shaky-kneed, carsick dog can put a damper on your travels, but you can still take him on adventures if you work to overcome his backseat woes. You can train or condition your dog not to hate riding in the car, just as you trained him in basic obedience. Read on to learn how you can help your car-averse dog tolerate—perhaps, even enjoy—the ride. How to Train Your Dog to Like the Car Training a dog to like the car will take time, especially if he already associates it with vet visits or bouts of carsickness. Work toward a better car ride experience with these tips. Make the first rides with him relaxed and fun. Retraining Dogs With Car Anxiety If your dog already has car anxiety, shift your focus from prevention to retraining. To start, always keep a stash of treats in your pocket so you can reward achievements. Then begin exposing your dog to the car routinely when he is relaxed. Depending on the severity of his anxiety, this exercise may include simply walking him near the car door, or opening the car door with him by your side. The trick is knowing when he usually begins to fuss, and stopping just shy of that to give him a treat and a pat. As he begins associating approaching the car with positive results, you can get closer to the car. If he gets inside, offer praise and a treat for a job well done. Practice getting into the car—no trip involved—for a few days. Hop in, offer treats and praise, hop out. The keys, as in all dog training, are patience, working in small increments, and paying close attention to him before moving on. Take the next steps—closing the doors, starting the car engine, and eventually driving around the block—as your dog seems ready. Desensitize your dog to known stressors, too: If he shows anxiety related to speed bumps, rumble strips, or driving through the tunnel, enlist the help of a passenger to offer distracting affection and treats as you encounter the triggers. Or, find alternate routes to avoid those situations. Puppies and young dogs are most at risk of motion sickness because the part of their ear that manages balance is not yet fully developed. The motion of the car makes them feel more off-balance than it does mature dogs, causing nausea and possibly vomiting. Puppies usually outgrow motion sickness at one year of age, but adult dogs may continue to suffer from carsickness. For adult dogs who hate car rides, anxiety—rather than physical discomfort—may be the culprit. The anxiety probably took root when they were young. Dogs with bad motion sickness as puppies can grow up to associate car rides with that terrible nauseous feeling. You can change fear or stress related to car rides—an indication of car anxiety—with positive association training exercises. Short-snouted breeds may have more difficulty breathing in a stuffy car, which can contribute to discomfort or motion sickness; high-energy breeds may have difficulty settling in for longer trips; very large dogs may have trouble getting comfortable inside the vehicle; and territorial breeds may be too worried about guarding the car to relax and enjoy the trip. Breeds that adapt well to change may enjoy car rides: Happy-go-lucky Labrador Retrievers, easygoing Golden Retrievers, laid-back Bernese Mountain Dogs, or biddable Border Collies often enjoy traveling with their people. Signs of Motion Sickness and Travel Anxiety in Dogs Whether your companion is a puppy or an older dog, knowing the signs of motion sickness can help you manage it. A carsick dog may display these symptoms: Listlessness. By Carol Bryant Last Updated on April 19, Anyone who has ever dealt with dog car anxiety knows how upsetting and frustrating it is. Car anxiety flares up when your dog appears agitated, upset, or in distress while riding in a moving vehicle. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to help your pup become comfortable in a moving vehicle. Dogs fear cars for one of two reasons—they associate a vehicle with something negative or they get car sickness and sometimes a combination of both. If your dog gets anxious because she associates the car with something negative, this process is designed especially for you. If you rescued your dog, were dropped off at the shelter in the car likely? Did they get in an accident in a moving vehicle? Did someone argue in the car with the dog present? Perhaps your pooch heard a loud sound while in the car and now associated moving vehicles as bad. Car sickness can lead to nausea and vomiting. Puppies tend to grow out of this, but there are some things you can do for dogs who genuinely just get sick in the car. Stay tuned. For example, a dog with a thyroid issue may behave irritated or aggressive according to famed veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds. Symptoms of Canine Car Anxiety Like people, each dog is unique. Your dog may be afraid of the car because it makes her sick with nausea. Another dog might whine, shake, pant heavily, excessively salivate, bark, whine, or relieve themselves in the vehicle. The day we brought our third Cocker Spaniel puppy , Alvin, home he threw up and defecated in his car crate. He was nine weeks old and not accustomed to riding in a car. We were new to him and leaving his mother and siblings was traumatic no doubt. Slowly, but surely we got our puppy used to car rides as part of the things in days to do with a puppy adventure we are on. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate. Do not turn the car on. You want your dog to sit next to you in the back seat—not in a crate and not in a seatbelt. You are teaching your dog that a car is a happy place. Bring some of her favorite treats or a favorite toy—whichever holds the most value to your pooch. Let her know what a good girl she is for simply being in the stationary car. Sit together and reward them, pet them, and let your dog simply get comfortable being in the vehicle. Do this every day for 5 to 10 minutes for a week and reward. Be sure your dog cannot jump out of the vehicle. Of note: If your dog refuses to get in the car or freaks out at the site of the door being open, you may need to give her something to calm his frazzled nerves first. Here are some products to help dogs who are bothered by noise or have anxiety issues. NOTE: Once your dog is accustomed to sitting in the car, the next step is her restraint system. Follow step one but introduce her car crate or harness restraint. Sit in the car for 5 to 10 minutes. Reward and praise. A car is a happy place. Repeat every single aspect of step 1 but turn your car on. Leave the doors open. Sit with your dog. Praise, reward, pet her. She may seem irritated at first but she will calm down soon since she is used to being in the car. Soon, you will be driving the vehicle with the dog inside. She will see that not only do great things happen in the car but on arrival, too! Put the dog in the car with you and move a few hundred feet. Maybe to the end of the street. Maybe around the block. Take the toy. Take the treats. It is best to do this step with a friend or family member so they can drive the car while you sit in the backseat next to your dog. You and your dog will exit the vehicle and walk back home. Praise your dog. Give her treats and shower her with joy. She is such a good girl! Do this every day for a week. Repeat step three but drive to a place that your dog loves. Ideas include a local park, visiting a family member or friend, playing with another dog she knows, or wherever her happy place is. Maybe your dog can go for a Puppucino at the Starbucks drive-through. Perhaps a local dog-friendly pet supply store would be fun. Reward your dog on arrival. Preferably, you get out of the car and engage in a super high-value activity with your dog. Reward and praise like the champion she is! Do this at least twice a week for a month or so. You can watch these steps in action in our example video below. If your dog needs something calming, the product we mention is no longer available. We recommend these products for anxious dogs. Overcoming Dog Car Sickness Dogs get sick with motion just like some people do. Your dog may feel sick depending on how she is positioned in the car. I feel nauseous whenever I ride in the backseat and the same holds true for some dogs. I talked to my doctor about motion sickness tablets. They help me, and a canine version of this product may help your dog. Talk to your veterinarian. Ask if Cerenia a prescription would help your dog. Some dogs like to be in a booster seat while others prefer a seatbelt harness or a crate. I know dogs who overcame car anxiety when their owners put them in a canine booster seat instead of the seatbelt. The positioning helped. Sometimes a little bit of fresh air can do the trick. Did you ever get a stomach ache and needed some fresh air to feel better? Dogs are the same way. Exercise your dog or play before you get in the car. She is likely to sleep it off. Some mistakenly believe blasting loud music helps a dog overcome her noise or travel fears. Personally, that would freak me out. It tethers to the seat and uses the seatbelt for extra protection while allowing the dog room to move. Slowly Increase Car Time Slowly increase the amount of time you spend in the moving vehicle. If you can only drive around the block and come home, do something really fun with your dog when he exits the vehicle at home. Praise as if she won Best in Show. Be gentle and reassuring. Winter is cold, summer is hot and deadly. Sunblock and Sunscreen Dogs have some protection from their fur, but they can still get sunburned. Use a car shade in your vehicle or sun window sunshades that easily adhere. Consider a sunblock product made for dogs, especially short-haired and white dogs. Once your dog acclimates to car travel, I highly suggest you bring bottled water or whatever water your dog drinks at home. Thirty years of car travel with dogs has taught me that even a change in drinking water can cause stomach upset. Positive Reinforcement Is Key Keep up with positive reinforcement car training for your dog. Do a weekly ride to a happy place. Take your dog to visit family or friends. Visit a pet supply store that allows dogs. Visit his favorite park. Curl up together on a blanket. You can ask your vet about a sedative to relax the dog en route, depending on how far you are traveling. Have dog will travel. Make your vehicle a happy place and sooner than later, your dog will be wagging and showing excitement when the car keys come out. A pet industry veteran, she appears on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Yahoo to Dogster and Today. Post navigation.
One word — cute! As a result, the Mini Golden Retriever is an ever-evolving combo of the Golden Retriever , Poodle, and Cocker As the American Kennel Club does not recognize this cross, breeding is unregulated, and therefore all sorts of Mini Golden Retrievers have come out of the breeding pot. Creating smaller versions of purebred dogs means dabbling with their genes, which is never a good thing as they can suffer from ailments like dwarfism. There is a small possibility that they might nip and bite, so they could inherit this characteristic from their parents. This is especially important if you have a young family, as there could be a few tears! What are the differences between a Mini Golden Retriever and a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodle source Both of them are crossbred with Poodles and have a lot in common. The Goldendoodle is a medium-sized pooch with curly locks that are quite high maintenance, while the Miniature Golden Retriever is small to medium in size and also requires daily brushing to make sure those glossy coats stay at their best. Both are good with families and very active! The only significant differences are their coats as mentioned above and also the fact that Miniature Golden Retrievers are incredibly easy to train. In a nutshell, they have more similarities than differences. As mentioned above they range from 20 lbs to 45 lbs 7 kg to 16 kg and 14 inches to 20 inches tall 29 cm to 56 cm. Though they come in similar-sized packaging, you can certainly see the difference between them. Mini Goldens tend to have fur that is sleeker, with waves rather than curls. Dwarf Golden Retrievers have a condition called dwarfism, a genetic defect affecting bone growth. However, Miniature Goldens will continue to grow past two or three months of age, whereas Dwarf Goldens will present with stunted growth and skeletal deformities. As they become more fine-tuned and purer, a clearer picture will more than likely emerge. As it stands at the moment, their weight ranges between 20 lbs to 55 lbs 9 kg to 25 kg , with a height of between 12 to 15 inches 30 cm to 38 cm. A fully grown Mini Golden Retriever is small, but it has plenty of love to give! Like their larger counterparts, Mini Golden Retrievers shed an undercoat seasonally to adapt to changing climates. They are frequently called hypoallergenic, however, because they shed less dander than some other, more nasally-irritating breeds. Their grooming is simple, and only moderate maintenance is needed as long as you stay on top of it. When petting your dog, you should be able to feel down to their skin all-over, with no hard masses of fur. All the breeds that contribute to this mix are high-energy dogs. If your idea of leisure time is being a couch potato, the Mini Golden is not a good match for your lifestyle. They like to be active, and they want to play—with you. Puppies, of course, have an excess of energy. Mini Goldens are so obedient that many of them serve as excellent therapy dogs. Their loving nature and natural intelligence, combined with their manageable size, make these hybrids perfectly suited to comfort people who may be intimidated by larger breeds. Is my new BFF going to tear up my home? A yard is preferable, but they could do fine in an apartment, given daily moderate exercise and tasks to keep their minds engaged. Doggy daycare is an excellent idea, although it should not replace the time you spend with them or the training you need to provide them. This small Golden Retriever crossbreed is usually not picky about the food you put in its bowl. You can feed your Toy Golden Retriever 2. Avoid going over this recommended amount even if your Mini Golden gives you the puppy-dog eyes; this crossbreed is prone to obesity. These small dogs may also suffer from some digestive issues as they grow older, thanks to their Poodle parentage. The short answer is: by some organizations! This is probably because Miniature Golden Retrievers are a crossbreed still in development. The answer is inconclusive , as no statistically significant data has been found to support either side of the coin. However, responsible breeders will more than likely have vets doing gene testing for them to weed out known genetic diseases of the crossbreeds. When purchasing your Miniature Golden Retriever, make sure to check the breed Each dog is unique, and your Mini Golden could suffer from the conditions that commonly affect its parent breeds. Hip dysplasia, lymphoma, and skin problems are commonly seen in Golden Retrievers , whereas Poodles often suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, bloat, and collapsed trachea. Cocker Spaniels , which may or may not be included in the Mini Golden mix, frequently display cherry eye, cardiomyopathy, allergies, and urinary stones. How long will we have together? As mentioned in the first paragraph the life expectancy of your Mini Golden is estimated to range from 10 to 12 years. This dog can have a wildly different temperament from what you expect. Golden Retrievers: loyal to a fault The Golden Retriever, as a breed, is one of the most popular for families in the United States today. The AKC describes them as intelligent, exuberant, and eager-to-please. Golden Retrievers are perfect for active families with children. Some even say that poodles are beauties without brains. Poodles, on the whole, tend to do well with children and get along with other dogs when supervised. The American Kennel Club describes Cockers as eager-to-please, gentle, and happy. If trained properly, Mini Golden Retrievers are good dogs: loyal, active, gentle, good with families, and overall happy chaps! They have some awesome qualities to keep you happy with your forever furry friend. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! Thanks for submitting! It has been proven by mixing this combination of dogs it can drastically reduce many health problems. We only choose quality breeding stock for our breeding program. Our breeding dogs are genetically tested for different genetic defects through Embark. We also do OFA certification and Penn hip. It is our priority to produce only the healthiest puppies that will be part of your family for many years! We want all of our dogs to live long, happy, health lives. Miniature golden retriever personality There's a lot of reason why golden retrievers are so popular and why people want a miniature version of them. For many, they are an ideal dog breed. Friendly, easy going and clever, they make great family pets for most families. Mini golden retriever Size We use www. We cannot guarantee the size of your puppy but we do the best we can. Our Miniature Goldens range in size from lbs. Their affable nature, stunning appearance, and remarkable intelligence have made them a favorite among dog enthusiasts for generations. And now, a new variation has emerged that takes all these wonderful qualities and packages them in a smaller size — the Miniature Golden Retriever. We'll delve into the captivating world of Miniature Golden Retrievers, exploring their characteristics, care needs, and the considerations to keep in mind if you're interested in bringing one of these delightful pups into your home. These pint-sized companions are the result of carefully selected breeding, combining the beloved traits of the standard Golden Retriever with smaller breeds to create a charming and compact version. They retain the signature golden coat, the warm eyes that reflect their boundless affection, and that unmistakable wagging tail that instantly brightens any room. Characteristics That Steal Hearts Miniature Golden Retrievers embody all the qualities that have made their larger counterparts cherished members of countless families. Their intelligence shines through as they quickly grasp commands, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Just like standard Golden Retrievers, they possess a natural desire to please, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they may be smaller in stature, their hearts are as big as ever. Mini Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them excellent playmates for children and other pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards. Care Considerations Caring for a Miniature Golden Retriever is a deeply rewarding journey that requires attention and dedication. Their lush double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Weekly brushing not only helps maintain their appearance but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to keep your Mini Golden Retriever in optimal health. Regular exercise is equally important, as it keeps their minds sharp and their bodies in shape. Bringing a Miniature Golden Retriever Home Now, you might be wondering where to find these enchanting companions. You might have searched "mini golden retriever puppies for sale" or "mini golden retrievers for sale" which led you to us. So when seeking a breeder, it's essential to prioritize ethical practices. Reputable breeders focus on the health and welfare of their dogs, ensuring that puppies are raised in loving environments. These dogs can live up to years, so be prepared for a long-term partnership filled with love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and undeniable charm make them a wonderful addition to a variety of households. Whether you're seeking a loyal companion for leisurely strolls or a furry friend to join in family adventures, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a breed that promises to enrich your life in countless ways. So, if you're captivated by the idea of sharing your life with a Miniature Golden Retriever, take the time to explore reputable breeders offering mini golden retriever puppies for sale or mini golden retrievers for sale. With proper care, patience, and a heart full of love, you're bound to find a loyal companion who will brighten your days for years to come. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Read the full disclosure here. Imagine everything you love about a Golden Retriever — their friendly temperament, absolute loyalty, and loving playfulness — but in a smaller size. Sounds pretty good, right? Enter the Miniature Golden Retriever, a dog who is exactly that. What are Miniature Golden Retrievers? They are a cross mix of different dogs instead of just a size variation on the breed standard. This is different to the Mini Husky, for instance, which is just a smaller version of the Husky. The idea is to create puppies that have the same wonderful character and temperaments of a normal Golden, yet in a smaller size. The latter is actually the trademarked name for the puppies bred by Kathy Burgess , who claims to have created the first Miniature Golden. This usually translates to puppies sold already neutered, microchipped, with an ID tag and a health certificate. While the aim of Miniature Goldens was simply to create a dog that was a companion-sized version of the standard Golden, there are a number of differences and similarities between them. This should be expected if you account for the Mini also having some Poodle characteristics. Mini Golden Retriever Size Standard Goldens usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 75 lbs with females at the lighter end and males at the heavier and measure between 20 to 24 inches in height. Miniatures, however, usually weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and measure between 14 and 20 inches in height. Exact sizes will differ depending on the proportion of genetic matter they inherit from their parents. Dogs who inherit a higher proportion of Golden genetics will likely be a little bigger, while those that have more Poodle genes will probably be at the smaller end. The lifespan of a Mini Golden Retriever The expected lifespan of the Miniature Golden Retriever is between 10 and 15 years while standard Goldens can expect to live between 10 and 12 years. Larger size dogs generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones as its thought that they age faster. Both the standard and Miniature Goldens face the risk of inheriting various genetic diseases such as joint dysplasia and eye problems. Always check that your breeder can provide proof of the good health of the parents before you buy a new puppy. Some breeders claim that their Miniature Goldens will shed less than a standard Golden thanks to the input of the Poodle genetics. Standard Goldens, mini golden retrievers are notorious for being heavy shedders and require daily brushing, so this is a major benefit of buying a Mini. Exercise and Training We all know that dogs are a long-term commitment. Not only do you have to keep them fed, watered, and sheltered all year round, but owners must also ensure that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Mini Goldens are intelligent animals that need daily physical and mental stimulation. You will need to exercise your Mini for between 30 minutes to an hour a day, with plenty of time set aside for playtime, music, and attention as well. Training should also be a daily occurrence in order to make sure that their behavior and command responses are well-honed enough for them to fit into a family home. Before you buy a Miniature Golden Retriever, make sure that you have the time and energy to devote to their exercise and training. How about feeding Miniature Golden Retrievers There is no big difference compared to the regular golden retrievers. As miniature golden retrievers need high protein food that will help to keep their bones and joints strong. You need to keep in mind that they are highly active dogs and we need to feed them accordingly. The ideal meal can be 2. We also hear that the small mini golden retrievers have some digestive issues. Get on the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens. When registration opens for the course you'll be the first to know! Allow All Customize Privacy Preference Center When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. 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Targeting Cookies more info Allow These cookies are set by our advertising partners to provide behavioral advertising and re-marketing analytical data. They collect any type of browsing information necessary to create profiles and to understand user habits in order to develop an individual and specific advertising routine. The profile created regarding your browsing interest and behavior is used to customize the ads you see when you access other websites. Confirm My Choices. While the classic golden retriever is a large dog, some families may have living situations that a smaller breed is wanted. The miniature golden retriever is a mixed breeding. However, many owners have found that miniature golden retrievers also known as many other terms such as mini, toy and more have many of the same characteristics that made the breed so popular in the first place, but in a smaller package. Super cute miniature golden retriever puppy! These dogs love being around people. This is especially true if you live near water—these guys love swimming! They pair well with poodles and cocker spaniels because of their size difference poodles and cocker spaniels tend to be smaller. Mixing these two breeds together will give you a great family companion who loves to play with kids and other pets. What could be better? Their genes come from a mix of breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. This mix keeps them from growing to be too big and makes them easier to train. They usually only have moderate seasonal shedding coats which means less cleaning up after your pup when he comes home! Sizing them down will also help reduce health issues like hip dysplasia, which may be prevalent in larger breeds due to their size How Large Do They Grow Miniature golden retrievers average between 8 and 16 inches in height, which is smaller than other golden retriever varieties that are inches tall at their withers their shoulder blades. This is partially due to a recessive gene pairing that determines whether they grow to a large size or remain miniature. They reach maturity at around 18 months and live about years on average. Breeders also consider health and temperament when choosing their breeding stock. Also, their mixed breeding can make them healthier than purebreds; as these dogs tend to inherit traits from both parents rather than just one. They require exercise at least two short walks per day and mental stimulation i. Also, if left alone for too long without proper socialization, these pups can become destructive in your home. That said, with proper care and training these sweet little guys can make great additions to any family! If you would like to see a list of low maintenance dogs please check out this list. Many people think that their personality is identical to that of a larger version of itself, but in fact, it can be a bit different! Some miniature golden retrievers have unique traits inherited from its poodle ancestors such as longer and finer hair. Some might shed less. Before purchasing a miniature golden retriever puppy, it might be best to contact local shelters in your area or rescue organizations that may have miniature golden retrievers available for adoption. If you do find a breeder for a miniature golden retriever, make sure to ask about health screenings and genetic testing these dogs can suffer from several issues that require specific screenings before finalizing your purchase. The dogs are closely monitored and have been through genetic testing and are feed an all natural and holistic diet, so they remain healthy. All of our puppies come from healthy and happy parent dogs that have been genetically tested. This allows owners to feel secure in the health and genes that your puppy comes home with. Find your new best friend.
Contact Us Red Poodles With all the colors available in Poodles it could be hard to choose your puppy. However, it is the red Poodle that is so very rare, so stunning and so special! It does appear that it is a completely separate gene than the other poodle colors. Red Poodles are the newest color developed, it only became an official color in .A red poodle will have black points, nose, gums, under paws and very dark eyes. Liver points are acceptable, but not preferred in red poodles. Red poodles are a stunningly beautiful color, one that is very close to the color of humans with natural red hair. Poodles come in the light red new copper color to the darkest of any human with dark auburn hair. Ilse Konig was the first person who developed the red color of poodles. It was first developed on the Standard Poodle, then crossed with an Apricot female miniature Poodle. After many years of selective breeding, we now have Red Poodles in all the poodle sizes. While developing the red color, it was imperative to breed for all the qualities of a well-bred poodle, which includes temperament, health, conformation, and beauty. Missing any one of these characteristics the red poodles would not be complete! Typically, red poodle puppies are born quite red, then, when they are about 6 weeks old, their coats will turn less red. Then at about 10 weeks, you can see a definite dark red line next to the skin where the new coat color is coming in. It is thrilling to see this in a red poodle puppy. Their mature red color changes cannot be predicted by the color of the puppy. Some dark apricot poodles will stay a brighter color than the red poodles. The Poodle breed is a breed that does change color, as do some other breeds. Do be aware that red poodles can fade, it is common for these breeds to lighten up as they age. Each dog is an individual and will change. This is not to say that the mature red coat will not be gorgeous in its own right. Red Poodles, and poodles in general, tend to lead lively energetic lives. Red poodles are extremely loyal companions, making them ideal pets. They love to learn tricks and will perform for audiences of enthusiastic onlookers and their red color stands out above the rest! Most designer dogs have one thing in common: they are crossed with a Poodle. There is a very good reason for that, the Poodle cross brings up the intelligence and ability to train. Crosses also get some of the benefits of the hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle, and less shedding. If you live afar, we can safely ship your red poodle puppy to the closest major jet port. If you would like to move forward with reserving one of our red poodle puppies, or any of our puppies, then please search our available poodles , find one you are interested in and then submit your application! Breeder of Poodle Puppies for Sale in Illinois Welcome to the most well respected breeder of red and apricot poodles in Illinois! We specialize in breeding and selling red, apricot, cream, and black poodle puppies, varying in size from toy, miniature and moyen. Unlike many other dog businesses, who have multiple different breeds, we specialize specifically in breeding poodles. For more information, either contact us or visit our facebook page! We have well over followers on Facebook and most of the posts on our page are from previous owners showcasing the poodles they have purchased from us. We encourage you to scroll through all the tabs and learn even more about us and our puppies! A little about me… My name is Frank Reliford. I am a husband, father of 8 children, grandpa to 4 grandkids, Christian, retired school principal hence, the name , and full-time poodle whisperer! Okay, well, maybe not that last part… However, I have been in the poodle business for roughly 20 years and have learned a thing or two! I love the poodle breed. Poodles are so well respected that so many other breeds are mixed with poodles trying to get the favorable qualities that poodles have into their mixed puppies. A little about my business… As previously mentioned, Poodle Pups with Principal is a family-ran business, with many of the family playing an important role! All of our puppies are kept indoors until the begin to wean. The most common feedback we get from our buyers is how social and adjusted our puppies are. From day one our puppies are handled regularly by members of our family, especially kids and grandkids! We back that up with a written two-year health guarantee on all of our puppies. Some congenital issues are guaranteed for life! Frank Reliford owner. She is only 5 months old. Need a loving family. Great with kids super playful Call me at xxxxxxxxxxx Buy Now Toy Poodle Puppies Male toy poodle puppies they are current with their shots and dewormed. Male and females available. Current with shots and dewormed. Ready for their new home. Puppies come with a health guarantee and there shot records. Ready for their new homes. Puppies come with a health guarantee and their shot record. Males available. Puppies come with their shot record and a health guarantee. Cupcake is a playful girl and a complete foodie. She is looking for a family who will love and care for her. The puppy currently has a black coat, but it will fade into a grey. Please contact xxxxxxxxxx for more information. View Detail Silver Toy Poodle Puppy for sale: Bella Bella is a smart, beautiful girl who is looking for a family who will love and care for her. She loves to play and is very loyal. The puppy currently has a black coat, but it will change into grey. Contact xxxxxxxxxx for more information. View Detail Toy Poodle puppies Perfect small puppies that will say small 12 weeks old three male three female View Detail Top poodle puppies Six puppies for sale three male three female toy poodle mixed with terrier beautiful perfect for a family that wants a puppy to stay a puppy size 12 weeks old View Detail Toy poodles puppies looking for new owners Three puppies looking for a new owners and a forever home. One black is Female and other black and brown are Males. Mother 5 pounds and father 4 pounds. Located Orange county Irvine Dm me for more information xxx-xxx-xxxx View Detail Cute home race Toy poodle puppies So long as you can make us understand that you will share the love in your homes text us on xxx-xxx-xxxx View Detail Silver teacup poodle Cute and small silver teacup poodle at 5 months weighs 2. He is healthy and loving once you get to know him. He has beautiful blue eyes. Pickup only. Toy poodle mix with chihuahua. Open to offers! You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Toy Poodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Poodles". It's written by experienced Poodle owner and dog trainer Tarah Schwartz. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Poodle owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Toy Poodle puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Toy Poodles young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!
cutest bulldog puppies - Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Their popularity makes Labrador Retriever puppies easy to find. Each breeder on this list specializes in the traditional yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. A few even breed the less common silver color. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Washington 1. Familiar with people, other animals, machinery, and a variety of other situations and noises, these dogs are loyal, intelligent, and trainable. Trainable and friendly, these Labradors come in black, yellow, or chocolate and are regularly screened for health issues. T, a program run by the American Kennel Club. Spokane Labrador Retrievers Visit Their Website Spokane, WA Family-owned and operated, Spokane Labrador Retrievers pay attention to the personality, genetics, and characters of their dogs to provide you with the perfect companion. Instead, they focus on keeping their stock manageable and paying attention to choosing dogs with the perfect mix of personality, intelligence, and longevity. These Labrador Retrievers are available in the traditional chocolate, yellow, and black, along with chocolate-nosed yellow. With their careful breeding program, these dogs are perfect family pets, hunting companions, service dogs , or search-and-rescue partners. Desert Wind offers shipping for families outside of Washington and a 1-year health guarantee. Free of hip dysplasia and eye defects , these dogs are intelligent and great problem solvers. Settled on 38 acres, Silver Bow specializes in chocolate and black Labradors. All the dogs are fully vaccinated, wormed, and AKC registered. Shipping for buyers living outside of Washington is available for an extra fee. With just over 2 acres to explore, their dogs are both active and happy to cuddle. Carver Labradors make sure their puppies are vaccinated, wormed, and examined by a veterinarian before heading to their new home. Their dogs make good family members and therapy or service animals. The puppies are socialized with children and other animals from chickens to horses, and they are friendly and loving. Ready to join their new home at 8 weeks old, the dogs are health checked, vaccinated, wormed, and accompanied by AKC registration papers. Next on your reading list:. All our puppies have new homes! Be first in line for your new puppy! Get on the waitlist for Silver Labs and Golden Retriever Puppies due beginning of October Past litter of male puppies Looking for a puppy to add to your family? Golden Retrievers Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labs Silver Labs Meet The Puppies These are gorgeous, and energetic dogs who: require daily exercise and are perfect for you, if you love being outdoors and living an active lifestyle are easily trained and very intelligent, making them great family companions. We are located just 60 miles outside of Seattle on a 50 acre farm that's been in our family since my grandfather purchased it when he returned from Europe after World War II. Our dogs love it here. The mamas will even hop in the back of the truck to go help us feed the cows or play in the grass while we're tending to the horses. Our puppies are well socialized as they spend time with our family and with regular visits to the vet you have our assurance that not only are they cute but healthy. Golden Retrievers Silver Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Healthy Your puppy is ready to go home with you at 8 weeks old, with AKC registration, a healthy puppy vet check, their first shots, and age appropriate wormings. Adorable You will literally have your pick of the litter depending on who the mama is. Whether it's an English Style Silver or Chocolate Lab or a beautiful Golden Retriever you are sure to find the puppy that steals your heart. Raised With Love Our dogs are our family pets and are a part of our everyday lives. They spend their days with us and you may find them roaming the farm or on a trail ride. They are raised with chicken, cows and horses. Our puppies also spend lots of time playing outside so they are well socialized, great around children and other pets. Have questions? We are a phone call, text or email away! Testimonials Meet Boone What a wonderful, friendly, dog loving, farm home to buy our beautiful Silver Lab, Boone, from! We were able to make trips to visit Boone while he grew, Wendy was always accommodating and super nice. During these visits we also became more acquainted with Boone's mom and grandmom, they are both loving and gentle souls. These are qualities we were looking for in our next dog as we have young grandchildren that will be a big part of Boone's life. We have had Boone for two weeks now. And he surprises us daily with how smart he is. We could not be happier with the start in life he had at Wendy's, his breeding, and HIM!! And I haven't even mentioned how absolutely beautiful Boone is! We collectively decided on getting a dog. We wanted a happy, smart, loyal breed that could fit in and grow with our kids. With those criteria we started looking for a Labrador Retriever. We soon drove to the farm to pick out our puppy. From that moment, until today, we have been so happy with our choice! Our silver lab, Rumble Rainier, has been value added to our home. He is perfect with our sons, he learned our routines quickly, and he keeps us smiling every day. Say Hi to Boomer.They were amazing to work with thru the whole process. We first picked him out in January and we got to visit every other week to watch him grow and get him familiar with us. He was the cutest little brown fur ball and it was fun to see him interact with all his siblings and his mom. He was also very loved and handled by their kids during the times we could not visit. He is a year old now and a very healthy and beautiful lab. He loves being outside, playing fetch, playing with his soccer ball, or being anywhere our 12 year old daughter is. He has been a great addition to our family! They really love their dogs and know how to breed healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Our Boomer loves all dogs, adults and children because of this. We are so thankful to Green Valley Pups and Paws for this whole experience! Amber McKinney.
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cutest bulldog puppies - Liver and Tan Blue While you may view these colors as simply… colors, each of them is actually unique in its own ways. They vary in popularity, history, some of them even have another set of variations. Black: As previously mentioned, the black variation is one of the original German shepherd colors, along with black and white German shepherds and white GSDs. White: The white color is also one of the original variations. Sadly, white German shepherds are not able to participate in kennel club shows, although they are allowed in agility and obedience competitions. Black and Tan: German shepherd puppies of this variation is the most commonly bred in many countries. It is also the most popular since Hollywood canine stars such as Rin Tin Tin bears the black and tan color. Black and Red: This color variation is often associated with the black and tan color. The pattern looks similar, with only the tan being red as the difference. While black and red German shepherds are more common in show lines, the black and tan variation can be found more in working lines. This is mainly because they are basically black German shepherds with a shade of silver, gray, or brown. Sable: Sable GSDs are particularly known for having individual hairs that has two or three colors. This variety of colors is what makes them unique. This unique trait is also responsible for many variations such as red sable and silver sable German shepherds. Liver and Tan: This is a rather unique variation in the sense that what normally will be black in color in a German shepherd will be brownish instead. Additionally, GSDs in this variation has hint of tan, although there are pure liver German shepherds. Blue: Blue GSDs are also of a unique kind. Just like the liver and tan, instead of having black in color, they will adopt the blue color instead. See also Black German Shepherd While these are the common colors of German shepherds at this point, times are changing. What happened to be rare today might become common tomorrow. Of course, common colors can also become rare at some point. Speaking of which, there are color variations that are in danger of fading slowly in the German shepherd color gene pool. Rare Colors Rare colors are usually a genetic fault. But while they can be considered a flaw in genetics, they are still the lovable German shepherds we know. Also, these colors are usually a different version of some of the previously mentioned common colors. Light Blue: Obviously, this belongs to the blue color variation. The only difference between blue and light blue is that there may be traces of silver in a light blue GSD. However, sable color may range from silver, black, gray, or tan. On the other hand, grey GSDs are mainly gray with almost no traces of black hairs. Panda: Panda is more of a pattern than a color. A panda German shepherd is like a white GSD, except it displays black spots around their body. Liver: Just like liver and tan, the liver color results in a brown German shepherd instead of black. These colors might be rare, but some owners are not even aware of how rare their German shepherd is. There have been asking this questions lately, which is perhaps because they are noticing some color changes in their German shepherd. The answer to this question is yes, the color of a German shepherd can change as they age. However, the severity of this color change depends on the original color. Black and Tan: They might be the most popular, but this information might not be known to many. Contrary to common belief, black and tan German shepherds are born as completely black dogs. The tan only starts to show itself after at least 6 months. Sable: Regardless of the main color of a sable GSD, be it tan, silver, or gray, the color will change as they grow older. Some may get darker by age, and some may get lighter. Either way, the period is the same as black and tan. It starts at 6 months and ends in 2 years. These two are the color variations that undergoes the most significant color change in German shepherds. There are, however, some German shepherds coat colors that do not change. In short, dogs with these colors live with it for the rest of their lives. Black and White: The two original colors, black and white, undergo no changes as they age. These are the only exceptions and they will live out their lives with the color they were born with. However, some opinions are false. Unfortunately, there have been many misconceptions nowadays about the different colors of German shepherd. Misconceptions about German Shepherd Coat Colors Throughout history, there have been lots of misconceptions and myths made surrounding German shepherd coat colors. These misconpcetions usually revolve around the unique color traits of German shepherds. However, these two are actually of the same color. This had been confirmed by many other veterinary researchers. This is because the lightening of pigment is a common flaw in the color genes of a German shepherd. Panda German Shepherds are Crossbreeds Due to their unusual appearance, panda German shepherds are seen as mixed breeds by a poodle or chow chow mix dog. However, panda German shepherds are not crossbreeds. In reality, the panda pattern is caused by a rare genetic fault, which results in few panda GSD in the world. There is a difference, however, and that lies on the traces of silver, gray, and other colors in a bicolor German shepherd. Is it rare? Is it a genetic fault? Or is it a normal color? After reading this blog post, you should already know the answers to these questions. Plus, we discussed the most common misconceptions about the coat colors of German shepherds. But after this, you can sit back and be assured that you achieved a better understanding of your cute pet. 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. The history of German Shepherd colors When talking about the German Shepherd , we have to mention the father of the breed — Von Stephanitz. Initially referred to as the Alsatian Wolf Dog and bred for herding, this versatile fido was developed to become one of the ultimate working dogs. Did you know that sable is the original color of a German Shepherd? Are you ready to discover all the wonderful colors of the German Shepherd? What are the breed-approved German Shepherd Coat Colors? The ones that are favored are black and red, black and tan, or black. The bi-color, black and cream, black and silver, and gray Shepherds are accepted in the show ring but often do poorly when compared to the deeper shades above. Some can have a few stray white hairs on their chest or minimal brown on their paws, but they should look completely black. Any noticeable markings or coloring will put them under the bi-color category. They can come from two black GSD parents, or one of them is black and tan. But before you buy a black German Shepherd puppy, we recommend that you adopt one from German Shepherd rescue organizations. Due to the black dog syndrome , any dog of this color has a lower chance of being adopted. As a result of recessive genes, they can still be produced from breeding two normal-colored GSDs. This also means you can get a litter of puppies from White Shepherds without any white. You may want to try with the UKC as they accept these beauties in show lines. This solid color is completely banned in Germany that it got to the point where they cull white German Shepherd puppies. Despite being disproved with modern science, this rule stayed. You can see in this video how the black and tan can be different for every GSD. Some have more black, and others have more tan. Some Germans have white tips: But German Shepherds have other black variations. The shade can range from a deep mahogany color to a strawberry blonde. Black and Silver German Shepherd Source: silversun. If you inspect them closely, they even have a hint of saddle that extends heavily over them. Black sables, on the other hand, are born black with or without slight tan markings. But the most common variant of the sable is red. Red Sable German Shepherds show the sable on their saddle area, but it can extend over their bodies, as well. This coloring causes each strand of fur to have two or three colors. Look at the undercoat to know the base color of heavy-sabled GSDs. This color does make this breed unique and good-looking, and no two dogs will look the same because the sable pattern and color will vary. Being a dominant color, you will always get a sable even if you pair it with another color. Liver Brown German Shepherd Aside from their gorgeous russet coats, brown or liver German Shepherds can have piercing golden eyes. Much like the Blue German Shepherd, this coloration is caused by a recessive dilute gene. It represses the black and makes it brown. While livers can be registered with the AKC, they must be of solid color and not exhibit any tan or sabling. It can even create a sable liver, bi-color liver, and the liver and tan saddle back German Shepherds. They are often solid blue, with a little white on the chest. Their pigmentation will show up as a cool steel gray rather than the generic black. They can have the usual saddles but most often look like a solid-colored dog. Big black spots around their eyes, with a white undercoat, often shaded with tan. Genetically, they are German Shepherds with the piebald gene — a rare genetic mutation that occurred in .German Shepherd markings Their iconic black markings give the German Shepherd dog breed a range of colors and certain characteristics. Yet, another marking that is missing on the white Shepherd. Isabella GSDs might also lack this iconic marking, as would livers and goldens. The German Shepherd dog can also display the sable color or pattern, where its fur is black-tipped. What is the rarest color of a German Shepherd? Panda and diluted colors are infrequently seen in this purebred, mostly because of how genes are inherited. Is it okay to get a rare-colored GSD? Rare colors are often seen as a marketing ploy by people attempting to make more money off the GSD litters that do not conform with its standard. Specific color patterns, such as the Panda Shepherd, are spontaneous mutations, which means reputable breeders would stay away from breeding for a particular color. How can you tell what color a German Shepherd puppy will be? If you want to know the genetics behind it, the agouti gene causing the sable color is dominant in the German Shepherd dog breed. Standard colors, like solid black and black and tan, are variations from recessive genes. Dilute or solid-colored coats are also considered recessive, with typical markings being the norm. Misconceptions about German Shepherd coat colors Differentiating between all these shades and patterns might be slightly tricky for the untrained eye. Many believe that black and tan is the same as black and red. While red is technically a deeper tan, it has more reddish undertones than tan, making it different. White Alsatians still have chocolate brown eyes and black pigmentation around their eyes, nose, and paws. This is what sets them apart from albinos. Liver or Blue GSDs are caused by a gene that modifies the color gene. Do German Shepherd colors affect behavior? No, the color of your GSD should not dictate how he behaves. Temperament is determined by breeding, care, and training. Germans of all colors should embody the characteristics of an alert, protective, obedient, and calm type of dog that the world has come to know and love. However, it has been noted that White Shepherds make better family pets as they have milder personalities and less aggressive. Do German Shepherd colors affect health? The color white has long been associated with deafness, but a good breeder will always make sure their dogs are free of genetic defects before breeding them. With that said, we believe that this is the only time that color should be a concern. As a large breed dog, they are prone to shoulder or hip dysplasia , and bloat. This is due to the breed itself and NOT due to their coloration. How about German Shepherd eye color? Gray or liver-colored dogs might have amber eyes. The rest of them can have chocolate brown, honey-colored, or blue eyes. The last one is especially common with blue German Shepherds. Their guard coat or outer coat can have long, medium, or short guard hairs. The medium-length coats are considered to be a short-haired variety. Regardless of whether they have a short or long coat, they all require the same amount of grooming, which is daily. Plus, they tend to shed heavily at least twice a year. Some people get a deshedding tool to help control the shedding. You can go as long as 4 to 6 months without bathing them. This is where the white color of White Shepherds might seem a bit high maintenance because they can get dirty easily. Which German Shepherd color will you choose? Share with us your thoughts by commenting on the box below. Further reading: Learn more about GSDs. German Shepherds are often associated with the police force. They have a severe look and they are strong and brave. These dogs are also very obedient and loyal. They make excellent protectors and perfect family pets. Today, we are going to consider the primary GSD colors. Common and Original Colors Though there are a lot of variations of German Shepherd colors, the original ones are sable, black, white, and grey. There are also certain variations of these colors that developed in the process of breeding or are caused by genetic modifications. The main colors accepted by international kennel associations are black and tan, black and red, bicolor, black, sable, and grey. Some organizations are ready to accept liver and tan as well as blue. They believe that the purity of the breed depends on the intensity of the color, so the diluted hues are not acceptable. The pattern also matters. The ancestor dog bearing this color was Horand von Grafrath , who was a little darker than the present-day dogs. The breed was registered in the late s. This feature is recessive when mixed with sable but dominant when breeding with black and its variations. The puppies are usually born very dark and beginning with the 6th month they start to lighten up. The process finishes until the dog is two years old. Some female dogs have a gray stripe on their back that starts developing after two years. Though black and tans are allowed in the show line, this color is usually seen in working lines. Though, it is considered to be a variation of black and tan. The tan is replaced here by the rich red though the pattern is the same as for black and tan dogs. The black and red German Shepherd color gene pheomelanin influences the appearance of this variation. The shades of red can vary — from lighter strawberry blonde to darker and more intensive mahogany red. Such a combination is mostly preferable for all the conformation shows and experienced breeders highly value it. Black and Silver Once again, the common patterns of a saddleback and blanket-back are preserved here. A silver hue replaces only the tan or red. This coloration can appear when the recessive color suppression gene is present in one of the parents. The variation is allowed for the show lines, but silver sable German Shepherd dogs are not quite common in them. You can encounter this coloring mostly in working lines. If you are an owner of such a dog, remember that it is not visible in the dark, so it needs a special collar for night walking. Black and Cream This is a lighter variation of black and tan and the last officially accepted type of coloring for the breed. However, since the breeders understand that conformation rules account for darker and more intensive colors, they do not eagerly display their dogs colored like this at the shows. Sable Sable German Shepherd This is the original color of this breed and it is a dominant gene that develops it. This German Shepherd color looks very similar to a wild wolf. Every single hair has about three colors on its string, so such dogs are also called tri-colored. The tips of the hairs end with black. These colors can be of different hues — grey, tan, red, or dark brown. The dark shades are more preferable for show lines. The sable gene should be present in at least one sample of the dog pair. It is a dominant gene and it never displays recessively. The two dogs, who are black and tan, cannot produce sable. When a sable color German Shepherd male is bred to a female of any color, their litter will be all sable. However, a puppy that was born sable may not be a dominant sable because it also receives a recessive gene of another color. The tri-color German Shepherd can change with age. The dogs become darker, or some of them can get even lighter. The color starts changing from 6 months and ends at the age of two years. The first registered sample of this breed color was a female born in the end of the s. It may also have some trace of another color on the cheeks. The true bicolor German Shepherd is very dark with just minimal spots of another color. When you need to see whether the puppy is bicolor just after its birth, you need to look for a brown spot under its tail. Bicolor is a recessive gene to the common black and tan. Bicolors can be commonly met in working lines rather than in show lines. Such black German Shepherd dogs have a fully solid color. Some hairs can be a bit brownish, especially on their paws, or they may carry a white spot on their chest. These dogs are not encountered so often as black and tan ones, but they are not considered rare. Black is caused by the most recessive color gene of all, so the litter of such a dog can be of any other color even if both parents are black. Though, the offspring all have this recessive gene. So, the subsequent litters of this breed can produce black shepherds quite unexpectedly. White White German Shepherd It may sound strange, but white is another original German Shepherd color, no matter what the breeder will tell you about its uniqueness. However, according to all breeding standards, white color in GSs is seen as a significant fault that disqualifies the puppy immediately. Such dogs are never shown in conformations and they are not allowed in any other shows. Some people also believe that the white color is the lack of color and such dogs are often confused with albinos. In fact, they are not. The main difference between a white German Shepherd and an albino GS is the color of their eyes. In albinos, it is pinkish blue, reddish blue, or just red. They also have some spots of other colors on their body, but albinos cannot have them because their body does not produce any color. The gene that is responsible for the appearance of a white puppy in the litter of black and tans, sables, or blacks is called a masking gene meaning that the genetic color of such a pup is masked. The white German Shepherd dogs are considered rare and there are special organizations that care about them and breeders strive for their promotion. There are many other misconceptions about these white GSDs. Though this color does not contain any others and there are no black tips in the hairs. Grey is one of the six primary colors recognized by the AKC. This GSD color is caused by the dominant gene. One parent can have it to produce the grey offspring. The gene can also be present in dogs in a recessive form, but it should be present in both parents to receive a grey puppy. The grey color in German Shepherds is not too rare but quite uncommon, so breeders do their best to breed puppies of this stunning color. However, silver is recognized as a separate color. Unlike grey, silver is caused by a recessive gene that can affect the black pigment and dilute it. A silver German Shepherd can be widely seen in the police force and military service. They look stunning and such dogs cost very much to acquire. They display blue instead. This dog makes up a stunning sight. Its eyes are golden-brown or amber-colored and that provides an exotic look. A recessive dilution gene provides this German Shepherd color. The dogs may be mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois and its acceptance to the conformation shows is somewhat controversial. The AKC considers it inappropriate for the shows. Light Blue This light colored German Shepherd is a blue color variation. The color is produced by the combination of the two dilution genes — blue and liver ones. The color of the eyes is also quite unusual, as well as the color of the nose which can be of any hue from pink to liver. The dog does not have any black pigmentation anywhere, even on the paw pads. Its eyes are either hazel or light blue. The classic liver covers all the body of a dog. It is a solid color without any hint of tan or anything else. This color is rare, but some people do not know about it and do not think their pets to be so unique. The liver colored German Shepherd dog has amber-colored eyes and looks very distinctive and gorgeous. The gene that causes this color is recessive, so both parents need this gene in their DNA to produce the litter of this color. Instead of being black, the dog acquires this deep brownish color. Some people always argue that this is not an original genetic color, but such a panda colored German Shepherd dog is actually a crossbreed with a Border Collie. In fact, the color is caused by a rare gene mutation and does not have anything in common with crossbreeding. Albino Albino German Shepherd This is considered extremely rare. Those people who claim that their dog is an albino German Shepherd are mistaken and just have a white-colored GS. An albino representative of any species lacks pigmentation completely. There is no color on the skin, eyes, hair, or even on the blood vessels. When you look at the German Shepherd albino, pay attention to its eyes and nose. These dogs can suffer from some health conditions. For example, they are photosensitive, so they cannot withstand direct sunlight. Some Misconceptions About the Colors of German Shepherd Dogs Only experienced experts can differentiate all the colors and hues of this stunning breed. That produces many misconceptions and wrong ideas about these dogs. Black and Tan and Black and Red Are Not the Same People usually think that black and tan GSDs are what they exactly should look like because they associate them with the police dogs featured in the films. However, they cannot distinguish between black and tan and black and red, thinking that it is the same coloring. It is not, of course. The black and cream and black and silver colors are not similar, either. Mythology Around Black German Shepherds While breeders usually claim that black and black sable German Shepherd dogs are much stronger and more agile than other colors, common people still believe that meeting such a dog at night is a bad omen. Also, some people are afraid of these dogs more than others because they think they are more aggressive. Its breeding and ways of training are the factors that really matter. They are believed to be deaf. Others claim that rare-colored dogs are more susceptible to infections and their lifespan is much shorter than those who have more common colors. German Shepherds belong to a large breed and they are vulnerable to such disorders as hip or shoulder dysplasia or bloating, but these diseases do not correlate with the color of their fur. All German Shepherd colors possess such qualities as obedience, calmness, readiness to defend and protect, and alertness. Or they may be aggressive and even dangerous if not trained and cared for properly. Final Thoughts Before adopting a German Shepherd dog, think about your preferences, mostly why you want to have this dog. There are some requirements if you want it to be presented in the show ring. You need to think about the German Shepherd puppy colors and shades then. Or you may just want your dog to protect your house and family. In this case, any hue of the coating is suitable. If you want your German Shepherd just to be a family pet and companion, you may follow your personal preferences. Take your GSD puppy from a reputable breeder who can guarantee the purity of the breed and the excellent physical qualities of the parents and their litter. Your dog will become an excellent investment then. We hope that speaking so much about the GSD colors as we have done in this article will help you in making your choice. Or, if you are already a happy owner of this stunning pet, you might have learned many interesting things that will help you take care of your beloved fido in the future. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. It is well proportioned and very strong. The piebald coloring has occurred in a single GSD bloodline. The Panda Shepherd has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black, however blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but are considered a fault and cannot be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond shaped and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may drop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Temperament Often used as working dogs, Panda Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient eager to learn, tranquil, confident, serious and clever, Panda Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. Panda Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the Panda Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialize this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is, for the most part, generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. Panda Shepherds who have passive owners and or whose instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish, may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. Panda Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. Panda Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply lying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The Panda Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, Flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders , and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. Height, Weight Height: Males 24 - 26 inches 60 - 65 cm Females 22 - 24 inches 55 - 60 cm Weight: 77 - 85 pounds 35 - 40 kg Health Problems Indiscriminate breeding has led to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia be sure both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA good , blood disorders, digestive problems probably due to nerves , epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis inflammation of the cornea , dwarfism and flea allergies. Living Conditions The Panda Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Exercise Panda Shepherd Dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Life Expectancy.